What would you do?
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
suck it up and don't post to the lounge during work ours. His money, his rules. - or - "You can't fire me - I quit!" your choice.
Some of us walk the memory lane, others plummet into a rabbit hole
Tree in C# || Fold With Us! || sighist -
If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
I'd go out and have a good, long talk to myself. Seriously, though: would the threat be regarding posting in general, or a response to a specific post that somehow compromises yourself or your company? (in which case it wouldn't be the lounge per se, but any online forum). If it was a threat against posting in a forum like the lounge I'd walk. Setting aside your right to free speech and all that, if your boss seriously feels that programmers getting together as a group, to chare comraderie, to discuss issues in IT and generally taking the time to stay informed and connected is a bad thing then he is not someone you want to work for, with or near. If it was a specific posting, maybe something that makes you or your company look like a goof, or gives away sensitive information, then you need to discuss what is appropriate and what's not in relation to your work and work things out. [Addenda: if it's a general policy regarding online forums for private discussions during work hours then his toys, his rules] -- modified at 17:05 Friday 28th July, 2006
cheers, Chris Maunder
CodeProject.com : C++ MVP
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
EricDV wrote:
If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
It depends on the circumstances IMO. If you're not getting work done because of it, he has a point. If you're taking a 5 min break, then he's stupid. People waste more time on smoke breaks and nobody complains. As far as what I'd tell him; I wouldn't say much even if he was in the wrong. I'd just start looking for a new job regardless (I don't like people having to use threats in a work place, it's childish). It's better to quit than be fired from the eyes of your next employer.
Jeremy Falcon
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
Say that communication with peers in any context is work related, then use that computer to check out Dice and Monster. And that would also be work related as I'd be looking for new work. Really though, we spend the majority of our waking life working. If we can't have some basic quality of life flexibility which includes research and communicating with peers, then its a cog in wheel machine and not living. As long as our deadlines are met of course. :laugh:
This statement is false.
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
EricDV wrote:
If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP?
That'd be one of those not-so-subtle signs that things were getting really sketchy just outside the cube, if you know what i mean. Time to start really using those hours you're not at work... ...Then again, i'd probably start thinking the same thing if i saw the fuzz raiding a nearby office. :~
---- Scripts i’ve known... CPhog 1.7.1.2 - make CP better. Forum Bookmark 0.2.5 - bookmark forum posts on Pensieve Print forum 0.1.2 - printer-friendly forums Expand all 1.0 - Expand all messages In-place Delete 1.0 - AJAX-style post delete Syntax 0.1 - Syntax highlighting for code blocks in the forums
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
I really dont know, what's your company policy. But as long as it not affecting you work, it should be fine. See..Taking a coffe break is not work related but it help to concentrate you better. so will you be fired for taking the break. If you are skipping work and trolling in lounge then you need a kick in your break .;P
cheers, Super ------------------------------------------ Too much of good is bad,mix some evil in it
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
EricDV wrote:
I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
Then you should honor your word. The Lounge, by definition and decree, is devoid of programming questions and is a place to hang out and take a break. You can spin it any way you want, but this ain't work related. It's break related. It doesn't matter that I think your company's policies are unproductive, unnecessary and put them in the Internet Nazi category. It's their gig, and you signed papers agreeing to do things their way. Your boss therefore has just cause for threatening to fire you for your behavior. End of story. Don't like it (I know I certainly wouldn't)? Then get another gig. Otherwise, do it their way. This is the job you signed up for.
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
Tough Spot. Not sure what I'd do in the immediate moment....prob suck it up. In the long term I'd be shopping my resume.
Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
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EricDV wrote:
I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
Then you should honor your word. The Lounge, by definition and decree, is devoid of programming questions and is a place to hang out and take a break. You can spin it any way you want, but this ain't work related. It's break related. It doesn't matter that I think your company's policies are unproductive, unnecessary and put them in the Internet Nazi category. It's their gig, and you signed papers agreeing to do things their way. Your boss therefore has just cause for threatening to fire you for your behavior. End of story. Don't like it (I know I certainly wouldn't)? Then get another gig. Otherwise, do it their way. This is the job you signed up for.
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
well put
Some of us walk the memory lane, others plummet into a rabbit hole
Tree in C# || Fold With Us! || sighist -
If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
I completely agree with Christopher Duncan. You gave your word. Also realize that while it's possible your boss is just being a prick, he may have a very valid reason for being concerned. There may be other employees who are using their computer excessively for non-work related stuff. There is also a valid concern of liability (again, perhaps not specifically with you or Code Project, but other employees may have posted confidential information on blogs or other chat groups.) I recall case from a year or two ago, when a blogger had to stop blogging because of threats from his boss. He complained about free speech and all that and was garnering sympathy until someone observed that he was making dozens of non-trivial posts during the day that must have teken hours to write. The question then became why he wasn't just fired immediately (in other words, rather than have jerk bosses, he had incredibly tolerant ones.) [EDIT: I'd encourage your boss to look at Code Project and even your posts. That may not only alleviate his concerns but he may pass a rule forcing other developers to post messages here. I'm constantly surprised how many collegues don't even look at the technical forums and code, let alone post questions.] -- modified at 17:48 Friday 28th July, 2006
Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke
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EricDV wrote:
I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
Then you should honor your word. The Lounge, by definition and decree, is devoid of programming questions and is a place to hang out and take a break. You can spin it any way you want, but this ain't work related. It's break related. It doesn't matter that I think your company's policies are unproductive, unnecessary and put them in the Internet Nazi category. It's their gig, and you signed papers agreeing to do things their way. Your boss therefore has just cause for threatening to fire you for your behavior. End of story. Don't like it (I know I certainly wouldn't)? Then get another gig. Otherwise, do it their way. This is the job you signed up for.
