- As a representative of the FreeDOS 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
FreeDOS 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 FreeDOS 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 FreeDOS has to offer. There is no need to bash
the competition. FreeDOS is a good project
that stands on its own.
- Respect the use of other operating systems. While FreeDOS 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 FreeDOS, we must respect other products.
- Give credit where credit is due.
- Don't insist that FreeDOS is the only answer for a particular
application. Just as the FreeDOS community cherishes the freedom
that FreeDOS provides them, FreeDOS-only solutions would deprive
others of their freedom.
- There will be cases where FreeDOS is not the
answer. Be the first to recognize this and offer another
solution.