Company News The Daily Codex: Trouble in BioLand?

[BelisariuS.F]

They're called Doctors by Demos but they don't have Doctorate from University. This is only honor title like calling every schmock Lord (Pan) in Potatoland.

In this context 'pan' translates not to 'lord', but to 'mister'.

 

[Commissar Draco]

They're called Doctors by Demos but they don't have Doctorate from University. This is only honor title like calling every schmock Lord (Pan) in Potatoland.

In this context 'pan' translates not to 'lord', but to 'mister'.

They're no Lords in Potatoland as We schlahta said Nobleman on His Manse is Equal to the Duke. Titled Nobility was created only after Partitions.

Pan in Potatospeak = Mister, Lord or even LORD.

 

[Bulba]

Your arguments suck bigtime.

I know your gay arse wants to see the mighty spartans as gaylords, but they weren't. Gayish activities were not considered immoral, but something completly natural like having a shit. To their defence I can say that pretty much the entire world (including arabs, persians...) thought the same way, but than there were a lot of other things considered back than as completly normal and would be considered now as an absolute evil shit like having slaves. Spartans had lots of slaves, they never did any actual work as it was done by the slaves (they were realy evil bastards, unlike they are portraid now).

Thuthermore your entire argument sucks because spartans NEVER had any gay marriagies.

You are saying basically the same thing he was, only in a severely retarded manner, plus you are too dumb to recognise the fact.

If you can't see the difference, you should reconsider who should be given the all powerfull dummy title.

 

[visions]

If you can't see the difference, you should reconsider who should be given the all powerfull dummy title.

What difference?

He was essentially saying that arguments for the validity of a moral position that rely on the said moral position's perceived antiquity are often dubious, given that morals have differed and will differ a lot across time and space and for a moral position, an opposite position of similar or greater antiquity can often be found.

You were saying I DISAGREE U R DUMB BECUZ OLOLOLO SPARTANS WEREN'T GAYLORDS SINCE HOMOSEX WASN'T AMORAL FOR THEM, which is no way in conflict with what he said.

 

[Jasede]

Shameful thread; beneath you.

 

[Jaesun]

 

[Jaesun]

Shitposters gonna shitpost.

 

[Commander Xbox]

Even if EA butchers Bioware I expect they will keep the "Bioware" moniker in use for several years, there's still plenty of cash to milk from the biowhores.

I thought this too but now im not so sure, EA has already managed to significantly trash biowares image in the space of 2 games, even among the biodrones. A couple more and the brand name of Bioware wont mean that much.

 

[waywardOne]

Buyer Bioware.

 

[Kattze]

News seems very untrustworthy. It should be a thread in GRPGD, not a new item.

But anyway, even if (likely) untrue, it doesn't matter. Bioware is not for long anyway. I doubt DA3 will be made. A new ME trilogy might be announced, but it will likely not get made. All resources will be put into Old Republic. The fate of that game is what will determine Bioware's future. If Old Republic succeeds, Bioware will survive and even thrive as a MMORPG company. If Old Republic fails, then Bioware will be put into the same graveyard with all the rest of EAs aquisitions, probably getting a grave right between Origin and Westwood, Bless their Souls.

Anyhow, while EA is shit, true, keep in mind they did not do hostile takeovers. They bought the company's with the owners (very willing) permission, and paid the owners huge sums of money making them quite happy. So if you wanna blame someone for the decline of the old company's, blame the owners first and foremost for selling out.

And Azrael the Cat, dude, you seem like an educated guy. Read what you wrote. Do you honestly, seriously, believe that ridiculous bullshit about Spartans having gay sex just so they could fight better? Really? Do you imagine the Spartans were having gay buttsecks in the turtle formation while battle was raging around them?

Spartans being gay is as ridiculous a myth as Alexander the Great being a fag. This could very likely be the work of homosexuals to try to portray faggism in a positive light by tampering with history. Alexander did not marry not because he was a fag, but because he was too busy trying to fucking conquer the world!! Some ppl have more on their minds than their dicks y'know. They have a destiny to fulfill and all, etc etc.

