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What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

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Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#11

Post by smileysteve »

tryanother wrote: post #3
crazypyro wrote: post #2

Is your boss a dev? Did he think you straight copy/pasted from the internet? Did he even ask about the licensing? Your boss sounds incompetent, but these answers would probably help us understand.

Yes, he is a dev. He thought I copied/pasted. He did not ask about licensing. He also told me that "inner JavaScript classes" are inappropriate for enterprise code. I asked him to explain what he was talking about - he meant my object constructors. He said I could not create new java (yes, java) classes in my JavaScript code. ????

> "inner JavaScript classes" are inappropriate for enterprise code. I asked him to explain what he was talking about - he meant my object constructors

I'd guess that he and the product do not tend to use javascript objects when writing code - which means that the code was above his (and the product's average) coding head. This also means that it wasn't the best way for you to code the project.

For a code review to pass, the reviewer should think about the minimum person working on the project and whether they would understand or make guesses when fixing it - or at least know where / when to get help.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#13

Post by tryanother »

orand wrote: post #8

I would leave that job as quickly as possible. Life is too short to work for a boss who is crazy. You have the drive to learn and grow. Go to meetups, user groups, etc. and get to know others who are like-minded. You'll build the connections you need to find a better job, even if you are a junior dev. They'll see your passion and potential and hire you for that.

Thank you so much for this. I will start going to meet ups ASAP. I have worked so hard to get into this industry (I am almost completely self taught, no tech degree) and all I want is to work with passionate people who are inspired by my passion. I want to make awesome things and be better than I was yesterday. This current job is so disheartening.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#14

Post by MalcolmDiggs »

tryanother wrote: post #7
MalcolmDiggs wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sounds like he barely has any idea what he's talking about...or you two are talking about totally different things. Has this happened before with him? Has he done this to anybody else?

I only know his history in broad strokes. He has a "reputation," I just don't know the specifics. He hated the guy that I replaced - 3 months later and he is still publicly bad mouthing the guy. Very unprofessional, makes for a hostile work environment.

Is taking him out for a beer an option? I'd recommend nipping this kind of thing in the bud as quickly as possible; or it'll just spiral out of control.

If you can: be diplomatic, take him out for drinks after work one day and have a heart-to-heart. He wields a significant amount of power, and it'd be in your best interest for him to like you alot.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#15

Post by tryanother »

smileysteve wrote: post #11
tryanother wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, he is a dev. He thought I copied/pasted. He did not ask about licensing. He also told me that "inner JavaScript classes" are inappropriate for enterprise code. I asked him to explain what he was talking about - he meant my object constructors. He said I could not create new java (yes, java) classes in my JavaScript code. ????

> "inner JavaScript classes" are inappropriate for enterprise code. I asked him to explain what he was talking about - he meant my object constructors I'd guess that he and the product do not tend to use javascript objects when writing code - which means that the code was above his (and the product's average) coding head. This also means that it wasn't the best way for you to code the project. For a code review to pa…

Thank you for that feedback. These are the kinds of thing I can't learn on my own. There is absolutely no formal code review, much to my surprise; in fact, the closest thing to "process" here is to push to UAT as fast as humanly possible. I would love to work in an environment where I felt as though I were actually learning from my coworkers and from the process.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#17

Post by tptacek »

tryanother wrote: post #12
tptacek wrote: post #4

That does not sound like a recoverable problem.

That's what I am afraid of. I am very uncomfortable with the culture of conniving and suspicion that seems to be rampant here.

If I was accused of plagiarism, I'd start making plans to leave. I don't say that lightly; this might, I think, be the first time in my overlong time on HN to give that piece of advice.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#18

Post by b_emery »

tryanother wrote: post #7
MalcolmDiggs wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sounds like he barely has any idea what he's talking about...or you two are talking about totally different things. Has this happened before with him? Has he done this to anybody else?

I only know his history in broad strokes. He has a "reputation," I just don't know the specifics. He hated the guy that I replaced - 3 months later and he is still publicly bad mouthing the guy. Very unprofessional, makes for a hostile work environment.

A general policy of mine is to avoid people who are frequently bad-mouthing other people. I think this is your key indicator of his character, and yes it does make for a hostile, and corrosive, work environment.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#19

Post by elmojenkins »

I'd update your resume and look around. Things could get better at your current job, however, if you are able to find something new, you should consider it..especially given your current issue.

You are right to feel annoyed by this. I would. I think anyone who put the time & effort into something would too. Hopefully your boss will figure it out one day.

Re: What would you do? Boss thought I copied code from Web

#20

Post by thejteam »

The one time I encountered this was in 9th grade. The health class teacher wasn't used to people writing good essays. I got an A on the first essay of the year, and she wrote on the paper "Good job, if you actually wrote it."

Her and I did not get along very well that year.

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