Jeff King <p...@peff.net> writes: > I've had similar thoughts over the years, but eventually switched my way > of thinking. I think part of that switch was coming to the conclusion > that most of the value of a Code of Conduct isn't about having a system > of enforcement against bad actors (in fact, I think that's the most > difficult and potentially problematic part, because it creates a sort of > justice system). IMHO the most important part is that it communicates > and reinforces norms: > > - It lets good actors easily understand what the expectations are. > > - It gives a framework for agreed-upon principles, so that people can > more easily and productively discuss the conflicts that do happen. > > - It advertises our values to people outside the community, which may > help make us more inviting for people to join (and ultimately > contribute code, or docs, or reviews, etc).
And it saves us time when we need to deal with problematic folks. It would have saved a lot of mental energey from me, you, muggerhagger and jrnieder (perhaps I am forgetting others) during the last incident, if we already had one back then.
