Sacked for Blogging

A US-based blogger claims to have been given the sack for updating his blog while in the office. Frank Sensenbrenner, a co-author of the Iain Murray Online blog, made the following posting on Jan 15:

"My employment was terminated this morning, with this blog stated as the reason. I was somewhat surprised by this as my previous boss had been happy for myself and a former colleague to run blogs. They took up little work time, about as much as other employees take up with cigarette breaks, and were useful to get work-related ideas into shape for writing up for wider audiences.

"When my employer expressed his concern, I immediately offered to stop updating the blog forthwith. However, this was not enough and I was fired on the spot. As there is a procedure for disciplinary firings that follows a path of oral and written warnings, I was also surprised that this was not followed. It appears that my employer considered this serious misconduct, on a level with theft and sexual harrassment, thereby justifying an immediate termination."

In August 2002, The Huston Chronicle ordered reporter Stephan Olafson to discontinue his "gonzo journalism" blog, as it contained claims about local politicians. Eventually he was fired. Rival paper The Houston Press subsequently ran the story (with more than a hint of glee)!

Are we seeing the beginning of a trend? Should companies consider introducing 'appropriate use' policies with regard to blogging during office time/using office computers?

Comments

2 comments

Clinton Jones / November 1, 2003 6:58 PM / #

A microsoftie contractor got sacked for this, this week when he posted a photograph of some Apple G5's at Microsoft Campus in Redmond !

Blogsecution - Getting fired from your job or pink slipped on the grounds that you wrote a blog (web log diary) that exposes a secret, weakness or trait in the company or organisation that you work for.

regards

Clinton

Michael Heraghaty / November 4, 2003 8:17 PM / #

Thanks Clinton! Yeah, I'd read about that. He got a lot of support and sympathy from the blogosphere. But I guess that's small consolation.

I like your pseudoword -- hope it catches on!

-- Michael

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