- As a representative of the Linux community, participate
in mailing list and newsgroup discussions in a professional
manner. Refrain from name-calling and use of vulgar language.
Consider yourself a member of a virtual corporation
with Mr. Torvalds as your Chief Executive Officer. Your words will either
enhance or degrade the image the reader has of the Linux
community.
- Avoid hyperbole and unsubstantiated claims at all costs. It's
unprofessional and will result in unproductive discussions.
- A thoughtful, well-reasoned response to a posting will not
only provide insight for your readers, but will also increase
their respect for your knowledge and abilities.
- Don't bite if offered flame-bait. Too many threads degenerate
into a ``My O/S is better than your O/S'' argument.
Let's accurately describe the capabilities of Linux and
leave it at that.
- Always remember that if you insult or are disrespectful
to someone, their negative experience may be shared with many others.
If you do offend someone, please try to make amends.
- Focus on what Linux has to offer. There is no need to bash
the competition. We have a good, solid product
that stands on its own.
- Respect the use of other operating systems. While Linux is
a wonderful platform, it does not meet everyone's needs.
- Refer to another product by its proper name.
There's nothing to be gained by attempting to ridicule a company
or its products by using ``creative spelling''.
If we expect respect for Linux, we must respect other products.
- Give credit where credit is due. Linux is just the kernel.
Without the efforts of people involved with the GNU project,
MIT, Berkeley and others too numerous to mention, the Linux
kernel would not be very useful to most people.
- Don't insist that Linux is the only answer for a particular
application. Just as the Linux community cherishes the freedom
that Linux provides them, Linux only solutions would deprive
others of their freedom.
- There will be cases where Linux is not the
answer. Be the first to recognize this and offer another
solution.