> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rtfm.guide/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reporting Content

> How to report inappropriate content and what happens next

## When to Report

Report content that violates our [Community Guidelines](/community/community-guidelines):

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Spam" icon="ban">
    Promotional content, off-topic posts, or bot activity
  </Card>

  <Card title="Harassment" icon="shield">
    Personal attacks, hate speech, or threats
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inappropriate" icon="eye-slash">
    Explicit content, gore, or illegal material
  </Card>

  <Card title="Misinformation" icon="circle-exclamation">
    Dangerous advice or deliberately false information
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What NOT to Report

Don't report content just because:

* You disagree with it
* It contains technical errors
* You don't like the author
* It's poorly written
* It doesn't help you personally

<Info>
  **Use downvotes for quality**: Use reactions to indicate quality. Reserve reports for actual violations.
</Info>

## How to Report

### Report a Comment

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find the Comment">
    Locate the problematic comment
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Report">
    Click the **Report** button (flag icon)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Reason">
    Choose the most appropriate reason:

    * Spam
    * Harassment
    * Off-topic
    * Misinformation
    * Other
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Details">
    Provide additional context (optional but helpful)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Click **Submit Report**
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Report a Guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Guide">
    Navigate to the problematic guide
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Report">
    Find and click the **Report** button
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Reason">
    Choose why you're reporting:

    * Spam or self-promotion
    * Plagiarized content
    * Dangerous information
    * Inappropriate content
    * Copyright violation
    * Other
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explain">
    Provide specific details about the issue
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Send your report for review
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Report Reasons

### Spam

* Promotional content without value
* Off-topic posts
* Repetitive content
* Link spam

### Harassment

* Personal attacks
* Threats
* Hate speech
* Doxing
* Targeted harassment

### Off-Topic

* Completely unrelated to programming
* Not relevant to the guide
* Wrong category

### Misinformation

* Deliberately false information
* Dangerous advice that could cause harm
* Impersonation
* Fraudulent content

### Inappropriate Content

* Explicit sexual content
* Extreme violence or gore
* Illegal activities
* Malware or phishing

### Copyright Violation

* Plagiarized content
* Copied without attribution
* Unauthorized reproductions

### Other

* Doesn't fit other categories
* Complex issues requiring explanation

<Tip>
  **Be specific**: The more detail you provide, the easier it is for moderators to take appropriate action.
</Tip>

## What Happens Next

### Review Process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Report Received">
    Your report enters the moderation queue
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initial Check">
    Automated systems check for clear violations
  </Step>

  <Step title="Manual Review">
    Moderator examines the reported content (within 24 hours)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Decision Made">
    Content is approved, hidden, or removed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notifications Sent">
    You and the author receive notifications
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Possible Outcomes

| Outcome            | What It Means                         |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| **No Action**      | Content doesn't violate guidelines    |
| **Warning**        | Author warned, content remains        |
| **Hidden**         | Content hidden pending appeal or edit |
| **Removed**        | Content permanently deleted           |
| **User Suspended** | Temporary ban for repeated violations |
| **User Banned**    | Permanent account termination         |

## Your Responsibilities

### Good Reporting

**Do:**

* ✅ Report genuine violations
* ✅ Provide specific details
* ✅ Use appropriate reason
* ✅ Be objective and factual
* ✅ Report once per issue

**Don't:**

* ❌ Make false reports
* ❌ Report to harass users
* ❌ Spam multiple reports
* ❌ Report out of disagreement
* ❌ Retaliate with reports

### Abuse of Reporting

False or malicious reports are taken seriously:

* **First offense**: Warning
* **Repeated abuse**: Temporary suspension
* **Severe abuse**: Permanent ban

## Privacy

<Info>
  **Anonymous to author**: The person whose content you report cannot see who reported it.
</Info>

However:

* Moderators can see who submitted reports
* Your identity may be revealed in legal situations
* Obvious from context in small discussions

## After Reporting

### What You Should Do

* **Continue browsing**: Don't engage further with the content
* **Don't mention it**: Avoid discussing the report publicly
* **Be patient**: Allow time for review (typically 24 hours)
* **Don't report again**: One report is enough

### What You Shouldn't Do

* **Don't engage**: Don't respond to or provoke the user
* **Don't retaliate**: Don't harass the user
* **Don't spam**: Don't submit multiple reports
* **Don't publicize**: Don't share that you reported

## If You're Reported

If your content is reported:

1. **Stay calm**: Reports happen, even incorrectly
2. **Review guidelines**: Ensure you understand the rules
3. **Wait for review**: Don't delete or edit (yet)
4. **Accept decision**: Learn from it if violated
5. **Appeal if appropriate**: Use proper channels

## Urgent Issues

For immediate safety concerns:

<Warning>
  **Emergencies**: If you see content involving immediate danger, illegal activity, or child safety issues, also contact local authorities.
</Warning>

Contact us directly:

* Email: [support@rtfm.guide](mailto:support@rtfm.guide)
* Include: Link to content, description of issue, urgency

## Report Statistics (Coming Soon)

We'll publish transparency reports:

* Total reports received
* Report outcomes
* Average review time
* Common violation types
* Actions taken

## Improving the System

Help us improve:

* Provide feedback on report process
* Suggest new report reasons
* Report bugs in the system
* Share moderation concerns