From: blockedofcourse@foo.invalid   
      
   > If I'm contacted about a potential job, I think about the   
   > people that I know who might be appropriate (because anyone   
   > that I *refer* for a position is a reflection on me!).   
   > Who (if anyone) I contact is based on my knowledge of where   
   > their interests lie and what they might be doing, presently.   
      
   Similarly, if I am contacted about a particular employer,   
   client or potential employee, I can give a candid appraisal   
   without fear of reprisals or running afoul of legalities.   
      
   I had a guy pitching himself as "qualified" that I knew   
   to be a complete idiot.  Giving my colleague that   
   assessment (without "couched terms") made it very clear   
   what *I* thought he should do about the guy!   
      
   I've similarly had colleagues inquire about past clients,   
   how had they might have been to work with, how promptly   
   they pay invoices, how capable they are of understanding   
   what THEY are asking for, etc.   
      
   As most of my colleagues are NOT looking for a teat to suck   
   on for years (i.e., a job that is continually in flux and,   
   thus, never ending), knowing those things ahead of time can   
   avoid uncomfortable (and frustrating) situations down the road.   
   (you can't really ASK the client/employer those things and   
   get a straight answer!)   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)