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
Christopher Duncan wrote:
Then you should honor your word.
Good point, I kinda missed that.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
Your boss therefore has just cause for threatening to fire you for your behavior. End of story.
But, it's still childish IMO. I know, I know, but I'm in a mood to reiterate. :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
It's an interesting question - given that we basically think for a living, what is work related ? Why can't you claim the time you spent lying awake thinking about a problem at work, or the epiphany you had in the shower when you realised exactly how to solve that problem at work ? My first boss had a real problem with CP, mostly that I helped people in forums, and he wasn't being paid for it. I understood his position ( we were not making money ), but I flat out refused to stop answering on CP ( I spent less time doing that at work than others spent on /., but I was willing to curtail my time doing so at work further, and do it at home ) and start charging for answers on our website. I did continue to use CP at work, his complaint was more a passing fad and an expression of frustration that he wasn't making a quid. Have you ever had help at work from asking a question on CP or from an article ? Would you feel comfortable in telling your boss that this was the case ? Because if you have, that makes the site work related, in a way he surely can't deny ? I'd definately be looking for another job if I was going to be micro managed like that. IMO the core question is, do you deliver quality code in a timely manner. If so, then the odd lounge post should be irrelevant ( and is no different to you having a conversation amongst colleagues, except that you can control when you use CP ( I used to post during a build, the program took ages to build ) ). If not, then it doesn't really matter what else you may be doing, because you're already not doing your job.
Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ Metal Musings - Rex and my new metal blog
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
Then you should honor your word.
Good point, I kinda missed that.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
Your boss therefore has just cause for threatening to fire you for your behavior. End of story.
But, it's still childish IMO. I know, I know, but I'm in a mood to reiterate. :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
But, it's still childish IMO.
I think you're far too intolerant. Personally, I believe in "forgive and forget." If I had such a boss, I might even be inclined to buy him a Dell laptop for his birthday, especially if I could be sure it would indeed be operated from his lap.
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
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If your boss threatened to fire you for posting in the Lounge on CP? (Stating that it is not work related.) I signed two papers stating that I would only use this computer for work related stuff.
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
I would say "stop posting in the lounge (and the soapbox)".
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
But, it's still childish IMO.
I think you're far too intolerant. Personally, I believe in "forgive and forget." If I had such a boss, I might even be inclined to buy him a Dell laptop for his birthday, especially if I could be sure it would indeed be operated from his lap.
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
Christopher Duncan wrote:
I think you're far too intolerant. Personally, I believe in "forgive and forget."
Well, I wouldn't necessarily not forgive him just because I thought the statement was childish. It would depend on the person. If I liked the guy it probably would get over it really soon; if I didn't then it would just add fuel to the furnace. Also, I don't have much respect for people that don't have much for me. It really depends on how it was done, but if he came to me threatening to fire me rather than discussing an issue, that's no respect IMO.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
If I had such a boss, I might even be inclined to buy him a Dell laptop for his birthday, especially if I could be sure it would indeed be operated from his lap.
Now, after all that serious damn typing I just did, you go and say this? :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
I think you're far too intolerant. Personally, I believe in "forgive and forget."
Well, I wouldn't necessarily not forgive him just because I thought the statement was childish. It would depend on the person. If I liked the guy it probably would get over it really soon; if I didn't then it would just add fuel to the furnace. Also, I don't have much respect for people that don't have much for me. It really depends on how it was done, but if he came to me threatening to fire me rather than discussing an issue, that's no respect IMO.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
If I had such a boss, I might even be inclined to buy him a Dell laptop for his birthday, especially if I could be sure it would indeed be operated from his lap.
Now, after all that serious damn typing I just did, you go and say this? :laugh:
Jeremy Falcon
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
Now, after all that serious damn typing I just did, you go and say this?
Gotta read the whole post, Jeremy... :-D
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
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I would say "stop posting in the lounge (and the soapbox)".
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001Okay, now you're really just freaking me out. You're the last person I would have expected to be the voice of reason on something like this. :-D
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
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I would say "stop posting in the lounge (and the soapbox)".
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
I would say "stop posting in the lounge (and the soapbox)".
You are right (along with the others who suggested such). So, until I have another job...this will be my last lounge/soapbox post. (I'll still be in the forums though...screw em' if they don't like that.)
--EricDV Sig--------- Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them. - Laurence J. Peters
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Jeremy Falcon wrote:
Now, after all that serious damn typing I just did, you go and say this?
Gotta read the whole post, Jeremy... :-D
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
I'm learning. :-D
Jeremy Falcon
