response 57 of 108:

Jan 19 17:32 UTC 2004

I think it's a good idea, when considering enacting a new rule, to 
think about just a few things:

1) Will the rule be effective if it passes?
2) Is it necessary?
3) Will it have unintended consequences?

1) Valerie said she didn't think she was breaking any rules.  At least 
one other staff member agreed with her.  This rule would certainly 
clarify that staff members can't delete items in the same way.  
Assuming she wouldn't break a rule, or more poignantly, that no other 
staff member would, then this rule would be effective.

2) Would any staff member delete an item if this proposal doesn't 
pass?  I can't imagine that they would, given the fury of controversy 
this has generated.  I don't think many would have before the 
controversy.  I don't think this rule passes the "necessary" test at 
this point, but I can understand if some people do think it's necessary.

3) There's no way to know if any change will have unintended 
consequences.  You just have to decide what might reasonably happen and 
hope you don't miss anything.

Some potential consequences: Maybe some staff members won't be able to 
live with the burden of the rule.  Maybe one of them will react against 
it.  Maybe someone, some day, will not know about the rule, 
inadvertently break it, and then get himself dismissed from the staff.  
(We have no other way to discipline a staff member.)  Maybe someone 
will feel like his hands are tied and not take an action which is 
necessary.

This proposal takes away from the freedom staff members have to use 
their own initiative and feeling of reasonableness.  That is it's 
purpose.  Does that transfer into other areas, too?  I don't know 
that.  Maybe others have a better feel for it.

My conclusion is that this rule is not necessary, and also that it 
unproductively counters what Grex expects from it's staff members.

David said it's not intended specifically for Valerie's actions.  It's 
hard to imagine this passing, or even being proposed, if it weren't for 
Valerie's actions.  I think if it had been passed a year ago, it would 
have prevented her deleting any items, but now, as I said, I don't 
think it prevents anything.