GhostBSD Community Guidelines draft and I am looking for feedback

ericbsd

Welcome to the GhostBSD forums!

This community is a space for collaboration, sharing knowledge, and discussing all things GhostBSD and open-source software. To maintain a positive and respectful environment, we ask all members to follow these guidelines:

1. Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness and respect, even if you disagree.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, or inflammatory language.
Remember, we’re here to support and learn from each other.

2. Stay On Topic

Post in the appropriate category for your topic.
Use clear, concise titles to help others understand your post.
Avoid derailing threads with unrelated discussions.

3. No Spam or Self-Promotion

Do not post spam, advertisements, or excessive self-promotion.
Sharing relevant resources or projects is encouraged, but ensure it adds value to the discussion.

4. Use Proper Formatting

Use Markdown to format your posts for readability.
Provide enough details when asking for help (e.g., error messages, system specifications, steps to reproduce issues).

5. Search Before Posting

Check if your question has already been answered to avoid duplicate threads.
Use the search feature to explore existing topics.

6. Respect Privacy

Do not post personal information, including email addresses, phone numbers, or any other sensitive details.
Respect the privacy of others, both in the forum and off-site.

7. Flag Inappropriate Posts

Use the flag function to notify moderators about inappropriate or harmful content.
Avoid engaging with trolls or disruptive users; let moderators handle them.

8. Follow Legal and Ethical Standards

Do not share pirated software, illegal content, or anything that violates copyright laws.
Discussions on ethical hacking or similar topics must remain lawful and within the forum’s focus.

9. Help Us Grow

Encourage new members and share your expertise.
Contribute ideas to improve the forum and the GhostBSD project.

Moderator Discretion: Moderators have the right to remove content or users that violate these guidelines. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact the moderators directly.

By participating in this forum, you agree to follow these guidelines. Let’s work together to build a strong and supportive GhostBSD community!

NOTE:
This will most likely replace the CoC. A version of it will be created for Telegram.

brianthehughes

Perhaps, simply Community Guidelines?

With almost the same content, having multiple points of reference does not add clarity.

ericbsd

brianthehughes One will be posted here on the forum, and the other on the telegram group guideline topic.

brianthehughes

ericbsd My feedback is that it should be a unified guideline. Like the CoC already is… regardless of the freshening and reformatting of the contents.

Neville

You can add no excessive swearing. Also no posts about windows, Linux or any other OS unless the post is directly related to GhostBSD in some way. Also perhaps mention that if they break forum rules they get one warning and if they ignore the warning they are kicked out

ericbsd

Neville it is not rules, but guidelines.

ericbsd

Here is an updated version.

GhostBSD Community Guidelines

Welcome to the GhostBSD community! Whether you're participating in our forums, Discord server, Telegram group, or other spaces, this is a place for collaboration, sharing knowledge, and discussing all things GhostBSD and its ecosystem. To maintain a positive and respectful environment, we ask all members to follow these guidelines:

1. Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness and respect, even when opinions differ.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, or inflammatory language.
Use appropriate language; excessive swearing is not permitted.
Remember, this community thrives on mutual support and shared learning.

2. Stay On Topic

Focus on discussions directly related to GhostBSD and its ecosystem, such as the desktop environment, applications, installation, or troubleshooting.
Posts about other operating systems (such as Windows or Linux) are only allowed if they are directly related to GhostBSD (such as comparisons, dual-booting, or migrations).
Use appropriate channels (on Discord), categories/tags (on forums), or topics (on Telegram) to organize discussions effectively.
Avoid derailing threads or conversations with unrelated topics.

3. No Spam or Excessive Self-Promotion

Refrain from posting spam, advertisements, or excessive self-promotion.
Sharing resources or projects is encouraged but ensure they are directly relevant to GhostBSD and its community.

4. Use Proper Communication

On forums, use Markdown for formatting and clarity.
On Discord and Telegram, post in relevant topics or channels and keep messages concise to avoid overwhelming the chat.
Provide necessary details when asking for help, such as error messages, system specifications, or steps to reproduce issues.

5. Search Before Asking or Posting

On forums, use the search function to check if your question has already been answered.
On Discord and Telegram, review recent messages, pinned posts, or relevant topics to avoid redundancy.
Check the official GhostBSD documentation for solutions or guidance.
Save time by reviewing existing discussions and resources first.

6. Report or Flag Inappropriate Posts

On forums, use the flag function to notify moderators about inappropriate or harmful content.
On Discord and Telegram, tag an admin or use available report functions if you notice inappropriate behavior.
Avoid engaging with trolls; let moderators or admins handle them.

