Appendix E: Aperture Viewer ‐ Code of Conduct (CoC) - ApertureViewer/Aperture-Opertations-Manual GitHub Wiki

Version: 1.0 Date Effective: [YYYY-MM-DD]

1. Our Pledge: Fostering a Positive and Inclusive Environment

The Aperture Viewer project is fundamentally committed to creating and maintaining a community and team environment that is welcoming, positive, inclusive, respectful, and safe for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation. We pledge to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, kind, diverse, and healthy community, reflecting our core Community Values (AOM Section 2.4.1).

We do not tolerate harassment or harmful behavior in any form.

2. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in the Aperture Viewer project. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • All official Aperture Viewer team members (Core Leadership, Advisory Board, QA, Social Media, Developers, Translators, etc.).
  • All users and contributors interacting within official Aperture Viewer project spaces.
  • Project spaces include:
    • The official Aperture Viewer Discord server.
    • The Aperture Viewer GitHub repository (Issues, Pull Requests, Discussions, Wiki comments).
    • Any official Aperture Viewer social media platforms (Primfeed, YouTube comments, etc.).
    • Any in-world interactions within Second Life or OpenSim where an individual is explicitly representing the Aperture Viewer project (e.g., at official events, during support sessions).
    • All internal team communication channels.

This Code of Conduct also applies to public spaces when an individual is explicitly representing the project or its community.

3. Our Standards: Expected Positive Behaviors

We expect all participants to contribute to a positive environment through actions such as:

  • Embodying Kindness and Empathy: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding towards others. Being gentle in communication and assuming good intent where possible.
  • Being Respectful: Treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and courtesy, even when disagreements arise. This includes respecting differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences.
  • Using Welcoming and Inclusive Language: Communicating in a way that is mindful and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds. Avoiding exclusionary or offensive language.
  • Being Collaborative and Supportive: Offering constructive feedback, sharing knowledge willingly, helping others learn, and working together towards common project goals. Celebrating the successes of others.
  • Being Mindful of Others: Being aware of how your words and actions affect others. Listening actively and being open to learning.
  • Focusing on Constructive Dialogue: When disagreements occur, focusing on the issues and ideas, not on personal attacks or insults. Striving for solutions rather than escalating conflict.
  • Gracefully Accepting Constructive Criticism: Being open to feedback and willing to learn from mistakes or differing perspectives.
  • Respecting Privacy: Adhering to the project's Privacy Policy and respecting the personal boundaries and confidentiality expectations of others.

4. Unacceptable Behaviors: Harassment and Harm

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unequivocally unacceptable within our community and project spaces:

  • Personal Attacks, Insults, or Derogatory Comments: Including (but not limited to) those related to personal characteristics listed in Section 1, or attacks on an individual's skills, intelligence, or contributions.
  • Trolling or Disruptive Behavior: Intentionally posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments to provoke or disrupt conversations or project activities.
  • Harassment (Public or Private): Including unwelcome sexual attention or advances, unwanted private messaging or contact, publishing others' private information (doxing) without explicit permission, or any other form of persistent, unwanted negative attention.
  • Discrimination or Exclusionary Behavior: Any conduct that discriminates against, excludes, or marginalizes individuals or groups based on the characteristics listed in Section 1.
  • Threats or Incitement of Violence: Any form of threats (explicit or implied) towards any individual or group, or any language that encourages or incites violence or harm.
  • Negative Public Speculation or Slander: Spreading unsubstantiated rumors, gossip, or false and damaging statements about other individuals, projects, or entities within the virtual world community or beyond. This includes engaging in public "drama" or negative campaigning that reflects poorly on the Aperture Viewer project or its members.
  • Any Other Conduct Reasonably Deemed Inappropriate: Any behavior that a reasonable person would consider unprofessional, hostile, intimidating, or harmful within a collaborative, professional, and positive community setting.

5. Enforcement Responsibilities and Process

  • Project Leadership Responsibility: The Core Leadership Team, led by the Project Lead (William Weaver), is responsible for clarifying and enforcing this Code of Conduct. They will receive, investigate, and determine appropriate responses to any reported violations.
  • Reporting Violations: If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, or have any other concerns, please report it immediately and confidentially to:
    • Any member of the Core Leadership Team via Discord Direct Message.
    • The Project Lead (William Weaver / paperwork.resident) directly.
    • Via email to [email protected] (for documented reports). All reports will be reviewed promptly and treated with the utmost seriousness and confidentiality.
  • Investigation and Response:
    • The leadership will review the report and may gather additional information as needed.
    • The leadership will determine if a violation has occurred, based on the evidence and the standards outlined in this CoC.
    • If a violation is confirmed, the leadership will take action deemed necessary and appropriate to the circumstances.

6. Consequences for Violations

Consequences for violating this Code of Conduct will be determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity and context of the violation, and may include, but are not limited to:

  • Private Warning: A formal, documented warning issued privately to the individual.
  • Public Warning: A public statement addressing the behavior without necessarily naming the individual (if appropriate for community awareness).
  • Temporary Ban: A temporary suspension from one or more project spaces (e.g., a temporary ban from Discord).
  • Permanent Ban: A permanent removal from all official Aperture Viewer project spaces.
  • Termination of Team Membership: For formal team members, a violation can lead to immediate and permanent removal from the Aperture Viewer team (as per AOM Section 9.2).

The Core Leadership Team reserves the right to take any action they deem appropriate to maintain the health, safety, and integrity of the Aperture Viewer community and project.

7. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By participating in the Aperture Viewer project, its communities, and its development, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Code of Conduct and you agree to abide by its terms and standards. You understand that participation is a privilege, not a right, and that this privilege can be revoked for failure to adhere to these standards. We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe to contribute their best work and ideas.