So I'm just curious to know what people think my obligations as an "expert" on the forums should be in a particular case.
If I have knowledge in a particular area, should I always be required to share that knowledge? Should I only share it if I have the time? What about if I like/dislike the person? What if I like/dislike their project? What if I feel the information could be abused?
For instance, let's say a user asked a question like "how do I do disable Functionality X of the OS?" and I know the answer. Do I have an obligation to hand that information out? Even if I think they have no legit reason to need that information?
I guess what it boils down to is that I'm curious to know what other people think my obligations should be with regards to ethics. As one with the knowledge, do you think I shouldn't "play god" with who gets the information and why? Or do you think I have a moral obligation to not hand out information which I think will be used for ill-gains?
My stance on this is that I have every right to "play god" and I have an obligation to do so. If I think someone is asking for dangerous knowledge and I don't trust them, I won't give them the information. But at the same time, I do have an obligation to at least partially answer their question. So if they ask "is it possible to do X?", then I will answer "yes" but not tell them how it's done until they prove to me that they're not going to take that information and do bad things with it. So essentially, I'll be helpful if I think it's a good idea. But I have no problem saying "sorry, not helping you to do this" if I don't think it's a good idea. A great example of what I mean is the concept of a RawSocket class in REALbasic. Can it be done? Certainly! Have I made something like this before? Perhaps. ;-) Will I just hand it out to anyone who comes asking? Hell no.
I'm just curious to know what other people's thoughts are on it. Do you think it's right? Also, do you hold me up to the same standards that you hold yourself to?
The only obligation I'd say you had would be an obligation to the community at large not to be an accessory to someone else's malicious hacking.
I think it does make a difference whether we're talking about work ethic vs. personal ethic, i.e. if your day job is tech support and someone calls you with a technical question, then yes, you're obligated to answer. But on your own time, or if you're employed in some capacity that doesn't include tech support, then no, your contributions are voluntary.
But in any case, work ethic or personal ethic, I'd say you had both the right and the responsibility to say "I can't help you" if someone is asking for help with a project obviously destined for spamming/phishing/rootkit-making/etc.
The answer is simple. I think you are the kind of person that enjoys sharing your knowledge - that's cool. If you would enjoy sharing that knowledge which you posess, then do it. If you wouldn't then don't! Just the fact that you are having this dilemma should point you in the right direction.
I'm not goug-long.
THe only obligation you have is to Lis, everything else is discretionary.
HA Bill! I like the way you think! (Take notes Aaron)
Mark has expressed it very well. You have an obligation to your employer to do the job they pay you for. Apart from that, my take is that it is up to the individual to do what they think is right.
I also agree with Mark.
So if they ask "is it possible to do X?", then I will answer "yes" but not tell them how it's done until they prove to me that they're not going to take that information and do bad things with it.
But they can lie to you :)
I think that since you are the one that has to make the decision as to whether the information is harmful or helpful, I think you're really the one who has to decide where to draw the line. It's interesting you brought this up, since I've seen some questions on the forums lately that have me concerned as to what the developer's intentions are. Things that bother me are "how do I make a keylogger", "how do I record the users screen" (there are times this is legit, like TechSmith Camtasia, or Adobe Captivate), "how do I stop the user from switching to any other task".. Those are questions that worry me. Even if the is genuine need to know, I can't help but worry that some hacker out there will see that info and use it for ill will.
So I'd say use your moral compass to decide what direction to go. From all your posts in the blog and in the forums, I think you're a really responsible individual and you are wise enough to know what knowledge is dangerous. In other words, I'd trust your decision.
Aaron, your obligation is only to help those you feel really need help when you are able to do it (i.e., when it does not compromise your work for RS or interfere with your own life). Your job is foremost as a software developer, not as a trainer or tech support engineer; your role on the news list is voluntary and should be done only if you continue to enjoy it.
As for whether or not to help people based upon your personal feelings about them: As a professor, I've always been tempted.... :-)
The way I look at it is you took the time and did the research to gain whatever knowledge you have about a particular subject. There is no reason why someone else could not do the same. Your purpose on Earth is not to provide shortcuts for people. Now, if you choose to help someone shorten their path to the same knowledge (as you so often do and Thank You for that), then so be it. But you are in no way obligated to do so. In my experience, a person usually learns more during the journey than they do once they reach the destination.
Well it's good to see that my way of thinking is fairly in-line with everyone else's (especially Bill's). :-)
Thanks for the feedback!
Always remember that information in itself is not dangerous. Much like a gun or a knife is not the danger, but what the person does with it. I personally do not ever feel anyone is obligated to share information with others.
I feel it is at your sole discretion. The information you withhold doesn't even have to be sensitive. I don't see that you're are obligated to participate in any way(beyond administration, with the forums). As was said before, you're a developer, not a support technician, or a RB 101 Teacher. What you do with your knowledge is you own decision.
"all ur computa r b long 2 me" - Lenny the Lamer
If truth wants to be free only your ego can set it free. Admins 4:32