Chat moderation during livestream

Due to the current global health emergency, we strongly encourage you to consider online events instead of in-person in 2020. For more information, please refer to our online events handbook.

Just as we have a Code of Conduct and expectations for behavior for in-person events in WordPress, we have a Code of Conduct and expectations for behavior for Online events. While the two Codes of Conduct are virtually identical, the way that we enforce them may be pretty different.

Chat moderation online provides some unique challenges to event organizers. While we have the same basic expectations for attendees in both in-person and on-line events, people are sometimes less likely to followabide by them when they are in a space that feels more anonymous. Additionally, tone and context can be more difficult to understand in online interactions. 

Participants in official online events are asked to: : 

  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech.
  • Be mindful of your fellow participants. Alert conference organizers if you notice a negative situation or someone in distress.
  • Participate in an authentic and active way. 

Unacceptable behavior for official online events include: 

Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct by any attendees of WordCamps and related events. All WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. streams, chats, and channels may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all attendees and later viewers.

Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images (including in presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

How to moderate interaction for official WordPress online events

Before the event starts, familiarize yourself with the tools for moderating chat and other interactive elements provided by the platform you’re using.

The following behavior should result in an immediate ban: pornographic material, threats, or derogatory comments about someone’s race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, physical appearance, neurodiversity, body size, age, sex, gender, orientation, religion, caste, or poilitical affiliation.

When responding to most other unacceptable behavior during online events, there are three stages:

Stage #1: Warning 

Politely and firmly tell the participant that their behavior was unacceptable, and remind them that this event is a safe, family friendly space. Direct them to the code of conduct if necessary. Let them know that if unacceptable behavior happens again, they might be asked to leave. Whenever possible, it’s best to have this conversation in a private space.

Stage #2: Removal

If unacceptable behavior persists after a warning has been given, remove the participant from the event. The platform you’re using for the meetupMeetup All local/regional gatherings that are officially a part of the WordPress world but are not WordCamps are organized through https://www.meetup.com/. A meetup is typically a chance for local WordPress users to get together and share new ideas and seek help from one another. Searching for ‘WordPress’ on meetup.com will help you find options in your area. event or WordCamp should have tools for this. (Hint: test them before the event starts!)

Stage #3: Banning 

In most circumstances, we prefer not to ban participants. However, if the person has  established a pattern of intentionally distracting or abusive behavior and persists in that effort after multiple warnings, then it can be best to ban them. If you have any doubt, reach out to a deputy in the WordPress slackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/. for support.

Anytime approach 2 or 3 are required please write a report, complete with screenshots and any additional information that may be relevant, and send it to report@wordcamp.org

Note: Specific instructions for different streaming platforms will be provided as we’re able to share them.

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