I'd say fucking around on social networking sites is less unethical (since, barring extenuating circumstances, I don't think either of those fall on the positive side of ethics-- not to say I haven't done both, as well as reading novels, extra-long lunches, and playing board games with coworkers) because it's easier to multitask and snap back into work mode than it is when you're watching a show/movie.

That was my thought. However it didn't stop me from checking to see if Hulu had a new episode of Glee. (Have you seen it? You might like it)

The lack of second episode saved what little virtue I have left. ;p

ethics don't come into it, i don't think

unless, is there an explicit "no 'net surfing" policy that was signed/agreed to and is now being broken?

i could be fined for either one at my work. that said, i think hulu is worse, for the reason already mentioned, and also because it uses more bandwidth.

Hulu is purely entertainment, and as a video medium requires more of your attention (i.e., all of it).

OKC, FB, LJ, etc. aren't 100% interactive - you can push it into the background and check it periodically, vs. Hulu or any other video service where if you're watching it, you're doing that and really nothing else.

I personally find that sites like FB/LJ/etc to be MUCH more time consuming than Hulu.

They are interactive experiences. You need to read messages, respond to them, tag photos, post comments, etc on them.

Hulu is passive. It sits in a window while you work.

If you keep it in a small window WHILE you are doing your work.. you are being more productive than being on some other social interaction site.

Note - Most bosses don't think like I do.

It depends on your company's Information and Electronic Media Use Policies.

I fire people for doing either as all scenario's are considered a theft of company time under policy book page 27.

Additionally, our Information Securities Group places blockers on all company computers that restricts access to all said pages.

Neither scenario truly posses an ethical problem in that without stating your specific companies policy, both are acceptable.

I would consider both an ethical issue if you should be working rather than playing on the interwebs. Work is for work. HOme and not work is for play.

... you know I have been doing my job for too long... I didn't need to check my policy book to remember which page it is on... what makes it sad is that I have my policy book with me to verify, I find it to be interesting reading and memorizing it now will make things easier when I get sent away for 2-Weeks of Hub School if/when I get promoted to full-time supervisor.

/headdesk I have become a corporate slave... where has my life gone?