Code of Conduct

NetThing is a community event to discuss how the Internet works, and doesn’t work so well, for

Australians. At NetThing, everyone’s opinions and ideas are equally valued. The event is happening

around Australia in both physical and online spaces, and is open to people of all ages, backgrounds,

genders and ethnicities.

We expect everyone to be treated equally and with respect at all NetThing physical and online spaces,

as well as any NetThing-related social events and related social media and online chat channels.

NetThing is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender,

gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity,

age, religion and profession.

We value your wellbeing at NetThing, and want everyone to feel safe and included, and to have fun!

The four pillars of NetThing participation:

• Respect people
• Enable participation
• Stay on topic
• Keep it safe

Enforcement

A respectful, open attitude towards others is expected from all participants, speakers, exhibitors and

volunteers. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from the

event.

We do not tolerate harassment of NetThing participants in any form.

What is harassment? 

Some forms of harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Any comments that reinforce social structures of oppression or domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race and ethnicity, age, religion and profession
• Deliberate intimidation, bullying, stalking or following - either in person or online
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of NetThing proceedings, including deliberately and repeatedly speaking over other people
• Inappropriate physical contact of any kind
• Inappropriate messaging of any kind, including sharing of explicit images
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviours

Anyone asked to stop any behaviour deemed harassing or inappropriate will be expected to comply

immediately. NetThing participants who break these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from

NetThing at the discretion of the organisers.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, NetThing organisers may take any action they deem

appropriate, including warning the offender or asking the offender to leave the event.

If you experience or witness any form of harassment or behaviour you think is inappropriate you can

report this to a Member of our Safety Team or a NetThing Team Member. Safety officers will be

identified at the beginning of each online and in-person session.

In particularly serious situations, or if one persists, escalates, or is deemed to be dangerous to any

attendee, including organisers and speakers, the NetThing Team will not hesitate to contact venue

security (in cases of in-person incidents) and/or local law enforcement.

Something Has Happened. What do I do?

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or uncomfortable either online or in-person, please

report it as soon as possible to a NetThing Team Member. Harassment and other Code of Conduct

violations make NetThing unpleasant for everyone - and we want our community to be happy and safe

at all times.

Telling someone else what happened to you can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as

possible. We won’t ask you to confront anyone, and we won’t tell anyone who you are.

If the incident happened to you in person:

• If you approach any of us to make a report or complaint, our NetThing Team will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard before asking you to tell us what happened. You’re welcome to bring someone along to support you.

If the incident happened online:

• The NetThing Team member will ask you how you would like to communicate - be it by phone or online. We encourage a phone call in this instance, but will work with however you feel most comfortable. We may ask you to take screenshots if possible, to include in any further action or report.

Depending on the incident, other NetThing Team Members may need to be involved to resolve the

situation and ensure your report is managed properly.

This Code of Conduct has been adapted from New Zealand’s NetHui event, as well as the Geek Feminism Wiki created by the Ada Initiative.