Actually, dear Andhaira bro, Alexander married the daughter of the last Persian king and Rhoxane. He also managed to tap the latter's sweet Bactrian ass to produce an heir before he died.

 

[Turjan]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

This is patently false (not the prestige part, but the rest). To get a doctor's degree as a physician in Germany is absurdly easy. You pick a topic and write a few pages about it. Or let someone else write it. I personally sat in "final" exams where the candidates didn't know what "they" wrote in their thesis. They did not fail, but were told to read it first and come back again in a couple of weeks. Then you get your "cum laude" or "rete" and can call yourself "Dr. med."

You can also make a real degree that needs years of work, a longer thesis, and ends with a completely different and difficult final exam. This one will yield a better grade and the option of a university hospital career, but the difference is invisible to the public. If you just want to have a nice certificate to hang on the wall in your waiting room, you don't really need to put in much effort.

 

[Morkar Left]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

This is patently false (not the prestige part, but the rest). To get a doctor's degree as a physician in Germany is absurdly easy. You pick a topic and write a few pages about it. Or let someone else write it. I personally sat in "final" exams where the candidates didn't know what "they" wrote in their thesis. They did not fail, but were told to read it first and come back again in a couple of weeks. Then you get your "cum laude" or "rete" and can call yourself "Dr. med."

You can also make a real degree that needs years of work, a longer thesis, and ends with a completely different and difficult final exam. This one will yield a better grade and the option of a university hospital career, but the difference is invisible to the public. If you just want to have a nice certificate to hang on the wall in your waiting room, you don't really need to put in much effort.

I highly doubt your "observations" and you are aware that you have to successfully study already over 6 years to get it with actually working in a hospital on patients? And what exactly are you talking about with "a real degree"? You mean a Dissertation? Btw. a Dr. title is an additional qualifikation in Germany roughly comparable to an international Master degree (which we get forced to use in Germany, too).

And about getting degrees easily in Germany google Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg...
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...iIHwAg&usg=AFQjCNFTfZSZ6nQJhCXlv8-iF_D1YTojEw

 

[Marsal]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

This is patently false (not the prestige part, but the rest). To get a doctor's degree as a physician in Germany is absurdly easy. You pick a topic and write a few pages about it. Or let someone else write it. I personally sat in "final" exams where the candidates didn't know what "they" wrote in their thesis. They did not fail, but were told to read it first and come back again in a couple of weeks. Then you get your "cum laude" or "rete" and can call yourself "Dr. med."

You can also make a real degree that needs years of work, a longer thesis, and ends with a completely different and difficult final exam. This one will yield a better grade and the option of a university hospital career, but the difference is invisible to the public. If you just want to have a nice certificate to hang on the wall in your waiting room, you don't really need to put in much effort.

I highly doubt your "observations" and you are aware that you have to successfully study already over 6 years to get it with actually working in a hospital on patients? And what exactly are you talking about with "a real degree"? You mean a Dissertation? Btw. a Dr. title is an additional qualifikation in Germany roughly comparable to an international Master degree (which we get forced to use in Germany, too).

And about getting degrees easily in Germany google Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg...

Feather status: ruffled. Well done Turjan Do you want to press the attack and go for butthurt?

 

[JarlFrank]

News seems very untrustworthy. It should be a thread in GRPGD, not a new item.

But anyway, even if (likely) untrue, it doesn't matter. Bioware is not for long anyway. I doubt DA3 will be made. A new ME trilogy might be announced, but it will likely not get made. All resources will be put into Old Republic. The fate of that game is what will determine Bioware's future. If Old Republic succeeds, Bioware will survive and even thrive as a MMORPG company. If Old Republic fails, then Bioware will be put into the same graveyard with all the rest of EAs aquisitions, probably getting a grave right between Origin and Westwood, Bless their Souls.

Anyhow, while EA is shit, true, keep in mind they did not do hostile takeovers. They bought the company's with the owners (very willing) permission, and paid the owners huge sums of money making them quite happy. So if you wanna blame someone for the decline of the old company's, blame the owners first and foremost for selling out.

