I would also add that the process of researching problems is a learning experience for Naomi as well. Her employer gains from her expanding her knowledge when she assists people online. I have learned much over the years researching issues when I recommended something that turned out not to work. It is a learning process for all.



>Hi Jols
>
>while not condoning Marcias statement I would say that it does reflect a difference in attitude between the self employed and employed people. A self employed person could spend as much time as they like here they just wouldn't get much billable work done.
>
>On the other hand its for an employer to judge wether someone is doing their job and behaving honestly and to throw that sort of accusation in a public forum is a really bad idea. I can think of a few people I know who would be ringing their lawyer.
>>Bravissimo Tracy!
>>
>>I would also add that by Marcia's definition anyone who spends any time here at all where that time is not 100% work related must be an unethical and immoral thief. I suspect that the majority of us would now fall into that category.
>>
>>
>>>RANT ON
>>>I avoided posting anything on this because I did not want to add fuel to the fire. I read the messages on the MSDN forum yesterday, before they were deleted. They were very upsetting but I did not want to incite the discussion any more than had already been done. However, it is now obvious to me that a clear picture is not being presented. In all fairness to Naomi, based on what I personally read, here are the primary points as I see them:
>>>
>>>1. Naomi posts a lot on forums.
>>>2. Naomi tends to overreact and put too much weight on her forum experience. Her forum participation does not define her. She will be a much healthier and stronger person when she realizes that. She tries hard and has a good heart and many developers benefit from her assistance and generosity.
>>>3. It was remarked on the MSDN forum not by someone, but by Andy that he could not understand how she could post so much and work for the government unless she was basically wasting tax payer dollars.
>>>4. You, Marcia, chimed in and posted the number of threads she has responded to and pointed out the exact amount of time she spent posting and accused her of stealing. You actually posted the message ids.
>>>5. How much time Naomi spends doing anything is no one's business except for her own and her employer's. If she works for the state then it is an issue with that state and the citizens of that state. If she works for the federal government then wasted tax payer dollars are indeed everyone's business. However, the amount of time she spends on the forums benefits other developers so I find it difficult to believe that her time is worth so much concern. There are bigger tax payer issues that could and should be focused on.
>>>6. I found the messages to be a personal attack against Naomi and I am very disheartened to see such a thing. My whole perception of the VFP community has now changed after 25 years using this tool.
>>>
>>>I would have rather let this whole thing go and not participate. However, there have been too many posts for and against (with everyone attacking each other) and yet I have not seen anyone here share their viewpoint based on the actual messages which were posted but rather based on what was posted here. If I missed that key point, then I apologize.
>>>
>>>I think an apology is in order. Then it would be best if it could just be let go. The whole point of these forums is peer support for the developer. We discuss a lot of 'crap' in the chatter sections, but chatter sections are for exactly that: 'chatter.' How anyone manages to spend their time assisting others on a developer forum should never be an issue. I think those seeking help are more grateful to Naomi for her assistance than upset because she is spending too much time helping others.
>>>
>>>Someone (whose opinion I value) recently reminded me that evil triumphs when good (wo)men do nothing. I'm doing my best to do so now. If others disagree then so be it.
>>>
>>>Nuf said.
>>>
>>>RANT OFF
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I understand that but without actually knowing where Naomi was or what she was doing at the time you can't substantiate that allegation. Which was that she is stealing.
>>>>
>>>>That is the point. On the MSDN forum, someone else asked how she could post so many answers. And she said that she was at work but was very fast at writing code and could do more than one thing at a time, That is what prompted my response.