The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5) - Information Technology Industry Watches Iowa Caucu

Information Technology Industry Watches Iowa Caucu

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http://nytimes.com/cnet/CNET_2100-1028_3-5142848.html

Some interesting info on the Democratic candidates' track records on technology-related issues.

Mr. Tech-rific
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I find it interesting that the writer postures "pro-offshoring" as "pro-IT"

I also would like to hear from any candidate that is pro-offshoring how they compare their anti-US IT worker position with a (supposedly, based on their party) pro-US manufacturing worker position.

Having said that, it seems that anyone with a loud enough voice could quickly sink a pro-offshoring candidate by pointing out that companies offshore all kinds of workers, not just IT.

Finally, bravo on Kerry's proposed legislation that call centers have to identify their country of origin. Falls under my "Crunchy Frog Law"

Philo

Philo
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

<<Finally, bravo on Kerry's proposed legislation that call centers have to identify their country of origin. Falls under my "Crunchy Frog Law">>

What is "Crunchy frog law" and why do you think its good?

Karthik
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Big Corporation: "Free trade is good, you stupid Luddite!"

Um, you mean, like free trading like Napster?

Big Corporation: "No, that's a violation of IP, you thieving pirate!"

Um, sounds like "free trade" to me.

Big Corporation: "We have to recoup our investments! Without protection, there'll be no investment! The corporation will lose money. We need a guaranteed return."

Um, you mean recoup your investment like the unemployed guy with a Master's Degree in Computer Science and tens of thousands of dollars in student loans?

(Ever feel like you're living in a world where fictional persons have all the rights?)

generic fool
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Philo's "Crunchy Frog Law" (from the Monty Python skit of the same name) says "if a company's reaction to a label is 'our sales would plummet' then that label is mandatory"

I was thinking this when I read the article that stated that foreign call center workers take USAian-sounding pseudonyms. Why? Because if callers knew the call center was in some random country, they'd complain to the company and there'd be a public backlash.

Well guess what? I classify misleading the customers on something like that as "false advertising." If you think people care about the matter, you don't get to lie about it. Kerry's going one step further and making overt labeling mandatory: "You are now being routed to our call center in Elbonia. Please hold."

Philo

Philo
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Philo,

I'm a bit surprised as to your passion on this subject.

First, with regard to the "country of origin" issue. I take it you mean "location". It's not like call centres are farmed abroad then exported. What does it matter where the call centre is located, provided the service is good? Haven't the US admin got better things to legislate? Why not mark all software along the lines of "90% of the functions in this product were ripped off the internet", or "We proudly use maths libraries developed in the former Soviet Union". what's the point, other than to pander to jingoism?

Second, call centre staff adopting alternative names is nothing new. They don't do it to try to fool you into thinking they're from the US. They do it so that you can remember their name better in case you want to complain. It not "advertising" as such. Your real name isn't Philo. It's just a convenience.

martin
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Dean really should be talking more about this issue instead of spouting off on dumb stuff all the time:

http://news.com.com/2100-7342_3-5143807.html?tag=nefd_top

Tony Chang
Wednesday, January 21, 2004