Given some email we've received over the last few weeks, we on the Ombudsteam wanted to make a couple of clarifications regarding our thoughts on the Photography Policy:
It seems to us that having a visual way for people to indicate that they do not wish to be photographed is very useful. It avoids potentially confrontational encounters when someone is uncomfortable having their photograph taken, and it gives photographers a clear signal about those preferences. We said as much to the IESG when we were asked about the potential policy.
Having such a policy or set of guidelines has never been necessary for the Ombudsteam to perform our duty. Someone can certainly be harassing in their picture taking, with or without this policy, and we have always been willing and able to take a report of such an incident and act on it. Since this policy makes communication between participants a bit more clear and straightforward, it can make resolving problems a bit easier for us, but it is certainly not something that we needed or requested.
We hope that helps everyone understand our position.
Allison, Linda, and Pete
