All good and necessary questions if this point system is to be used. In my case, as I have mentioned here several times when asking this question, I was given 4 “naughty points” plus reasons, but no notification that I was on time out. When I went to post, I couldn’t, and that’s when I discovered I was on time out, despite not reaching the 5 point TO level Tricia has noted. I asked privately, but I was never told how long my TO was to be. It lasted 3 days, which I discovered when I could suddenly post again.
Personally, and with respect, I think having a point system is “pointless” if it’s not clearly explained and implemented consistently. I’ve only had two time outs in well over 11,000 posts in over 5 years, so I think I have some standing to bang this drum loudly and often. I care about WS, and I believe that a dysfunctional point system is neither fair to members nor mods, and the confusion and frustration could be easily fixed with communication.
JMO, MOO, etc