[OSM-talk] LCCWG Moderation Subcommittee holding public discussions on Etiquette Guidelines

[Bert -Araali- Van Opstal]

Most of this first draft seems a huge and very appreciated improvement 
to the existing Etiquette guidelines.
I still see some major issues:

 1. *Absence of our core purpose, mapping.
    *Derogatory comments on individual or groups mapping practices, like
    f.i. micromapping, 3D mapping, landcover, individual trees etc...
    are not mentioned as unwanted or exclusive behaviour. Justifications
    to vote against, revert changes or block guidelines are as
    discriminating and exclusive as other "socially motivated"
    etiquette. Same for promoting or lobbying practices with the
    opposite purpose to prove ones influence or dominance.

 2. *"Effective communication*. Stay on topic and be concise."
    Speaking from my own habits, being concise can have a very broad
    interpretation. Higher educated native English speakers have a broad
    vocabulary or jargon to express their ideas and views, effective and
    short in their communication. Less proficient English speakers, even
    anyone not experienced in public conversations might not be able to
    be concise. This doesn't mean we should allow whole books being
    written on our mailing list, but we should better define some kind
    of threshold or directive what concise means. Not allowing long(er)
    views or responses, enabling someone to make their point more clear
    but on topic, is an example of open and inclusive communication.
    Neglecting, being unresponsive or prohibiting communication because
    it is not concise in ones personal or a committees view is as much
    exclusive as other unwanted behaviour.
    I propose to keep this statement more open as f.i. "Stay on topic.
    Try to be as concise as possible, but feel comfortable and
    appropriate to make your point, without dominating. Limit your
    responses, avoid repetition and allow or assist others to summarize
    your point(s)."

 3. *Local diversity, culture and "street language".
    *The etiquette is presented as being globally applicable. What we
    forget however is the local context. Every response and
    communication has to be understood and tested with the originators
    background or the context or space where the conversation takes
    place. The local context where it is used.
    F.i. calling someone a nigger is very abusive and racist from a non
    coloured unfamiliar person to a coloured person. However within a
    community might be an expression, commonly used, of familiarity and
    close friendship, bonding as in the same social position.
    Another example f.i. "third world" or "developing countries", "poor
    countries" when referring to communities with other social, cultural
    or economical values. An African might call a North American "poor"
    as in his cultural inheritance, social local micro community
    behaviour and non predetermined solidarity. However, an aid provider
    or donator, as referring to economical or financial global
    significance of African communities uses "poor" in a much different
    context, justified if the context in which he uses these terms is
    made clear.
    This might seem not a major point for the initially targetted
    mailing lists. However can become a major issue as we expand to
    other mailing lists and popular communication channels, and not to
    forget local chapters.

 4. *Behavior That Will Not Be Tolerated*
    Does not belong in a comprehensive and general etiquette or code of
    conduct. Leave it out and up to the moderation team to list a non
    exhaustive list of examples. Prevent jargon or non generally known
    terms, both as to describe negative behaviour but also to prevent
    focus on specific groups to promote their issues or acceptance.

Regards and respect to all of you,

Bert Araali


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