LOL

[random_walker]

I can sort of see the government's side; however you'd think that the thank-you letter from a Maj. Gen. would go a long way?

Really, it's just the same as this: I wouldn't bring a spare home coffeemaker to replace a broken one at the office. Am I afraid of liability? Hell no. But it would be weird - they wouldn't actually want it, since it would

Comments

[random_walker]

I understand that unauthorized maintenance of your rifle is practically encouraged by the military (this comes from a weird pamphlet I found on boingboing, about maintaining your girlfriend the M-16). The army's not a business though.

Some of my cow-orkers were upset that I had a linux dualboot at work, despite the fact that one of our software packages were developed native to linux, and the windows ports was a cheap hack. Their objection (or at least excuse) was that we might get sued for copyright and patent infringement for just having it, by some magical Intellectual Property fairy I suppose. The loudest and most annoying guy also pestered me every day for two weeks about how I couldn't have any mp3s on the work computer because it's illegal. Since this guy was not in my "chain of command" (I reported direct to the Chief Scientific Officer), I told him to bugoff and downloaded a bunch of Public Domain and copyleft music just to spite him.

And I remember how I am treated. Later, I would decompile one of his programs and distribute an improved version to whoever wanted it. That might have been over the line; I don't think I'd do it again, at least not as flippantly as I did.

I think I'd bring in STP additive. I would bring in a coffeemaker, probably; after trying to requisition one. I would not take it back to replace mine if it broke. Depending on the terms of departure, I'd possibly take it back when I left.

I brought in pastries (good ones) around Christmas twice; people really liked that, and it was worth the $20 to me. I'm still kind of confused by how people don't do things like that more frequently.

[suicide_sam_e]

The Army is like a business. Like a megacorporation that does not produce products so much as craters and skilled personnel.

Were they upset that it was line'ix and merely that you had it? Or was it more of an "I don't understand linux; why does he insist on the scary and mysterious OS?" attitude reacting not so much to the program, but that you had it [running]? They thought you had a pirate copy of linux?

Well, they sound a bit like a partly-ignorant bunch (with an acute example). Mayhap you should have hosted a class on Windoze alternatives to let them know that the average and standards for office software are not the only options? Deaf ears, I know...but you may have been pleasantly surprised by a few people.

Windows, even business copies, usually come with two mp3s, don't they? I think some Bach fuge and that something with "Streets" in the title. I'm not going to bother looking ATM. (Tired.)

Over the line - perhaps. But I, personally, have a hard time blaming people for acting according to how they are treated. I guess [such behavior] can be viewed as childish, un-professional, or petty. I would say it is reactionary. I would also it was appropriate, justified by the attitude of others, and say to some extent it was "corrective". Plus, if you (apparently did) manage it without any anti-social outbursts, it was more professional than other healthful alternative ways you might have lashed out. "lash" is kind of a strong word, tho'.

(It could be argued that by not confronting the cow-ork you did not reach an accord or foster communication. Or perhaps you just avoided more feelings of ill-will and wasting both your and their time. Some conversations are not worth having.)

Sharing foods at work is a positive, social behavior. Even if I do not want something I can appreciate the gesture. I think anyone could. I do sometimes regret not sharing foods at certain past jobs. I think in larger employee bases, I might have been bowing to a fear of judgment - either "what does ____ food say about me?" and/or "will this perpetuate rumor that I am a spoiled/wealthy person who does not need this job?" I suppose not treating people I like and suspicion winning out are the regrets.