Revision 1.1
The Camp Standard of Excellence is a Code of Conduct for use in the Astral Campgrounds community, but is encouraged for general use anywhere you'd like for people to be Excellent.
Everyone is coming from a different background, sense of humor, interpretation of wording and collection of interests. We are all highly complex and nuanced individuals as humans, and we are at our best when we come together to enjoy the compelxities of each other, learning along the way.
Approach conversation with empathy, positive curiosity and collaboration in mind. In simple terms, always opt for "yes, and" rather than "no, but." Did someone say they haven't seen your favorite TV show? Perhaps they said they aren't personally interested in a topic you absolutely adore? Instead of lashing out, reapproach with why you find it great. At best they are convinced and change, and at "worst" they can appreciate why you love it.
The world is messy, confusing and often dangerous for the folks who need the most support. It is on all of us to take an active role in fostering a supportive, encouraging and safe environment for people to explore themselves within. When people feel safe, they have a chance to grow and change in a healthy way, and become much more open to new ideas, passions and major life steps. One of the most powerful tools we have as humans is to help other humans grow. The more we do that, the more we all benefit.
Now explicitly: queer folks, trans folks, BIPOC and women especially deserve support in a world that has hosted hundreds if not thousands of years of backlash and oppression. Men of course also deserve support and respect, as do all humans with the exception of those who wish to remove the rights of others. Inclusivity requires discretion and vigilance, and it is on us to actively step up and step in.
Especially in text chat, nuanced sentiment can be lost in the fold. What you may find humorous may be interpreted as insulting to others. The easiest way to avoid this is to be direct, clear and authentic; stretching lighthearted jokes clearly be humorous and avoiding jabs, insults and slurs even when in jest.
It may be that a term you're used to using is a term someone else finds distressing. While you should not need to be overly cautious or feel like walking on eggshells, it should not be a heavy lift to construct your language in a way that others can understand and appreciate your sentiments. If someone pushes back on a term, reapproach with empathy and good faith.
Cynicism and nonstop sarcasm is an attractive defense mechanism, especially given the absurdity of the world we live in. However, it can easily spiral to a dark place and can often leave people confused, offput or upset. Rarely does cynicism add to a conversation, especially when injected into a discussion between other folks who may not feel the same way. It is poisonous to collaborative and uplifting conversation, and often serves no purpose besides to derail an engaging conversation.
It is perfectly understandable and acceptable to be cynical of things, sarcastic about things and generally skeptical, but it is never okay to drag people down. Jumping in to provide a counter point where you feel it may add to the conversation is encouraged, but again always do so in good faith. Otherwise, let people enjoy things.
The Camp Standard of Excellence can be summarized as: "be good to each other." We are all in this wild world together and we should all be doing what we can to make everyone else's experience on this planet as excellent as possible, and in turn, we will be improving our own.
Be well.