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
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
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John 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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I'm learning. :-D
Jeremy Falcon
Not at work I hope! ;)
-- Transmitido en Martian en SAP
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Okay, 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
The job is always more important than CP...
"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 -
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! || sighistagreed
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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
Company I am at has two open developer spots and you get your work done they don't care if you post on CP. I have never found being threatened with my job as a positive thing and it creates an uncomfortable tension for a long time. If you are not comfortable with where you are working find something that fits better. As a side note I asked about posting on CP when I was at work and the managers were ok with it. At least you know the expectations that are on you now so make the best of it and post from home for now.
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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 thank him considering how easy it is to get addicted to the lounge !
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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
That is absolutely the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Tell him that the latest software and computer technologies are often shared in the Lounge since it is a computer site. I'm assuming he's not upset about you posting elsewhere on CP? Also, does that mean he reads this? If so, have him read mine and let me tell him he's an idiot. Or she is for that matter. Most people don't work 8 hours a day. Is taking a piss work related? Is it charged or made up some other time? Is smoking work related? A lot of people do that to relieve stress (yeah they're addicts), but still they don't make up that time. While others walk down to a friend's or friends' cubicle or office and chat with them. Now you're wasting your time and another employee's. Is that time made up? No. Everybody takes a break from work at work so that they can work more efficiently. Your way happens to be reading and posting at the Lounge in CP and that is no different. I do that too and also just walk around the halls in our office thinking how to resolve an issue. Some people ask me what I'm doing since they think I'm goofing off, but on occasion I need to think on my feet without a computer in front of my face distracting me. To each his own (number one). No one has ever asked me to stop doing what I do because I am productive. If anyone ever complains about that I will explain to them as I did above, and quit if given an ultimatum. In my previous company, our network admins blocked most sites, non-work related (i.e., news, entertainment, etc.), and we complained to no avail. They even blocked Google cache and others once they realized we found work-arounds. All the while, I was waiting until I found another company I wanted to work for. But productivity went down for everyone, the higher ups were allowed access becuase they complained and were allowed to. The network admins gave themselves access silently which I uncovered and got in some shit for. The rest of the employees got stuck with nothing. And the developers spent more time uncovering work-arounds that would have been better spent at work. Once my job offer came through, I did not look back at all. Do what you feel is best. Do you think you'll be there forever?
"I know which side I want to win regardless of how many wrongs they have to commit to achieve it." - Stan Shannon
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Not at work I hope! ;)
-- Transmitido en Martian en SAP
Jörgen Sigvardsson wrote:
Not at work I hope!
LMAO! Of course not.
Jeremy Falcon
