<quote who="Marc M">
Hello:
I have a 'technical' question that does not involve technology specifically, but I am hoping that someone on the list can help me. I have an employment possibility doing Red Hat Enterprise Linux and a lot of security stuff. I really want the job but they are making me sign this Stalinist contract to the effect that ANYTHING now or in the future (thoughts, concepts, software, plans, processes, RECORDINGS, images, etc.) -- is THEIRS. You wouldn't believe it if I had time to type everything. Basically I am a slave to them from now on.
That's right, anything NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, on the job or off. So if you are configuring/writing/tweaking software all day, one would <think> that you would later be liable or subject to just about anything they want to claim. Think about it. Who doesn't learn and grow from one job to another? Who doesn't apply things/practices/habits/processes, from place A to place B?
Well, INAL, but you can't copywright modifications made to GPLed software.
I've worked as a contractor for years and many consulting agencies force you to sign such draconian documents. Depending on what state you live in, these agreements can hold more or less weight. If I remember correctly (it's been years since I've worked for someone else) where I live, those agreements were not enforcable after you have left the employment of the company.