So if I understand what you guys are saying, you want PEs that you only know through the internet to be your character references for your ncees record. If this isn't illegal, it should be. And IMO it's certainly unethical.....
According to NCEES:
These five references should be selected to reflect the character and diversity of your experience and must be personally acquainted with your professional reputation. References cannot be your relatives by blood or marriage.
I think the biggest problem with this particular thread is the
quid pro quo nature. Other than that, it seems reasonable to me I could build a relationship here with some people that allows them to be acquainted with my professional reputation.
I think it's as you say - the quid pro quo is the biggest thing I have a problem with. And people trying to work around the system. I suppose it's possible to do internet research on someone to become familiar with their reputation, but it wouldn't be "first-hand". And with the anonymous nature of the internet, you don't even know real names, only handles.
Firstly, to the suggestion that this is quid pro quo. “Quid pro quo” suggests that without satisfactory verification that I would endorse someone else. I find that offensive.
I would NEVER engage in quid pro quo. If after an extended discussion via phone, exchange of work materials and face to face meeting it turned out that the person was incompetent, I would be a pretty damn lousy engineer to recommend them. It would be an insult to the profession and the ethical code that we are bound by.
There is no way to refer someone from this board unless you find out who they "really are"....you have to put their name down on application...
If you have conducted a review of a peer-reviewed journal, experts can evaluate the quality of someone else's work using basic analytical skills.....
And to suggest that quid pro quo wouldn't happen in any organization and only on the internet is simply silly.
While I appreciate the recommendation to join NSPE, I forgot to mention, that I joined NSPE over a year ago ($220 later). If you examine the "networking schedule" for this year, the one event is about "Professional Liability".....sounds like a great place to hit up people with a begging cup, doesn't?
Oh did I mention that NSPE has online boards......
"Networking Opportunities
Through Interest Groups, online forums, and live events, members can reach engineers across the country and in their local area."
Furthermore, in some states you have to know your references for at least one year and give information about the quality of your relationship. The licensing board then has to evaluate it. So the issue of "how you met" and "how you evaluate" each other is conducted by an investigation by the board.
If I might quote from the C.3 of the engineer’s code of ethics:
"Licensees shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other licensees, nor indiscriminately criticize other licensees' work."
