RFC#113: initial commit

rfcs/0113-nixos-code-of-conduct.md

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+---
+feature: NixOS Code of Conduct
+start-date: 2021-11-03
+author: @jonringer
+co-authors:
+shepherd-team:
+shepherd-leader:
+related-issues: #98 #102
+---
+
+# Summary
+[summary]: #summary
+
+The NixOS Community needs some foundation of shared values which can be used
+to determine appropriate when contributing and interacting with the community.
+We currently have a [community ethos](https://nixos.org/community/index.html), but
+this only states that we are an inclusive community, but doesn't define
+inappropriate behavior when interacting with the community. This RFC aims
+to established they shared values, so they can be used to identify behavior
+which is disruptive to the community.
+
+This RFC does not intend to define moderation practices. This is intended to only lay
+a framework of shared values for the community.
+
+# Motivation
+[motivation]: #motivation
+
+The NixOS community struggles with a clearly defined way in which someone's behavior may
+be disruptive. A well-defined Code of Conduct gives an explicit
+set of expectations for all contributors, which will also make it easier to identify
+when behavior becomes disruptive.
+
+# Detailed design
+[design]: #detailed-design
+
+These statutes are largely taken from [rust-lang's Code of Conduct](https://www.rust-lang.org/policies/code-of-conduct),
+which provides a great compromise between explicit behaviors and subjective goals.
+
+- We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for
+all, regardless of level of experience, gender identity and expression,
+sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age,
+religion, nationality, or other similar characteristics.
+- Please avoid using overtly sexual aliases or other nicknames that might
+detract from a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all.
+- Please be kind and courteous. There’s no need to be mean or rude.
+- Respect that people have differences of opinion and that every design or
+implementation choice carries a trade-off and numerous costs. There is seldom a right answer.
+- Please keep unstructured critique to a minimum. If you have solid ideas
+you want to experiment with, make a fork and see how it works.
+- We will exclude you from interaction if you insult, demean or harass anyone.
+That is not welcome behavior. We interpret the term “harassment” as including the definition in the
+[Citizen Code of Conduct](https://github.com/stumpsyn/policies/blob/master/citizen_code_of_conduct.md);
+if you have any lack of clarity about what might be included in that concept,
+please read their definition. In particular, we don’t tolerate behavior that excludes
+people in socially marginalized groups.
+- Private harassment is also unacceptable. No matter who you are, if you feel
+you have been or are being harassed or made uncomfortable by a community member,
+please contact one of the channel ops or any of the NixOS moderation team immediately.
+Whether you’re a regular contributor or a newcomer, we care about making this community
+a safe place for you and we’ve got your back.
+- Likewise any spamming, trolling, flaming, baiting or other attention-stealing behavior is not welcome.
+
+# Examples and Interactions
+[examples-and-interactions]: #examples-and-interactions
+
+There have been a few spectacular failures of communication and good faith within the community.
+Most notable recent examples include the [block evasion thread](https://discourse.nixos.org/t/github-block-evasion-is-not-acceptable/12763),
+heated discussions in [RFC #98](https://github.com/NixOS/rfcs/pull/98) and [RFC #111](https://github.com/NixOS/rfcs/pull/111).
+Each of these incidents have caused significant discussion on IRC (when it was still official),
+matrix, discourse, and would bleed over into github and even non-official platforms.
+These discussions are generally very polarizing, and causes an enormous amount
+of emotional and mental stress to those involved.
+These incidents are also very embarressing for the greater nix community,
+and not having a way to identify disruptive before it becomes a heated
+issue is detrimental to the health of the community.
+
+In conjunction with a moderation team (out-of-scope for this RFC), these incidents could have been
+better arbitrated as to have a more satisfactory resolution before escalation. This
+Code of Conduct will better equip the moderation process by providing clear expectations
+for behavior within the community.
+
+# Drawbacks
+[drawbacks]: #drawbacks
+
+- There are more "rules" for the community to follow. However, these statutes are intended to
+still allow individuals to participate within the community in a healthy way for all.
+
+# Alternatives
+[alternatives]: #alternatives
+
+- #98 Also provides an opinionated values and goals for the moderation team. However,
+these rules are less well-defined, and allow for broader interpretations
+of unacceptable behavior.
+
+- #102 Codifies some of the existing moderation practices, and uses the
+existing [community ethos](https://nixos.org/community/index.html) as moderation criteria.
+
+# Unresolved questions
+[unresolved]: #unresolved-questions
+
+# Future work
+[future]: #future-work
+
+- Ratification of a "NixOS moderation team" as described in the second to last bullet.
+- Add Code of Conduct to nixos.org, and mention the Code of Conduct on all relevant
+repositories under the NixOS organization.
+