Eric Raymond (Eric S. Raymond), one of the founders of the OSI Organization (Open Source Initiative) spoke out regarding the codes of behavior:
After ten years of drama and idiocy, many people, including Raymond, are now publicly stating that the “codes of behavior” have been a catastrophe – a contagious social madness that fosters drama, political intrigue, gossip, and hinders useful work. Raymond shared his advice on the codes of behavior:
- Give it up. If your project has such a code, delete it. The only real function it serves is to fuel the flames of conflict.
- If you are required to have a code for bureaucratic reasons, consider a simple alternative: “If you cause more trouble than your contributions justify, you will be removed.” Detailed codes only provide opportunities for manipulation.
While promoting kindness is important, Raymond emphasizes the need to be tough on those who try to weaponize kindness. Indulgence never leads to positive outcomes. We must strive for kindness, but also be vigilant against those who misuse it.
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