A stripped-down standard for projects that prefer clarity to performance.
No Code of Conduct
Judge contributions on their merits. Handle conflict like adults. Keep the work moving without turning every disagreement into a ceremony.
Three principles
Three lines. No bureaucracy.
The philosophy is intentionally small: short enough to remember, direct enough to use under pressure, and clear enough to keep power games out of the room.
01
Treat contributors like adults
We are all adults, fully able to conduct frank, mature, and respectful discussions.
02
Judge contributions on merit
We welcome every contribution on its merits. We do not care about political views, background, gender, or any other personal characteristic. We neither raise nor consider such matters; our sole focus is the quality of the work.
03
Keep the standard brutally short
Nothing else matters.
Adopt it
Standards are useful when they stay usable.
Copy the file, keep the three commitments, and let the repository stay focused on the work. When someone crosses a real line, address the scope directly or use the host platform's own reporting path.
Starter text
We are all adults. We accept all contributions on their merits. Nothing else matters.
01
Start with the repo, not the ritual
Copy CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md into the repository root and keep it short enough to read before a pull request is opened.
02
Prefer repair over performance
Use direct conversation first. Most friction gets smaller when expectations are specific, timely, and visible.
03
Let the platform handle platform-level abuse
If conduct violates GitHub or another host platform, report it there instead of inventing a parallel bureaucracy.
Share it where it belongs, not as a mood board but as a clean working standard for serious collaborators.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the concerns people usually raise when a community chooses directness over bureaucracy.
Does this approach make me feel excluded?
Not at all. The absence of a formal code of conduct does not imply a lack of respect. It simply means we choose to direct our energy toward creation and constructive exchange rather than constant oversight of personal interactions. We trust in the maturity of every participant.
How can I feel safe in a community without a code of conduct?
In the same way one participates in any adult discussion space on the internet: by contributing thoughtfully, addressing misunderstandings directly and privately, and focusing on the work itself. The internet is vast and diverse; we invite you to engage with confidence in what you bring to the project.
What if someone behaves inappropriately?
We encourage direct, private communication to resolve issues. If the behavior violates the hosting platform's terms of service (such as GitHub's), report it directly to the platform. We do not serve as mediators or arbitrators; each individual is responsible for their own conduct.
Is this philosophy compatible with in-person events or professional environments?
Certainly. Physical or workplace settings often require tailored guidelines. No Code of Conduct is intended primarily for online communities and open-source projects, where the emphasis remains on the quality of contributions.
How does this approach welcome newcomers?
By setting a clear example. We believe a sufficient number of level-headed adults naturally creates a healthy, stimulating environment. We value open discussion, constructive feedback, and the genuine goodwill that arises from mutual respect.
What happens if discussion drifts off-topic or becomes unproductive?
We discourage off-topic conversation without resorting to censorship. Should a thread stray from the project's purpose, we calmly refocus on the shared objective.
Why not address individual emotions?
We are not a support group for personal feelings; we are a community organized around a specific purpose. By concentrating on contributions and ideas, we create a space where everyone can express themselves freely and advance together.
Final note
Copy the file. Keep the standard. Lose the ceremony.
No Code of Conduct is not less responsibility. It is fewer euphemisms, fewer rituals, and a much sharper focus on the work people are actually here to do.