Posts Archives - Duck Alignment Academy

2025-10-01

The solution to deadlines is usually “cut scope”

Doing less work is both effective and least likely to upset your users. Fewer functional features beats more half-implemented features.

Posts

2025-09-17

Planning ahead is the most important part of code of conduct enforcement

A pre-defined code of conduct enforcement process doesn’t make the work easy, but it reduces the strain and increases fairness.

Posts

2025-08-27

Who is a “member” of your project?

We often use the words “contributor” and “member” interchangeably in open source projects, but there are subtle differences between the two.

Posts

2025-08-20

Duplicate bug reports and how to handle them

Duplicate bug reports waste time for everyone involved. You can reduce them by understanding the complicated dynamics.

Posts

2025-08-13

Who should enforce the code of conduct?

There are valid reasons to involve outside experts in code of conduct enforcement, but it’s ultimately a leadership responsibility.

Posts

2025-07-30

It’s okay to stop doing things

Don’t start something you’re not willing to do indefinitely, but it’s okay to stop. What used to be a good use of time may not be any longer.

Posts

2025-07-23

You can only expect the help you ask for

People won’t know you need help unless you ask for it. Be specific about what you need and be prepare to help the helpers.

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2025-07-02

Using AI moderation tools

Use AI moderation tools to help human moderators, not to act on their own. Don’t take the humanity out of your community management.

Posts

2025-06-25

Your only obligations are the promises you make

A recent policy change in libxml2 highlights the fact that project maintainers don’t have to do something just because it’s a good idea.

Posts

2025-06-04

The right tool is the one people can use

If a tool is a means to an end (and it is!), then the right tool is the one that gets the job done. Even if it wasn’t intended for that purpose.

Posts

Category: Posts

The solution to deadlines is usually “cut scope”

Planning ahead is the most important part of code of conduct enforcement

Who is a “member” of your project?

Duplicate bug reports and how to handle them

Who should enforce the code of conduct?

It’s okay to stop doing things

You can only expect the help you ask for

Using AI moderation tools

Your only obligations are the promises you make

The right tool is the one people can use

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