Network Working Group The Offline Society Request for Comments: TOS-0001 Category: Informational Obsoletes: None Updates: None ISSN: N/A Rules for "The Offline Society" (TOS) Status of This Memo This memo provides information for an undefined and deliberately unregistered community. Distribution of this memo is unlimited, provided such distribution occurs exclusively via physical means or direct human voice. Copyright Notice Copyright (c) The Offline Society. This document may be copied, reproduced, read aloud, or rewritten by hand without restriction. Abstract This document describes the foundational principles governing "The Offline Society," a decentralized, non-registered, and non-digital social formation. These rules define operational, social, and ethical constraints intended to preserve autonomy, self-reliance, and organic organization without reliance on digital infrastructure. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Terminology 3. Core Principles 3.1. Total Offline Operation 3.2. Absence of Membership Registers 3.3. Encouraged Fission and Independence 3.4. Education over Authority 3.5. Radical Self-Reliance 4. Operational Notes 5. Security Considerations 6. Acknowledgements 1. Introduction "The Offline Society" exists as a response to pervasive digital mediation. It does not begin at a specific point in time, nor does it require formal recognition. This document does not define an organization but rather a set of constraints under which social activity may occur. 2. Terminology The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", and "MAY" in this document are to be interpreted in a practical, human sense rather than a legalistic one. OFFLINE The absence of digital devices, networks, platforms, or records. MEMBER Any person who participates in a happening aligned with these rules, whether knowingly or unknowingly. HAPPENING Any gathering, event, action, or shared activity realized under these constraints. 3. Core Principles 3.1. Total Offline Operation All activities MUST remain offline. Digital devices MUST NOT be used to publish, document, organize, or communicate about happenings. Information dissemination MUST occur solely via physical paper or spoken word, and only to other participants. 3.2. Absence of Membership Registers No formal or informal register of members SHALL be maintained. Social circles remain open and unconstrained by inclusion or exclusion dynamics. Sign-ups SHOULD be avoided and MAY only occur when material scarcity makes minimal coordination unavoidable. Attendance is assumed to self-select: the right people will arrive. 3.3. Encouraged Fission and Independence Participants MAY split off at any time. Independence is encouraged. There are no permanent leaders. Action and realization define participation. Individuals MUST recognize and act upon their own boundaries. 3.4. Education over Authority Informal hierarchies MAY arise naturally due to differences in confidence, speed, or volume. To prevent these from ossifying into inherited authority, those with influence SHOULD actively teach others the skills and knowledge they possess. Leadership is treated as a temporary, transferable condition. 3.5. Radical Self-Reliance Each participant is responsible for their own well-being. No implicit safety net is guaranteed by the society. Mutual aid MAY occur, but responsibility cannot be delegated. 4. Operational Notes "The Offline Society" has already begun. Participation does not require invitation. If no invitation has been received, participants SHOULD create a happening themselves. Independently emerging bubbles are expected to merge organically over time without coordination. 5. Security Considerations The absence of digital records reduces certain surveillance risks while increasing reliance on trust, memory, and physical presence. Participants are advised to exercise situational awareness and personal responsibility. 6. Acknowledgements This document acknowledges all past, present, and future participants who acted first and explained later. Author’s Address The Offline Society (No fixed address) (No digital contact)