Forum Policy: Difference between revisions

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=Introduction=
=Introduction=


The forum is a platform where both general discussion and technical development can occur. The general discussion is moderated, and includes both Introductions and General Discussion on all topics - questions about the projects.
The Open Source Ecology project, like most open source projects, is based primarily on information. OSE is a team of people working together towards certain goals that we believe can have a fundamental impact on society at a local, national, and global level. The main output of that team is information in the form of designs, CAD drawings, etc.  Such information doesnt' appear magically.  It is developed by dedicated, committed people working together.  Much of that work is communication.


To increase the quality of discussion - we recommend that participants:
OSE has several communication tools that it uses including the wiki, blogs, project management tools like Pivotal, etc.  This document deals with discussion forums and describes the policies of OSE with regard to both public, technical, and private forums.


*Read the [[Crash Course]] and [[FAQs]]
Before getting into the details of how these forums are structured, new comers should realize that the forums, particularly the General Discussion forum is one way to make yourself known to OSE and it's project teams.  We welcome all constructive input from all intersted persons.  However, we also recognized the destructive influence that individuals may inflict.  It is for this reason that the general discussion is moderated. The moderator has the ability, authority, and responsibility to keep all discussions positive, project related, and fair.
*Technical contributors (both organizational and technological) read [[OSE Specifications]]
*Technical discussion is the next level of forum discussion. For Technical Discussion, people are required to fill in the [[Team Culturing]] prior to starting their contributions.
*Read the Forum Discussion Standards below.


=Moving Forward=
To increase the quality of discussion - we recommend that new participants:


Issues to address:
* Read the [[Crash Course]] and [[FAQs]]
*Who is general moderator team?
* Technical contributors (both organizational and technological) should read the [[OSE Specifications]]
**Elifarley - admin, permissions, logins
* All participants in the forum should read the policies and standards described below.
*Clarity on zero spam tolerance in technical development, no personal attacks, adhering to absolute creative approach
** Create roles limiting access:
*** General - General forum only.
*** Contributor - Technical and Organizational Forums
*** Staff - Access to staff forums
*** Moderators - Special permissions forums moderated
*** Admin - God like powers.


=Content=
==Meritocracy==


Desirable Forums list (before continuing, let's get consensus on this):
OSE, like many open source projects (such as Linux, Apache, etc.) are based on the concepts of meritocracy.  Meritocracy means that people are given access, authority, and responsibility in direct proportion to their contributions.  Such as system is very necessary as most of us are volunteers contributing our time, labor, and money to something we deeply believing.  It is a system designed to weed out tire-kickers, naysayers, complainers, and especially those who don't do any really work.