Enforcement of Guidelines

These are guidelines, not strict rules, but we ask everyone to behave appropriately and contribute to a positive environment.

If someone misbehaves, a warning will be issued, and certain privileges may be removed on the platform where the behavior occurred.
If the behavior continues after one warning, the individual may be banned from that specific platform (such as the forums, Discord, or Telegram).
Admins and moderators reserve the right to take appropriate actions to maintain a respectful and constructive community.

Thank You for Being Here!
By participating in the GhostBSD community, you agree to follow these guidelines. Let’s work together to make this space welcoming, helpful, and inspiring for all members.

vimanuelt

It would be beneficial to explicitly prohibit political discussions. Additionally, outlining the behaviors that will result in an immediate ban can provide clarity and help maintain a respectful community environment.

Robin

I second @vimanuelt's motion, even though I have "bent" that rule in the past. No operating system should be political in any sense. "Politics" is what brought me here from Linux!

ericbsd

Most of our problems with telegrams are indeed political. So yeah, that should be specified.

brianthehughes

Perhaps, trying to exclude things is harder than saying what we should be focusing on. GhostBSD development and GhostBSD user experience. Deviations toward cultural differences, politics, social issues, religion, military, psychology, etc etc fail to enhance the GhostBSD priorities….

Being all things GhostBSD and it’s ecosystem may deserve a little more development outlining what that is and is not, in general terms.

ericbsd

@Robin, @Neville, @vimanuelt and @brianthehughes What about this?

GhostBSD Community Guidelines

Welcome to the GhostBSD community! This is your space to collaborate, share knowledge, and discuss all things GhostBSD and its ecosystem. These guidelines apply universally across all our platforms, including the forums, Discord server, and Telegram group.

Our goal is to maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Please review and adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness and respect, even when opinions differ.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, inflammatory comments, and excessive swearing.
Remember, this community thrives on constructive discussions and shared learning.

2. Stay Focused on GhostBSD

Discussions should be directly related to GhostBSD and its ecosystem, such as the desktop environment, applications, installation, troubleshooting, or user experience.
Posts about other operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD) are allowed only if they directly relate to GhostBSD (such as comparisons, dual-boot setups, or migrations).
Avoid unrelated topics, including politics or social issues, to maintain focus on the community’s purpose.

3. Avoid Spam and Excessive Self-Promotion

Do not post spam, advertisements, or irrelevant promotions.
Sharing resources or projects is encouraged if they are directly relevant to GhostBSD and its community.

4. Communicate Clearly

Use Markdown on forums for better formatting and readability.
In Discord and Telegram, post in relevant topics or channels and keep messages concise.
Provide sufficient details when seeking help, such as error messages, system specifications, or steps to reproduce an issue.

5. Search Before Posting

Use the search function on forums to check if your question has already been answered.
On Discord and Telegram, review recent messages, pinned posts, or relevant topics before posting.
Refer to the official GhostBSD documentation for solutions and guidance.

6. Report or Flag Inappropriate Posts

Use the flagging feature (on forums) or tag an admin (on Discord and Telegram) to report inappropriate or harmful content.
Do not engage with trolls or disruptive users—let moderators handle them.

Enforcement of Guidelines

These are guidelines, not strict rules, but we ask everyone to behave appropriately and contribute to a positive environment.

If someone misbehaves, a warning will be issued, and certain privileges may be removed on the platform where the behavior occurred.
If the behavior continues after the warning, the individual may be banned from that specific platform (such as the forums, Discord, or Telegram).

Thank you for joining the GhostBSD community. Let’s keep this space focused and helpful for everyone.

Robin

Overly enthusiastic moderators have ruined many a Forum. Penalties for bad behavior may/should include the removal of offensive posts before dropping the last-resort banhammer.

ericbsd

Robin First, I think misbehaving should be clarified. This is primarily because of Telegram. On the forum, I don't think we have ever banned someone other than bots. The current code of conduct was created due to how bad it can be on the Telegram group. Also, moderation can only be given to trusted persons.

Also, a ban is not a ban of the GhostBSD community but of the platform on which it occurred.

ericbsd

@Robin, here are the changes.

GhostBSD Community Guidelines

Welcome to the GhostBSD community. Our community is built around discussions and collaboration on GhostBSD and its ecosystem. These guidelines apply to all our communication platforms, such as the forums, Discord server, and Telegram group.

Please take a moment to review and follow these guidelines:

1. Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness and respect, even when opinions differ.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, inflammatory comments, and excessive swearing.
Remember, this community thrives on constructive discussions and shared learning.

