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WLUG Code Of Ethics

Preamble

The Waikato Linux User Group has advocacy as one of it's goals. As an advocate of Linux (and other Open Source/Free Operating Systems as defined in our charter), the weight of our opinions will be based on how we carry ourselves in our personal and professional lives as we interrelate to one another.

With that in mind, the WLUG committee has suggested that a CodeOfEthics be defined. This shall be a set of guidelines, and is based on what we expect from those who join and use the WLUG. It will NOT be a legally enforceable document, nor shall it be a stick to be waved over the heads of members. It is designed more as a guide for being good linux advocates, and for giving a good impression in our day to day lives. The CodeOfEthics shall also form a baseline for any future judgements by the committee based on inappropriate behaviour, though the committee shall not be restricted to the content of this document.

Above all, this will be a living document. It is not locked down, and may be modified by members. The committee shall retain the right to define the "final version" however.

General Moral Behaviour

Be worthy of trust.

This is (at least in my opinion) the root of all the other guidelines. If you never do anything to compromise the trust that the WLUG places in you by having you as a member, all the other guidelines are probabably already being followed.

Don't do things that bring the WLUG into disrepute; for starters, read the Advocacy Guidelines and RFC1855

Professional Behaviour

Do not use others resources for financial gain without their knowledge...

Non-Disclosure of confidential and sensitive information

Obviously things like passwords and other sensitive information should never be discussed. That goes without saying.
From time to time network, systems, and security issues are discussed that can be relevant to a particular site, or how a particular site overcame these issues. It is expected that discussions of this nature are to remain within the group, and not to be used against the person or site in question.
However, anything arising in discussion that you feel has questionable ethics or illegimate practices should be brought to the attention of the committee in the first instance.

(Bob) Both the SAGE Code of Ethics (1996 version and 2003 draft) and the SAGE-AU Code of Ethics may have some ideas worth appropriating.

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