CODE OF CONDUCT
Creating a better community.
#1
COUNTER CULTURE
- If you join, you’re accepting an active role in making a more positive film community. We’re all sick of competing, one-upping, and bragging. The point of Indie Empire is to inspire, support, and encourage. The culture we create is not passive, it requires intention and energy-if you accept a role in this community, you are agreeing to participate in that.
- When discussing work, we will avoid judgment statements, or assigning value to others’ work. Art on a fundamental level is not good, or bad. Art is an expression. (Statements like: “This is bad” or “I didn’t like it”) and focus more on your experience of the piece (limiting the statement to yourself, as opposed to assuming others’ experience. For example: “I was a little confused by X” or “I wasn’t as engaged in this”) If you truly find someone’s work is not for you, remember that there is always the option to not comment at all.
#2
INHERENT
VALUE OF ART
#3
ENCOURAGE
AND
INVITE.
- Leave competition at the door, and bring collaborative efforts instead. We are all here because film is hard and discouraging. The whole point of this program is to make film easier-that includes the way it feels to show up. Be that person who makes others believe in the mission, comment more, offer help, share tips, be the person you want to see on this site. Remember that a few positive words can go a long way in helping someone continue their fight in the industry.
- Ask for help. Ask for more information. Ask for what you want. Ask clarifying questions. Ask what another creator’s goals are. Ask if someone wants advice, before you offer it. Ask how we can continue to improve industry conditions. Ask how we can continue to grow.
#4
ASK
#5
WHAT IS FEEDBACK
- Comments that judge, correct, or perscribe are opinions, not feedback. Feedback is only valuable, if it is kind, thoughtful and moves the creator forward. Try to find what their goals for the project are, and help them achieve the best version of their vision, not how you would do the film if you were the director. Ask for clarity, not corrections. Advice is always best when asked for. Please be mindful of when users are asking for advice, and when they are posting because they’re proud of an accomplishment.
- This community is meant for all-in fact, it’s specifically meant to provide refuge for marginalized creators. Please respect everyone’s identity, culture, pronouns, and backgrounds.
#6
INCLUSIVITY
#7
SETTING THE
VIBES
- Bring your best self to this space, your energy is contagious whether you mean it to be, or not. This community will be a reflection of the people in it, and you’re one of those people. We honestly are all aware of what it means to bring a good energy and good intention into a space. Please be mindful of the tone of your comments, and the way you interact with others. If there’s a doubt about your intentions with a particular statement, we will always lean towards giving you the benefit of the doubt, but if you are consistently suspected of being condescending, unkind, so on, you will be removed.
- This is a resource that’s not meant to be gatekept, we rise together. Share your knowledge freely, and invite others who could benefit from this resource. We will always find ways to expand, and add opportunities to this community as the numbers grow.
#8
SHARE
#9
MEET &
GREET.
- Meet people where they are. Respect that everyone is at a different stage in their career, experience, talent, and access to resources. Celebrate them at their level. This is a place for people to share works in progress, but also finished works. Let’s keep their intentions while sharing in mind, and if it’s a completed work, let’s help them celebrate their achievement.
- We understand that art can touch on heavy, difficult, or controversial topics, provide appropriate content warnings so users can opt out. (Violence, SA, Nudity, Suicide, Self-harm, Racism, Eating Disorder content, Language, Abuse, so on.) Please use good judgment, and help protect this as a safe place for mental health. If you have more edgy content you want to share, we encourage you to post it on an alternate platform like Vimeo or Youtube, and link to it in a way that your friends can choose to leave the site to view the material, and come back to discuss it.
#10
CONTENT
AND
TRIGGERS
FAQ:
Our community guidelines
I want to provide feedback?
Great! If you have a suggestion for how we can improve our policies and code of conduct, please contact us, and we will consider your feedback!
What happens if I violate the code of conduct?
Violations will be met on a case by case basis. However, most violations will simply result in a temporary pause, until corrective material is completed. Ex: Were you reported for unkind comments? For a first time violation, you’ll likely be required to complete a course on positive community engagement, and upon completion, your account will be restored.
What if I see someone violating the code of conduct?
As tempting as it may be to clap back, we ask that you simply not engage with negative community behavior. Protect your peace. Simply report the activity, and let our team handle it for you. We’re here to protect you.
I don't see the point
Everyone is different, with different needs, and different values. If our code of conduct is not in aligment with your own goals and values, this isn’t the community for you.
I have more questions, can you help me?
Yes, of course! We’re happy to chat about any concerns.