|
Given the tone of recent conversation, putting "Civility" and "RADEXT WG" in the same sentence, let alone next to each other, may seem incongruous. Yet, civility within the IETF is an essential ingredient that allows the organization to continue to function. This does not represent a constraint on the technical arguments that can be made. If you have an opinion on a technical matter that you'd like to share with WG participants, by all means speak up. Personalizing the arguments is where we draw the line. "I disagree with your line of reasoning because..." is fundamentally different from "If you don't agree with me, you are a moron." The former is acceptable behavior among WG participants. The latter is not. To quote from Wikipedia: "Incivility consists of personal attacks, rudeness, and aggressive behaviours that disrupt the project and lead to unproductive stress and conflict... a few, minor, isolated incidents of incivility are not in themselves a major concern. A behavioral pattern of incivility is disruptive and unacceptable... if it rises to the level of harassment or egregious personal attacks. A single act of incivility can also cross the line if it is severe enough: for instance, extreme verbal abuse or profanity directed at another contributor, or a threat against another person... In general, be understanding and non-retaliatory in dealing with incivility. If others are uncivil, be understanding (people do say things when they get upset) rather than judgemental, and do not respond in kind. If necessary, point out gently that you think the comment might be considered uncivil, and make it clear that you want to move on and focus on the content issue. Bear in mind that... standards vary. Consider too the option of ignoring isolated examples of incivility, and simply moving forward ... Only take things to dispute resolution (see below) if there is an ongoing problem you can't resolve. This policy is not a weapon to use against other contributors." |