Category: Posts

2025-10-15

Splitting conversations splits community

Community leaders are often too quick to segment conversations into different channels, which effectively hides the activity.

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2025-10-08

Ruby Central’s lesson in how not to do it

Community-driven projects run on consensus. To make changes, you need buy-in from the core members, at a minimum.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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