StarLink-IRC Network *** OFFICIAL CHARTER *** Passed by Resolution 11 Jan 97 Revision 1.1 12 Jan 97 Part I: Charter and Foundation Part II: StarLink-IRC Structure Part II-A Services and Organizations Part II-B General Provisions Part III: Organizational Responsibilities Part III-A Operations Group Part III-B Host Services Group Part III-C Channel Services Group Part III-D Technical Services Group Part III-E User Group Part IV: Channel Registration Amendment 1: Founding Membership * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * StarLink-IRC RULE #1: Do not annoy others. StarLink-IRC RULE #2: Do not be too easily annoyed. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Part I : Charter and Foundation StarLink-IRC was originally founded on 15 July 1996 for the purpose of providing IRC users with a good place to meet, exchange ideas, and generally have fun. On 1 January 1997, these concepts were reborn in the StarLink-IRC network where the original spirit of communication, cooperation and user support that has become our hallmark. StarLink-IRC is a network neighborhood: Our Services infrastructure support the channels that comprise the neighborhood homes, offices, meeting halls, and parks where people can safely meet, exchange ideas and form 'families' and common interest groups. The founding members of StarLink-IRC, after due deliberation, adopted the following principles: 1. The inherent and self-evident rights, authorities and responsibilities of Host Services, Channel Services, and Users shall not be abridged. 2. StarLink-IRC exists for the sole purpose of providing its users with a safe, reliable, and secure place to chat. 3. All Users shall, wherever possible, be provided timely assistance, support, and a voice in network. 4. Deliberate abuse or harassment of persons or groups will not be tolerated: o Abuse of authority is absolutely prohibited and will be dealt with swiftly and severely. o StarLink-IRC Operations shall deal immediately with any reports of abuse by members of StarLink-IRC organizations. o Within a Channel, the Channel Manager defines allowable behavior and may deal with violators as they see fit. StarLink-IRC balances the inherent rights of free speech and the rights of users. Although supportive of alternative viewpoints and lifestyles, StarLink-IRC will NOT support advocacy of intolerance or abuse of the rights or property of others. The following Special Restrictions apply: Prohibited Actvities: Channels and users providing or suporting Warez (stolen software) distribution or acquisition. Openly pornographic channels soliciting, supporting or conducting on-channnel sexual activities. Channels and/or users advocating abuse of human rights, including cruelty, intolerance, child pornography, or similar subjects. Cloning or flooding for the purposes of disrupting the network or its users. Repeated abuse of privmsg or DCC chat to systematically or repeately harass users. Penalties: Violators will be permanently and immediately removed from StarLink-IRC, possibly without warning or appeal. Relevant records of prohibited activities or advocacy may be provided to appropriate authorities for further action. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Part II: StarLink-IRC Structure StarLink-IRC is an interactive group of people who all have a common interest in the success of our network. Input from affected parties will be solicited and considered. While individual Groups are autonomous and not subject to review by other activities, any decisions affecting StarLink-IRC as a whole are subject to review by the OPERATIONS GROUP. Part II-A: SERVICES AND ORGANIZATIONS SERVICES: The technical or administrative functions that support the network. De-facto Services are those which appear on a /map or /links listing and are an integral part of the net. The principal services provided by StarLink-IRC are: HOST Services: Systems which run the programs used by or for StarLink-IRC. OPER Services: Global network control functions. CHAN Services: Channel-based control functions to channel operators. AUX Services: Support features and functions messaging services, mail lists, web pages, etc. ORGANIZATIONS: StarLink-IRC Named Organizations are defined Groups which determine the character and nature of SERVICES and coordinates their implementation. The Five StarLink-IRC named organizations and principal authorities are: OPERATIONS GROUP: Overall network coordination and policies. HOST SERVICES GROUP: Host Server and Networking (HOST Services) Server Administration: Server Administration and Connectivity Policy Operator Services: Network Operation and Protection CHANNEL SERVICES GROUP: Channel Administration (CHAN Services) Registration: Channel Registration and Policy CService Representatives: Channel Operations assistance TECHNIAL SERVICES GROUP: Technical Activities (OPER Services, AUX Services) Routing Services: Connectivity Support and Testing Coding Services: Services Design, Development, Testing Web Services: World Wide Web Presence Mail List Services: Mailing List Administration USERS GROUP: User Representation Channel Owners (Channel Ownership) Channel Ops (Channel Operations) Part II-B GENERAL PROVISIONS * Connectivity: The founding administrators have agreed that, regardless of any other permissions or approvals deemed necessary, the unanimous consent of ALL current Administrators is a prerequisite to permanently adding a server to the network. * Service Administrator Auhority: The authority of a service administrator over their service is absolute and final and includes: Addition, removal and discipline of priveliged users and the proper implementation and management of services provided. * Ownership: Nothing in this charter shall be construed to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any individual. The owner of any intellectual property used by StarLink-IRC by permission may withdraw such permission at any time and for any reason. The domain name, StarLink-IRC.org, belongs exclusively to the StarLink-IRC network as a whole. Network identifiers, logos, and similar design elements that have been assigned or licensed to StarLink-IRC