BuddhaBrand - I have just literally had the same damn idea you did wayyyy back when. So bump on this thread, plus examples.
basic idea: add functionality to existing employment terminals (OR, make new 'Work Computer' terminals) that will allow:
a) a 'work log' to be generated by managers, GMs, or (see more detail below) ambient pop'n
b) information to be entered into some sort of corporate database via the terminal screen (bonus points if it can work from the grid or e-notes or docupads)
Example:
I-Bar employment terminal. I'd like to make it into a terminal that can give out intel/paydata (for a cost). Employees should be able to log in and see a list of topics to collect on or questions that need to get answered. This list is generated by I-Bar Managers. Down the line, the list of 'stuff to investigate' may also get input from GMs/ambient pop'n (after viewing an event IC that would 'get noticed' enough to warrant, say, a Reporter to come investigate the scoop) or even maybe NPCs (if they get a trigger that warrants further investigation).
Once collected on and put into the database, the database should be viewable by managers and, I think, GMs (so they are in the know on what we know and can help plots develop).
Why?
I want Joe Schmoe to be able to pay the $$ to get into the I-Bar VIP area, pull up the terminal and request the Daily Download, put in more $$, and get xxx current paydata out (on a random topic). For this to work, paydata added to the 'I-Bar Database' once collected and entered by I-bar employees would be drawn from the most recent info entered first, in a regulated length snippet.
Maybe if we got sneaky, I-Bar employees could control what goes out in the Daily Download...manipulate the truth, or summarize it better, or something.
Bigger Picture Why?
Having PC input to a work terminal database helps build up group plots/information. Anything really good could get screened for use on TheMind. Having manager or ambient/NPC generated lists based on every-day IC events helps take some of the load off of GMs to do 'current events' and would really give the Reporter job a big boost.
Don't we have shit that already does this?
Getting loads of info on current events to the GMs - supposed to happen with @notes. Doesn't.
We've got e-notes that can hold databases of info. Difficult to share between people with any regularity though. And again, once someone dies, lost in the mire of markets and hoarders.
Reporter characters do, and can, go out and find info on their own, find scoops on their own. But just read the grid - they could use some help finding the big stories or who's new to interview. Especially new players.
Logs of work to do. I don't know how the GM @bug system or the Grid Forums works but either of those seem like a pretty good model for an IC work log.
Last notes:
Anticipated gripes...
1) Space concerns are an issue with databases of info. Would have to have some sort of expiration date on 'old work files'.
2) But corpies will just sit in the office and work all day on useless things! To which I say, so make the tasks useful.
Grid potential exists here. Hackable databases. Loads of Paydata not lost after so-and-so dies. Forward progress IC.
Yes, you can replace I-Bar with Korova, I'm not gonna lie.
I'm going to get around to getting my grid idea to the GMs, but it would involve the use of viewing lists of hackable items/corps/people, and making changes to the list IC only after GM screening/approval.