What would you do?
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Does it have some huge speakers in it? ;P
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Edition17" baby.
I have CDO, it's OCD with the letters in the right order; just as they ruddy well should be
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
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CDP1802 wrote:
But I would do enough to cause some sleepless nights and teach him a lesson.
That would be ideal. But the how part is a bit non-trivial. I wonder where I can get a 'Cease and desist order' template? ;P
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionAs the boss I would simply call my lawyer and ask him to write a letter or two.
A while ago he asked me what he should have printed on my business cards. I said 'Wizard'. I read books which nobody else understand. Then I do something which nobody understands. After that the computer does something which nobody understands. When asked, I say things about the results which nobody understand. But everybody expects miracles from me on a regular basis. Looks to me like the classical definition of a wizard.
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It's a simple question to answer. The responsibility for seeking redress is not yours, it is the company who owns the code (see my answer further down for caveats), so the problem is not yours to solve. The problem needs to be solved higher up by somebody who is authorised to perform actions such as initiate legal proceedings. This means that, as you are aware there is a problem, you are responsible for making the people who are authorised to perform this action aware that there is a problem - using whatever reporting mechanisms are in place in the company.
I have CDO, it's OCD with the letters in the right order; just as they ruddy well should be
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
Thanks, this seems to be the consensus among my peers (here on CP) :) Obviously, I dont want anything to do with it after I reported it. I have too much work on my plate currently to worry other people's lack of ethics.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Edition -
Yeah. He claimed to have had the entire season of some TV series (before it even aired anywhere in the world).
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionA typical Billy Bullshiter
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17" baby.
I have CDO, it's OCD with the letters in the right order; just as they ruddy well should be
Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads
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CDP1802 wrote:
call me for help.
...for a fee ;)
Simon
Why am I always accused of running phone numbers where you are charged much money per minute and where the TV commercials are only shown after midnight? :-D
A while ago he asked me what he should have printed on my business cards. I said 'Wizard'. I read books which nobody else understand. Then I do something which nobody understands. After that the computer does something which nobody understands. When asked, I say things about the results which nobody understand. But everybody expects miracles from me on a regular basis. Looks to me like the classical definition of a wizard.
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Edition -
If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionI'd report it as it is the best way to protect yourself. I know someone that is being prosecuted for taking a copy of some source with him when he left a company. He's been on leave from his current company while he is being investigated, which has been going on for about a year.
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionIf you don't own the company, I wouldn't do anything. It would be difficult to prove he didn't reinvent it on his own, and besides, you said the code was crap, so why even worry about it?
.45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
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"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." - J. Jystad, 2001 -
If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionHave the company lawyer send him a polite email and then drop it.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Edition -
If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionI would say report it but there is that nasty little tidbit regarding "Intellectual Property". In the eyes of the law he may be entitled to it since he developed it and was paid to do so. Although he should respectively divulge intellectual property may be his copyright is the companies. Just depends on the interpretation of everyone involved. Since it's small and trivial and it doesn't really hurt the company, why split hairs.
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionSo, her trivial code looks just like your trivial code, except that it is different in some small ways, and you discovered this by what means? You might want to really document the theft a little better. Maybe you need to find a bigger theft. Is there something move valuable than the trivial code that you mention that “could” have been stolen during the period of employment? With so many excellent sources of free trivial code available today, only a real maroooonnn "steals" trivial code! Theft should be dealt with in the most vigorous manner. It drives up costs, it reduces competitive advantages, and it has the tendency to drive down the value intellectual property creators. Cheaters must be made to suffer, as a deterrent to potential cheaters if for no other reason. Thou shalt not steal, seems like a clear statement of principal that all should be able to adopt. But, you better be sure, really sure, before you accuse someone of a life ruining crime.
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionBefore making your decision, consider these: 1 - It's possible that you might mess his life up real good, will you feel good about it? Has he done anything to you to deserve this? Not that I'm in favor of revenge, but maybe he doesn't even deserve it. 2 - Does this application compete with the one in your company? Is "his" application by any means interfering with your job / company 3 - What will you get by reporting him? If I were you, I'd talk to him (mail, phone, whatever) and tell him that I know about it, that I will not report him this time, but that he should be careful with this kind of stuff as he might be not so lucky next time.
