Where's Mike Wallace and Morley Safer when you really need them?

(click link and perpare to be dumb founded.....NOT)

Doesn't surprise me. Actually, I read in a few publications(both net and print) that the porn industry is a safe haven for investment. As well as National Defense(duh) and alcohol and tobacco. Think about it. There's always going to be a war somewhere. And someone has to make the weapons, and the means to get them there. Then, people are depressed about the economy so what do they do? Turn to things to take their mind away from the day-to-day bullshit that we can't control. You lost half your 401k in the stock market? Set up a date with a provider. I drink and smoke, probably always will, but haven't had a 401k in quite awhile. But I tell you what. I am going to Vegas in 2 days and have a date with a lovely provider the first night I'll be there. Not only will I have a fantastic time with this lady, but I'll be 'stimulating the economy', so to speak. I'll give her money to spend time with me. Then she'll turn around and spend money on whatever she feels fit to spend it on. Just doing my part for the greater good of all concerned! I doubt anyone has problem with that...

when our IT department decided to shut off access to all non-essential web browsing. Really tighten up on the allowable websites.

A week later they had to loosen the rules, since a very senior executive could no longer access their Fantasy Football account during work hours.

I really can't fathom why any company doesn't at least have the 'dirty sites' filter on. Even the basic home software can filter the majority of it.

BTW- I have talked with mrfisher in private. The man is insightful, even-handed, and has a wealth of knowledge about the hobby, among other things. You have a question or concern? Talk to this man. He doesn't pass judgement, and appreciates your status in the hobby. Nuff said!!!

Its pretty stupid to go to porn sites on your work computer.

I have no sympathy for someone who uses company assets like that for pornographic or hobbying activities.

It is so easy to get caught..  not worth the risk.

A quarter of the working population views porn on-line on an everyday basis at work?  WTF?  Given that men are more likely to be doing this, again, WTF?  I have people that work for me, and get monthly logs of their internet activity.  Viewing porn is grounds for termination upon first offense, as it is clearly against company rules, and they would have to get around the software blocks used to retard such activity, yet another breach of company rules.  If one of my people were caught, I will not have choice here...HR will hand them the pink slip, regardless of their performance.  While a few have had to be councilled about viewing ESPN or pre-wedding sites too much, no one in my office in recent memory has gotten around the blocks that prevent access to porn.  As for accessing TER while at work...fyi, use your personal smart phone, as I do, and be discreet, for heaven's sake!  Sheesh!

I have spent most of my life in medicine in academic and other large centers.  All these places were severe in their insistence on NO ADULT SITES.  They were either blocked or monitored with any use leading to firing.  I can understand that one does not have the right to "waste" employers time, but these places did not block the use of other personal sites.  It clearly was not a sense that one could not take a break and play solitary or check on scores on ESPN, but the idea that one might be looking at "dirty" stuff.  It is just another mark of our bizarre judgmental view of sex: "Anything that leads to a hard on is clearly a sin."

people will just turn to their (company issued, natch) blackberries with their cell phone link and start watching from there.

Next everyone will end up with simultaneous eye strain and carpal tunnel ailments and bankrupt the company's health plan.

Perhaps companies should ask themselves if viewing porn is a bad thing or a good thing?

The sites should be blocked.  Firing men and women for any porn surfing is just draconian.  You have apparently compartmentalized your compulsive behavior and good for you, but not all of us have reached that stage of enlightenment.

In the I.T. consultant role I often play, I have had to help companies document employee porn surfing, and also help them put filters and firewalls in place. But no technological solution is perfect and it all comes back to workplace standards, policies and ethics anyway, starting from the top down.

The other moral of the story is that when you are the I.T. department or the one programming the firewall, you can pretty much do what you want. But I didn't say that....

I personally don't give a sh*t about anyone playing around with porn, TER, or other stuff during their workday, and I do so myself sometimes. But I do not use my company's resources, and am smart enough to use my own so as not to leave logs nor a paper trail that involves my employer.  Many companies have policies against usage that is non-business related, and anything that smacks of illegality may be dealt with harshly.  If anyone under me gets caught by folks above me, my options are limited.  And it's easier than you think to get caught.  Be smart!  

As for being compulsive, don't think so...impulsive would be the better term for my madness!


CD        

-- Modified on 12/1/2008 5:22:46 AM