*'''General Discussion'''. Includes General Discussion, Introductions, [[Open Source Fab Lab]] (Industry 2.0 concept of global design and local production, with technical development below under CAD, CNC & Robotics, Flexible Fabrication), and [[Open Source Agroecology]]. Product sales, fabrication, and many other discussions could be handled here. This should be a place that we could direct many new people. All discussion should be covered in these topics. People can graduate/filter from these discussions into Technical Discussion. All other discussions beyond General Discussion require [[Team Culturing]] to be filled out as a prerequisite, and are by invitation or request only.
People who do real work for OSE or make a commitment of some kind are designated as "Contributors". There are a few steps to becoming a Contributor:
**Moderator?
*'''Web Development and Support''' - all discussion on internet infrastructure, including strategy, process, policy, and structure. Wiki, cms, CiviCRM, blog, opensourceecology.org, forums, repository, fundraising tools, development needs, secuirty, backup, mirrors, traffic.
**Who will moderate?
**'''Wiki Policy''' subsection
**'''Forum Policy''' - discussion of how this policy should be maintained and upgraded
**'''Linux Support''' - support on OSE infrastructure in Linux - from installations, compatibility, software choices (such as what is the best Video editing software), Linux connection to iPhone, etc.
*'''Organizational Development'''- all organizational topics for bringing about an infrastructure to support [[50/2/2]], but mainly, the organizational form, legal, financial infrastructure. Includes strategy, structure, and process development.
*'''Communications/Translations/Media Development/PR
*'''Production and Marketing'''-Topics surrounding product sales, production facilities, and marketing.
*'''Resource Development''' - includes crowd funding, crowd microfunding, nonprofit sector (grants, donor relations), and awards/distinction applications. Ties in to Media Development.
*'''Project Management'''-developing the process and infrastructure for parallel, open source product development
*'''Team Development'''- advisory team development, developer recruiting, viral marketing development, collaboration incubation. ''Collaboration Incubation'' - one distinguishing feature of this work is its identity as an open source project - capable of open collaboration and absorption of new participants into the project. This discussion centers around incubating relationships with allies and supporters on all levels, from technical to organizational. We want to position OSE as a growth organization - one that is capable of absorbing unlimited growth in its collaborator pool, while remaining manageable and flat in its organizational structure.
*'''True Fans'''- We should have a dedicated Forum for True Fans, where collaboration and further recruitment of True Fans can be discussed.
*'''Education'''- Topics related to OSE 2 Year Immersion Training, Whole Village education, Gaia University collaboration, and K-PhD Renaissance Education towards Freedom, as well as Augmented Reality training for fabricators.
*'''CEB Press'''- particular discussion, focused on completing the 31 steps of the [[GVCS Development Template]]
*'''Construction''' - includes tractor, CEB press, pulverizer, Sawmill, Cement Mixer, Trencher, Backhoe, Bulldozer, and eventually, rebar (Rod and Wire Mill), sheet metal and structural metal (Metal Rolling). May discuss [[Modular CEB Construction]], [[Mobile Microhouse]]s, [[Superinsulated CEB Construction]] (thick cavity walls with hammermilled biomass), closed loop wastewater systems including biofilters and [[Living Machines]], etc.
**Who will moderate?
*'''Open Source Tractor/Microtractor/Bulldozer''' - discussion on LifeTrac, MicroTrac, bulldozer, and all implements
**Who will moderate?
*'''Open Source Car''' - microcar and truck included
**Who will moderate?
[[appropedia: Category: Transport]])
*'''FLexible Fabrication''' - Ironworker machine, Mill/Drill/Lathe, Surface Grinder, Cold Cut Saw, Oxyhydrogen Torch, Welder, Plasma Cutter, Metal Bandsaw, Abrasive Saw
*'''CNC and Robotics'''- Industrial Robot, RepRap, CNC Mill/Drill/Lathe, Circuit Mill, Torch Table/Router Table, Laser Cutter
*'''CAD, CAM, and Prototyping''' - If we have all the designs in CAD, then we can produce fabrication drawings, CAM files, and engage in parallel prototyping.
*'''Social Contract and Land Stewardship'''- how property is owned and maintained, and how productivity is assured for prosperity and resilience, while regenerating the environment and contributing to the welfare of surrounding communities
*'''Field Agriculture'''- including Seeder, Haying, Baling, Microcombine
*'''Hot Metal Processing''' - includes Induction Furnace, Metal Rolling, Wire and Rod Mill, Casting, Press Forge, and alloying
*'''Solar Concentrator Electric System''' - this is a solar thermal system for producing electricity. This is a step beyond heating applications, and is the most difficult project within the [[GVCS]]. The goal is a home-scale (5 kW) solar electric system at approximately $1/watt cost, and at least 20 year lifetime. It requires addressing of hail, wind, and mirror-cleaning issues.
**Who will moderate?
*'''Modern Steam Engine'''- includes Pelletizer, Gasifier Burner, Steam Generator, Steam Engine, and Electric Generator with charge control. Also includes fuel crops, appication of Haying/forestry equipment, combined heat and power systems, greenhouse drying systems.
*'''50 kW Wind Turbine'''
**Who will moderate?
*'''Water''' - Well Drilling Rig, closed-loop water systems, Living Machines, biofilters, redworms, closed-loop flush toilets, rain catchment, berming, ponds, irrigation, condensation
**Who will moderate?
*'''Agriculture - Open Source Agroecology''' - includes agriculture discussions and the creation of comprehensive gene banks (http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Community_Gene_Bank). The goal of our agriculture discussion is focused on open source agroecology - combination of best organic practices, with access to mechanical and processing tools, with access to gene banks for replicating perennial-based food systems. We want to cultivate cutting-edge discussion on replicable, complete, year-round, local food systems. Our point of differentiation is that we are interested in creating the world's first complete and replicable farm - a farm that produces the entire diet for a community. There is no precedent for this in the developed world, but we want to show an example that it is possible to do a complete operation in one place. There is a number of people engaged in organic, local food systems - all of which are doing great work - but to date, i have not seen an example of a replicable, single farm that produces a complete, year-round diet. The second point of differentiation is that we want to make such an operation affordable to the common man, not just to eco-elites, as is common for most of the organic farming movement.
**Who will moderate?
*'''Power Electronics''' - includes all power electronics devices from the GVCS, plus nickel-iron batteries (for welders, tractors, off-grid power). Inverters, power supplies for welder, laser, plasma cutter, battery charger, charge controller (wind turbine)
**Who will moderate?
*'''Bioplastics'''-bioplastic extruder and synthesis of greenhouse plastic from plants
*'''Extraction of Aluminum from Clay''' - this is the most exotic one showing the possibility of advanced civilization creation on the scale of a 6000 square foot facility.


