We have a draft version of a Code of Conduct for our project, which Martin and others have carefully assembled for us. As written it looks quite good, and I'd like to go ahead and get this finalized; one less thing on our collective todo list. :-)
But before it gets finalized, I'd like to run it by the development community once more for comments. I'll collect and incorporate the comments as best as I can, and repost it for an informal ratification. If there are a substantial number of suggestions, I'll repost some interim versions.
Once it's agreed to, we should probably also have some sort of process for amending it. Maybe nothing more complex than posting a diff and same voting as done for the ratification.
Bryce
Inkscape Community Code of Conduct
THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!!!
Inkscape Community Code of Conduct (DRAFT)
Like the technical community as a whole, the Inkscape community is made up of a mixture of professionals and volunteers from all over the world, working on every aspect of the project - including mentorship, teaching and connecting people.
Diversity is one of our huge strengths, but it can also lead to communication issues and unhappiness. To that end, we have a few ground rules that we ask people to adhere to when they're participating within this community and project. These rules apply equally to board members, developers, mentors and those seeking help and guidance.
This isn't an exhaustive list of things that you should or should not do. Rather, take it in the spirit in which it's intended - a guide to make it easier to enrich all of us and the technical communities in which we participate.
This code of conduct applies to all spaces managed by the Inkscape project. This includes IRC, the mailing lists, the bug tracker, the web site, official Inkscape events and any other forums created by the project team which the community uses for communication.
* Be friendly and patient.
* Be welcoming. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, colour, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
* Be considerate. Your work will be used by other people, and your code, comments and art will be read and looked at by them. You in turn will depend on the work of others and your code, comments and art will be commented on. Any decision you take and any remark you make will affect other people, and you should take those consequences into account when making them. Remember that we're a world-wide community, so you might not be communicating in someone else's primary language.
* Be respectful. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into a personal attack. It’s important to remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive one. Members of the Inkscape community should be respectful when dealing with other members as well as with people outside the Inkscape community.
* Be careful in the words that you choose. We are a community of professionals, and we conduct ourselves professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable.
This includes, but is not limited to: + Violent threats or language directed against another person. + Discriminatory jokes and language. + Posting sexually explicit or violent material. + Posting (or threatening to post) other people's personally identifying information ("doxing"). + Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms. + Unwelcome sexual attention. + Spamming, trolling, flaming, baiting, or other attention-stealing behavior. + Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior. + Repeated harassment of others. In general, if someone asks you to stop, then stop.
* Take responsibility for your words and your actions. We can all make mistakes; and when you do, take responsibility for them. If someone has been harmed or offended, listen carefully and respectfully, and work to right the wrong.
* When we disagree, try to understand why. Disagreements, both social and technical, happen all the time and Inkscape is no exception. It is important that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively, keeping discussion on a civil level. Remember that we’re different. The strength of Inkscape comes from its varied community, people from a wide range of backgrounds. Different people have different perspectives on issues. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that it is human to err and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere, rather offer to help resolving issues and to help learn from mistakes.
* Step down considerately. If you leave or disengage from a responsible position within the Inkscape project, we ask that you do so in a way that minimises disruption to the project. Tell people you are leaving and take the proper steps to ensure that others can pick up where you left off.
* Conflicts of interest. You should be aware when you are conflicted due to employment or other projects you are involved in, and abstain or delegate decisions that may be seen to be self-interested. We expect that everyone who participates in the project does so with the goal of making life better for its users. When in doubt, ask for a second opinion. Perceived conflicts of interest are important to address. Act to ensure that decisions are credible even if they may occasionally be unpopular, difficult or favourable to the interests of one group over another.
* Ask for help when unsure. Nobody is expected to be perfect in this community. Asking questions early avoids many problems later, so questions are encouraged, though they may be directed to the appropriate forum. Those who are asked should be responsive and helpful.
Be aware that user-created content on our website can and will be moderated. If you notice an upload, comment or user that clearly violates this Code of Conduct, help us to keep this website a welcoming place by reporting this to our moderators or contact us at <insertEmailAddressHere> or via our <insertContactPageLinkHere>. Also, if you would like to help us by becoming a moderator yourself, please don't hesitate to contact this website's administration team.
Further tips for good and successful communication, including but not limited to how to protect yourself from burnout, can be found in the Freenode Channel Guidelines.
Credits for the sources and inspiration of this code of conduct go to the SpeakUp! project, the Django Project, Ubuntu as well as many others. This Code of Conduct is licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 3.0 Licence.
------------------------------------------------------------------------