[FFmpeg-devel] [RFC][ALT PATCHES] Code of Conduct Enforcement

[Derek Buitenhuis]

On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 1:15 AM, Michael Niedermayer
<michael at niedermayer.cc> wrote:
> I have no magic bullet sadly, which is why i didnt reply.

Even lacking a solution, a public agreement that change is needed
is a start, isn't it?

> But if there is a consensus to enforce some CoC. Then it will be enforced.
> I think there is no such consensus though. And
> i dont (just) mean we lack consensus to kick people and close accounts,
> no not at all, it starts before that.

It is hard to get a consensus on handling abuse from members of
the community to are very prone to abuse, shockingly enough...

> Compare this to a case that has consensus. Like someone posting spam
> everyone will agree thats not ok or stay silent. Theres no lack
> of solutions and noone will need to write rules on how to deal with it.

[...]

> OTOH, when someone acts hostile. Most stay silent, someone might
> voice their opposition and chances are a few people will join
> either side depending on who they are better friends with.
> Now you have a problem and its difficult to handle with penalties,
> as there are 2 parties each beliving they are the good side and the other has
> done wrong.

It is not hard to enforce simple runs like VideoLAN has where, for
example, if you insult someone (call them names, etc.) you get
a 24h ban. It *does not matter who is right*. It's extremely clear
cut with such a ruleset. What is the objection to such a thing? That
we can't agree on or identify when someone is purposely insulting
someone? At the very least, in cases where it is extremely obvious
this occurs, something should happen, no? If I call someone a
jackass, is there really another way to interpret that, for example?

> I think people should try to interpret others statements in a friendly
> way. Always try to act friendly and respectful towards others and
> try to help resolve conflicts and misunderstanings when they occur.

This is an idealized world that doesn't reflect the current reality.
I would love it if this were true. It isn't.

> When 2 people fight dont join the fight on the side of ones friend
> but try to resolve / stop the issue between the people ...

[...]

> Also iam not sure you are aware of it, but you have IMO been quite
> good at defusing / helping when there where conflicts/hostilities
> between people. I think we need more people with this talent

I agree, though nobody is faultless, and a single person alone
can't be in charge of diffusing everything. If anything, it is not
fair to that person.

- Derek