Scalaz has historically had, and continues to advocate for:
- the highest quality of technical solution possible
- inclusion that drives towards this goal.
There have certainly been fumbles. Conversations get heated and distracted.
Also, there has been an attempt to install a "code of conduct," which many suspect was designed expressly to eject a specific member. The people behind this attempt have now left Scalaz to design projects in the manner they would prefer.
Some people may claim that "insult" and "offense" are obviously defined, and that "common sense" can easily detect it, but this has proven not to be the case. By the time we consider parody, rhetoric, and ulterior motives, we end up with wildly different interpretations from literal to inferred -- even among external observers.
Furthermore, we have noticed that many bullies conform to rules, rather than violate them. We do not wish to bolster channels for passive bullying by providing a crude framework of policy. We believe no such policy can be codified well.
Scalaz accepts these limitations, and invites everyone to participate in spite of this problem.
If conversation deviates from the goal of technical excellence, please fastly say as much. For example, you may say:
I think this conversation is beside the point. I wish to talk about
technical solution X, which I believe is inferior for reasons Y. I
propose Z.
As another example, ad hominem attacks serve no purpose in driving towards technical excellence. If you ever find that a critique has ever targeted a person, and not an idea, then say as much clearly:
That was an ad hominem attack, and does not help or hurt the technical
argument of X. Can we please keep to the technical discussion?
Calling someone rude, insulting, or offensive merely feeds the exact discussion we seek to avoid. You are free to do so, though, and we will hopefully discuss ways to move the discussion forward. Additionally, we are in no position to police profanity and tone, just as we are in no position to police the rebuke of profanity and tone. Everyone deserves the right to express their human condition. All we ask is that everyone try to remember the goal of technical excellence.
Scalaz may succeed, or it may fail. We are not opposed to those that prefer another approach, and are happy if everyone finds a space to thrive in their own way. We merely seek the opportunity to pursue this work in the manner proposed above.
No document can assure you that we are sincere in our goals and methodology. Only through our actions can we earn your trust that we are doing our best and on a good course.
We invite you to join us.