Ethics 101: To re-use or not to re-use?

[Dave Flowerday]

Originally Posted by aaeamdar

Steve, you should re-read Dave Flowerday's postings....

Just so we're clear, while I have stated strong opinions about this rule, I do not feel that you can simply ignore a rule if you don't like it, as it appears you are suggesting. The rules are what they are and we have to follow them, but it doesn't mean we have to like them and it doesn't mean we can't critique them and discuss them in an effort to improve the situation.

To be blunt, I want to make it clear that my opinion on this rule does not translate into support for your argument.

I would have absolutely no bad feelings about ignoring such a busywork rule.

I think you will find that this attitude will not serve you well in life. It's OK to question rules, but you should work within the bounds of the system to change them, rather than flagrantly disregarding them simply because you don't like them. Questioning authority in certain circumstances can be a good thing, when it is done in a civil manner using proper channels. What you seem to be advocating here however is simply ignoring authority. Trust me, when you get a little older you will find that this doesn't work well. Try something like that at an engineering job and you very likely could get fired, or get someone hurt (ignoring safety standards, for example), or cost someone a lot of money (by getting sued, etc.). Definitely not something to aspire to.