Monte, whilst I think your statement is very noble, it simply isn't the reality. As you said, this is another topic for another thread, especially as the arguments for and against are diverse and equally debatable. However, I will summarise by saying that you can spend vast time and expenses trying to limit Internet use at work and therefore, my policy is simply to explain what is acceptable and empower the members of staff to make the right decision. If they do not, it is fairly obvious and becomes a disciplinary matter, which can be dealt with using various parts of their employment contract, namely the Internet and Email Use Policy.
If someone chooses to sit at their desk and read BBC News, Talk Morgan, Sports News, etc, etc, on their work PC during their lunch break, I have no problem with that at all.
The point is, during those acceptable times, all it takes is someone to look over their shoulder and take offence for the matter of Internet use to take on a completely different issue. As I said, the Aston ad was borderline but not the focus of this thread. What is important to remember is that in our current employment climate, it is not the way something is said, or meant (or in this case seen) but how it is perceived or believe to be intended for an employee to have a case against the other employee and indirectly the employer.
