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How To Lose Your Job, Thanks To The Internet

Posted by Zonk on from the it's-easy-if-you-know-how dept.

The New York Times has up an article discussing the trend of employers tracking the 'free time' activities of their employees via their web presence. "When they do go off the clock and off the corporate network, how they spend their private time should be of no concern to their employer, even if the Internet, by its nature, makes some off-the-job activities more visible to more people than was previously possible. In the absence of strong protections for employees, poorly chosen words or even a single photograph posted online in one's off-hours can have career-altering consequences." The piece likens this activity to the 'Sociological Department' that the Ford Company ran to monitor the home lives of their workers. Overstatement, or the corp as Big Brother?

7 of 654 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm.... by andy666 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah this internet thing might end up having some impact on the world....

  2. Whoa by chanrobi · · Score: 5, Funny

    So posting those drunken, pot smoking pics of myself on a publicly viewable online source (e.x facebook) might not be a good idea? That's news to me.

  3. So, what you're TRYING to say is.. by Klowner · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's probably not a good idea to get totally trashed, strip naked, and broadcast yourself all over the internet?

    http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/29/jim-chomas-career-joins-the-deadpool-maybe/

    Better tell that dude.

  4. Re:You can still make an effort by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ed Zantolak! Is that you!!! Hey, I got some top notch colombian shit for new years. I know you have a nose like a vacuum cleaner, so come on over. There's gonna be some male strippers too... remember that time in San Francisco? AIDS ruined everything man.

  5. Should I pay for chasing my dreams? by Sparky+McGruff · · Score: 3, Funny
    Corporate policy says, Yes, absolutely, you should (and will) pay for chasing your dreams. You must immediately file a "Notice of pursuance of dreams" form with HR, and, of course, update your Conflict of Interest forms. This matter will obviously be discussed at your next performance review, which has now been rescheduled for January 11 at 9:45.

    Please bring written copies of all jokes performed privately or publicly since the beginning of your employment at this firm, and a listing of dates of any public and/or private performances, including but not limited to performances at comedy clubs, television shows, and standing around in bars telling jokes to your buddies. Thank you very much for your prompt attention to this matter.

    Sincerely, HR Department, Megacorp

  6. Re:You can still make an effort by LordHuggington · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yes, it's just common sense. Even Homer Simpson knows to call himself Chunky Lover when online, and not use his real name. It's surprising, and disconcerting, how few people don't think to ensure their anonymity online.

  7. Re:Not much is new here. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    A senator who supports homosexual relations with under aged teens or preteens wouldn't stand for a minute in a serious election So one who supports heterosexual relations would be okay?
    I don't think I want you to be allowed to vote.