The author argues that Sun was fined around $11k for what was basically a private message that was exposed. He questions whether the fine is proportionate to the 'crime', and whether there are any real 'victims' to justify a harsh punishment.
My comments which was posted in facebook, and in the comments section of Ben Leong's blog (awaiting moderation - tsk tsk seems like a trend) :
You argue that it’s a 11k fine for a private message. I would argue for another perspective,
The 11k comes from a much larger amount that was given to him by a organization with a code of behavior for recipients of that monetary benefit. He was caught breaking that code of behavior, hence resulting in the said penalty.
It’s the same if an employee is sponsored by a company for an expensive course, but is caught making disparaging comments on the company (e.g. referring to co-workers as dogs?) and the matter escalated to management. It would hardly be shocking for part of the sponsorship to be revoked, and entirely possible that the person be given the sack.
Overly harsh punishment? I don’t think so.
