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Core Values

The following is a list of precepts and values key to the Simple Machines team. These beliefs and values are critical to the ongoing success of the project and should be embodied in everything we do and every decision we make.

1. Free Software

   We will provide our software to the public for free. A full and complete version of any software title developed by this project will be available to everyone without any cost, be it monetary or otherwise.

2. Respect and Fairness

   We will treat others with consideration, high regard, courtesy and dignity; in a just, equitable and unbiased manner. We will demonstrate good manners, pay attention and treat others as we would like to be treated. We will be consistent, listen and be open to feedback, be careful making judgments about others, and treat people equally and equitably.

3. Development and Growth

   We will support the personal and professional growth of each every member of the team. This project was founded by people and for people looking to develop their skills as well as themselves. We will always strive to help and encourage others and to provide opportunity for growth, development and learning.

4. Recognition and Credit

   We will recognize the successes and accomplishments of the team and the individuals who make up this team. We will give credit where credit is due. This applies to successes, contributions, licenses and rewards.

5. Friendly Competition

   We exist in a competitive world, with many other alternative software titles. We will persevere in this arena through quality and respect, not through antagonism and hate. We will support competitors and treat them as we would have them treat us. We will not insult, disparage or in any other way teardown other projects, businesses or organizations.

6. Peers and Equals

   Everyone on this team is an equal. We have structure and process because they allow us to improve communications, responsibility and ability to do what needs to be done - not because it infers power. We will make decisions in a democratic manner, and no one team member will hold sway over another.

7. Volunteers

   Everyone on this team is a volunteer and gives what they can of their free time. They each give what they want and/or can, but we must accept that life and family come first. We will be understanding and supportive of each other, and will respect other members when they take breaks from and/or leave the team.

8. Activity

   All team members are registered members of the main community boards. We all strive to be as active as required to fulfill the duties of our role on the team. There is no required level of activity on the boards; however, a long unexplained absence is inconsiderate, causes unnecessary speculation and is cause for replacement.

9. Support

   Our reputation is built by our users. Excellent support is fundamental to this reputation. We will continue to provide support and assistance to the members of the user community. A product has little value if it is not supported, ongoing support is ongoing development are equally important.

10. Intellectual Property

    We are contributing our time and efforts to benefit the project. All code, graphics, algorithms and other work provided by team members are donations to the Simple Machines project. This donation of intellectual property cannot be revoked.