Crazy talk. In Canada this computer scientist would be invited to chat with the engineering firm, not brought in front of a licensing board. Writing a report, even a very technical one, that is political in nature should always be protected. What shouldn't be allowed is people passing themselves off as if they had a license then people building things based off of their plans.
The dangers of unlicensed engineering
11–20 of 74 posts
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#12> He said there is a potential for violation if DOT > and the public were misled by "engineering-quality > work"- even if the authors did not claim to be > engineers. Isn't this essentially saying that you can be too smart/thorough for your own good, and that the government is going to punish you for not getting a license to use your abilities? What the hell is 'engineering-quality work' anyways? Talk about an amorph…
You're refuting the weakest possible interpretation of his statement. "This" is essentially saying, that it is possible to mislead the public by producing work that has some of the qualities of engineering work, but is not actual engineerng work. The alleged violator clearly started with the conclusion, and put together some official looking research to support it ... one of the many things you learn not to do in eng…
> The alleged violator clearly started with the conclusion, and put
> together some official looking research to support it
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#13The title of this post is inaccurate. The article is discussing how someone (who is not an engineer) provided "engineering-quality work" which could mislead the DOT and the public that it was done by an engineer. If anything, this article is highlighting how licensing is more often used to protect a select few rather than showing the "dangers of unlicensed engineering."
Considering the forum, I think that the title is sarcasm.
That's certainly possible, but I personally find sarcasm very difficult to detect on the web. I generally avoid it when communicating online and via text.
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#14> He said there is a potential for violation if DOT > and the public were misled by "engineering-quality > work"- even if the authors did not claim to be > engineers. Isn't this essentially saying that you can be too smart/thorough for your own good, and that the government is going to punish you for not getting a license to use your abilities? What the hell is 'engineering-quality work' anyways? Talk about an amorph…
You're refuting the weakest possible interpretation of his statement. "This" is essentially saying, that it is possible to mislead the public by producing work that has some of the qualities of engineering work, but is not actual engineerng work. The alleged violator clearly started with the conclusion, and put together some official looking research to support it ... one of the many things you learn not to do in eng…
>"one of the many things you learn not to do in engineering school."
Practicing engineers, however, figure out how to do what the client wants within the limits of the law. I usually don't link to youtube videos, but this pretty much sums up the real world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9BUyWVg1xI
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#15was it started by DMCA? I mean the practice of limiting, even outlawing, of analytical thinking.
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#16This should get laughed out of court. You only need a PE license to approve drawings and design work on an official level, not to perform studies.
Seeing as that the potential punishment is just a strongly-worded letter, I don't think anything will be going to court.
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think it is in reference to: "When you start applying the principles for trip generation and route assignment, applying judgments from engineering documents and national standards, and making recommendations," that's technical work a licensed engineer would do, Lacy said.
Given that I first read the terms "trip generation" and "route assignment" when I was in high school, and in reference to SimCity, I think we can safely assume that the problem is actually the recommendation. There's some legal precedent* in blocking unlicensed people from making recommendations, notably pertaining to legal advice given by people who are not members of the bar association. On the other hand, Will Wri…
I too am not a lawyer, seek professional advice before relying on stuff you saw online etc.
The basic rule here in Australia is:
1. Give all the legal advice you like, just don't be surprised if you're sued because it's wrong. Non-lawyers do not enjoy solicitor's indemnity.
2. You cannot give legal advice in exchange for any form of payment, unless you have been admitted to the bar.
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#18was it started by DMCA? I mean the practice of limiting, even outlawing, of analytical thinking.
I think software industry is slowly headed this way: that there will come a point when you cannot let a member of the public use something based on your code without you being a licensed SE.
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#19> He said there is a potential for violation if DOT > and the public were misled by "engineering-quality > work"- even if the authors did not claim to be > engineers. Isn't this essentially saying that you can be too smart/thorough for your own good, and that the government is going to punish you for not getting a license to use your abilities? What the hell is 'engineering-quality work' anyways? Talk about an amorph…
> He said there is a potential for violation if DOT
> and the public were misled by "engineering-quality work"
Re: The dangers of unlicensed engineering
#20> He said there is a potential for violation if DOT > and the public were misled by "engineering-quality > work"- even if the authors did not claim to be > engineers. Isn't this essentially saying that you can be too smart/thorough for your own good, and that the government is going to punish you for not getting a license to use your abilities? What the hell is 'engineering-quality work' anyways? Talk about an amorph…
This is sounding a lot like a profession making it illegal for others to do anything that could decrease their own income.
Agreed! I shouldn't need an M.D. to stitch you up!