TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview
Flags are how users report posts that require attention from moderators and site admins. Use a flag to report spam, rude or abusive content, or duplicate questions.
Flag a question
To flag a question:
- Select Flag below the question.
- Select a Flag type from the list.
- Select Flag question.
Flag types
Select the flag that best matches the issue you're reporting.
| Flag type | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Spam | The post exists only to promote a product or service and doesn't disclose the author's affiliation. |
| Rude or abusive | A reasonable person would find this content inappropriate for respectful discourse. |
| Needs improvement | The question needs updates from the author to be answered well. |
| A duplicate | The question has already been asked and answered on this site. |
| In need of moderator intervention | A problem not covered by the other flag types that requires moderator action. Add specific details to help the moderator understand the issue. |
Flag review
Moderators and site admins review flagged posts and close, edit, or delete them. If a post receives spam or rude or abusive flags, Stack Internal Enterprise automatically locks and deletes it. The post is hidden from other users and displays a notice that it was flagged and deleted by the Community Bot.
Flag outcomes
After reviewing your flag, a moderator marks it as one of the following:
Helpful
The flag has merit, but the moderator took no further action. The moderator may add feedback visible to you.
Declined
The moderator found no action necessary. The moderator selects a reason and may add custom feedback visible to you. A flag gets declined if:
- The flag indicates a technical inaccuracy or a wrong answer.
- A moderator reviewed your flag but couldn't identify an issue with the post.
- The flag doesn't require moderator intervention.
Get help
If you have questions or issues, reach out to our support team for help.