PJ gets a day job [LWN.net]

PJ gets a day job

Posted Feb 4, 2004 22:45 UTC (Wed) by rjamestaylor (guest, #339)
In reply to: PJ gets a day job by Ross
Parent article: PJ gets a day job

Do you have enough information about her new job to know there won't be a conflict of interest?

Do you have enough evidence to prove you aren't going to commit a felony tomorrow? Then how could you argue passionately aginst me if I told everyone I was worried that you might commit a felony tomorrow, and in fact, felt it was possible you could join the ranks of felons? Are you ready to mount a defense that it is NOT possible for you to commit a felony tomorrow?

Gee, it doesn't seem fair to associate a person with a negative action just because a thing is "possible" does it? In fact, it seems likely that vague "possible" infractions could be seen as causing harm to one's reputation. Perhaps, then, before casting aspersions on one's character a higher standard of proof is required than "possible." How about "likely" or fitting with one's pattern of behavior.

According to the standards of what PJ is likely to do based upon her pattern of behavior to date, yes, I think I have enough information to surmise there will not be a conflict of interest for her to continue her research as a paid researcher.

What's that trite, old-fashioned phrase? ...oh yes... "innocent until proven guilty."

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PJ gets a day job

Posted Feb 4, 2004 23:24 UTC (Wed) by Ross (subscriber, #4065) [Link]

A conflict of interest is not a crime. It is something which is best to
avoid though. And a conflict of interest is not an act and does not
depend on the character of the person who might be put in a position of
conflict. Please re-read the original post you responded to and also my
post. Especially look at the last portion of my post where I specifically
say I trust PJ not to do the wrong thing. But that's not the same as
saying there is no conflict of interest.