Purpose #
Protoweb is a collaborative project dedicated to restoring, preserving and showcasing the early web. To maintain a safe, welcoming, and productive community for everyone, all participants (contributors, moderators, users, and visitors) are expected to follow this Code of Conduct.
This document outlines the shared expectations that help keep Protoweb healthy, respectful, and enjoyable for all.
Be Respectful #
- Treat everyone with courtesy, kindness, and professionalism.
- Value different perspectives and experiences.
- Critique ideas, not people.
- Assume good intentions in interactions while remaining aware of impact.
Foster a Positive Community Atmosphere #
- Help create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, contributing, and learning.
- Celebrate creativity and constructive collaboration.
- Be patient with newcomers and those still learning the project’s systems.
Communicate Thoughtfully #
- Express disagreements calmly and constructively.
- Avoid sarcasm, hostility, or inflammatory language.
- Clarify your intent when something may be interpreted multiple ways.
Inclusive and Respectful Participation #
Protoweb welcomes people from all backgrounds. To help maintain an environment that feels accessible to everyone, users are encouraged to keep their language generally clean and avoid excessive or unnecessary swearing.
The following however, is strictly not allowed:
- Harassment, bullying, or threats
- Discriminatory or hateful speech
- Targeted insults or repeated negative behavior toward a person or group
- Sharing private or identifying information without consent
Everyone deserves to feel safe here.
Clear Authorization for Project Decisions #
Certain actions require explicit approval from project administrators, including but not limited to:
- Significant design or content changes
- Server or infrastructure modifications
- External outreach on behalf of Protoweb
- Financial commitments, commissions, or purchases
- Use of Protoweb branding or identity in outside projects
If you’re unsure, ask before proceeding.
Resolve Issues Productively #
- Attempt to work out differences of opinion privately when appropriate.
- If private discussion fails, escalates or a situation involves safety, contact a moderator or an administrator
- Bring your concerns forward respectfully and without personal attacks.
Conflict is normal, it’s how we handle it that defines our culture.
Moderation and Enforcement #
Moderators and administrators are responsible for upholding this Code of Conduct. They may take action including:
- Clarifying expectations
- Issuing warnings
- Muting or removing harmful content
- Temporarily or permanently restricting accounts
Moderation decisions aim to preserve community health, not to punish unnecessarily.
Accountability #
Everyone, including moderators and administrators, are accountable to this Code.
- If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and work to correct it.
- If you feel someone has harmed you, you may speak to a moderator or administrator confidentially.
- Everyone benefits when we approach issues with honesty and growth in mind.
Project Integrity #
Participants should avoid behavior that undermines the stability, credibility, or collaborative nature of Protoweb, such as:
- Intentionally derailing or disrupting productive discussion
- Spreading misinformation
- Acting in bad faith
- Creating unnecessary conflict or disrupting shared work
Normal overlapping conversations, new questions, and organic shifts in topic are part of community life and are therefore always welcomed.
We want Protoweb to be a place where creativity and preservation thrive.
Continuous Improvement #
This Code of Conduct is a living document. As Protoweb evolves, the guidelines may be refined to better support the needs of contributors and the community.
Feedback is welcome and encouraged.
