Without a sense of purpose or belonging, the danger that communities eventually become e(ch|g)o chambers is real. After a few incidents, we came to realise we needed a code of conduct too. Volunteering to take a stab, this is what we came up with.
Class of 1987.
We are built on the foundation of friendship, trust, and the highest respect for one another. This we know in our bones, but should we ever need to refer to, then here it is:
- Avoid trigger topics (e.g. politics, religion, etc.)
- Disagree, if you have to, without being disagreeable
- Never assume malice, only the benefit of the doubt
- Never write something you'd regret after
- Never write when angry, intoxicated, or upset
- Practice decorum. It's a badge of honour
- Respectful conversations — always
- Take dissent offline, and resolve as adults
If in doubt, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Celebrate your and your friend's life. Have enriching conversations.
We cannot let well-intentioned communities laid to waste for stupid reasons. It's not worth it. If you care about your community, you do what you have to — pacify the wailing, be a shoulder to the grated, and to the silent majority facing despair, offer hope.