created September 20th, 2024. Last updated September 20th, 2024.
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As a member of the Wingbeats staff, you represent the community and are held to a higher standard. You are expected to uphold and enforce all Wingbeats rules and regulations. While professionalism is important, we recognize that staff are human, and we don't expect you to act ‘robotic’ or overly formal. Staff should lead the community by example, not act as superiors.
Staff Behavior Expectations
No Intoxicated Moderation: Staff are prohibited from performing administrative duties or moderating the site under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are impaired, use the off-duty option, avoid moderation, and refer reports to colleagues. Dependent on severity, this could be a strike or an outright removal from the team.
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Respectful Language: Using derogatory slurs, offensive language, or personal attacks is strictly prohibited. This includes inappropriate jokes or comments that could alienate or hurt community members. Do not do this in a private setting, including staff spaces. This will result in a strike.
Maintain Impartiality: Staff must remain neutral in all issues. If you have a personal bias, emotional involvement, or conflict of interest, it’s your responsibility to step back and pass the matter to another team member.
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Professionalism in Interactions: Staff must maintain a respectful and constructive tone, especially during conflicts or sensitive discussions Aggressive or emotionally charged behavior, such as interrupting with personal attacks or impulsive reactions, is not acceptable and will result in immediate demotion. Such behavior damages Wingbeats' reputation and undermines the trust we aim to foster with the community. Staff should step away from conversations if they feel unable to engage constructively.
Maintain Professionalism in Staff Channels: While it's important for staff to support each other, avoid venting or making unnecessary complaints about community members in staff channels. If you need to vent, do so privately and anonymize any details to protect users’ identities and maintain confidentiality.
Cooperation with Other Sites
Wingbeats values positive relationships with other communities. Staff members should refrain from making derogatory remarks or attempting to discredit other sites or communities while representing Wingbeats. It is acceptable to reference situations involving other sites, particularly if they are relevant to discussions, but this must be done in a respectful and constructive manner, without demeaning or ridiculing others.
Confidentiality
To protect user privacy and preserve the integrity of our projects, Wingbeats staff must adhere to strict confidentiality rules:
Protect User Privacy: Never share private user information, including personal details, actions taken, or activity logs with anyone outside the staff team.12345
Safeguard Projects: Keep internal Wingbeats projects, such as upcoming events or features, confidential to avoid spoilers, while ensuring user privacy remains intact.
1 Regarding user bans: It is acceptable to state if a user has been banned and the duration of the ban if prompted, but please do not disclose the reason for the ban to protect user privacy.
2 Regarding permanent user bans: It is acceptable to state if a user has been banned and the duration of the ban if prompted, as well as a vague director-approved reason.
3 Regarding user information requested by another site: It is acceptable for a DIRECTOR to state if a user has action taken against them as well as a vague director-approved reason.
4 Reporting serious violations: If a user's behavior poses a risk to others or violates legal requirements, it may be necessary to inform relevant authorities. It is acceptable for a DIRECTOR to contact a user's ISP and local legal authorities regarding on-site conduct.
5 Community awareness: If a user’s actions affect the community, it may be appropriate for a DIRECTOR or ADMINISTRATOR to issue a general statement about the behavior without naming individuals if the team is in agreement it is necessary.
If you’re uncertain about the confidentiality of something, consult the team for guidance. All staff actions, such as warnings, bans, or other moderation activities, must be properly documented in the designated staff channels.
Fraternization and Nepotism
To maintain fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, romantic relationships between staff members are prohibited. This ensures impartiality and prevents subconscious bias in decision-making. If a relationship occurs while both staff members are on the team, it is up to them to decide who steps down. This does not include in-roleplay relationships, as they do not affect moderation.
Conduct on Other Platforms
Staff are responsible for their behavior on other platforms. The following activities will result in immediate removal from the team:
Zoophilic or Inappropriate Content: Creation or participation in zoophilic content, especially involving minors or minor-appearing characters.
Nonconsensual or Discriminatory Content: Engagement in nonconsensual works, hate speech1, or discriminatory materials.
Copyright Infringement: Participating in or supporting art theft, copyright violations, or plagiarism.
1 Wingbeats has a zero-tolerance policy for hate group involvement or the promotion of prejudice based on gender identity, race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. Violating this policy will result in immediate termination from the staff team.
Strike Policy
Wingbeats operates under a three-strike system for staff violations of the Code of Conduct.
First Strike: Verbal or written warning with guidance on corrective actions.
Second Strike: Temporary suspension from administrative duties.
Third Strike: Permanent removal from the team.
Serious violations, such as hate group involvement, may bypass this process and result in immediate termination.
Public Disclosure of Demotions
Wingbeats reserves the right to publicly announce staff demotions, providing a brief explanation to ensure transparency and maintain trust with the community.
By joining the Wingbeats staff team, you agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct and understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including demotion or removal from the team.
