Code of Conduct and Community Etiquette

At Reality AI Lab, we value inclusivity, collaboration, and respect as the foundation of our community. Our Code of Conduct and Community Etiquette Guidelines ensure that contributors feel welcome, supported, and empowered to innovate. This article outlines the expectations for behavior, examples of unacceptable actions, and how to address conflicts constructively.

Why a Code of Conduct Matters

1. Promotes Inclusivity: Creates a safe space for contributors of all backgrounds, skills, and experiences.
2. Encourages Constructive Collaboration: Ensures discussions remain productive and professional.
3. Strengthens the Community: Fosters a sense of belonging, where everyone can contribute effectively.
4. Protects Contributors: Provides a mechanism to report and resolve inappropriate behavior.

Community Principles

1. Be Respectful: Treat all community members with kindness and consideration.
2. Be Inclusive: Encourage participation from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
3. Be Constructive: Provide actionable, helpful feedback and focus on problem-solving.
4. Assume Good Intent: Approach disagreements with an open mind and seek clarity before making assumptions.

Expected Behavior

As a member of the Reality AI Lab community, you are expected to:

1. Respect Others

• Use inclusive and non-discriminatory language.
• Recognize and respect cultural, technical, and experiential differences.

2. Collaborate Openly

• Share ideas freely and value diverse perspectives.
• Give credit where it’s due and acknowledge the contributions of others.

3. Communicate Thoughtfully

• Be clear, concise, and professional in all interactions, including GitHub comments, forums, and chat channels.
• When providing feedback, focus on the work, not the person.

4. Help Create a Safe Space

• Support newcomers by answering questions and offering mentorship.
• Report inappropriate behavior through the outlined reporting process.

Unacceptable Behavior

Certain actions are not tolerated in our community, including:

1. Harassment

• Offensive or inappropriate comments related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or appearance.
• Unwelcome sexual advances or explicit content.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.

2. Disrespectful Communication

• Insults, personal attacks, or inflammatory comments.
• Dismissing or belittling contributions from others.

3. Disruption

• Intentionally derailing discussions or causing unnecessary conflict.
• Repeatedly posting irrelevant content or spamming communication channels.

4. Plagiarism or Dishonesty

• Presenting someone else’s work as your own.
• Misrepresenting your skills or contributions.

Examples of Good vs. Unacceptable Behavior

Good Behavior

• Providing constructive feedback:
• “I noticed that your code could be optimized by using a dictionary instead of a list. Would you like me to help you with an example?”
• Asking questions respectfully:
• “Could you explain your thought process for this approach? I’d like to understand better.”
• Recognizing contributions:
• “Great work on the new feature! I appreciate the time and effort you put into testing it.”

Unacceptable Behavior

• Making offensive jokes or comments:‍
  • “That’s such a beginner mistake. How did you even get accepted to this project?”

• Dismissing others’ input:
  • “Your idea doesn’t make sense. Let’s stick to what I proposed.”
• Using aggressive language:
  • “You clearly don’t know what you’re doing. Fix this mess before submitting again.”

How to Handle Conflicts

Step 1: Address the Issue Directly (If Comfortable)

• If someone behaves inappropriately, politely let them know how their actions affected you.
• Example:“I felt uncomfortable when you dismissed my idea without explanation. Could we discuss it further?”

Step 2: Report the Incident

If the behavior persists or is severe, report the issue to the Reality AI Lab’s moderation team by filling out this form:

Please be sure to provide details: Include the following information:

1. Your name (optional, unless anonymity is preferred).
2. The date, time, and location of the incident (e.g., GitHub issue, Slack).
3. A description of the behavior and any supporting evidence (e.g., screenshots, links).

Step 3: Moderation Team Response

• The moderation team will review the report and follow up within 5 business days.
• Actions may include a warning, temporary suspension, or removal from the community, depending on the severity of the behavior.

Consequences of Violating the Code of Conduct

Violating the Code of Conduct can result in actions including:

• Warning: A private conversation to address the behavior.
• Temporary Suspension: Temporary removal from forums, GitHub repositories, or communication channels.
• Permanent Ban: Removal from the Reality AI Lab community for severe or repeated violations.

FAQs About the Code of Conduct

Q: Can I report behavior anonymously?

A: Yes, you can submit an anonymous report through our online form. Please provide as much detail as possible so we can address the issue effectively.

Q: What if I accidentally violate the guidelines?

A: Mistakes happen! If someone points out a violation, acknowledge it, apologize sincerely, and commit to improving your behavior.

Q: What steps can I take to promote inclusivity?

A: Engage respectfully, encourage others to share their ideas, and ensure that your language and actions are inclusive.

Conclusion

Reality AI Lab is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all contributors. By following the Code of Conduct and practicing community etiquette, you help foster a positive space where everyone can thrive.

Let’s work together to create a supportive community that advances AI for education and career development.