A SoftBan is simply a demand to stop editing for a specified period of time, as opposed to a HardBan, making the target into a temporary CommunityExile. It may follow a CommunityWarning.

For wikis, usually, it follows an EditWar. If attempts for dialogue with the targeted party are not being heard due to excessive flooding (a low SignalToNoiseRatio), a SoftBan creates the space around the diplomatic words so they stand out.

Advantages of the SoftBan:

• It can be applied by anyone whom the community trusts, rather than just a SysOp.
• It can easily be repealed by a person with higher CommunityAuthority.
• It is a CommunitySolution and avoids unnecessary TechnologySolutions.
• It makes flouting the ban trivial. (see LimitTemptation)

Compare TrialByExile, AutomaticSandbox, and ShadowBan.