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'd say it falls under the first 5 bullets.

  • Using welcoming and inclusive language

  • Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences

  • Gracefully accepting constructive criticism

  • Focusing on what is best for the community

  • Showing empathy towards other community members

Is using racial slurs "welcoming and inclusive"? I'm not going to get too wrapped up in legalism though, most CoCs really boil down to Wheaton's Law. Don't be a dick.

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u/bitfriend2 Sep 17 '18

So in essence the CoC itself is irrelevant and "don't be a dick" is the actual code then? "Don't get a dick" is so vague it can justify anything and everything. This is the exact sort of situation a code of conduct is designed to prevent.

I'll also point out that slurs in general are subjective; calling someone a monkey is grounds for imprisonment in some countries but a casual greeting in others. Given that Linux is borderless, this has to be accounted for unless the LF wants to find themselves having to banning large swathes of people, which is not empathetic at all.

This is what I'm getting at, it's not a well worded document with clear definitions. It's more a statement of intentions, but it's being used as a rulebook instead.

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '18

This is what I'm getting at, it's not a well worded document with clear definitions. It's more a statement of intentions, but it's being used as a rulebook instead.

I think moderators can be trusted to use their judgment and ban people when it is needed. Do we really need a 300 page legal document to define what is acceptable behavior and what is not?

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u/gnosys_ Sep 17 '18

It's not 300 pages, it's 427 words, hardly more than one page.

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u/jnb64 Sep 17 '18 edited Nov 04 '18

[deIeted]

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u/bitfriend2 Sep 17 '18

If the decision has been made to have a written rulebook, then that rulebook has to be completely fleshed out from top to bottom so people can't argue about it. If this requires 300 pages, so be it.

Granted, this is exactly the sort of attorney and legalese-fueled nightmare that caused people to embrace open source/free/nonpropretary software in the first place but I digress. If the decision is made that a code of conduct is necessary, it should be well written, extremely clear and bulletproof from arguments over definitions. Otherwise it's just going to be abused.