User:CKoerner (WMF)/We're in this together - "hacking" community culture

From mediawiki.org

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