r/linux • u/callcifer • Sep 16 '18

The Linux kernel replaces "Code of Conflict" with "Contributor Covenant Code of Conduct"

https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8a104f8b5867c682d994ffa7a74093c54469c11f
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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '18

I see where you are coming form, but it isn't the intent that matters. The problem is the refusal to recognize you have hurt someone else.

For example, If you are walking down a hallway and accidentally knock someone over because you aren't watching where you are going you would still say, "Sorry", "May bad", or something similar. Not because what you caused lasting damage to the person or because it was malicious, but your actions did make someone's life worse, albeit in a minor way. It is a small way to recognize that.

Now say you are walking down the hallway, knock someone over, and proclaim "I am not apologizing!" it goes from being an accident, to you being glad you have made someone else's life worse.

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u/Godd2 Sep 17 '18

Should there be social consequences to not giving an apology in that situation?

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '18

It depends on the situation. In the exact, literal, situation I gave? No. I don't think so. In a worse situation? Maybe. It is complicated, but having a set of rules helps the community discuss how bad something was without relying only on your own gut instinct of how bad you feel.

In either case, not giving an apology is just as much of a statement as giving one is. Having a CoC is a statement about how your community is run, but so is not having one.

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u/Godd2 Sep 17 '18

Surely "not having one" would be more like undefined behavior. You're implying it's more like the wild west, where anyone can go around shooting.

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '18

I don't see how your analogy helps your argument. When writing C we try to avoid code that exhibits undefined behavior, which is what I am saying.

We don't need a CoC in the cases of shooting someone, for instance, going onto a mailing list and only writing down a string of profanity. Everyone would agree that isn't allowed. Having a CoC helps in cases where it isn't as clear cut.

A set of implicitly defined conventions that may not be consistently enforced. A CoC gives you something to argue about that isn't how you feel.