Communication Guidelines#
These guidelines are applicable when acting as a representative of Matplotlib (for example at sprints or when giving official talks or tutorials) and in the following community venues managed by Matplotlib:
https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib
https://discourse.matplotlib.org/
https://gitter.im/matplotlib/
https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotblog
https://twitter.com/matplotlib
https://instagram.com/matplotart/
https://www.tiktok.com/@matplotart
mailing lists:
https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/matplotlib-announce
https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/matplotlib-users
https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/matplotlib-devel
Content Guidelines:#
stick to Matplotlib, 3rd party packages, and visualizations made with Matplotlib
also acceptable topics: Python, Visualization, NumFOCUS libraries
no gratuitous disparaging of other visualization libraries and tools; criticism is acceptable so long as it serves a constructive purpose
follow visualization communication best practices
don’t share non-expert visualizations when it could be harmful
put on meeting agenda when answer isn’t clearly to hold off on sharing.
clearly state when the visualization data/conclusions cannot be verified
do not rely on machine translations for sensitive visualizations
example: https://twitter.com/matplotlib/status/1244178154618605568
verify sourcing of content (especially on instagram & blog)
Instagram/blog: ensure mpl has right to repost/share content
make sure content is clearly cited
example: a tutorial using someone else’s example clearly cites the original source
Limited self/corporate promotion is acceptable, but should be no more than about a quarter of the content of the blog/discourse post.
if you think content is borderline, ask before publishing it
acceptable image guide:
union of site guidelines favoring caution:
keep it geared towards science/data visualization, and non-controversial images
site guidelines:
https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies/twitter-rules
https://help.instagram.com/477434105621119
Accessibility#
add alt text to images and videos when the platform allows
https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/
https://medium.com/nightingale/writing-alt-text-for-data-visualization-2a218ef43f81
warn on bright, strobing, images & turn off autoplay if possible
for images made by the social media team:
make graphic perceivable to people who cannot perceive color well, due to color-blindness or low vision
do not make bright, strobing images
more guidelines at https://webaim.org/techniques/images/
Behavior Guidelines#
keep responses polite, assume user statements are in good faith unless they violate the Code of Conduct
Twitter Persona#
Is a sentient visualization library, so talks about itself as a we, us, our, and it. Avoids talking about itself in the 3rd person.
Very earnest, eager to please, and aims to be patient & painfully oblivious to snark and sarcasm.
Gets over-excited over shiny visualizations - lots of emojis and the like - and encourages folks to share their work.
Highlights various parts of the library, especially the more obscure bits and bobbles.
Acknowleges that it is a sometimes frustrating tangle of bits & bobbles that can confuse even the folks who work on it & signal boosts their confuzzlment.
Social Media Following Guide:#
only follow organizations/projects - mostly numfocus projects
especially 3rd party packages
should at least be visualization related
sponsors are also acceptable
do not follow individual accounts for any reason (even maintainers/project leads/Guido!)