==Proposed Category Structure==
# Fill out the [[Team Culturing Survey]]
# Volunteer to work on an OSE project
# The project leader will invite you join the Pivotal project
# Figure out an initial task together and complete it.


The following category structure is proposed to simplify organization and define access:
Based on your results, you will be invited to become an OSE Contributor, give you access to the project forums.  There are some other ways to get recogized, such as helping to maintain the wiki, but since OSE is focused largely on technical projects, the above is the best way.  Once you become known to other Contributors, you will likely be invited to do more work.  A meritocracy means you are being judged on your merits as measured by your contributions.  One of those contributions is your ability to work smoothly with other members of the team.
 
It should be noted that a metritocracy is based  on ''active and on-going'' participation.  While it's reasonable to take a break, legacy accomplishments are insufficient to maintain your Contributor status.  People can also be bumped off projects if they show poor behavior or are inconsisent in delivering on their promises.
 
 
=Forum Roles=
 
OSE has defined the following forum membership levels or 'roles':
 
* General - can read most forums, but only post to the General Discussion forums.
* Contributor - can post to all technical forums, and many others.
* Staff - can post to all forums, including restricted organization forums.
* Moderator - a Contributor with special permissions in the forums that he (or she) moderates.
* Administrator - an OSE staff member tasked with overseing all of the forums, currently [[Elifarley Cruz]].
 
 
=Category Structure and Content=
 
Shortly, OSE will be simplifying the forum categories and structure to make them simpiler and clarify access.  The new structure will include the following:


* General
* General
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** Standards (Docs, CAD, CAM, etc.)
** Standards (Docs, CAD, CAM, etc.)
** Fundraising
** Fundraising
** Project Proposals
* Staff (private to OSE staff)
* Staff (private to OSE staff)
** Grant Management
** Grant Management
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** Marketing
** Marketing
** Personnel
** Personnel
OSE may create new categories within these high level categories if the need arises.
==The General Discussion Forum==
The general discussion forum allows people who are interested in OSE to express their ideas and explore OSE concepts through discussion.  We have created separate forums for different languages to make people more comfortable and not worry about trying to translate their thinking into another language.
People new to OSE should be aware that the general discussion forum is regularly monitored by OSE project leaders looking to recruit new people to their projects.  As such, give some thought to how you write your posts keeping in mind:
* Clarity - how well you communicate your ideas or views
* Support - substantiate your claims with links or references
* Civility - manners and the ability to be polite are important in teams that work closely together
* Expertise - the ability to contribute your own experience and learning to discussion threads
When in doubt of the above, ask questions.  They may not get answered, but sometimes a well-written question is more valuable than an off-the-cuff opinion.
Please note that the general forum isn't a place to air personal grievances, but rather to hold substantive discussion, with the goal in mind of getting things done, and in particular, getting the GVCS designed and built. 
Please review forum polices below, as well.
==Technical Forums==
Technical discussion is the next level of forum discussion. Technical contributors are required to fill in the [[Team Culturing]] survey prior to starting their contributions.  This gives other contributors a view into your skills, views, location, etc.
The technical forums are communication tools focused on specific OSE projects.  Initially, these include the 50 GVCS projects, various component projects (like the [Open Source Stepper Motor]]), community-oriented projects like [[Factor e Farm]], agricultural projects related to farming and permaculture, and other projects (like product ecology, [[Systems Engineering]], etc).
Contributors to technical forums are held to a higher standard than general members.  They are expected to use the forum to communicate and discuss information, ideas, and concepts that are related to the project.  Opinions and discussion are encourged - that's the whole point of the forums - but discussion should be positive in nature and contribute to the project as a whole.  Contributors who abuse their access rights will see them removed.
Technical contributors are also invited to use the wiki talk: pages for discussion associated with particular wiki pages.
==Organization Forums==
Contributor and OSE staff have the ability to participate in and post to organization forums.  This is the right place to discuss OSE resources, project management, improvements to OSE as an organization, information standards, and fundraising.  It is also where new project proposals are made and discussed for formation into full OSE projects.
==Staff Forums==
OSE staff members have special duties and responsibilities that sometimes require private or restricted discussion of sensative topics.  Forums in the Staff category are restricted to OSE staff members and invited contributors.


