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Language on Debian lists [was: Re: Some thoughts about Diversity and the CoC, lglg]



[I'm intentionally leaving context out of this message.]

[PSA: The biggest holiday season for much of the Western world is approaching, which can be stressful for many people, as well as providing them with more time than usual to respond on Debian lists.  Conditions are perfect for a repeat of last year's wildfire on -project.  I would be filled with the deepest gratitude if we could use appropriate language during the upcoming flamewar[s] about a topic not directly related to free software.]

There have been messages in this thread suggesting that people are being petty by complaining about language on Debian lists.  If you feel that using obscene language is no big deal, then it is a small thing to ask you to refrain from using it on Debian mailing lists.  It is also part of the Debian mailing list code of conduct[1], linked from the code of conduct page[2].

Take note of the fact that your use of inappropriate language could cause someone else to be fined or even lose their amateur radio license. It also contributes to a toxic environment, just as much as other CoC violations.

I would also like to point out that ignoring the code of conduct in your response to someone else's misconduct both weakens your argument and the code if conduct itself.  Someone else not following the rules is no excuse to ignore the rules yourself.

I personally read Debian lists in professional settings, and I do not want that to become a liability to me.

I think it would be perfectly reasonable to apply the same guidelines as the DebConf CoC[3], especially the part about being appropriate for all individuals aged 12 and older unless explicitly stated otherwise.  Some assume that we are all adults here, however I don't think that is a verifiable assumption.

[1] https://www.debian.org/MailingLists/#codeofconduct
[2] https://www.debian.org/code_of_conduct
[3] https://www.debconf.org/codeofconduct.shtml

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