[wlug_org] First draft of WellyLUG rules and guidelines

[Tony Wills]

How about:

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.
         [Constructive criticism in the spirit of genuine dialogue is
         welcome, but insults directed towards other members will not be
         well received.]

      3. Some people are interested in the political aspects of free and
         open source software. Others are more interested from a hobbyist
         perspective. The LUG embraces both.

      4. If you are in serious conflict with someone by e-mail, take a deep 
breath and wait an hour or sleep on it before replying!


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.

========
Whatever the guidelines, I think they should be posted to people when they 
initially signup, and maybe one a month to the group as a FAQ type posting.

These are guidelines not "rules", I wouldn't expect anyone to take it upon 
themselves to be "enforcers".
Basically self policing (like your conscience).  Otherwise go for a 
moderated group and have someone to filter messages.  (If individuals jump 
on others for transgressions it often just exacerbates the problem, best 
not done in the mailing list)