Members of most organizations, in return for the benefits that they receive by belonging to that organization, are expected to act as responsible members within that organization. This is true of the nations in which we live, the companies for which we work, and the schools that we attend. In this, Mind’s Eye Society is no different.
The Code of Conduct is intended to outline the standards that members of Mind’s Eye Society are expected to uphold in order to retain the privileges of membership. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of your membership in Mind’s Eye Society, restrictions to positions you may hold within the club, or loss of earned prestige points.
In an ideal world, members would strive to act with respect for themselves, each other and their communities at all times, resolving problems rather than creating them, and showing care and responsibility for those around them. While we recognize that no member is able to maintain such lofty goals at all times, it should be every member’s intent to strive for this level of excellence at all times.
These standards are not intended to oppose or supersede any law or statute that may be in effect in your area. If a rule in this document conflicts with a legal statute, the statute takes precedence. However, the Code of Conduct set forth still has as much effect as is allowed by the statute.
If a member has violated a legal statute, enforcement of the statute takes precedence. Mind’s Eye Scoiety does not condone violations of law and will cooperate fully with any investigations made by legal authorities. The Code of Conduct should not be used as a substitute for legal action or criminal prosecution, but it may be applied in addition to such action.
Note regarding the Cam-Wiki and the Global Communications Policy
Anything posted here, either as an edit or creation, is fully subject to the Code of Conduct, as this is a “sanctioned medium” as described in the Global Communications Policy, as found in the Membership Handbook, page 90. In order to keep within policy, you will need to add the OOC Bio Template to your userpage.
Section 1: Perpetual Responsibilities
There are a select few behaviors that are unacceptable to Mind’s Eye Society regardless of when or where they are performed. These perpetual responsibilities apply to all members at all times, regardless of whether they happen to be attending a club event at that moment. Section One does not attempt to limit any member’s behavior regarding issues which are solely personal in nature, but they should guide how a member deals with club issues, such as disagreements on club policy or rules, official decisions, and aspects of the game.
Be REAL first
At all times, keep in mind that the game is only a form of entertainment; things that exist or happen within the game are not real and should not be portrayed as such. Mind’s Eye Society does not claim that vampires, werewolves and the like are real. The organization discourages members from playing their characters at out-of-character events. Similarly, it is essential that members do not make the mistake of confusing a member’s actual personality or attitudes with those of her character.
Maintain our reputation
Members should represent Mind’s Eye Society in an accurate and respectful manner at all times to individuals and organizations outside Mind’s Eye Society.
Exercise honesty
Members shall be honest in their dealings with the organization. Members shall not knowingly submit false information to the organization or to any officer acting in an official capacity. Likewise, officers shall be honest in the information they present to the membership. (Please note that this does not mean that a Storyteller is obliged to relay all in-game information to members regarding plotlines. A certain amount of confidentiality is necessary to protect storylines for the enjoyment of the players.
Avoid abuse
Members shall not engage in behavior (in person, via e-mail or otherwise) that reasonably causes another member to fear the offender may actually cause physical harm, significant mental distress, or property damage to another member, nor shall they actually cause such harm.
Section 2: During Mind’s Eye Society Activities
While attending a MES event or otherwise participating in MES activities, members are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves, other members, and the club as a whole. If a situation arises where this becomes difficult or impossible, even if the situation is caused by another member violating this Code of Conduct, it is better to step back and take a break until the situation has improved. Taking a bit of a rest, asking the presiding coordinator to address the situation, or even leaving the event are all viable options until you have the opportunity to use the conflict resolution process outlined in this handbook.
Definition of MES activities
Events
The guidelines outlined in this section apply while attending any MES event including games, socials, and chapter meetings from the time that the event begins until the time that the event ends (as determined by the presiding coordinator). These guidelines also cease to apply once the member has left the specific location of the event, again as determined by the presiding coordinator.
Electronic forums
These guidelines, at least as they do not relate to physical activities, also apply to any communication upon sanctioned MES mailing lists, IRC channels or other sanctioned electronic communication forums. Sanctioned forums are those presided over and/or implemented by a MES coordinator. For clarity, it is recommended that any forum whose status is unclear have its status explicitly indicated to those with access to the forum. A more detailed definition is available in the Global Communications Policy.
Official activities
This section also applies to any communication, verbal, written or otherwise, to or from an officer acting in an official capacity within the club. This includes an officer publishing a decision, requesting information, stating opinions or any other communication, so long as it relates to their duties as an officer. It also applies to any member appealing or questioning an official decision, replying to a request for information, responding to opinions, or to any other communication with an officer regarding their duties.
Obey the rules
Physical contact
Members shall not engage in non-consensual physical contact with others while participating in a MES event. Live-action roleplay is talking, not fighting. Consensual contact (such as hand shaking) is acceptable; non-consensual contact is grounds for disciplinary action.