belong to StarLink-IRC as a whole and not to any specific individual or group. * Structure and Representation within Groups: Structure: Named organizations shall determine their own membership, internal structure, and operating procedures. Representation: Within a named organization, no individual may have more than ONE vote. Authorized proxy votes of absent voting members may be presented by anyone so authorized by the voting member. Proxies: General proxies are prohbited. If a voting member cannot be present, they shall appoint an authorized voting delegate for any discussion or votes. The selected delegate conveys all rights, authorities and responsiblities of the voting member. The delegate shall NOT be a current voting member of the applicable group prior to their selection. * Network Representatives: Network representatives are the priveleged users of server, operator or channel service functions who are charged with maintaining network integrity and security. Network Representatives are NOT responsible for any activity that occurs on a channel and will NOT interfere with internal channel operations, content, or politics. When on a channel, Representatives are GUESTS of the channel and will act appropriately. In EMERGENCY situations, any Network Representative may take immediate action to restore channel or network stability. Use of special authority to act contrary to the wishes of legitimate channel managers or operators is absolutely prohibited and may result in the loss of that authority. StarLink-IRC OPERATIONS GROUP will ensure that any Network Representative found or reported to be abusing their authority is fairly investigated and, if appropriate, disciplined by the appropriate group. HOST SERVICES GROUP will handle issues regarding IRC Operators and CHANNEL SERVICES GROUP will address infractions by Channel Services members. Part III ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESs Part III-A: OPERATIONS GROUP Description: StarLink-IRC Operations is a representative group that provides overall coordination and network policy direction. No specific individual shall be designated as head of or coordinator for the OPERATIONS GROUP. Voting Membership: The voting membership shall consist of ONE and only ONE delegate from each named Group: HOST SERVICES GROUP (Host Services Delegate) CHANNEL SERVICES GROUP (Channel Services Delegate) TECHNICAL SERVICES GROUP (Technical Services Delegate) USERS GROUP (User Group Delegate) Responsibility: Mediate discussion and resolve conflicts between (or, if requested, among) its member groups. This group shall ensure that all members of the StarLink-IRC community are provided a voice in network activities, informed of issues and decisions, and provided a safe and efficient network. Group Services: None. No service or group shall be part of the Operations Group Part III-B: HOST SERVICES GROUP Description: Administration and overall operation of StarLink-IRC servers. The Host Services Coordinator shall ensure that Server Administion and Operator Services needs and interests are adequately represented and are consistent with the goals and spirit of the network. Voting Membership: Voting membership consists of TWO delegates for each connected service or server as follows: For IRC servers: ONE server administrator and ONE operator on that server. For Services: ONE service owner/designer and ONE administrator of the service. Responsibility: Individual service administrators are totally responsible for the operation and management of their service. Group Services: * Server Administration Server Administrators are expected to abide by any agreements regarding their affiliation with StarLink-IRC. For their systems, Server Administrators are responsible for implementation of service/server configuration changes and permissions or prohibitions (k:lines, etc.) * Operator Services IRC ops are the assistants, representatives and agents of their respective Administrators. IRC ops shall safeguard the net from disruption and provide timely assistance to users upon request. III-C: CHANNEL SERVICES GROUP: Description: Channel Services is responsible for channel registration, setup, and channel user assistance. The Channel Services Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that Channel Service activities support the user community and are in concert with the overal spirit and charter of StarLink-IRC. Voting Membership: Voting membership consists of the StarLink-IRC Channel Services Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and the channel services programmer/owner. Responsibility: CService consists of experienced IRC channel managers, IRC operators and Server Administrators who: WILL NOT enter into discussions on how a channel is run WILL mediate discussions of channel managers. WILL attempt to provide stability to channels. Group Services: * Registration: Responsible for approving the initialization or deletion of registered channels. * Representatives: Responsible for assisting users in maintaining channel stability, answering questions, and assisting users in the proper utilization of StarLink-IRC services. III-D: TECHNICAL SERVICES: Description: Technical Services are responsible for evaluation, a nalysis, developement, and coordination of the various technical features and characteristics of the network. The Technical Services Coordinator is responsible for ensuring coordination of technical activities both within the TECHNICAL SERVICES group and with StarLink-IRC OPERATIONS GROUP. For presentation, discussion or other activities, the Technical Services Coordinator shall ensure that appropriate representatives or experts are 1: given an adequate voice in overall StarLink-IRC operational decisions, and 2: provided access to groups or individuals as needed to perform their duties. Voting Membership: Voting membership shall consist of the Technical Services Administrator and ONE member from each committee within the group. Responsibility: Each committee shall perform the activities shown below and shall have a coordinator or point of contact who is responsible for 1) ensuring committee activities are performed in a timely