Wouldn’t social networks fall under a similar category? I get that they are different but there is a lot of overlap. If they are in violation then I think the law needs to be updated.
Facebook already pays its moderators.
Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
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Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#12Maybe they're in violation of some of those new "anti-bullying" laws. Ever try asking (or answering) a question there?
Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#13Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#14moderators, why not contributors too? can any for profit be associated with open source or similar without falling under one of these laws?
Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#15I would have thought for this to be true, both the company and volunteer would need to be in NY state. IIRC I don't need to extend my NY labour obligations to my Californian employees (however as a NY company I would still be required to follow Californian labour laws with regards to employees there).
Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#16> except for a short term recreational or amusement event run by that organization.
Looking at the recent developments at stack exchange, it fits "Amusement event".
Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#17Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#18By this logic, shouldn't the people posting questions also be considered illegal volunteers?
I dont think so. The question askers and answers arent expected to do anything, and you could argue they are doing it out of their own self interest, which is the whole point of the site. In other words, they are the customers.
Moderators on the other hand are held to certain standards, have to maintain a certain amount of moderations, and are actually doing it to better SO as a whole.
Re: Is Stack Exchange in violation of NY labor law by using volunteer moderators?
#19This would break a lot more services, including a substantial number of Open Source projects and communities (specifically, any that are primarily run by a company rather than a non-profit).
Maybe that's a good thing? Companies are ruining the Internet.