This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all individuals participating in the Decoding Us open-source project, including contributors, maintainers, and users. Our aim is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative community where everyone feels comfortable contributing their skills and knowledge to advance our understanding of genetic genealogy and anthropology through citizen science.
We are building this platform using a federated model based on the AT Protocol, and we value the principles of open collaboration and respectful interaction that underpin both open source and decentralized technologies.
We are committed to fostering an environment based on the following core values:
- Respect: We treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and consideration, regardless of their background, experience, or level of expertise.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and encourage constructive dialogue and the sharing of ideas.
- Openness: We are committed to transparency in our processes and welcome diverse perspectives.
- Inclusivity: We strive to create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued, and where all contributions are appreciated.
- Learning: We embrace the opportunity to learn from each other and to continuously improve our project and our understanding.
All participants in the Decoding Us project are expected to:
- Be respectful and considerate in their communication and interactions with others.
- Contribute constructively and thoughtfully to discussions, code, documentation, and other project-related activities.
- Be open to different viewpoints and engage in respectful debate when disagreements arise.
- Provide constructive feedback that is specific, helpful, and kind.
- Assume good faith in the intentions of others.
- Adhere to the technical guidelines and workflows established by the project.
- Respect the decisions of the Benevolent Dictator for Life (BDFL), while also providing thoughtful input and engaging in respectful discussion.
The following behaviors are considered unacceptable within the Decoding Us project:
- Harassment in any form, including offensive comments, slurs, intimidation, or unwelcome attention.
- Discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or any other protected characteristic.
- Personal attacks, insults, or derogatory language.
- Trolling or inflammatory comments intended to disrupt discussions or provoke negative reactions.
- Public or private disparagement of individuals or their contributions.
- Sharing private information of others without their consent.
- Any behavior that violates applicable laws or regulations.
James Kane serves as the Benevolent Dictator for Life (BDFL) of the Decoding Us project. In this role, he has the ultimate responsibility for the project's direction and decision-making. The BDFL will:
- Guide the strategic vision of the project.
- Make final decisions on technical and community matters when consensus cannot be reached.
- Ensure the project adheres to its core values and this Code of Conduct.
- Mediate conflicts and address violations of this Code of Conduct.
While the BDFL has the final say, we encourage open discussion and value the input of all community members. The BDFL will strive to make informed decisions based on community feedback and the best interests of the project.
If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it to James Kane. All reports will be treated with discretion and will be reviewed promptly and fairly.
The BDFL is responsible for enforcing this Code of Conduct. Responses to reported violations may include:
- A private warning or reprimand.
- A temporary or permanent ban from project communication channels or participation.
- Other actions deemed appropriate by the BDFL in the given situation.
This Code of Conduct applies to all project spaces, including but not limited to:
- Mailing lists
- Discussion forums
- Issue trackers
- Code repositories
- In-person meetings and events
This Code of Conduct is adapted from the Contributor Covenant, version 2.1, available at https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/2/1/code_of_conduct.html.
This Code of Conduct may be reviewed and amended by the BDFL as needed to ensure it remains relevant and effective.