Should we offer a means of anonymous reporting?

[ajklein]

The Chromium code of conduct does this, for example. They do note that it may be harder to take action on an anonymous report.

But it still seems like it could be valuable to encourage people to speak up even if they don't feel comfortable bringing something to the advisory committee with their name attached.

[ljharb]

Yes. The goal should always be that everyone feels comfortable reporting publicly. The only way to be sure that is true is if there is an equally accessible way to report anonymously and privately.

[gnarf]

👍 to the general idea. Chromium's uses a google form, is that something we could use?

[leobalter]

As soon as we have the subcommittee formed w/ the proper email we use, we can also define something to address this. I believe this should be the first group task for the CoC subcommittee.

[hackygolucky]

If anonymous reporting is allowed, there may need to be a disclaimer on the form that actions may be limited by not being able to do further reach out for the report and enforcement. I know y'all said that it's already been mentioned that it's difficult to execute on anonymous reports--and I've had to do it. It's very, very difficult.

[ctcpip]

committee discussed on 2023-06-22 - quorum (@ctcpip, @hemanth, @mpcsh) is in favor of this, probably via a Google Forms form (or equivalent), but first step is to draft the change to the CoC itself, and get that through committee (and Ecma?)

[ctcpip]

committee discussed 2023-08-31 and felt that the path forward here may be to recommend the person to create a throwaway/anonymous email account and use the existing reporting mechanism. this allows them to remain anonymous and allows for follow-up communication.

next step is to draft an update to the CoC re: this guidance. need to get this through plenary as well, so would be good to combine this draft with #49

action: @tabatkins has volunteered to draft this

[tabatkins]

Ping for PR review (no rush, of course).