And Azrael the Cat, dude, you seem like an educated guy. Read what you wrote. Do you honestly, seriously, believe that ridiculous bullshit about Spartans having gay sex just so they could fight better? Really? Do you imagine the Spartans were having gay buttsecks in the turtle formation while battle was raging around them?

Spartans being gay is as ridiculous a myth as Alexander the Great being a fag. This could very likely be the work of homosexuals to try to portray faggism in a positive light by tampering with history. Alexander did not marry not because he was a fag, but because he was too busy trying to fucking conquer the world!! Some ppl have more on their minds than their dicks y'know. They have a destiny to fulfill and all, etc etc.

Actually, dear Andhaira bro, Alexander married the daughter of the last Persian king and Rhoxane. He also managed to tap the latter's sweet Bactrian ass to produce an heir before he died.

Don't you know Alexander was a Muslim and the half-brother of the Persian king?

(at least that's what the Iskandarnamah says)

 

[Major_Blackhart]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

Killing jewz is hard work guys!

But in all seriousness, company restructuring won't mean much in the short term. We wont see the effects for at least a year from now. Maybe more. Restructuring takes time, not only to implement, but to come up with the ideas of what needs to be done.
It means a lot of board room meetings about wasted time, unproductive time, and streamlining office actions to bring people up to needed efficiency.

 

[Turjan]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

This is patently false (not the prestige part, but the rest). To get a doctor's degree as a physician in Germany is absurdly easy. You pick a topic and write a few pages about it. Or let someone else write it. I personally sat in "final" exams where the candidates didn't know what "they" wrote in their thesis. They did not fail, but were told to read it first and come back again in a couple of weeks. Then you get your "cum laude" or "rete" and can call yourself "Dr. med."

You can also make a real degree that needs years of work, a longer thesis, and ends with a completely different and difficult final exam. This one will yield a better grade and the option of a university hospital career, but the difference is invisible to the public. If you just want to have a nice certificate to hang on the wall in your waiting room, you don't really need to put in much effort.

I highly doubt your "observations" and you are aware that you have to successfully study already over 6 years to get it with actually working in a hospital on patients? And what exactly are you talking about with "a real degree"? You mean a Dissertation? Btw. a Dr. title is an additional qualifikation in Germany roughly comparable to an international Master degree (which we get forced to use in Germany, too).

The only thing I see is that you have absolutely no clue about this. As I said, I have been sitting in "Dr. med." exams. Whether you work with patients or not is irrelevant to your Dr. med. Of course, you need to work with patients to pass your state examination as physician. For your Dr. med., you can also measure the fat content in fries done at different temperatures, if you are so inclined. Or just do some weeks of literature research. Most "Dr. med." titles have no worth whatsoever.

I already explained what I meant with "real degree". You work several years on a scientific project, write a thesis and have a more difficult exam. The institution where I experienced this reserved the grades "summa cum laude" and "magna cum laude" for these cases. The exam was then in front of a committee of about 6 people, with talk and subsequent exam by the committee. The throwaway titles (which meant the candidate declared up-front that he would not try to achieve more than "cum laude") had an "exam" that consisted of a few minutes of a nice conversation with one professor and one guy as witness and writing the protocol. Failing was not an option (as I said, the more egregious cases had to return later). The degree practically excluded the candidate from a university career (universities know what that grade means), but the wall certificate comes without a degree written on it, so who cares. Everyone in the room knew that this was only done because patients expect their physician to have the "Dr." in front of the name and that the whole procedure was otherwise a meaningless charade.

Physicians outside of university hospitals don't need a doctor title. They are the equivalent of a highly trained technician, not a scientist. The problem is that the public thinks that, without the two letters "Dr" in front of your name, you are not a real physician, although that is actually decided by the state exams. Not doing the doctor title is a financially bad decision, as this will have repercussions from unfulfilled patient expectations. And that's why this charade is done.

