Scope and Content

Rules:
We aim to create a space that is not only safe, but welcoming. Fertile grounds for generative discussion can only be created when there is a shared understanding of ethics and expectation of care. To be absolutely clear, this server has zero tolerance for:

• Racism
  Racism is not always obvious, and it’s not always easy to call it out.
  If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable based on race, let a moderator know.
  If you learn you have made someone uncomfortable based on their race, believe them and take it as an opportunity to learn.
  More than one instance of race-based antagonism will lead to removal from the server without discussion.

• Sexual and gender harassment
  Trans rights are human rights. This is not up for debate. Misgendering with malice is grounds for removal.
  If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable in a sexual or gender-based way, let a moderator know.
  Don’t be weird or creepy. More than one instance of harassment will lead to removal from the server without discussion.

• Threats and bullying
  Obviously, threats of physical violence and harm to ones’ safety are grounds for immediate removal.
  But the discussions in this server are often directly tied to peoples’ livelihoods, so the stakes are fairly high.
  Things that come off as economically threatening will be taken as seriously as physical threats.

Policies

• People rarely think they’re being a problem. If someone says you’re being a problem, believe them. Repeated reports of being a problem from multiple people will result in removal from the server.

• Do not use names or very identifiable information unless you want that information to be public. This server should feel intimate, but we are not vetting every member. Assume this information is public. Naming and shaming is allowed, but try to be judicious.

• Assume every user would like to remain anonymous. Unless someone affirmatively discloses who they are or where they work (which is welcome!), you should operate as if you have no idea who they are. Even if it’s possible to figure out who someone is or where they work, it’s weird to do that. Don’t be weird.

• Direct message people with discretion. Whenever possible, for transparency, it’s best for discussions to happen in the general space. However, we understand that very hot gossip, some IRL meet ups, and job applications make more sense in private.

• If you heard gossip in this message board, no you didn’t. We want this to be a safe and open space to discuss real issues candidly. This can only happen if we, again, use discretion.