=Forum Moderator Duties=
=Forum Moderator Duties=
Line 99: Line 108:
Forum moderators should have subject-matter expertise, practical experience, and at the very least, serious interest in, their respective topic of moderation. Moderators are to serve indefinitely, unless otherwise agreed upon, but other moderators may be added to a particular forum in case of increased traffic or other circumstances. Moderators should have sufficient time to read through postings, to make sure that they adhere to [[OSE Specifications]] and general goals of OSE as specified in the [[Crash Course]]. Moderators should seek assistance if the volume of communication exceeds their ability to handle the discussion. Moderators should contact [[Elifarley Cruz]] with any issues.
Forum moderators should have subject-matter expertise, practical experience, and at the very least, serious interest in, their respective topic of moderation. Moderators are to serve indefinitely, unless otherwise agreed upon, but other moderators may be added to a particular forum in case of increased traffic or other circumstances. Moderators should have sufficient time to read through postings, to make sure that they adhere to [[OSE Specifications]] and general goals of OSE as specified in the [[Crash Course]]. Moderators should seek assistance if the volume of communication exceeds their ability to handle the discussion. Moderators should contact [[Elifarley Cruz]] with any issues.


Moderators should become with the roles of [[Project Managers]] and other members of the [[Development Team]] - both in technical and organizational development, to make sure that any discussion leading to substantial development on the project is handled accordingly or forwarded to responsible parties for further action. Moderators should be familiar with the membership of the [[Development Team]], so that moderators can take initiative in linking contributors to further resources and team members.
Moderators are generally associated with the roles of [[Project Managers]] and other members of the [[Development Team]] - both in technical and organizational development, to make sure that any discussion leading to substantial development on the project is handled accordingly or forwarded to responsible parties for further action. Moderators should be familiar with the membership of the [[Development Team]], so that moderators can take initiative in linking contributors to further resources and team members.


Moderators should also start, contribute to, or maintain, an FAQ on their Forum, to help inform and orient contributors.
Moderators should also start, contribute to, or maintain, an FAQ on their Forum, to help inform and orient contributors.
Line 107: Line 116:
Moderators are expected to facilitate keeping discussion on track, and making sure that spam, [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:No_personal_attacks|personal attacks]], and any non-constructive behavior does not take over discussions. There may be a fine line in certain cases, so the Moderator should become keen in focusing discussion towards practical results, rather than philosophical discussion or armchair critique.
Moderators are expected to facilitate keeping discussion on track, and making sure that spam, [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:No_personal_attacks|personal attacks]], and any non-constructive behavior does not take over discussions. There may be a fine line in certain cases, so the Moderator should become keen in focusing discussion towards practical results, rather than philosophical discussion or armchair critique.


What else should moderators do?
See [[OSE Forum Moderators]] for a list of current moderators.
 
