Maximising income - Mystery Shopping? Surveys? (Part Three)

jobbingmusician

Could I just discourage people from using a dictaphone in assigments where you are not specifically asked to do this? I think you may be laying yourselves open to a human rights test case if it were ever discovered.

If you are ever recorded on the telephone, you will be TOLD that the call is recorded. When we do recorded or filmed MS, the assistants are told in advance that their work may be recorded. Whilst they are warned that their work will be MSed, I think it's a bit intrusive to record them.

I know people are using recording devices in an attempt to do top quality work, but it still feels wrong to me (and I'm sure the clients would be concerned, if they knew). Do others agree or think I'm wrong*?

*I know I'm right about the human rights issue - but do others think that recordings are ethically justified in the cause of accurate reporting?

go.on.smile

hornetgirl wrote: »

Is that what the fee was? If so, it would seem perfectly reasonable, as that is what you would have been paid if you had been able to complete the assignment.

The fee was £5, it seems a bit petty of them to knock a pound off but would be petty of me to moan...
Never mind, it covers the parking fee!

ruthiejane

jobbingmusician wrote: »

*I know I'm right about the human rights issue - but do others think that recordings are ethically justified in the cause of accurate reporting?

I agree - just feels wrong - I think I'd be upset if I found out I'd been recorded without being warned.

pinkpig08

I'm another one who didn't give the sports shop job for RE a very good report. I submitted it last Tuesday and I'm still waiting.

Has anyone done a computer testing centre job for kern scheduling? I did one last week and just wondered how long they take to pay?

wensie

ruthiejane wrote: »

I agree - just feels wrong - I think I'd be upset if I found out I'd been recorded without being warned.

Same here. Actually - I would be furious.

Perdyboo

Timmne wrote: »

:rotfl: How many did you get?

Several!! I felt really bad, but all you guys are quick off the mark - now I know why I've not picked up any new jobs recently, lol! Seriously tho'- I did first come, first served.

And do you know what? I know there are quite a lot of health warnings and constructive criticism on this thread about the downside of doing MS (in addition to some REALLY good advice), and perhaps it's cos I'm in early days, but I'm enjoying it - viewing it not as something that will make me a millionaire, Rodney (I can live in hope) but gives us a bit of a social life and a few pennies. I'm loving the bowling jobs!!

Somebody, please remember this post if I ever rant on here in the future!!

Perdyboo

*I know I'm right about the human rights issue - but do others think that recordings are ethically justified in the cause of accurate reporting?[/quote]


I'm also aware and/or pretty confident to say, but unable to quote chapter and verse, that to record somebody without informed consent, or informing them at some point, has some legal and data protection issues - I'm not quite sure how that works in terms of covert recordings on cowboy tradesmen and stuff on those tv programmes, but I wouldn't like to see anyone get into trouble through their best MS intentions.

Dim-Tim_2

jobbingmusician wrote: »

*I know I'm right about the human rights issue - but do others think that recordings are ethically justified in the cause of accurate reporting?

Leaving aside the ethical/moral issues for a mo.

My understanding of the legal aspect of this is that provided the recording is for your personal use, you are not breaking the law. If you wish to pass the recording on to a third party you must obtain the permission of the person who you have recorded.

The upside of recording an assignment is that if somebody challenges your report, you have the proof. The recorded person should have no objection to the recording being made available to his/her company unless it exposes their lies.

Just my 2p worth.

lola234

jobbingmusician wrote: »

*I know I'm right about the human rights issue - but do others think that recordings are ethically justified in the cause of accurate reporting?

I scoured the internet when I first got my dictaphone but was unable to find the definitive legal position on recording someone without their knowledge. I only use it for jobs which I anticipate being long and complicated and after filling in the questionnaire I delete all recordings. I personally find this acceptable as it helps me give a more accurate report. I would never dream of offering to send the company a copy of the recording in the event of a dispute unless they had authorised me to make the recording in the first place (in case they sacked me).

That's my 2p worth too.

wantmorejobs

Dim-Tim wrote: »

Leaving aside the ethical/moral issues for a mo.

My understanding of the legal aspect of this is that provided the recording is for your personal use, you are not breaking the law. If you wish to pass the recording on to a third party you must obtain the permission of the person who you have recorded.

The upside of recording an assignment is that if somebody challenges your report, you have the proof. The recorded person should have no objection to the recording being made available to his/her company unless it exposes their lies.

Just my 2p worth.

You are correct on the legal aspect. And I also believe that it is justified morally as well. All employees for these types of clients will consent to being monitored, whether it is internally and externally.

As long as no more is done than necessary, then a dictaphone would be justified for a MS to validate their reports, although for the fees that companies pay now I hardly think its worth it, I just "text" on my mobile, but if you feel the need to, don't worry about being legally culpable!!!!