 

[Major_Blackhart]

So, back on topic, have the rats fled the sinking ship yet?
Mass layoffs?
I figure EA will have to be gentle with handling things if they are looking to sell. They really gotta maintain an image of stability and growth at this point.
Otherwise the effects will not be good.

 

[Turjan]

But in all seriousness, company restructuring won't mean much in the short term. We wont see the effects for at least a year from now. Maybe more. Restructuring takes time, not only to implement, but to come up with the ideas of what needs to be done.
It means a lot of board room meetings about wasted time, unproductive time, and streamlining office actions to bring people up to needed efficiency.

It doesn't even have to be visible to the outside. The title "Bioware Founder" is something you can keep without actual function.

 

[Morkar Left]

That's funny because in German medical degrees are a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields and a doctor (Dr.) is usually harder to get in this field than in others because of all the stress and risk involved with this job.

This is patently false (not the prestige part, but the rest). To get a doctor's degree as a physician in Germany is absurdly easy. You pick a topic and write a few pages about it. Or let someone else write it. I personally sat in "final" exams where the candidates didn't know what "they" wrote in their thesis. They did not fail, but were told to read it first and come back again in a couple of weeks. Then you get your "cum laude" or "rete" and can call yourself "Dr. med."

You can also make a real degree that needs years of work, a longer thesis, and ends with a completely different and difficult final exam. This one will yield a better grade and the option of a university hospital career, but the difference is invisible to the public. If you just want to have a nice certificate to hang on the wall in your waiting room, you don't really need to put in much effort.

I highly doubt your "observations" and you are aware that you have to successfully study already over 6 years to get it with actually working in a hospital on patients? And what exactly are you talking about with "a real degree"? You mean a Dissertation? Btw. a Dr. title is an additional qualifikation in Germany roughly comparable to an international Master degree (which we get forced to use in Germany, too).

The only thing I see is that you have absolutely no clue about this. As I said, I have been sitting in "Dr. med." exams. Whether you work with patients or not is irrelevant to your Dr. med. Of course, you need to work with patients to pass your state examination as physician. For your Dr. med., you can also measure the fat content in fries done at different temperatures, if you are so inclined. Or just do some weeks of literature research. Most "Dr. med." titles have no worth whatsoever.

I already explained what I meant with "real degree". You work several years on a scientific project, write a thesis and have a more difficult exam. The institution where I experienced this reserved the grades "summa cum laude" and "magna cum laude" for these cases. The exam was then in front of a committee of about 6 people, with talk and subsequent exam by the committee. The throwaway titles (which meant the candidate declared up-front that he would not try to achieve more than "cum laude") had an "exam" that consisted of a few minutes of a nice conversation with one professor and one guy as witness and writing the protocol. Failing was not an option (as I said, the more egregious cases had to return later). The degree practically excluded the candidate from a university career (universities know what that grade means), but the wall certificate comes without a degree written on it, so who cares. Everyone in the room knew that this was only done because patients expect their physician to have the "Dr." in front of the name and that the whole procedure was otherwise a meaningless charade.

Physicians outside of university hospitals don't need a doctor title. They are the equivalent of a highly trained technician, not a scientist. The problem is that the public thinks that, without the two letters "Dr" in front of your name, you are not a real physician, although that is actually decided by the state exams. Not doing the doctor title is a financially bad decision, as this will have repercussions from unfulfilled patient expectations. And that's why this charade is done.

How is this different from every other Dr. title in every other profession?

 

[Turjan]

How is this different from every other Dr. title in every other profession?

In natural sciences, you have to work about 4 to 5 years on your thesis projects after you finished your degree (Diplom or Master's) until you can write your thesis and get a Dr. rer. nat title (the US system is different, but that's not the topic). You don't get away with a few weeks of work and a short essay of some pages, as is sufficient for most Dr. med. titles. For scientists, it is necessary to show that they can do research, and that's why they have to put some work into their titles. Of course, some physicians do that, too, but they are a small minority. In social sciences, standards should be the same as in natural sciences, but are unfortunately sometimes a bit lax in Germany (there is some real danger that, after recent scandals, foreign countries might not accept German doctor titles as job qualification anymore).

