Tips on Writing Reports

Introduction
Alright, so I'm pretty sure that many of you went through those times where you report someone on the forums, but get rejected due to various reasons such as lack of proof. (Happened to me quite a few times) Here, on this thread, I'd like to give you some tips on things you should have with you when you're reporting someone.

Scamming
When you've been scammed, you must be able to provide the following information:

1. Your IGN
2. The culprit's IGN
3. The time/place of the incident (So that the mods can log it)
4. Proof that the deal for the trade was made (Videos/Screenshots)
5. Proof that you've given those items
a) Make sure you trade via a chest, due to: ClearLag, Logs & Screenshots
b) Take a video/screenshot of you with the items or you placing the items in the chest
6. Any argument that took place before or after
a) Make sure that you take a video/screenshot of these, as the culprit may accidentally say things that may be used against them.

Griefing
When you've been griefed, you must be able to provide the following information:

1. Your IGN
2. The culprit's IGN
3. The time/place of the incident (So that the mods can log it)
4. Proof that the blocks were there before the grief (Screenshots; You may have taken some without realising it before, so make sure you check)

If you have anything to add onto this, please feel free to mention it, and I'll update the post.

 

I always have Fraps running when I play, every time I trade I just have to hit F9 to start and stop recording. I make sure I capture any chat showing the agreed trade and any chat afterwards if the trade doesn't go right. I've recorded about 30 scammers over the years, all of which have been banned at least for a small period.
Quite often, I just tell the scammers that I recorded the entire trade and they will soon become the 31st person that I have had banned and they quickly turn around and pay up or give back the goods.
I don't know which is better though, getting payment for my goods or ridding the server of undesirables, it depends on my mood at the time which way i go with it.

 

Crakrjack, that may seem like a good idea, but to be completely honest, most 'scammers' just leave the game after the deal or ignore anything we tell them afterwards. For some reason, I always feel bad when I report them...

EDIT: Also, the problem's that Fraps & other recording software lag for most people, including myself.

 

Don't feel bad, they have plenty of other servers they can play on, I donated to play on this server and am happy to rid it of those sorts of people. Most bans only last a few weeks and they learn their lesson.
As for the lag issue with recording software, I guess you can't do anything about that. Just do as I do, tell them you recorded and will be reporting, it often gets me my stuff back.

 

Nice thread, I know this will be really helpful to new members!