Weapon props
Members shall not carry weapons or realistic representations of weapons at MES gaming events or at any other events where the presiding coordinator deems it inappropriate. In the dark, toy guns look much the same as real ones. No props can be used if they must touch another person to be effective.
Discrimination
No manner of discrimination, verbal or otherwise, will be tolerated in any function of the club, be it based on race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, length of club membership, or gender.
Substance abuse
Live-action roleplay can be a very intense experience. Members shall not participate in MES events while noticeably impaired by mind-altering substances (including, but not limited to alcohol). This clause does not apply to members with regards to taking medication as directed by a physician, but such members are still expected to conduct themselves according to the code of conduct. No diagnosed mental illness will be considered a valid excuse for violations of the Code of Conduct, nor will the presence or absence of any prescribed medication.
The national coordinator may set a more restrictive policy on mind-altering substances. The presiding coordinator for a specific event may also do so, but only within the bounds of that event.
Not drinking blood
Mind’s Eye Society does not condone the drinking of blood. While some of the fictional characters we portray may do this, even discussing the drinking of blood in reality is not permitted while participating in a club event.
Illegal activities
Members shall not cause or participate in any illegal activity as defined by local, state, provincial, or federal law while participating in a club event.
Know when to stop
When a member calls for a time-out, all game-oriented action in the immediate vicinity must immediately stop. Emotions can run high in the midst of roleplay, and it is every player’s responsibility to be able to stop before play gets out of hand. Any member may call a short time-out for any reason, though a prolonged break should be handled by turning the character over to a storyteller to complete the scene while the player steps away from the situation.
General safety
Members shall conduct themselves at events in a safe and orderly manner. Any in-character actions that could cause danger, damage property, or cause alarm should be described rather than performed.
Show respect to other members
Be courteous of others
Members are expected to be courteous and cordial whenever they are not in character. Compliments should be as frequent as possible and criticism should be constructive. Members shall not threaten other members or the public, nor will they denigrate personal, political or religious viewpoints. If a member expresses that they are offended by a certain subject matter, then discussion on that subject matter should cease.
While in character, members shall take reasonable care to prevent disrespectful or abusive actions in game from being seen as disrespectful or abusive outside the game, and members shall continue to be respectful to the public. If a member expresses that a particular subject matter is offensive even within the context of the game, then discussion on that subject should still cease both in and out of character.
Conflict resolution
Members who have a personal issue with another member have a responsibility to handle it calmly through the dispute resolution procedures described in this handbook. Members who have an issue with an officer acting in their official capacity likewise have a responsibility to handle it calmly through the appeal and/or complaint procedures described in this handbook. By extension, each member has a responsibility to be familiar with the dispute resolution and complaint procedures outlined in this handbook.
Members who violate the Code of Conduct while engaged in a complaint and/or appeal may be subject to disciplinary action as a result, but this does not invalidate their complaint or appeal.
Be honest
Dishonesty is disrespectful. Members shall be honest in their dealings with other members. The Mind’s Eye Society does not tolerate cheating or unethical behavior within any game or event it sponsors.
Liability
Members shall not hold the MES or any officer in an official capacity liable for personal loss or injury while attending events.
No rumor-mongering
Members should avoid spreading information at MES functions and over MES forums that is hurtful to other members, particularly information that is second hand or potentially incorrect. Officers are allowed to pursue necessary lines of information gathering and dissemination that might otherwise fall under the aforementioned definition if this is done in the course of performing their duties.
Section 3: Before and After MES Events
In order for Mind’s Eye Society to maintain a relationship with the hotels, rental halls, campsites, and with other sites at which we hold events, members are expected to follow the guidelines set by the site to preserve a good reputation for Mind’s Eye Society.
Expectations
Members are expected to obey all site rules and regulations while at the site of a MES event. Breaking rules or regulations set by the owners or managers of the site is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct. It is expected that members will not cause intentional property damage, disturbances of the peace, or engage in other actions that may damage Mind’s Eye Society’s ability to engage in business with the site.
It is not expected that the full Code of Conduct apply outside of MES activities as previously described. It is only expected that members not engage in behavior that would damage Mind Eye Society’s relationship with the owners or managers of the site. The final determination regarding acceptable behavior rests with the owners or managers of the site. If they wish to prohibit an activity, then that activity is in violation of the Code of Conduct if performed at the site. This section does not prohibit behaviors other than those prohibited by the owners or managers of the site.
Timing
The guidelines in Section Three apply before, during and after events, so long as the member is still at the site of the event, unless the site owner/manager determines that MES involvement ends at a particular time.
Boundaries
The site of the event includes the entire property at which the event is being held. In hotels, this would include the actual gaming room, private rooms in the same hotel, the lobby, bathrooms, deck, parking lot, etc. In essence, the entire hotel, including the grounds, would be considered the event property. For a campsite, this would include the entire campground as well as any adjacent public lands. If there is any doubt, you are probably still at the site. Note once again that only the rules established by the owners or managers of the site apply this widely-the MES rules in Section Two only apply where the event is taking place during the time allotted to the event.