2. Stay Focused on GhostBSD

Discussions should be directly related to GhostBSD and its ecosystem, such as the desktop environment, applications, installation, troubleshooting, or user experience.
Posts about other operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD) are allowed only if they directly relate to GhostBSD (such as comparisons, dual-boot setups, or migrations).
Avoid unrelated topics, including politics or social issues, to maintain focus on the community’s purpose.

3. Avoid Spam and Excessive Self-Promotion

Do not post spam, advertisements, or irrelevant promotions.
Sharing resources or projects is encouraged if they are directly relevant to GhostBSD and its community.

4. Communicate Clearly

Use Markdown on forums for better formatting and readability.
In Discord and Telegram, post in relevant topics or channels and keep messages concise.
Provide sufficient details when seeking help, such as error messages, system specifications, or steps to reproduce an issue.

5. Search Before Posting

Use the search function on forums to check if your question has already been answered.
On Discord and Telegram, review recent messages, pinned posts, or relevant topics before posting.
Refer to the official GhostBSD documentation for solutions and guidance.

6. Report or Flag Inappropriate Posts

Use the flagging feature (on forums) or tag an admin (on Discord and Telegram) to report inappropriate or harmful content.
Do not engage with trolls or disruptive users—let moderators handle them.

Enforcement of Guidelines

These are guidelines, not strict rules, but we ask everyone to behave appropriately and contribute to a positive environment.

If someone engages in disruptive behavior, such as trolling, insulting others, or deliberately provoking arguments, a warning will be issued, and certain privileges may be removed for a specific time on the platform where the behavior occurred.
If the behavior continues after the warning, the individual may be banned from the specific platform it happened on (for example, if the issue occurs on Telegram, the ban will only apply to Telegram).

Thank you for joining the GhostBSD community. Let’s keep this space focused and helpful for everyone.

ericbsd

Also, I am sharing everything to ensure changes make sense and do not alienate everyone.

ericbsd

New version.

GhostBSD Community Guidelines

Please take a moment to review and follow these guidelines:

1. Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness and respect, even when opinions differ.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, inflammatory comments, and excessive swearing.
Remember, this community thrives on constructive discussions and shared learning.

2. Stay Focused on GhostBSD

Discussions should be directly related to GhostBSD and its ecosystem, such as the desktop environment, applications, installation, troubleshooting, or user experience.
Posts about other operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD) are allowed only if they directly relate to GhostBSD (such as comparisons, dual-boot setups, or migrations).
Avoid unrelated topics, including politics or social issues, to maintain focus on the community’s purpose.

3. Avoid Spam and Excessive Self-Promotion

Do not post spam, advertisements, or irrelevant promotions.
Sharing resources or projects is encouraged if they are directly relevant to GhostBSD and its community.

4. Communicate Clearly

Use Markdown on forums for better formatting and readability.
In Discord and Telegram, post in relevant topics or channels and keep messages concise.
Provide sufficient details when seeking help, such as error messages, system specifications, or steps to reproduce an issue.

5. Search Before Posting

Use the search function on forums to check if your question has already been answered.
On Discord and Telegram, review recent messages, pinned posts, or relevant topics before posting.
Refer to the official GhostBSD documentation for solutions and guidance.

6. Report or Flag Inappropriate Posts

Use the flagging feature (on forums) or tag an admin (on Discord and Telegram) to report inappropriate or harmful content.
Do not engage with trolls or disruptive users—let moderators handle them.

Guidelines Enforcement

These guidelines are intended to guide everyone in maintaining a respectful and productive community. They are not strict rules, but rather a framework to ensure positive interactions across all platforms.

All that said, if disruptive behavior occurs, such as personal attacks, persistent off-topic remarks, or actions intended to disrupt discussions, a warning will be given, and certain privileges will be removed for a specific time on the platform where the behavior occurred. If the behavior persists after the warning, the individual will be banned from the specific platform where the issues occurred (for example, if the issue happens on Telegram, the ban will apply only to Telegram).

Moderators are entrusted with ensuring the community remains respectful and productive. Any misuse of these responsibilities will result in the loss of moderation privileges.

Thank you for joining the GhostBSD community. Let’s keep this space focused and helpful for everyone.

ericbsd

@Robin, what do you think?

Guidelines Enforcement

Moderators are entrusted with ensuring the community remains respectful and productive. Any misuse of these responsibilities will result in the loss of moderation privileges.

Thank you for joining the GhostBSD community. Let’s keep this space focused and helpful for everyone.

ericbsd

I will make it official if no one has issues with that version. I will wait a day or 2.