Guide for encouraged behavior

Knutpunkt is a place where we come to meet, explore, create and discuss; where we want to be dead serious and crazy creative at the same time. It is a diverse melting pot, where people of (almost) all ages meet with others with different larp interests and traditions, identities, ethnicities, sexualities, religious/political beliefs and backgrounds –– and where every community has its own cultures and social expectations. We urge you to respect each other’s ideas, views and boundaries; to take care of, and encourage each other.

Encouraged behavior for an open climate

It’s not always easy being in a new place, or meeting a lot of new people at once. To make it a little easier for everyone, we have listed some suggestions for things you can do to help each other out having a good time at Knutpunkt.

  • Speak English during Knutpunkt, even though it can be tempting to speak your native language with people you know from your own community. English is helping foreigners to jump in and join the conversation.

  • Introduce people to each other, to help everyone feel welcome and connected.

  • Welcoming newcomers into a conversation and bringing them up to speed on the topics raised also makes it easier for them to contribute to the discussion.

  • Open chair We encourage you to have an open chair at the table, or an open space in a circle of people talking, for people who would like to join the conversation. Seeing that a chair is available signals that the discussion is open, and that you are encouraging others to join in.

  • Assume the best when it comes to the other participants, and try to cut each other some slack. Not everyone comes from the same shared knowledge base or social framework. Use social slips or miscommunication as an opportunity to clarify, or to share knowledge in a respectful way!

  • Be respectful towards others. Be considerate with what you say, and bear in mind the perspectives of the listeners.

If you have a question, you are more than welcome to contact any one of the people staffing the infodesk. They are there for your convenience, all will help you to the best of their abilities.

Listen to your fellow participants

  • When in disagreement, try to listen to the other party. Misunderstandings and mistakes are unavoidable, but luckily we can correct them if we listen to each other – and please ask questions. If you don’t know about the specific concepts or haven’t heard about the specific larps that are discussed; please ask about it. Most people will be more than happy to explain!

  • Pay attention to the personal boundaries of the people you are interacting with, and listen to what they are telling you. Remember that yes means yes, no means no, and “maybe some other time” also means no. When in doubt, always ask.

  • Take no for an answer (this goes for everything from intimate encounters to simple social requests). Always accept if a person wishes to leave a place or a situation.

  • Consider changing your behavior if you are told that your words or actions feel like harassment, or are making someone unsafe. We trust that everyone participating at Knutpunkt cares for each other, and do not generally seek to harm others.

Making Knutpunkt a safe event

The organizers are grateful to everyone who helps make Knutpunkt a safe event by giving and receiving messages in a good manner.

  • If you are feeling unsafe or harassed, it is usually best to work it out with involved parties, even though this could be uncomfortable. If you are unable to do this, or if somebody does not leave you alone even after being asked to do so, we encourage you to leave the situation and to seek out help from our hosts.

  • Swedish law applies at Knutpunkt. We will not accept failure to comply with Swedish law, including offensive behavior, or disregard of Knutpunkt’s own rules or directions.

Please be mindful about the organizers. A lot of energy, time and love has been put into this event by them. 

  • We really want your feedback, but not when we are in the middle of the event. Write down all thoughts and ideas, and send them to us afterwards – it’s very appreciated! 

  • We can’t always give you an answer straight away, but we will do our very best to get back to you as quickly as possible.

  • We are held accountable for what happens at the conference. If something breaks, that is very okay, it happens – but we would really like to know.