Python list code of conduct

[Steven D'Aprano]

On Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:51:38 +0100, Steve Simmons wrote:

> Erm,
> 
> It probably isn't the best time to start this post but I was
> wondering...
> 
> Does this list have a code of conduct or a netiqeutte (sp?)
> statement/requirement?
> 
> If not, should it?

I *knew* this would be raised. You are right to do so, of course, but I 
really, really, REALLY wasn't looking forward to it.

No, this list does not have a Code of Conduct, apart from the informal 
conventions of netiquette (most of which can be summed up with "don't be 
a dick") that most public forums populated by adults[1] operate under. 

In practical terms, it *cannot* have a Code of Conduct enforced, because 
it is an unmoderated list. Anyone can join. Anyone can post. It exists as 
both email and news.

Do we need one? No, I don't think so. I'm philosophically opposed to 
formalising the idea of "polite behaviour" in a Code of Conduct for 
various reasons, but even putting that aside I have been here for at 
least 7 years, and I've seen Xah Lee come and go (and come, and go...) 
and Ranting Rick in full-on troll mode, and spammers, and endless heated 
discussions about fine semantics of some aspect of Python's object model. 
People come and go, but the community goes on, and we have weathered all 
of those and we will weather this damned argument over whether or not it 
is appropriate to flame help-vampires or not.





[1] I refer to state of maturity, not chronological age. Some people are 
adult at ten, others can live to ninety and never be worthy of the term.


-- 
Steven