[wlug_org] First draft of WellyLUG rules and guidelines

[Damon Lynch]

The purpose behind these rules and guidelines is to clarify what you
need to do to help WellyLUG create an effective and enjoyable atmosphere
that will foster a sense of community. They apply to the use of the
e-mail list, but they have obvious implications for the physical
meetings too.

Rules

     1. No advertising is allowed. At all. However, notifying others of
        GNU/Linux media available for swap when a new distribution is
        released is acceptable.
     2. Refrain from using coarse or insulting language.

Guidelines

These guidelines are for things like how to avoid unnecessary conflict.
They are by their nature optional but are designed to help facilitate
smoother interpersonal relations.

     1. Keep all commentary civil, and be courteous at all times.
        Constructive criticism in the spirit of genuine dialogue is
        welcome, but insults directed towards other members will not be
        well received.
     2. Thank those who help you. Acknowledgement of a helpful
        suggestion not only placates those who helped you, it may also
        help others with a similar problem.
     3. Some people are interested in the political aspects of free and
        open source software. Others are more interested from a hobbyist
        perspective. Despite our diversity, we GNU/Linux users have
        shared needs that cut across any of our differences. For
        instance, we all need to be able to run GNU/Linux, and none of
        us would be happy if it were one day made illegal for us to do
        so. The lesson in all of this is to be tolerant of our fellow
        members. We can achieve more together than we could by acting
        alone.
     4. If you are in a conflict with someone by e-mail, try to keep in
        mind the following:

      * It's a much better feeling to resolve a conflict in a way that
        improves the relationship you have with your fellow members,
        which benefits everyone including yourself.
      * Look beyond short term frustrations to the longer term future of
        the group.
      * Sometimes people might have a bad day. Forgive them.
      * Clarify individual perceptions involved in the conflict. You
        can't solve a problem if you don't know what it is about. Sort
        the parts of the conflict - ask what it is about. Avoid ghost
        conflicts - get to the heart of the matter and avoid side
        issues. Clarify what, if any, values are involved. If you pause
        to think about it, you may recognise that the parties involved
        need each other to be most effective in forming a healthy LUG
        community. Additionally, clarify your perceptions of the other
        party. Avoid stereotyping. Listen carefully. Recognise the
        other's needs and values. Empathise - ask why they feel the way
        they do. Clear up misconceptions you may have of them.


Sources and inspiration:

PCLinuxOnline Usage Rules (http://www.pclinuxonline.com).

The "Conflict Partnership Process", by Dudley Weeks. There is a handy
summary here:
http://www.css.edu/users/dswenson/web/6300-OBOD/conflictresolv.html