Why do we have a code of conduct

[tef]

we need an explanation that organisers can point to, so they don't need to waste time explaining why "don't be an asshole" has never ever worked

[tef]

• Explain "Don't be an asshole" hasn't worked. (Hi Noisebrige)
• Link to other groups and why they've done it http://jessenoller.com/blog/2012/12/7/the-code-of-conduct
• Tell people to, ahem, get tae fuck, if they don't like it.

[felixcohen]

I guess there's also the argument that it won't affect you unless you were planning to contravene it? What harm does having a code of conduct do someone who did not intend to be a dick?

F

---

Felix

@felix_cohen
http://felixcohen.co.uk
http://manhattansproject.com
http://meanderin.gs

On 8 Oct 2013, at 11:01, tef notifications@github.com wrote:

Explain "Don't be an asshole" hasn't worked. (Hi Noisebrige)
Link to other groups and why they've done it http://jessenoller.com/blog/2012/12/7/the-code-of-conduct
Tell people to, ahem, get tae fuck, if they don't like it.
—
Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub.

[ntlk]

Some parts of code of conduct by the way just reiterate the existing law, at least in the UK, which you already have to abide by.

[didlix]

@ntlk it's just a shame that the way those laws are enforced, or interpretations of them mean that these things still happen – Rape Culture anyone?

[tef]

We're not trying to change anyone's mind, we're trying to explain why we think it's necessary, in a clear way. It might just a link.

My general policy is "If telling you how not to be an asshole offends you, you are welcome to get to fuck"

[ntlk]

@didlix that's why I think it's essential to reiterate it.

[johnd]

@felixcohen The argument I was presented with today was 'you shouldn't tell people how to think', and also 'drawing attention to it makes it worse'.

The phrasing I used in reply was:

Cool, then @WhyComputer's not for you. I'm sure there's plenty of other tech groups you can go to. :o)

I'm not actually sure there's a huge need for explaining why there's a code of conduct - if it's not self-evident to someone then they probably just should find something else to do. Perhaps advice for how organisers can respond to those kind of questions?

[ntlk]

@johnd I think that's why a page that explains why and then if you don't get it, go away is a good idea so people don't have to repeat themselves

[johnd]

@ntlk Fair enough, that does make sense.

[didlix]

I am 👍 for a page on this.

[janepipistrelle]

Me too. As the "but it might put people off" is all too frequent (my response: good, those are people we can do without).

[ntlk]

@janepipistrelle +1

[marksutherland]

This would be very useful. I had this conversation yesterday, and there was basically a period where I wasn't sure if Computer was for them or vice versa, and the end result was to point them at list of other tech social events (they are a fresher, so didn't really have the perspective on why Computer may be necessary.) Maybe that's the flow we should take, answer the immediate "what, why?" question and give them some alternatives?

[tef]

Aside, i've been asked how to get groups to adopt them. https://gist.github.com/tef/91648b59eb0c03f63b76