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My conspiracy theory, completely devoid of evidence, is that Codes of Conduct are a way for large corporations to gain control over FOSS projects they covet by
by Mountain_Skies 3y ago
My conspiracy theory, completely devoid of evidence, is that Codes of Conduct are a way for large corporations to gain control over FOSS projects they covet by creating arbitrary controversy aimed at the current maintainers of these projects. That's why CoCs are written very gray so they can be weaponized in different ways or not at all, depending on the level of coercion required. Corporations don't do this directly but through activists, some of whom are willing pawns and others who believe they're doing the right thing for the world but are actually being nudged into doing things that benefit the corporation.
But like I said, I have zero proof of this. Perhaps it's better as a screenplay than an explanation of how things are going but it certainly wouldn't surprise me if there's some truth to it, at least with some FOSS projects.
- Zuider 3y agoFrom experience, I would agree that the first thing activists who wish to take over a group will do is to behave badly, and then use this as the pretext to demand a Code of Conduct. They will then subvert the spirit of the CoC, while adhering legalistically to the letter, in order to control others. They allows them divert a topic into pointless discussion of the rules, or to needle someone persistently, while remaining within the rules, until that person reacts, at which point they will insist that he has violated the CoC.
- theshrike79 3y agoI think this kind of action is in the CIA guide to subversive action or something that's been circulating around the Internet for decades. Basically you use excessive bureaucracy and arcane rules to grind all progress to a halt.
- pstuart 3y agoSQLite is not a large corporation. The rules of the noted CoC appear to be given is good faith (pun intended). I'm not a follower of Christ but I recognize the good intended and have no problems with what was shared. Obviously good intentions can pave the path to hell, but this case is only a problem to those that want it to be a problem.