layoffs?

[Kid Charlemagne]

Some of this conversation has steered a little close to the "no politics" rule. So far, so good, but just keep that in mind when talking about the business aspects. That may make it tough in some ways to make your point, but them's the rules.

-Kid C, EN World Mod

 

[Delta]

There is a reason why most executive packages contain an not inconsiderable proportion of stock (or options) in the company. Making what's good for the shareholders also good for the execs helps to limit this sort of behaviour...

That was the intent, but many current analysts see it as doing exactly the opposite; i.e., that it further encourages short-term profits (until executives can sell stock) at the price of long-term corporate health. From the New Yorker "World of Business":

The most insidious aspect of executive stock options is that-especially in tough times-they give senior managers a strong incentive to mislead investors about the true condition of their companies...

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/09/23/020923fa_fact_cassidy

 

[gribble]

That was the intent, but many current analysts see it as doing exactly the opposite

Interesting read - thanks for the link.

 

[Fifth Element]

That was the intent, but many current analysts see it as doing exactly the opposite; i.e., that it further encourages short-term profits (until executives can sell stock) at the price of long-term corporate health. From the New Yorker "World of Business":

This. Very much this. Nice in theory, but it doesn't work that way in reality.

 

[Harneloot]

Some of this conversation has steered a little close to the "no politics" rule. So far, so good, but just keep that in mind when talking about the business aspects. That may make it tough in some ways to make your point, but them's the rules.

-Kid C, EN World Mod

Or is this simply the ENWorld-in-bed-with-Wotc rule?

 

[Umbran]

Or is this simply the ENWorld-in-bed-with-Wotc rule?

For you, just the "saying something insulting as talkback to a mod" rule. You won't be posting to this thread anymore.

Please, folks. Chill.

 

[Hussar]

It's really a shame when a good thread, simply expressing care and concern for some of the notable names in the industry devolves into what got expressed above me.

 

[jinnetics]

If you google more, you'll find about factory workers in China rebelling, removal from the FTSE4Good Index series (which encourages investment in socially responsible companies, as a result of failing to satisfy supply chain labor standards), another report on worker conditions and possibly more.

Factory workers in China rebelling (AP)

 

[JLowder]

What they do is find interesting, profitable young companies, buy them, squeeze as much money as they can out of them, crush everything that is unique and innovative about them, and then discard them when they're no longer profitable.

For anyone interested in more on this subject, read G. Wayne Miller's Toy Wars, a corporate history of Hasbro. It deals in particular with the acquisition of Kenner.

You can be fair and responsible in your treatment of your employees and fair and responsible to the financial interests of your investors.

Amen, brother. Few people in the industry make good money, and most hobby companies cannot generally afford to pay them a whole hell of a lot more than they do already. But the good companies--the smart companies--show staff and freelancers respect, let them know they are valued. You can do that in a lot of ways that cost the company little or no money. In return, the company gets more work and better work.

It's astounding how elusive that concept seems to be in some corners out in Renton.

Cheers,
Jim Lowder
www.jameslowder.com

 

[justanobody]

Factory workers in China rebelling (AP)

Layoffs from Hasbro everywhere in the world it seems!