Inappropriate tone on this mailing list and requirement for governance

[Brian McKee]

Good comments Mark - my comments in line

I've snipped quite a bit - please see his previous message for context
if required!

> As Ubuntu touts itself as the 'linux for the masses', or in any case for
> n00bs, you're going to see a /lot/ of newbie mistakes.  Poor grammar, a
> complete lack of information on the problem, etc.  The latter engenders
> ill-will more often than not because most people don't take criticism
> well.  /Especially/ in this day and age where 'everyone is a victim'.

I agree completely - but I also think that's exactly what we have to do.
First timers, non-english speakers, etc. get a *lot* of slack, and we
try our best to *gently*
get them used to community expectations.

If that offends them, they are free to leave the community.  All are
welcome to join, but all
behaviour is not welcome.  The CoC is the guide, and always err on the
side of forgiveness.

> We can kill with kindness, and if the 'abuse' (used loosely) continues,
> filter the sender and never deal with them again.  This should be SOP, I
> know it is for me.

Well, the moderators would be the filters for everybody else right?  I
have a kill file, as do many here I'm sure.
If the majority feels that a centrally managed kill file is for the best...

> I see no real benefit to a 'committee' of etiquette police.  I much
> prefer to manage my own filters of people and not rely on someone else's
> judgement.  I do think, the 'regulars' need to come up with a standard
> agreement and stick to it on how to handle trolls.  A united front from
> the 'leaders' in this list will make a BIG difference in how trolls and
> n00bs behave.

One of the ways to get on that grey list would be becoming the
prototypical 'list nazi' right ? :-)
And you are right - a list nazi is every bit as destructive to the
community as a troll.
The thing is, without the power to ban, a united front doesn't
accomplish all that much.
The real trolls don't stop because you ask them too nicely.

The first trick is picking the 'leaders' - I gather in FL/OSS
tradition they should be volunteers :-)
We will need at least a place where we can record the vic^h^h^h
moderators names for everyone's reference.

The second trick is the 'rules' - the united front you referred to.
Is the CoC 'good enough' ?
The one thing missing from that is likely rules for the moderators themselves...

Here's a thought - How about an ubuntu-users moderation  list?  Yes,
it's another list :-(
But on the bright side it should keep a lot of the discussion about
discussions off this list, which is part of the point right?
The moderation discussion list would be free for anyone to join and
the moderators would have to commit to only ever discussing moderation
issues on that list.

I have a very strong issue with any sort of moderation where the
discussion isn't out in the wide open for anyone who cares to look.

And of course all the moderators would have to sign the CoC

My first thought was I'd be willing to help out with this, but like
everyone else I'm sure it's time permitting.

Brian
-- 
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