[wlug_org] First draft of WellyLUG rules and guidelines

[Colin Klenner]

On Wed, 2004-05-05 at 23:54, Damon Lynch wrote:
> 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.
> 
Rule No #3 - We are here to enjoy ourselves, but not at the expense of
others. If you can do that then bugger off.


> 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.

OR: 1. Be polite and courteous


>      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.

OR: Give and take according to your own experience and preference, but
remember everyone else has the right to do the same.

>      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.

OR: Email is misleading because it lacks personality. Remember that
before you write back. Consider what you may have meant if you had
written what you received. If that fails get on the phone or get
together to sort your shit out off-line.

nuff said.