Ethical caution

[barbara2bba]

:eek:

Is it still a full moon?

[keylargo_diver]

I think I have been sitting in front of my computer too much lately. As I worked today it reminded me why I don't post to many web sites. The simplest thing is

[SIZE="5"]If anyone feels that a post is inappropriate, unethical, illegal etc. They should politely share their concerns with the web master and/or moderators. It really is that simple.[/SIZE]


Perhaps ethical cautions are best done in private.

I resolved today to strictly limit all my discussions to requesting education related information, providing education related information, or if i can, in some way provide support or assistance to anyone here in reaching there goals. That's why I'm here and it's who I am as a person. I'm sorry if my posts gave any other impression.

On a personal note. I read John Bears Guide to Non-traditional Degrees over 20 years ago. My life has had many triumphs and tragedies during that time. However obtaining a degree remained a long delayed goal, yet somehow I could not seem to get started. One night a little over a month ago, I was looking at a job posting for which I am ideally qualified, except for a degree. Something in me changed. I said to myself "#@$% it, I can do this!" I didn't tell anyone until I took the first test because I was too scared I would jinx myself or something. It would be hard to describe how happy I was after completing my first test. Now I have 18 fresh credits, I very excited and I believe I have the determination to see this to the end. It's nice to be here "online" with other people who are doing, or have done, the same thing.

Tom

[sgloer]

Hey Everybody--

It's not very often that we have a polemic, heated debate come up on this forum, but every now and then when one does, I'm generally content to sit it out, as we're all adults here, and on top of that, the moderators have done an amazing job of staying on top of things.

But, as this has turned into such a hot topic, and there's no clear concensus of opinion, I felt that it's time to step in and establish where the forum "officially" stands on this issue.

First, please note that although I rarely participate on the forum, I do try to scan through the new posts once a day and stay updated on what's going on. I believe in a relatively hands-off approach. In general, the direction this forum takes is based on you all (the users), and more importantly the moderators, who I've chosen for their rock-solid integrity and their bend-over-backwards desire to help people. They have a lot of leeway to take the forum in the direction that they see fit.

That being said, I'm going to ask the moderators to refrain from doing any censuring unless it's something that is clearly offensive or spelling out questions on the test. I'm going to leave the real censuring up to the posters--you post what you feel comfortable posting, and if you feel like you gave too much detail, then tone it down.

The Collegeboard and Prometric jealously guard their content; I am aware of this because I've heard from them several times over the years as they purchased subscriptions and went over what we've got with a fine-toothed comb (they never find anything that bothers them). THEY are what guide my policy on this forum--if I think a post could get this site shut down, then it needs to go.

If you think a feedback post is blatantly over-the-line and should be removed, feel free to send ME a message. If you have any comments or concerns for that matter, send me a message--I make it my priority to respond to every message in a timely manner.

One more thing--please show respect for the moderators (and for each other). Lack of respect is one of the few things that can get you banned from this forum.

[patk]

I just found this forum searching information on the CLEP and after reading all of the success stories and feedback, I thought "wow, I can do this", then found this tread. Thank you Steve for your thoughts on this topic. I plan to take the plunge and sign-up for Instacert. In my opinion, the feedback is no different then when what you would get in a B&M setting.

[bat21]

Very interesting forums you have here!

Are all these forums geared towards clep and ece exams?

[pitbull30]

I didnt read all 8 pages of this post but I thought i would throw in my 2 cents for what its worth and I dont plan to repost 40 times and turn this into a "whos right" forum.

I dont find anything about the test taking sections to be unethical.

I have not found any direct questions taken from actual test in the section and Im sure if they were in there the mods would delete them because obviously we dont want to jeopardize the network we have here.

Everything I have read on here has been generalized and I find it no different from a REA book, Pass your class book or spark chart.

They all have topics, definitions and key subjects. Same thing your local college will give you before the final exam or a syallabus when starting the class. (if your lucky)

On a side note i would have to say im a little concerned with your level of understanding and concern with the forum...:confused: Maybe its just me or the way Im processing info right now....

Correct me if im wrong though, didnt I read a post saying that you finished your degree after using these forums?

[ShotoJuku]

Well if we are going to start censoring posts, because some-[SIZE="5"]self-appointed-Nazi [/SIZE]thinks it is Test Compromise, I am out of here!

Iceman, I take serious offense at your Nazi comment. I think it is a major insult to the moderators (myself included) who were appointed as such by Steve Gloer (webmaster). We were asked to help monitor the IC forum and to uphold the quality and integrity of this forum. I think we have done a fairly good job of that so far.

Calling the moderators "Nazi's" doesn't help the situation either.

I missed this the first time around and I don't know who it was directed to but you're right Iceman.....you're out of here! [COLOR="red"][SIZE="4"]1-Day Ban[/SIZE].[/COLOR] [SIZE="7"]*[/SIZE]

If we start burning books call us nazi's, if we try to keep things on the level call us moderators........PERIOD!!!

[SIZE="7"]*[/SIZE] Upgraded to 7-Day Ban by Kiwi Lover.

[Greggy_D]

Wow, I disappear for a couple of weeks and come back to this.

First off, in defense of Iceman....I think he was referring to general forum members (not moderators) as "self-appointed Nazis". At least that was the way I interpreted his statement. I too, would be upset by a general member dictating right and wrong from behind their keyboard without the official designation of "Moderator". IMHO, his ban is a bit harsh.

Secondly, most of this thread is pure horseshit. What's the goal here? To earn a degree and LEARN in the process. I can unequivacolly state that I do in fact LEARN something when a question and answer are posted in the feedback forum. I can also unequivacolly state that CLEP's own books offer the exact questions and answer to some parts of their own tests. Finally I can unequivacolly state that an official Oceanography textbook at the University of Michigan (same school Gary attended) offered the exact question/answer on the official final exam.

I've used MCSE study guides which also detailed the exact question/answer on the exams. I used them because anyone in IT knows there the right way of doing things and then there is the Microsoft way. I needed to LEARN the Microsoft way, which is included on the exams.

Regardless, each method results in the student LEARNING.

Ethics? Please. Ethics do NOT exist out in the real working world. They may try to exist in Excelsior's little fantasy kingdom, but they do not outside their boundaries. Excelsior (and any other college for the matter) exist solely to make money. You play their game, pay them $$$$$, and you get a degree, which in all reality is simply a ticket into the game. What you do after that is up to you and your skills. 99% of your job is learned ON THE JOB, not in some classroom. Once again, you see the game exposed for what it really is. A cash cow.

OK....that's enough of my tangent....back to the topic. Gary, I honestly can't believe that you brought this up AFTER using IC (and its questions/answers) to earn your degree. It screams of hypocrisy and frankly it comes across like the far right Republican "moral majority" who think they have the authority to tell you how to live your life.

This country does not encourage innovative thinking (which is displayed on IC). It tries to keep the strong down and it coddles the weak. If you do not play by their rules, then you are a threat to society and must be brought "in-line", often because you are smarter than those making the rules.

That's enough of my rant. It's just that this thread pissed me off enough to respond.

End result: NO...I do not favor censorship/editing of questions and answers on this forum by a forum member or Mod. This type of learning is found in Official textbooks, etc. Why is it OK for them and not OK for IC?

[ShotoJuku]

.........frankly it comes across like the far right Republican "moral majority" who think they have the authority to tell you how to live your life.......

[COLOR="Navy"]Uh oh, first it was calling people nazi's and now it's the GOP is under fire too!

Crap - I better seek cover! [/COLOR]

[Greggy_D]

Hey....I'm allowed. I WAS a Republican for over 20 years.