User:CKoerner (WMF)/We're in this together - "hacking" community culture
These are notes from the 2017 Wikimania hackathon session I helped to host. Putting them here so they don't get lost until I find a better home, if ever. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Sometimes feedback or criticism lacks details. "It is bad" can be responded to with probing questions to learn what is 'bad'
- People want to be heard and letting them know you are listening can change the tenor in a conversation
- meatball:DefendEachOther
- Others stepping in to a discussion can sometimes be more effective than going back-and-forth
- Sometimes this can backfire when there are large groups in opposition (like say inclusionist vs deletionists). Each side will have supporters involved.
- Be aware of cultural differences
- Some cultures are more direct in giving feedback. What can be seen as aggressive is just being direct
- Giving time between reading and responding to reflect on a situation, let others respond, and prepare a response with a clear head
- Humans often want to give response immediately and quickly - that can lead to a more emotional or not as thought out response
- Knowing when you won't be able to change folks minds (beliefs)
- Not responding solely to the individual, but to all participants in the conversation
- Encouraging positive interaction with things like Barnstars or talk page messages
- Demonstrating civility in your own interactions.
- Documenting best practices and sharing positive examples (see WMDE link from Johanna)
- mw:Expected behavior