> One of the first things we did was to introduce a Code of Conduct to put in place rules for the community we sought to grow. A welcoming, thriving, civil community is what will make Pony a success. The more welcoming that community, the more people we will have driving Pony forward.
I honestly find a Code of Conduct unwelcoming, as it indicates that it's very likely that what I write will be attacked due to my identity, and that I may at any time be written out of the community in a modern version of damnatio memoriæ, even if I maintain a strict wall between my personal and professional lives (witness the people who attempted to shut down LambaConf because they disagree with Curtis Yarvin).
A Code of Conduct longer than 'be professional' is a signal that the community which professes it is hostile. They are, of course, free to be hostile; I am free to choose not to join them.
I think it is important to note that LambdaConf 2016 was successful. In organizers' own words, "It just means there is a space in this world for an indie conference that rigorously ensures professional conduct at the event, but leaves other matters at the door."
People who protested against LambdaConf 2016 organized alternative confrence MoonConf at the same place at the same time. Two conferences had cordial relationship. Nothing people worried about actually happened.
Don't be an asshole to sexual or racial minorities.
Be a decent human being. Don't harass people.
If someone's identity is predicated on being an asshole, it will drive non-assholes out. I'm glad that assholes will self-select themselves out of such situations.
But perhaps I am prejudiced. I prefer the company of non-assholes.
I have no idea why they did put this COC policy there, but no discussion so far went into a hostile direction, even on grave technical opposition. Rather the opposite.
I honestly find a Code of Conduct unwelcoming, as it indicates that it's very likely that what I write will be attacked due to my identity, and that I may at any time be written out of the community in a modern version of damnatio memoriæ, even if I maintain a strict wall between my personal and professional lives (witness the people who attempted to shut down LambaConf because they disagree with Curtis Yarvin).
A Code of Conduct longer than 'be professional' is a signal that the community which professes it is hostile. They are, of course, free to be hostile; I am free to choose not to join them.