mfc
commented
8 years ago see newer draft here, ignore below.
longer draft based on OSI CoC:
Introduction
The Qubes OS mailing lists and other projects environments aim to facilitate constructive discussion of issues related to Qubes OS project mission of a "reasonably secure OS". We can achieve this, in part, by behaving well towards each other, so that the broadest diversity of participants - both amateur and professional, new and experienced - feel that the lists are welcoming and useful.
This code of conduct helps maintain that environment by capturing the conduct we aspire to when we participate in discussions at Qubes OS.
We Strive To:
Be friendly and patient
- We are volunteers, and so a sense of fun is part of why we do what we do. Be positive and engaging, rather than snarky.
- If someone asks for help it is because they need it. Politely suggest specific documentation or more appropriate venues where appropriate. Avoid aggressive or vague responses.
Be civil and considerate
- Disagreement is no excuse for poor conduct or personal attacks. A community where people feel uncomfortable is not a productive one.
- If you would not feel comfortable saying something to a co-worker or acquaintance, it is probably not appropriate on an Qubes OS list either.
Assume good faith
- Remember that the issues tackled by Qubes OS are often very complex and difficult to assess. If you disagree, please do so politely, by disputing logical errors and factual premises rather than by attacking individuals.
- If something seems outrageous, check that you did not misinterpret it. Ask for clarification, rather than assuming the worst.
Respect time and attention
- List members are often busy people. As a result, we value concision and clarity. Emails that are brief and to the point take more time to write, but are repaid many times over when other members of the list make the same effort.
- Conversations should remain focused and on-topic. If you must change the topic, start a new thread by changing the topic line of your emails. Also, avoid flooding the list with long threads by reading the entire thread first, instead of responding quickly to many emails in a short period of time.
- New members are welcome, but should be careful to respect the time and energy of long-time list members by doing research in FAQs and with search engines before asking questions.
Disclose potential conflicts
- List discussions often involve interested parties. We expect participants to be aware when they are conflicted due to employment or other projects they are involved in, and disclose those interests to other project members.
- When in doubt, over-disclose. Perceived conflicts of interest are important to address, so that the lists’ decisions are credible even when unpopular, difficult or favorable to the interests of one group over another.
Interpretation
This code is not exhaustive or complete. It is not a rulebook; it serves to distill our common understanding of a collaborative, shared environment and goals. We expect it to be followed in spirit as much as in the letter.
Enforcement
Most members of the Qubes OS community always comply with this code, not because of the existence of the code, but because they have long experience participating in open source communities where the conduct described above is normal and expected. However, failure to observe the code may be grounds for reprimand, probation, or removal from the lists.
If you have concerns about someone’s conduct:
- Direct contact: it is always appropriate to email a list member, mention that you think their behavior was out of line, and (if necessary) point them to this document.
- On-list: discussing conduct on-list, either as part of another message or as a standalone thread, is always acceptable. Note, though, that approaching the person directly can be better, as it tends to make them less defensive, and it respects the time of other list members, so you probably want to try direct contact first.
- Moderators: You can reach the list moderators (Andrew David Wong and Marek Marczykowski) through the addresses they use for on-list communication.
shorter draft based on GNOME CoC:
Introduction
The Qubes OS project creates a reasonably secure OS. We achieve this by behaving well towards each other.
Therefore this document suggests what we consider ideal behaviour, so you know what to expect when getting involved in the Qubes OS project. This is who we are and what we want to be. There is no official enforcement of these principles, and this should not be interpreted like a legal document.
Advice
- Be respectful and considerate
- Disagreement is no excuse for poor behaviour or personal attacks. Remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable is not a productive one.
- Be patient and generous
- If someone asks for help it is because they need it. Do politely suggest specific documentation or more appropriate venues where appropriate, but avoid aggressive or vague responses such as "RTFM".
- Assume people mean well
- Remember that decisions are often a difficult choice between competing priorities. If you disagree, please do so politely.
- If something seems outrageous, check that you did not misinterpret it. Ask for clarification, but do not assume the worst.
- Try to be concise
- Avoid repeating what has been said already. Making a conversation larger makes it difficult to follow, and people often feel personally attacked if they receive multiple messages telling them the same thing.~~~
rootkovska
andrewdavidwong
marmarek
jpouellet
this code of conduct would include project mailing lists, etc.
It would be mentioned or linked to on:
existing codes of conduct for inspiration:
there are also resources for events (as well as mailing lists / communities)
Feel free to draft below.