manner and 2) properly coordinated among affected groups. * Routing Services Committee Connectivity Support and Testing * Coding Services Committee Services Design, Development, Testing * Web Services Committee World Wide Web Presence * Mail List Services Committee Mailing List Administration III-E: USER GROUP: Description: Represents all users of the StarLink-IRC network. The selection, duties, and roles of the User Group Coordinator will be determined at a later date and, upon ratification by NETWORK OPERATIONS, become part of this charter. Voting Membership: All channel managers, operators, and visitors are members of the USERS GROUP. Responsibility: Channel managers are the registered "owners" of their respective channels and: + Shall ensure that channel content and behavior is within the guidelines of this Charter. + May appoint additional channel operators as deemed necessary. + Are the final authority within the channel. + Are NOT responsible for other-channel activities of their regulars or ex-operators. Channel Operators: + Are representatives and agents of the Channel Manager + Should maintain order within the channel as needed Abuse on Other Channels + Abusive behavior on other channels by Channel Managers will NOT be tolerated. + Channel managers repeatedly violating this rule may be warned, but WILL be removed or suspended for an indefinite period Group Services: None. *********** CHANNEL REGISTRATION ************************************** Part IV: Channel Registration ** REGISTRATION Given the nature of IRC networks, all channels are inherently 'provisional' ... they only exist because a user or bot sets them up. The registration process recognizes this and is designed to reduce the administrivia usually found in channel registrations. In general, only one channel will be registered to any individual. Failure of a channel owner to authenticate and join the channel for 45 consecutive days will constitute abandonment of the channel. 1. CService will review applications for content and completeness and send a response letter to the applicant. 2. CService may deny registration to anyone who has been abusive to the net or its users. 3. Any registered Channel may be removed for necessary and sufficient reason. 4. Temporary channels may be set up from time to time for special purposes but must be either removed or formally registered as soon as practicable. 5. CService will periodically purge channels that appear to be abandoned. 6. With suitable justification, a channel that has been mistakenly purged will be immediately reinstated. ** CHANGES 1. The channel manager must send an E-mail request to the current StarLink-IRC registration address stating: + The channel name. and owner identification (userID, owner name) + The requested action (Addition, Deletion, Transfer, De-Registration) + The reason for the request. 2. Transfer: The channel owner may request that channel ownership be transferred to another individual. Such transfers are final and, upon completion, the requester may not claim any further ownership of the channel. 3. De-Registration: Upon request of the channel manager, the CService bot may be permanently removed from a channel. Note: A deleted channel will NOT be re-registered to the same owner within 30 days. ** Objections Any reasonable objection to a channel will be considered by CService. Upon receipt of an objection, the CSC will: 1. Immediately convene a meeting of any available CService members to determine the seriousness and nature of the objection. 2. Designate or set up a channel for discussion of the issues (if needed due to the nature of the objection). 3. The discussion date/time will be set to accommodate as many concerned individuals as possible yet still provide a timely response. 4. No final decision will be made until BOTH sides of any disagreement or objection have been heard. 5. Meeting attendance by parties NOT involved in the issues will be discouraged. AMENDMENT 1: ****************** FOUNDING MEMBERSSHIP ****************** During the meeting establishing this charter, the following memberships were established. Each group and service will meet as needed to make adjustments to these positions. An asterisk * identifies Sub-Group Coordinators. OPERATIONS GROUP: Overall network coordination and policies. Group Coordinator: The Operations Group shall not have a coordinator. Voting Members: Host Services: maggi Channel Services: Itsy Technical Service: Devon User Services: Amazing HOST SERVICES GROUP: Host Server and Networking (HOST Services) Group Coordinator: maggi Voting Members: Server Administration Members (One from each server) Operator Services Members: (One, selected by OpServices, for each server) Services: Server Administration: Server Administration and Connectivity Policy Members: * maggi Cleveland.OH.US.StarLink-IRC.Org g-force Rochester.MI.US.StarLink-IRC.Org devon Washington.DC.US.StarLink-IRC.Org Operator Services: Network Operation and Protection Members: * TBD (Operatior services cordinator) TBD All Opers (No memmber of Server Admin may also be a member of Operator Services) CHANNEL SERVICES GROUP: Channel Administration (CHAN Services) Group Coordinator: ITSY Voting Members: Registration Group (all members) CService Representatives (one half of all members) Services: Registration: Channel Registration and Policy Members: Itsy * Amazing CService Representatives: Channel Operations assistance Members: * TBD (Coordinator) [Maggi] Idajo TerryNZ Lt_Ed Chief301 TECHNICAL SERVICES GROUP: Technical Activities (OPER Services, AUX Services) Group Coordinator: DEVON Voting Members: Routing Services Coordinator Coding Services Coordinator Aux Services Coordiator Services: Routing Services: Connectivity Support and Testing Members; * YoSam HB g-force devon Coding Services: Services Design, Development, Testing HB * devon tame1 g-force itsy Aux Services: Web Services World Wide Web Presence * HB (Web Services) Maggi (Mail Services) USERS GROUP: User Representation Group Coordinator: AMAZING Voting Members: Amazing Idajo Others TBD by the group. Services/Representation Channel Owners Channel Ownership Channel Ops Channel Operations