On Jan 3, 2008 5:25 AM, Chris Howie cdhowie@gmail.com wrote:
What about workplaces where it is policy that if you come into knowledge of a policy breach you are obligated to report it? Foo may only be trying to cover their own butt.
While there are cases in which someone may be obligated to report known or suspected wrongdoing, I am aware of no cases in which someone is obligated to threaten to report someone they happen to be in an on-Wikipedia disagreement with.
This discussion has gone on endlessly about the former, but in actual fact what is being done is the latter. You cannot justify threats (no matter how politely phrased) by pointing out a supposed obligation to DO it, not THREATEN it.
If you think you're obliged to, why bother with threats? It doesn't let you off the hook on your obligation.
If you're not actually obliged to, don't threaten it.
-Matt