Welcome to The OpenHVAC Community. As a hub for innovation in the HVAC industry, our community is dedicated to the open-source movement. Joining us means agreeing to uphold a respectful, productive, and legally compliant atmosphere.

Community Principles

1. Respect and Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and insist on respect for all members, regardless of background or perspective.
2. Collaboration and Sharing: Our strength lies in sharing knowledge and resources openly and collaboratively.
3. Integrity and Honesty: Be transparent and honest, particularly regarding project commercialization.
4. Constructive Feedback: Strive for continuous improvement through giving and receiving constructive feedback while avoiding inconsiderate criticism.
5. Compliance with Open Source Licenses: Respect open-source licensing agreements in all projects and technologies.

Explicit Community Rules

1. Relevant and Informative Content: All contributions should be relevant to HVAC, building science, and open-source technology.
2. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: No form of discrimination will be tolerated. This includes language or actions based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, or any other protected status.
3. Plagiarism is Prohibited: Respect intellectual property rights. Always attribute original creators and avoid presenting others’ work as your own.
4. Transparent Commercial Activities: Any commercialization must be ethical, transparent, and compliant with open-source licensing.
5. Conflict Resolution: Engage in constructive dialogue to resolve conflicts. Escalate unresolved issues to moderators.
6. Privacy Must Be Respected: Do not disclose any personal or confidential information without explicit permission.
7. No Spam: Refrain from spamming the community with irrelevant links, advertisements, or redundant content.
8. Legal Compliance: Adhere to all relevant laws, particularly those concerning intellectual property, data privacy, and commercial transactions.
9. Disruption: Attempting to disrupt the normal function of this community or certain projects via loopholes in design or function will lead to penalties and possible expulsion. 

Moderation and Enforcement

• Role of Moderators: Our moderators enforce the guidelines and handle reported violations.
• Moderator Discretion: Mods cannot possibly list every scenario that may occur in the rules and guidelines, so moderator discretion will be required in certain cases.
• Penalties for Violations: Depending on the severity, consequences may include warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans.
• Reporting Protocol: Report any violations to the moderators for appropriate action.

Joining the Discord Server

• Discord Engagement: Our Discord server offers real-time interactions. The same guidelines apply.
• Channel Usage: Use designated channels for relevant topics to maintain order and relevancy.

Conclusion

Your commitment to these guidelines and rules is crucial for maintaining a positive, productive environment in The OpenHVAC Community. We appreciate your participation and look forward to your contributions to the HVAC industry through open-source collaboration.