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Subject:RE: Is this too Offensive for a manual? From:<technicoid -at- cableone -dot- net> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 20 Nov 2003 16:16:16 -0700
Although I can see some merit in David's position (and I admit that I've also deleted a few posts--sorry if someone's mentioned it), I agree more with Keith's position for two reasons. One is that, as Keith mentioned, the focus should describe the conditions or symptoms rather than the cause. The software has no way of ascertaining the intent of the individual who incurs these flaws. The terms used by the poster to describe the meter readers clearly indicate intent or motivation, not symptoms.
The software can only report on the data. Perhaps someone has developed some mechanism for reporting the probability of criminal or negligent behavior based on the incidence of certain data, but that's not the same as "knowing" the intent of the individual meter reader.
Reason #2: Given that the software only analyzes data, is it a good idea to use the documentation to plant the idea firmly in the supervisor's mind that the intent or motivation of a meter reader is criminal if the data indicates errors or irregularities? Wouldn't that put the writer in the position of judge? I think it's feasible that a supervisor could read such comments and come to the conclusion that the data indicates without error that an employee is behaving in a criminal fashion. And that could lead to wrongful termination.
The software should be a monitoring tool to indicate when further investigation is warranted?not to render judgment. Using prejudicial language could put the customer at risk.
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