"Welcome to Reality" --- A Buttmunch's Perspective on Casey
I really should be in bed right now, but I just had to start playing with System.XML 2.0. As I flipped through my feedback section, it looked like just about everyone was on Casey's side on this one but there was too much clear thinking going on I guess. I shouldn't call names, but this was just soooo stupid that I just have to respond.
“Welcome to reality. “
<WGR> Which is what exactly? That some self-righteous a-hole was lecturing Casey about the lack of 'professionalism' in his personal site? Or that another person without a clue got caught up on some real trivia? I'm not sure exactly which is 'reality' but please, enlighten me.
You can talk all day about the way things *should* work, or about the way you *want* things to work, but the cold hard facts of life are that people will make assumptions about you by looking at your web site.
<WGR> Wow, another really profound point. I never said that wasn't the case. My point is that A FEW people came to the WRONG assumption based on his site. For instance, if he's really such a loose cannon (I think the exact phrase was “a sexual harassment suit waiting to happen“) why is it that he has such good references from everywhere he worked? But I guess I need to spell it out. Casey has some stuff on his site that's extremely funny but that some would find offensive. He's also got a whole lot more stuff that's testimony to his professional skills. Now, let's address the 'offensive' stuff. I have yet to work at a company where I haven't heard Water Cooler stuff (ie On Company Property) where I haven't heard a fair amount of profanity, sexual talk, and in some instances, racially insensitive stuff. I've also heard similar comments when shopping, walking around etc. I doubt there's a company in the US wherein a female with a body like Brittney Spears could walk down the hallway and not have someone (probably more than one) make some comments. You couldn't stop it if you wanted to. So getting so sanctimonious about something that's sooooo common, so pervasive is pure BS and you know it. BTW, it works both ways too and females are hardly guilt free.
"descrimination based on personal web content" - Yeah...you do that..Please, let me go with you when you present the case to a lawyer. I want to record that little exchange for America's Funniest Videos.
<WGR> Funny you mention this. First of all, you can sue anyone for just about anything. Second, if you can show that anything was used in a legally discriminatory manner, you have a case and there are lawyers that will take it. There are more than a few cases out there where people's web sight showed that there were members of a protected minority by virtue of having their picture on it where people have succesfully litigated based on alleged discrimination. To that end, anything in writing from a company, precisely some of the things that have been written to him, could easily end up as exhibit A. There are laywers who are suing fast food places for causing obesity but no one would possibly take a frivlous employment case. Let me be really clear on this. If he did pursue such a claim it would be silly. Nonetheless, the fact that people WROTE HIM, vs a call on the phone or vs saying nothing, shows TERRIBLE judgement on their part, hence my point. They could just as easily claimed the budget dried up or that the project died and there'd be no written anything to give a frivolous claim any traction. I know you are all about “Reality“ and the like, but our legal system not only allows, but encourages such stuff. And even getting a case tossed out of court costs some cash. So why take the risk writing anything down? Why say anything when you could say nothing? Hardly a sign of good judgement. And since you are obviously a legal scholar, explain how http://www.stellaawards.com/ These lawsuits were ever litigated?
The guy is obviously a bright, talented developer.
<WGR> you forgot “With a proven track record and documentation of his abilities“ something all too rare these days. If you read through my posts, it was this point exactly. There's a cost to hiring losers and “Reality“ is that a lot of people fluff (see Lie ) their resumes. To write someone off with proven talent just b/c his sight wouldn't be warmly received by Emily's list is shortsighter to say the least.
He also frequently comes across as a boor.
<WGR> Who doesn't?
Which is fine of course, but he should fully expect that some companies will see this and and choose not use him.
<WGR> Another restatement of the painfully obvious that has nothing to do with anything I've said.
At 28 years old, it's time that he learn the difference between a professional and personal life.
<WGR> Do you really think he doesn't know the difference? Show me ONE documented instance where he's been reprimanded, fired or had anything negative happen to him based on his behavior on the job. For you to allege he doesn't know the difference with NO substantiation says quite a bit.
Wanna post shots of your girlfriend's butt?
<WGR> Yes, I hope he keeps doing it, TS is the BOMB
Wanna have a lengthy discourse on topics that some people find offensive?
<WGR> Yes, I love such things, so does Casey, that's why B & B rocks.
Then go post it on your personal web site.
<WGR> IT IS HIS PERSONAL WEBSITE
And *MOST* importantly, don't give that personal website as a reference when you are looking for clients.
<WGR> Oh, so that's the problem. He can't separate Personal and Professional life according to you. He should post such things on his personal web site (which it is) yet the fact that he mentions his “personal” web site is the problem? If it's a personal web site, then how can you claim he doesn't know the difference? Again totally unrelated to any point I was making. I was basically contending that anyone who wouldn't hire him b/c of anything on B & B is shortsighted (see dumbass). People hire all kinds of f**** a-holes every day. Developers like him are few and far between and like it or not, you have to admit he's on the top of the food chain as far as development goes (and girlfriends with great figures goes but that's another story).. Look how many of his peers defend him! If he's such a a55much then why are so many people so quick to defend him? See the fact of the matter (REALITY as you put it) is that you don't know what you get when you hire most people. That's why most places have trial periods. That's why you can fire people in most states within 90 days with impunity. And certainly you aren't naive enough to think that most of the harassment cases and problem employees have web sites or advertise their pathology or acknowledge they are screw ups or any such thing.
Admit it, those emails he got were stupid; stupid for many reasons. And Microsoft deemed him worthy of MVP recognition in TWO categories, lesser companies should follow their lead.
Oh yeah, I didn't catch your name or your link. Would you be kind enough to show me the URL of your stellar example of professionalism?