Please note that Octocon is the National Irish Science Fiction Convention and the primary language that we will be communicating in throughout the convention is English.
Introduction
Octocon exists for the enjoyment and enrichment of the fannish community. To ensure that the greatest number of people achieve this objective, we have established this Code of Conduct. By this Code, we seek only to ensure that the behavior of any one small group does not disturb the membership as a whole, nor does the behavior detract from the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of our events.
It is important that you read and understand this Code. Anyone who attends an Octocon, or an Octocon-related event, is expected to follow this Code for the entire duration of the event, including any informal pre- or post-event activities.
Octocon reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without prior or posted notice and reserves the sole right of interpretation.
Please keep in mind that these rules involve, of course, “worst-case” scenarios and are put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of our members. They are not all-inclusive; in all cases, the singular rule that supersedes all others is,
“Any action or behavior that is illegal or causes significant interference with event operations, excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects Octocon’s relationship with its guests, its venue, or the public is strictly forbidden and may result in revocation of membership privileges temporarily or indefinitely.”
We anticipate no difficulties, as our members and attendees as a whole are rational and responsible adults. Octocon is prepared to deal with any issues related to the Code in as rapid and efficient a manner as possible should they occur. We thank our members and attendees for their past cooperation and for their continued assistance in making Octocon events enjoyable experiences for everyone. Have fun – just please remember to be courteous of those around you while doing so!
The Octocon Committee
Respect for Others
Octocon wants all of its members to enjoy themselves at its events. As such, we ask that you respect each other. All Octocon events should be a space where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.
Discrimination (based on, but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical / mental ability, membership in the traveller community, or technical/technological capabilities) is not tolerated. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. If someone tells you “no” or asks you to leave them alone, your business with them is done.
If you feel that you are being discriminated against or harassed, or if you notice anyone behaving inappropriately (such as violating convention policies), we respectfully suggest the following:
- If you feel comfortable doing so, point out the inappropriate behavior to the person(s) involved. Often this will solve the problem immediately.
- If you do not feel comfortable talking with the person(s) involved, or if talking to them does not resolve the issue, please report the situation immediately to any Octocon Committee Members, or Designated Staff.
- It would be extremely helpful if you could provide a name or username for the person(s) involved. Please remember that we need to know about any incidents during the event in order to take action.
Code of conduct for online spaces
Even though Octocon 2021 is an online convention, please be as respectful and courteous towards others as you would in a physical space. Harassment of any kind, from intimidation to verbal abuse to illegal behavior will not be tolerated. This policy applies to your interactions with everybody, and everybody’s interactions with you.
You must be of legal age to use the technology platforms on which Octocon runs. Please check the appropriate age restrictions.
No means no. No one attending Octocon owes you an interaction or conversation or to connect with you after the convention. Octocon is an all-ages convention and the majority of our programme will be PG-13 unless otherwise indicated ahead of time. We ask attendees to respect this in all their interactions with other attendees.
Do not record and do not take or share video or pictures (including screenshots) without permission.
Refrain from illegal, destructive, and hazardous conduct.
Violation of this policy can result in action by the convention committee ranging from a warning, to having your access revoked, to permanent banning. Action by the convention in no way precludes the injured individual from pursuing whatever remedies, civil or criminal, as they see fit.
Please note that other behaviors, including but not limited to destruction of the virtual con space, can also result in the actions described above.
If you feel you are being harassed or that someone has violated the code of conduct in any way, please tell the moderator of the channel or space you are in. If necessary, ask a Committee member to find one of those people for you. You can message @Committee on Discord to contact them.
You will be treated with respect and your concerns will be taken seriously. If you are not comfortable raising the matter at the time, please contact us after the event at chair@octocon.com.
All names involved will be kept confidential to the greatest possible extent, but any accused person has the right to know enough details to be able to defend themself.
In the event of someone breaking the code of conduct
Octocon reserves the right to revoke membership from and eject anyone at anytime from an Octocon event without a refund.
Failure to adhere to any of the above policies may result in a number of possible consequences.
Consequences include, but are not limited to:
- Talking with all parties involved and attempting to mediate a solution to the problem
- Issuing verbal warnings
- Revoking memberships and requesting that the person(s) leave the event
- Contacting An Garda Síochána
- Banning of attendance and membership of future Octocon events