The main problem is the discrepancy between what the public thinks a doctor title is and how academia and potential employers see a doctor title. In academia, a doctor title is supposed to show that you are capable of independent research, and that's why the Dr. med. title is looked down upon, as it doesn't really qualify (at least not by itself, you have to check whether it does or not). I think the US way of making M.D. an honorary title is a bit more honest, and for the public, that's sufficient. The same is true for lawyers.

 

[Morkar Left]

The main problem is the discrepancy between what the public thinks a doctor title is and how academia and potential employers see a doctor title. In academia, a doctor title is supposed to show that you are capable of independent research, and that's why the Dr. med. title is looked down upon, as it doesn't really qualify (at least not by itself, you have to check whether it does or not). I think the US way of making M.D. an honorary title is a bit more honest, and for the public, that's sufficient. The same is true for lawyers.

You have to differentiate between theorists and people actually working on a practical level in the field. In general the public don't give a damn about someone outstanding in genetics, they prefer someone who is competent enough to not damage their bladder in a surgery when they are sick.
A doctor title is simple necessary in academia to get the better positions or an entry in research (and being able to get research funds). It's a simple qualification in this jobfield like a surgeon needs some additional qualifications to mess with your brain which takes him some additional years, too.

Not fully neglecting your points but I think you have a lot of generalisation going on and you project this generalisation on medical degrees only instead of realizing that this is widely common for all scientific fields. A "Dr. whatever" title should be prove for independent research but that doesn't have to resemble reality. And this counts for every Dr. title you can acquire in every field you choose. And like you already stated, the "cum laude" candidates are recognized as second class doctors. Rightfully because they just reached the goal instead of being outstanding. You should acknowledge that actually the written part is what counts and not the interrogation part.
And if you still think that getting a Dr. med. is "is absurdly easy" (maybe you're just that good?) than you have to acknowledge that this is a general problem for doctor degrees and not a special subject to medicine (one of the most complicated fields of research, especially compared to economics or social science in general).

 

[Turjan]

You have to differentiate between theorists and people actually working on a practical level in the field. In general the public don't give a damn about someone outstanding in genetics, they prefer someone who is competent enough to not damage their bladder in a surgery when they are sick.

That's exactly not what the general public cares about. The practical capabilities of a physician are proven by him passing the state exams (Staatsexamen), eventually some specialist training, and getting his "approbation" afterwards. He doesn't need any doctor title at all, it's a complete waste of time and effort for a physician. Most physicians only get their doctor title because that's what the public actually cares about, because the public erroneously thinks that this title has any relation to his qualification as physician.

A doctor title is simple necessary in academia to get the better positions or an entry in research (and being able to get research funds). It's a simple qualification in this jobfield like a surgeon needs some additional qualifications to mess with your brain which takes him some additional years, too.

Yes, in the sciences, a doctor title is a job qualification. For physicians, it's some kind of medal. And a specialisation in brain surgery doesn't need a doctor title, either.

Not fully neglecting your points but I think you have a lot of generalisation going on and you project this generalisation on medical degrees only instead of realizing that this is widely common for all scientific fields. A "Dr. whatever" title should be prove for independent research but that doesn't have to resemble reality. And this counts for every Dr. title you can acquire in every field you choose. And like you already stated, the "cum laude" candidates are recognized as second class doctors. Rightfully because they just reached the goal instead of being outstanding. You should acknowledge that actually the written part is what counts and not the interrogation part.

Aren't you making the generalization here? The fact that there are bad apples in all fields doesn't touch the very exposed position of the doctor mill in medicine one iota. It's really outstandingly bad practice in that field. That's why I suggested to make "Dr. med." an honorary degree. Then everyone knows upfront that it's just a formality and doesn't have anything to do with research qualification.*

And if you still think that getting a Dr. med. is "is absurdly easy" (maybe you're just that good?) than you have to acknowledge that this is a general problem for doctor degrees and not a special subject to medicine (one of the most complicated fields of research, especially compared to economics or social science in general).

