This Code of Conduct covers our behavior as members of the TechNet Wiki Community, in any forum, mailing list, wiki, Web site, IRC channel, install-fest, public meeting, or private correspondence. TechNet Wiki governance bodies are ultimately accountable to the TechNet Wiki community and will arbitrate in any dispute over the conduct of a member of the community. This Code of Conduct is based on the Ubuntu Code of Conduct.
Be considerate. Our work will be used by other people, and we in turn will depend on the work of others. Any decision we take will affect all of us, so we will take everyone's interests into account when making decisions.
Respect content creators. Do not copy content from another author unless you have permission. If you do have permission, mention it at the top of the article and include a link to the original source and author.
Be respectful. The TechNet Wiki community members treat one another with respect. We may not always agree, or participate in the same way or degree, but disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into a personal attack. It's important to remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive one. Disrespectful and rude members will be banned.
Be trustworthy. If there is no trust, there cannot be community.
Be collaborative. Collaboration is the reason the TechNet Wiki exists. Our work should be done transparently and we should involve as many interested parties as early as possible. If we decide to take a different approach than others, we will let them know early, document our work, and inform others regularly of our progress. For example, if you make a change to someone else's article, leave behind an explanation in the comments field. Behavior that inhibits collaboration will be discouraged and/or sanctioned.
When we disagree, we consult others. Disagreements, both social and technical, happen all the time and the TechNet Wiki community is no exception. It is important that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively and with the help of the community and community processes. We have the Advisory Board, the Community Council, and a series of other governance bodies that help to decide the right course for the community.
When we are unsure, we ask for help. Nobody knows everything, and nobody is expected to be perfect in the TechNet Wiki community. Asking questions avoids many problems down the road, so questions are encouraged. Those who are asked questions should be responsive and helpful. However, when asking a question, care must be taken to do so in an appropriate forum. You can file bugs, request features, and discuss wiki policy and community on the TN Wiki forum at http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/tnwiki/threads.
Step down considerately. Members of every community come and go. When you leave or disengage from the Wiki, in whole or in part, we ask that you do so in a way that minimizes disruption to the community. This means you should communicate to members that you are leaving and take the proper steps to ensure that others can pick up any collaborative work.
We hold our members to higher standard, detailed in the Leadership Code of Conduct, and aspire to arrange the governance of the community to ensure that issues can be raised with leaders who are engaged, interested, and competent to help resolve them.