RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] EMail addresses in list archives

[Michael <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

> > Well, I'd say it depends on the policy at the workplace. If no one told
> > you about what you can and can't do with your work e-mail address, they
> > can't really expect you to read people's minds and only do what's
> > "appropriate". People have different standards. There's a certain amount
> > of trust involved here as well. If your employer suddenly starts
> > secretly reading your e-mail, would you feel good about working in that
> > environment any longer?
>
> If the boss suddenly decides it needs to be secret? yes. It means he/she's
> either an idiot, or nuts.

A lot of the computer policies I've seen are copied out of books. Very
seldom does anybody actually consult tech's or a lawyer to find out what
is actually possible or legal. It may be legal for you to read your
employees mail but doing so gives you certain legal obligations you'd
probably rather avoid and opens you up for privacy lawsuits etc. You don't
have to lose a lawsuit for it to wreck your business.

> > > ...If you were an employer, how would you feel about your employees
> > > using office mail to send christmas cards to their family?
> >
> > I'd call it a Christmas bonus as long as they don't send packages  :)

Using office email to send a christmas card is equivilant to using the
office phone to call your girlfriend. As long as it doesn't interfere with
your work or open the company to legal issues then who cares. It'd be fine
to me for employees to send personal email or use the web as long as they
didn't view porn or send out unauthorized 'official' company mail and
such. Bandwidth is cheap. If letting someone send email makes them a
happier worker than you've found a cheap way to make your company a better
workplace.

> Well, as they say, its only illegal if the cops care enough to catch you.

It's only illegal if they can catch you. They not only have to care, they
have to be able to catch you at it and prove it.

> People get fired for that all the time from businesses that care. Those
> with bosses like you tend not to be very big, or very permanent, but are
> often the best places to find rare parts for old PC's :-)

Big companies with to many rules are shit factories to work for. You might
as well go work in a factory. My uncle works for GMC and they won't even
let you pee until your short break time when everyone runs for the
bathroom at once. GMC is hardly the worst though. Really if the company
you work for is that anal I'd suggest looking for a new job (without
quitting of course until you find one) as eventually they'll find some
reason to bring the boom down on you anyways. To bad right now the job
market is so dead.
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