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So, her trivial code looks just like your trivial code, except that it is different in some small ways, and you discovered this by what means? You might want to really document the theft a little better. Maybe you need to find a bigger theft. Is there something move valuable than the trivial code that you mention that “could” have been stolen during the period of employment? With so many excellent sources of free trivial code available today, only a real maroooonnn "steals" trivial code! Theft should be dealt with in the most vigorous manner. It drives up costs, it reduces competitive advantages, and it has the tendency to drive down the value intellectual property creators. Cheaters must be made to suffer, as a deterrent to potential cheaters if for no other reason. Thou shalt not steal, seems like a clear statement of principal that all should be able to adopt. But, you better be sure, really sure, before you accuse someone of a life ruining crime.
I wonder if you would like to have on your conscience that you ruined someone's life. Even though it is a kind of theft (actually unauthorized copying), it does not mean the perpetrator is a bad person that deservers a life ruining experience
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That absolutely cracked me up.... Thanks :)
Michael J. Collins Web Application Programmer
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If you found out a ex-coworker took/stole some code from the company I still work for? (I always suspected this would happen, and now found a Silverlight app he claimed to have developed, obviously I had to look ;P ) While the section of code is trivial, the only thing he bothered to change was the namespace. The rest is pretty much identical, except for it going with EF vs Linq2SQL. - Should I report it? - Should I keep it with me as a possible future bargaining/blackmailing tool? - Should I send him an invoice for the time he wasted in my company* when he originally developed the piece of code*? - Do nothing - Blackmail him? * The one I am still working for. * I had to rewrite the whole thing anyways, as it was crap. The stolen code was what I wrote, in fact.
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth EditionI would report it, the sooner the better. I do agree that whenever someone leaves a job for another, we always take something with us. Generally, most of what we take is in our heads, but there are the occasional snippets that we either "invented" ourself or are so used to using that we just "need" it. One thing to remember, the new job has (at least should have) their own standards, so what we are accustom to just might not be acceptable in the new job because of their standards. I had to fire a man that stoled a complete system from his previous company, and told the manager that hired him that he was authorized to have it because he wrote most of it. I talked to his previous employer and found out he had not even worked on the system, but did work with the system he stoled. While working for our company, he continued to steal, or try to steal PC software is why I even starting thinking the software he brought with him was stolen.
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I wonder if you would like to have on your conscience that you ruined someone's life. Even though it is a kind of theft (actually unauthorized copying), it does not mean the perpetrator is a bad person that deservers a life ruining experience
In the abstract, morality always has a hard and often very sharp edge. That is why it is so important to adhere to the moral principles that are established within our societies, so as not to suffer the consequences found outside of the established boundaries. A “small” amount of stealing is difficult to differentiate from a “large” amount of stealing, in the abstract. If stealing cattle is wrong, then stealing one cow is every bit as bad as stealing a herd, again in the abstract. If we bend our principles at some ill-defined threshold then the ambiguity of our stated principals opens the door to bad acts of all types. Does a snippet of trivial code allow me to land on the moon sooner than my competitor? Has an inconsequential nail served to win a battle and topple a nation? Abstraction relieves me of the need to “feel”, and as a member of a civilized society, my “feelings” must be set aside for the greater good.
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Do nothing because that is a loop hole which company should take care to protect the source code.
rahul
What? "Finders keepers, losers weepers" is prevailing here? That's crap!
A loyal employee has an obligation to notify the company that its intellectual property has been compromised. If the knowledgable employee is not loyal enough to report the incident, then the company had better protect itself further by firing the employee.
It is one thing for developers to leave with code they helped develop if its later use is only for one's own educational development. That's not much different than referring to old notes and assignments from bygone school courses. That shouldn't cause too much heartburn. It is entirely another thing if that code becomes another company's product, particularly if it is a competing company. That's wrong.
Do the right thing. Report it.
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What??? So you are saying the company has to get a warrant to search employee's homes for evidence of company property (code in this case) when they leave the company?
xacc.ide
IronScheme - 1.0 RC 1 - out now!
((λ (x) `(,x ',x)) '(λ (x) `(,x ',x))) The Scheme Programming Language – Fourth Editionleppie wrote:
So you are saying the company has to get a warrant to search employee's homes for evidence of company property (code in this case) when they leave the company?
It shouldn't have got that far in the first place. The Company is obviously lax in guarding its intellectual property. Where I used to work, ANYTHING produced on a company computer was regarded by the Company as THEIR property. This was made plain in the contract of employment terms. No computer had a recordable CD/DVD drive, and USB ports were disabled. Also, all email went through a scrutinising process so that the chances of any company information actually leaving the company was miniscule. Can you imagine Microsoft letting their developers have the ability to take their code home? Somehow, I can't.
Nobody can get the truth out of me because even I don't know what it is. I keep myself in a constant state of utter confusion. - Col. Flagg