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What? It's literally constant... Just go to any conference if you want to see it. I mean, I don't even know how to react to something like this. Edit: I am ta

What? It's literally constant... Just go to any conference if you want to see it. I mean, I don't even know how to react to something like this. Edit: I am talking specifically about general business, not governmental business.

sailfast 11y ago
Of course, in general business this happens all the time. I interpreted your "I live in this world" comment to mean "government" - apologies. Government contracting is extremely specific to the point that most systems integrators / mid to large businesses don't even allow you to buy coffee for someone because they want to avoid any perception issues. As for "general business"? Go nuts! :)
DannyBee 11y ago
This absolutely not does not happen in government - at least, the federal government. Every employee in an office with contact with federal government officials will fill out a disclosure form every year. Every official will do the same. I remember we had to figure out the value of free google lunch because they were not allowed to eat for free. The federal government employees take this very very seriously. State, no idea, they all have different rules (but most companies just apply the same "no gifts of any sort" policy to them anyway)
- amscanne 11y ago
  I can't remember who told me, but I recall a story of people working for the federal government declining a cup of coffee when visiting an office for similar reasons. It's applying the rule beyond reason, but that sure beats the alternative!
  - sopooneo 11y ago
    I work for a company that takes federal contracts. We're allowed to accept basic coffee, but not doughnuts. I'm serious. And frankly, I don't have any problem with that.
    - amscanne 11y ago
      Perhaps the incident I heard of may have involved a fancy coffee, like a latte. ;)
- jdmichal 11y ago
  We used to hand around a small basket into which the government people would drop their $10 for lunch... Gave an absurd mental image of an offering basket being passed around a church. The image was probably not helped by the fact that my company was non-profit.

sailfast 11y ago

Of course, in general business this happens all the time. I interpreted your "I live in this world" comment to mean "government" - apologies. Government contracting is extremely specific to the point that most systems integrators / mid to large businesses don't even allow you to buy coffee for someone because they want to avoid any perception issues. As for "general business"? Go nuts! :)

DannyBee 11y ago

This absolutely not does not happen in government - at least, the federal government. Every employee in an office with contact with federal government officials will fill out a disclosure form every year. Every official will do the same. I remember we had to figure out the value of free google lunch because they were not allowed to eat for free. The federal government employees take this very very seriously. State, no idea, they all have different rules (but most companies just apply the same "no gifts of any sort" policy to them anyway)

amscanne 11y ago
I can't remember who told me, but I recall a story of people working for the federal government declining a cup of coffee when visiting an office for similar reasons. It's applying the rule beyond reason, but that sure beats the alternative!
- sopooneo 11y ago
  I work for a company that takes federal contracts. We're allowed to accept basic coffee, but not doughnuts. I'm serious. And frankly, I don't have any problem with that.
  - amscanne 11y ago
    Perhaps the incident I heard of may have involved a fancy coffee, like a latte. ;)
jdmichal 11y ago
We used to hand around a small basket into which the government people would drop their $10 for lunch... Gave an absurd mental image of an offering basket being passed around a church. The image was probably not helped by the fact that my company was non-profit.