 
=Administrator Duties=
 
The forum administrator is tasked with making sure that the OSE forums fulfill their role in the OSE process.  These duties include:
 
* Resolving infrastructure and software related issues
* Maintaining software including upgrades
* Maintaining backups and archives
* Creation of new forum categories
* Settling disputes
* Review requests for banning members
 
 
=Forum Policies=
 
The following policies are established with respect to access and use of the OSE forums:
 
==1.  Intention==
 
The purpose of the OSE Forums is to promote the [[Current Scope]] of the project. The general culture of the forums is summed up in the [[Core Values of OSE]].  OSE forums are intended to be a communication tool to explore ideas, solve problems, and general foster the progress of OSE projects.  Contributes should review an [[Essay on Creative Problem-Solving]].
 
==2. Spam==
 
The OSE forum is not a place for spam.  This includes blatant product pitches, advertisements, links to promotal websites not in support of an OSE project, etc.  Repeated posting of spam are grounds for being banned.  Advertisements will be removed from the forum.
 
==3. Personal Attacks==
 
OSE has a zero tolerance policy for [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:No_personal_attacks|personal attacks]], trolling, or other disrespectful behavior. Therefore, we will moderate such behavior actively, and eggregious behavior will result in an immediate ban from the forum. Violators and banned members may appeal to the forum administrator for resolution.
 
==4. Unsubstantiated Claims==
 
The OSE forums are a place to post and discuss information relevant to OSE and OSE projects.  Claims to performance, quality, etc. are expected to be backed up with substantiating links.  Unsubstantiated claims only confuse current discussion and take away from progress towards solutions.
 
==5. Creative Approach==
 
OSE forum members are expected to take a positive, creative approach to forum contributions.  These may include suggestions, ideas, noting problems and challenges, etc.  Constructive criticism is welcome, provided it is presented in a manner and spirit that leads to further project goals.




=Forum Use=
=Forum Use=
* Notifications per Email
 
** If you want to receive notifications per email go to your [http://openfarmtech.org/forum/profile/notifications Profile Notifications] and on the right side there are two options: "My Preferences" and "E-mail Subscriptions". Check them out.
==Notification by Email==
 
If you want to receive notifications per email go to your [http://openfarmtech.org/forum/profile/notifications|Profile Notifications] and on the right side there are two options: "My Preferences" and "E-mail Subscriptions". Check them out.




=Forum Discussion Standards=
==RSS Feeds==
==Intention==
The purpose of the OSE Forums is to promote the [[Current Scope]] of the project. The general culture of the forums is:


*Adherence to [[Core Values of OSE]]
*An 'absolute creative approach' with respect to finding creative solutions as opposed to dwelling on negatives. Read this [[Essay on Creative Problem-Solving]] for an in-depth discussion on this important topic.
*We have a zero tolerance policy for spam, [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:No_personal_attacks|personal attacks]], trolling, or other disrespectful behavior. Therefore, we will moderate such behavior actively, and eggregious behavior will result in immediate ban from the forum. Violators will have an option to make amends.


[[Category:Standards]]
[[Category:Standards]]

Revision as of 12:26, 8 June 2011

Introduction

The Open Source Ecology project, like most open source projects, is based primarily on information. OSE is a team of people working together towards certain goals that we believe can have a fundamental impact on society at a local, national, and global level. The main output of that team is information in the form of designs, CAD drawings, etc. Such information doesnt' appear magically. It is developed by dedicated, committed people working together. Much of that work is communication.

OSE has several communication tools that it uses including the wiki, blogs, project management tools like Pivotal, etc. This document deals with discussion forums and describes the policies of OSE with regard to both public, technical, and private forums.

Before getting into the details of how these forums are structured, new comers should realize that the forums, particularly the General Discussion forum is one way to make yourself known to OSE and it's project teams. We welcome all constructive input from all intersted persons. However, we also recognized the destructive influence that individuals may inflict. It is for this reason that the general discussion is moderated. The moderator has the ability, authority, and responsibility to keep all discussions positive, project related, and fair.

To increase the quality of discussion - we recommend that new participants:

  • Read the Crash Course and FAQs
  • Technical contributors (both organizational and technological) should read the OSE Specifications
  • All participants in the forum should read the policies and standards described below.