You really fail to differentiate your thoughts on a very fundamental level here. I don't think that getting a Dr. med. is absurdly easy, I know that it is absurdly easy. In its current state, it's a completely worthless, meaningless title. While I agree with you that medical research can be very complicated (although I disagree that it's more complicated than physics, biochemistry or material sciences), the vast majority of the bearers of the "Dr. med." title have never in their life done any research at all, medical or otherwise, except if you consider that equivalent of a homework essay they write or let write "research".

Don't get me wrong, I don't think physicians actually need any research practice. Then again, they don't need a doctor title, either.


Edit: *I think this would actually also be in the interest of those physicians who really spend years on research and proper publications for their title. They should get a different title for their efforts, but be allowed to use "Dr. med." if they ever decide to hang out their shingle.

 

[Morkar Left]

That's exactly not what the general public cares about.

For glarification; with general public I mean common people on the street.

Yes, in the sciences, a doctor title is a job qualification. For physicians, it's some kind of medal. And a specialisation in brain surgery doesn't need a doctor title, either.

You missed my point here...

Aren't you making the generalization here? The fact that there are bad apples in all fields doesn't touch the very exposed position of the doctor mill in medicine one iota. It's really outstandingly bad practice in that field. That's why I suggested to make "Dr. med." an honorary degree. Then everyone knows upfront that it's just a formality and doesn't have anything to do with research qualification.*

You do the generalization by saying that every other scientific field has only few bad apples while in medicine it's normal, which is pretty ridiculous. Especially when considering which other scientific fields exist where you can get a doctors degree.

And you completely neglect your own points by stating before that there are "real" medicine doctors titles available who need more work. But I guess they are still rediculous easy for your superior mind and way below your abilities...

You really fail to differentiate your thoughts on a very fundamental level here. I don't think that getting a Dr. med. is absurdly easy, I know that it is absurdly easy. In its current state, it's a completely worthless, meaningless title. While I agree with you that medical research can be very complicated (although I disagree that it's more complicated than physics, biochemistry or material sciences), the vast majority of the bearers of the "Dr. med." title have never in their life done any research at all, medical or otherwise, except if you consider that equivalent of a homework essay they write or let write "research".

To be honest it just sounds you are butthurt about medicine, probably because you are coming from an overlapping/rivaling scientific field and you fall into the "we're more best than otha hurr durr" trap. No problem, that happens all the time. I leave it by that.

 

[Turjan]

To be honest it just sounds you are butthurt about medicine, probably because you are coming from an overlapping/rivaling scientific field and you fall into the "we're more best than otha hurr durr" trap. No problem, that happens all the time. I leave it by that.

Got it. Your misinformed opinion, based on general hearsay, is so dear to you that any conflicting information must be the product of butthurt. Pro tip: The internet is out there. You are using it right now. You do not have to take my word for these infos, just inform yourself, and then try to educate me about the worth of the Dr. med. title (original Morkar: "a lot more prestigious than titles from other scientific fields" ) again. But I guess that would be challenging a beloved world view and is, therefore, an unpleasant activity. Too bad.

Btw, I don't deny that these "hurr durr" reactions exist. I had been working in a research group at the medical department of a university, and it was mixed with graduate students from different fields getting degrees, physicians, biochemists, veterinarians, biologists. It was a good research group with solid work. We had to stop taking any biology grad students, as working with the biology department and their "physicians can under no circumstances do any solid scientific work" stance was tiring, to say the least. The department of chemistry & biochemistry on the other hand didn't make any such problems and just looked at the actual projects, so that worked fine.


Edit: Heh, I didn't catch this nugget:

Btw. a Dr. title is an additional qualifikation in Germany roughly comparable to an international Master degree (which we get forced to use in Germany, too).

Your cluelessness is really refreshing. Guess what: A German Dr. title is roughly comparable to an international Doctor degree (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., as appropriate). A German Master is comparable to an international Master's (surprise, surprise) and replaces the German "Diplom" and "Magister".

 

[Oriebam]

bioland moar leik boioland amirite huehuehuehuehueh