[Editor’s Note: It has become apparent that this document is needed. I didn’t think we would run into situations that require this, but I guess we do.]

Free Culture is a community. Everyone who participates in one of our activities, from the oldest member to the newest to the guy who just came for the punch and pie, is part of that community. Everyone is welcomed in.

Community is built on mutual respect. Members of the community respect other members’ differences in background, opinion, knowledge, skills, point-of-view, etc. Community members demonstrate respect by acting with patience and understanding.

Free Culture invites participation and feedback in its activities. For the sake of the community, participation will take place within certain boundaries; chief among these is common courtesy. For the sake of time and allowing everyone to participate, questions and comments may be limited (e.g. to after the main presentation, or to one question per person). Dissent or criticism are welcome as long as they remain respectful of the presenter(s) and guests. Trolling is not welcome. Continued disruptions will not be tolerated.

Keeping questions relevant to the topic at hand is always appreciated.

If you disagree with someone, often the best choice is to continue the conversation in private, e.g. after the event or via email. There are no circumstances in which shouting, name-calling, personal attacks, etc. are justified.

If you so strongly disagree with an activity that you cannot contain yourself, you are welcome to excuse yourself. Criticisms can be raised after the fact with a more composed state of mind.

If you have any questions as to the ground rules or appropriate behavior for any given situation, simply ask any officer and we will be glad to help you.

This is our community. If you want to join us, it can be your community, too. Please help us keep it clean.