Meritocracy

OSE, like many open source projects (such as Linux, Apache, etc.) are based on the concepts of meritocracy. Meritocracy means that people are given access, authority, and responsibility in direct proportion to their contributions. Such as system is very necessary as most of us are volunteers contributing our time, labor, and money to something we deeply believing. It is a system designed to weed out tire-kickers, naysayers, complainers, and especially those who don't do any really work.

People who do real work for OSE or make a commitment of some kind are designated as "Contributors". There are a few steps to becoming a Contributor:

  1. Fill out the Team Culturing Survey
  2. Volunteer to work on an OSE project
  3. The project leader will invite you join the Pivotal project
  4. Figure out an initial task together and complete it.

Based on your results, you will be invited to become an OSE Contributor, give you access to the project forums. There are some other ways to get recogized, such as helping to maintain the wiki, but since OSE is focused largely on technical projects, the above is the best way. Once you become known to other Contributors, you will likely be invited to do more work. A meritocracy means you are being judged on your merits as measured by your contributions. One of those contributions is your ability to work smoothly with other members of the team.

It should be noted that a metritocracy is based on active and on-going participation. While it's reasonable to take a break, legacy accomplishments are insufficient to maintain your Contributor status. People can also be bumped off projects if they show poor behavior or are inconsisent in delivering on their promises.


Forum Roles

OSE has defined the following forum membership levels or 'roles':

  • General - can read most forums, but only post to the General Discussion forums.
  • Contributor - can post to all technical forums, and many others.
  • Staff - can post to all forums, including restricted organization forums.
  • Moderator - a Contributor with special permissions in the forums that he (or she) moderates.
  • Administrator - an OSE staff member tasked with overseing all of the forums, currently Elifarley Cruz.


Category Structure and Content

Shortly, OSE will be simplifying the forum categories and structure to make them simpiler and clarify access. The new structure will include the following:

  • General
    • A single, general category with no sub-categories; one forum each for English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Portuguese. (writable by all)
    • Announcements (read only, press releases, etc.)
  • Technical (writable by contributors, readable by all)
    • GVCS Projects (50, top 20 for now)
    • Component Projects (5 or so now, much more later)
    • Community Projects (villages, communities, local OSE chapters, etc)
    • Agriculture Projects (farming, permaculture, etc.)
    • Other Projects
  • Organization (writable by contributors, readable by all)
    • Resource Development
    • Web Infrastructure
    • Project Management
    • Standards (Docs, CAD, CAM, etc.)
    • Fundraising
    • Project Proposals
  • Staff (private to OSE staff)
    • Grant Management
    • Press
    • Marketing
    • Personnel

OSE may create new categories within these high level categories if the need arises.

The General Discussion Forum

The general discussion forum allows people who are interested in OSE to express their ideas and explore OSE concepts through discussion. We have created separate forums for different languages to make people more comfortable and not worry about trying to translate their thinking into another language.

People new to OSE should be aware that the general discussion forum is regularly monitored by OSE project leaders looking to recruit new people to their projects. As such, give some thought to how you write your posts keeping in mind:

  • Clarity - how well you communicate your ideas or views
  • Support - substantiate your claims with links or references
  • Civility - manners and the ability to be polite are important in teams that work closely together
  • Expertise - the ability to contribute your own experience and learning to discussion threads

When in doubt of the above, ask questions. They may not get answered, but sometimes a well-written question is more valuable than an off-the-cuff opinion.

Please note that the general forum isn't a place to air personal grievances, but rather to hold substantive discussion, with the goal in mind of getting things done, and in particular, getting the GVCS designed and built.

Please review forum polices below, as well.

Technical Forums

Technical discussion is the next level of forum discussion. Technical contributors are required to fill in the Team Culturing survey prior to starting their contributions. This gives other contributors a view into your skills, views, location, etc.

The technical forums are communication tools focused on specific OSE projects. Initially, these include the 50 GVCS projects, various component projects (like the [Open Source Stepper Motor]]), community-oriented projects like Factor e Farm, agricultural projects related to farming and permaculture, and other projects (like product ecology, Systems Engineering, etc).

Contributors to technical forums are held to a higher standard than general members. They are expected to use the forum to communicate and discuss information, ideas, and concepts that are related to the project. Opinions and discussion are encourged - that's the whole point of the forums - but discussion should be positive in nature and contribute to the project as a whole. Contributors who abuse their access rights will see them removed.

