Content Complaint (Strike) Policy

Last updated December 22, 2023.

Overview

Anyone who provides content for Kumoricon is a partial representative of Kumoricon while they are providing that content. If someone's performance or event is offensive or violates our code of conduct, there has to be a way to handle those situations.

Covered activity

The following activity is covered by this policy:

Panel content provided by the panelists
Contest participation (both staff and attendees)
Kumoricon events with sign-ups
Social media posts about panels or events in official Kumoricon social media

Process

Step 1: Complaint is filed with the appropriate staff member

When someone witnesses problematic behavior, the best place to go is the Operations Office and file a formal complaint. In some cases, the behavior may actually violate convention policy and would be handled by a different process.

The second choice would be to go to the Programming Office.

The third choice for events that have an organizer/lead would be that event's organizer or lead.

At that location, they would fill out a complaint form that has the following details:

Name of complainee
Contact info for complainee (in case we need additional info)
Time and location of the event (a.k.a., panel/event name)
Description of the person who performed the problematic act
Description of the problematic act

Step 2: Complaint reviewed by Programming executive team

The form is then handed over to the Programming executive team for review. They may investigate the claim and communicate with the target of the complaint for further details. They will do one of the following actions:

Declare a content strike against the target of the complaint.
Determine there is not enough information to make a declaration.
Determine that no violation occurred.

Step 3: Notification

In the event that the Programming executives declare that a content strike is warranted, a Programming executive will contact the person in question either in person or via email. If the Programming executive contacts in person, they will provide a written documentation of what was communicated in the conversation. The Programming executive will explain why they received the strike and what it means for future participation in con events.

If a person wishes to appeal the decision at the event, they will be directed to the convention Chair.

A list of all content strikes (current and previous) will be provided to the board of directors on an annual basis as part of a Programming department report.

Impact of strikes

Content strikes are an escalating scale that will result in someone being unable to participate in content. Strikes cover all content areas so a strike as a panelist may impact a person's ability to participate in the cosplay contest.

A person is only able to receive one strike per year, unless the behavior is egregious where they would receive two strikes.

1st strike: Warning

The person is warned that their behavior is unacceptable and that they will need to change their behavior in the future.

2nd strike: Suspension

The person is unable to participate in events for the remainder of the current convention and all of the next convention.

3rd strike: Block

The person is blocked from being a panelist or participating in sign-up events.

Removing strikes

Content strikes exist in perpetuity without action by the Director of Programming or the board. If the Director of Programming removes a content strike, they must notify the board.

Examples of misconduct

Performing/providing adult content outside of an age 18+ event.
Performing/providing content that is different than what was stated on the panel description.
Violating convention policy or code of conduct during their panel/event.
Last minute, surprise, cancellation of panels.
Sharing of privileged or embargoed schedule information.
Posting disparaging comments about convention events on social media.