Would you say anything...

[liam]

The good news is

that we get to choose where we work. I may be crazy, but I will absolutely NOT work in an environment that causes me to be even slightly unhappy. A third of your life is too much to waste with uptight people and policies.Time to polish up the old resume.

 

[Tom s/v GAIA]

Hey, it's the companies computer,

I have the same problem at work, if I don't like it I'm free to leave any time.It sucks but..............Toms/v GAIA

 

[newly anonymous]

I disagree strongly...

...with the advice that Paul should frame that snapshot. It's just not that great a picture.What Paul really should do is take that boat somewhere scenic, assuming that there's somewhere in British Columbia more scenic than his dock, put the sails up and then have a friend take the boat's portrait.Then, and only then, should Paul invest in a picture frame. Rule #1 is this: never let the IT guys see what your boat looks like with its mainsail cover on.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Well, my avatar was taken in BC. Came out OK.

The trouble is, it's hard to sail on Princess Louisa Inlet. The sheer rock walls ALL around it are a mile high.

 

[Jeff]

It's the environment

While this IT guy seems a little hard nosed, if it's company policy then there are no exceptions.When you're dealing with the health and security of your company, that means no foriegn objects allowed, regardless of their origin. An umbrella policy of this sort prevents all ails, without the need for micromanagement.If you're allowed a picture, then everyone is allowed a picture. How is the IT Manager, who is responsible for the backbone of the company, supposed to analyze and approve every picture?Put a printed picture of the gorgeous beauty on your physical desktop.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Remove it and let it die.

Here is how it goes in many cases...... Sometimes women are in the office environment and dont want to have to see porn when they are discusing business in someone elses office/cubicle. Then the company issues an edict that there will bo no porn or nudity on the computers including the decktop. Now, there are always a few that want to see and argue about what constitutes porn, nudity or inappropriate displays. The boss then gets pissed and says "NO MORE PERSONAL DESKTOPS AND SCREENSAVERS fo anyone under any conditions. This now settles the entire problem. If on the other hand, he is just being a jerk, and human resources contacts him about his personal edict, then your life will get rougher. The fact that you had to delete in front of him kinda makes me lean toward the "he's a real jerk".There are very few businesses where self employment is as free as you think. You still have customers that you have to please. Your customers/clients are your boss.I have been in several locations where there were strict rules about computer displays and wall hangings. How you react to this is usually directly dependent on how bad you want a paycheck. I for one want a pay check and I realize that if he is giving me my paycheck, then I have to follow his rules. I'm a sub-contractor and I have to abide by the rules of the client, the prime contractor, The Coast Guard, MMS, DOT and on a more personal nature, state and federal laws regarding income tax, SSI and the list is endless. When I hire people to work for me, I expect them to follow my rules. Therefore I should follow my 'employers' rules. Hows that for a long winded reply?  IMHO  Tony B

 

[Kim]

I'm lucky

I'm lucky.I can post any screensaver or background picture I want as long as it's not a nude pinup, I can get my entire staff together and say a prayer or talk about the Bible, Koran or other religious book, and I do it every morning; I have one of my staff read from the Bible and sometimes say a prayer. What? Shocked! Don't be, I live in the U.S. and where I work is the last workplace where I can post any picture or say a prayer outloud. I'm not a churchgoer either, I actually do it because most of my staff likes it and it's legal, so I do it. ACLU's gonna' love me when they ask where I work.Since you don't have the same perfect worplace, print or do the electronic photo frame and knock yourself out. Keep your rights upfront and fight for them.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Why do these things always have to end up politica

I am neither shocked onr impressed with some of the responses here. If you were working for me and using my computer on my payroll time, you dont have any rights. I am running a company, not a democracy. The only thing you have a right to do is to QUIT YOUR JOB. I think that keeping and fighting for your rights belong on the political forum.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Example of rights...

The use of this forum is a privelidge, not a right. As a priviledge, it also has rules. If you dont follow the rules, Phil will remove your post. As the manager or whatever his title is, HE HAS THE RIGHT. For all intents and purposes, it's his forum. I for one have had posts removed at times. Some I felt were justifyable and some I didnt think were. But I DO HAVE THE RIGHT TO NOT COME BACK. I enjoy this forum, so therefore I will not fight for a right that I dont have.  Tony B

 

[Ross]

If someone thinks that he/.she can do better

running a company than working for one they should just set out and do it. You can talk until you are blue in the face but until you do it, it is just talk.

 

[Andy]

You've said enough for now,

YOu tried logic and it doesn't seem to be used at that company. Keep you mouth shut tight, go look for another job. After you've secured your new job (that permits reasonable personal liberties), you need only say these five words-"I hereby tender my resignation".

 

[tcbro]

It's called...

Big moments in the lives of little people. He has a modicum of authority and he likes to wield it like a sword. It makes him feel good about himself.Toms/v Orion's Child

 

[Paul H]

I never thought that my post would

garner so many responses...and I appreciate them all...thanks alot folks...I went out last night and bought a digital picture frame...and don't worry Mr. Farnsworth...there are plenty of billowing sail pictures included...;-).Once again...many thanks.Paul H.

 

[NautiDuck]

Bad Policy

The policy is not unusual but I am the IT director of an organization with 1500+ computers on our network and we allow the users to have their own photos as desktop backgrounds. I have a picture of my boat. It poses no security risk whatsoever. Still, your solution sounds like a good one for your circumstance.

 

[Captain Bob]

Paul, tell the guy to eat

$hit and bark at the moon.I'll hire you, and you can put whatever you want on your desktop.Unfortunately I don't need any Chemists....

 

[Fred]

I can put whatever I want on my screen,

screensaver, walls, or window, as long as my wife and daughter let me, and I give back my "office" chair when we have guests for dinner.On the other hand, I get no benefits package or pension.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

I'm impressed...

I cant believe how many people on here are preaching rebellion and rights. Absolutely no respect for employers rules. The guy that is feeding you and your family. The only right you should have is a paycheck for time worked. Makes one wonder about the lessons learned by the younger generation. Have no respect for authority. Your perceived rights are more important than your job and obligation to take care of your family.  Tony B

 

[lance]

Slavery

Hey Tony,They still have slavery there in Kemah Texas? Sounds like you be a real good massa.

 

[Liam]

Unions and labor laws

Guys like Tony are the reason that there are unions and labor laws.Sorry Tony but people do have more rights than you state. If you are an employer I would suggest becoming familiar with current labor statutes. It may keep you out of court some day.

 

[Rick Webb]

Whose Computer Is It?

Who is paying you to be in front of the computer? I really do think it is that simple.If you believe the policy is bogus present arguments as to why it is to the employers benefit to allow personal screen savers.