Technical contributors are also invited to use the wiki talk: pages for discussion associated with particular wiki pages.

Organization Forums

Contributor and OSE staff have the ability to participate in and post to organization forums. This is the right place to discuss OSE resources, project management, improvements to OSE as an organization, information standards, and fundraising. It is also where new project proposals are made and discussed for formation into full OSE projects.

Staff Forums

OSE staff members have special duties and responsibilities that sometimes require private or restricted discussion of sensative topics. Forums in the Staff category are restricted to OSE staff members and invited contributors.


Forum Moderator Duties

Forum moderators should have subject-matter expertise, practical experience, and at the very least, serious interest in, their respective topic of moderation. Moderators are to serve indefinitely, unless otherwise agreed upon, but other moderators may be added to a particular forum in case of increased traffic or other circumstances. Moderators should have sufficient time to read through postings, to make sure that they adhere to OSE Specifications and general goals of OSE as specified in the Crash Course. Moderators should seek assistance if the volume of communication exceeds their ability to handle the discussion. Moderators should contact Elifarley Cruz with any issues.

Moderators are generally associated with the roles of Project Managers and other members of the Development Team - both in technical and organizational development, to make sure that any discussion leading to substantial development on the project is handled accordingly or forwarded to responsible parties for further action. Moderators should be familiar with the membership of the Development Team, so that moderators can take initiative in linking contributors to further resources and team members.

Moderators should also start, contribute to, or maintain, an FAQ on their Forum, to help inform and orient contributors.

Moderators should also provide a digest of their forum activity, after, say, 100 messages transpire. A digest would serve the purpose of regrouping and reorganizing discussion to facilitate progress, to point out worthwhile highlights, and to propose new initiatives. This digest can be a post on the forum, and it may be worthwhile to start a wiki page. If substantial activity warrants it, Moderators are invited to blog on the Factor e Farm blog to share their highlights.

Moderators are expected to facilitate keeping discussion on track, and making sure that spam, personal attacks, and any non-constructive behavior does not take over discussions. There may be a fine line in certain cases, so the Moderator should become keen in focusing discussion towards practical results, rather than philosophical discussion or armchair critique.

See OSE Forum Moderators for a list of current moderators.


Administrator Duties

The forum administrator is tasked with making sure that the OSE forums fulfill their role in the OSE process. These duties include:

  • Resolving infrastructure and software related issues
  • Maintaining software including upgrades
  • Maintaining backups and archives
  • Creation of new forum categories
  • Settling disputes
  • Review requests for banning members


Forum Policies

The following policies are established with respect to access and use of the OSE forums:

1. Intention

The purpose of the OSE Forums is to promote the Current Scope of the project. The general culture of the forums is summed up in the Core Values of OSE. OSE forums are intended to be a communication tool to explore ideas, solve problems, and general foster the progress of OSE projects. Contributes should review an Essay on Creative Problem-Solving.

2. Spam

The OSE forum is not a place for spam. This includes blatant product pitches, advertisements, links to promotal websites not in support of an OSE project, etc. Repeated posting of spam are grounds for being banned. Advertisements will be removed from the forum.

3. Personal Attacks

OSE has a zero tolerance policy for personal attacks, trolling, or other disrespectful behavior. Therefore, we will moderate such behavior actively, and eggregious behavior will result in an immediate ban from the forum. Violators and banned members may appeal to the forum administrator for resolution.

4. Unsubstantiated Claims

The OSE forums are a place to post and discuss information relevant to OSE and OSE projects. Claims to performance, quality, etc. are expected to be backed up with substantiating links. Unsubstantiated claims only confuse current discussion and take away from progress towards solutions.

5. Creative Approach

OSE forum members are expected to take a positive, creative approach to forum contributions. These may include suggestions, ideas, noting problems and challenges, etc. Constructive criticism is welcome, provided it is presented in a manner and spirit that leads to further project goals.


Forum Use

Notification by Email

If you want to receive notifications per email go to your Notifications and on the right side there are two options: "My Preferences" and "E-mail Subscriptions". Check them out.


RSS Feeds

Retrieved from "https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Forum_Policy&oldid=30784"