Re: Add Code of Conduct (issue 575620043 by address@hidden)

[Carl Sorensen]

On 2/5/20, 7:40 AM, "lilypond-devel on behalf of David Kastrup" 
<lilypond-devel-bounces+c_sorensen=address@hidden on behalf of address@hidden> 
wrote:

    Mike Solomon <address@hidden> writes:
    
    > Janek Warchoł <address@hidden> writes:
    >
    >> Hi,
    >>
    >> śr., 5 lut 2020, 00:34 użytkownik <address@hidden> napisał:
    >>
    >>> What problem are we trying to solve here?
    >>>
    >>
    >> In short, it's been found (I think Mike will be able to give you 
    >> specific
    >> examples) that having code of conduct encourages contributions from 
    >> newcomers.
    >
    >> I rather think that a friendly atmosphere encourages contributions
    >> from newcomers.  Whether an upfront requirement to commit to a set
    >> of rules with an enforcement team is perceived as a guarantee of a
    >> friendly atmosphere is debatable.
    >
    > I personally would feel more comfortable if there were a code of
    > conduct, and I know within my company one employee will not attend a
    > conference or participate in a project unless there is a code of
    > conduct.  I don't have any hard stats to prove this, but have a gut
    > feeling that a code of conduct opens more doors than it closes.

My gut feeling is the opposite.  Upon reading the Code of Conduct, it felt to 
me like it was proposing a private channel for a mean-spirited 
passive-aggressive person to wreak havoc on the community.

Now, I do not feel like we have any such individuals in our community.  So in 
the best of all possible worlds, there is no harm to a code of conduct.  But in 
the best of all possible worlds, there is also no need for a code of conduct.

In the worst of all worlds, the lack of a Code of Conduct can lead to 
individual bullying. In the worst of all worlds, a Code of Conduct can lead to 
systematic bullying, where an anonymous complainer gets the weight of a 
bureaucracy behind the bullying.

I don't believe we have the worst of all worlds.  I don't believe that any 
individual behind the proposal for the Code of Conduct has anything but the 
best intentions.  I want to see the LilyPond community be a friendly, welcoming 
place for all.  I believe that it largely is a friendly, welcoming place for 
all.

For me, personally, I find the Code of Conduct approach with its implied threat 
(if you don't obey, we'll punish you -- in fact, we've spelled out the 
punishments in the document) to be much less friendly than a public statement 
that we value an open, respectful, and friendly environment and we call on all 
to participate in it.  The Code of Conduct approach feels like taking a 
sledgehammer to squash a fly.

I recognize that Mike Solomon has a different opinion.  I mean no disrespect to 
Mike, Janek, Han-Wen, or any other member of the LilyPond team.  I highly value 
the team spirit of the LilyPond team.

I would be less likely to participate if we make the proposed Code of Conduct 
part of our LilyPond environment.

Thanks for listening,

Carl