I got banned by PwC, for offering UFE case writing tips
I try to help people, they turn me down.
That's about par for the course, I should say - auditors are used to not getting much respect.
With the exception that other auditors usually listen to what we have to say.
If I offer help to someone, they're usually happy to get it. My UFE mentees are a prime example.
They listen carefully to my suggestions, and pass their exams. It's a strong symbiotic relationship - I'm happy to share knowledge.
With that in mind, imagine my surprise when, while stationed a day's drive north of the city, I checked my mail in the morning to find an unusual e-mail from another writer.
What I received was a polite e-mail from PriceWaterhouseCoopers explaining why my commentary isn't welcome at Nisha's PwC blog, part of the new "PwC Connect" recruiting site that's gradually rolling out.
That they don't want to permit my voice to be heard at their site doesn't concern me too greatly as I have - oh, my own little soapbox, with a sizable and dedicated readership who continue to supply me with excellent questions which I do my best to answer objectively and fairly.
I knew something was amiss when my comments weren't appearing. But until I heard back from PwC, I was hesitant to write a post about my dropped comments.
It happens.
Perhaps someone made a mistake and hit delete. Maybe I just forgot to hit send last time, and it was all my own dumb fault.
So before jumping off with a rashly written post, I sent in a new comment.
This time I saved the text of my comments in my notes, however, in case my suspicions that I was being censored were proven correct.
Sadly, they were.
The upside is that the comment I originally was going to leave there gains a much larger audience by being published here - after all, there's no sense in wasting a perfectly good piece of my writing.
The banned commentary
As a bit of context and background, in response to the announcement of the site's new name, one university student wrote "Before I begin with any suggestions, I would like to state that the
name and/or title "PwC Connect" is awesome. From my experience,
selecting an appropriate name and/or title is by far one of the most
challenging tasks when embarking upon new initiatives. “PwC Connect”
maintains creativity and professionalism."
This sounded like a good moment to step in and be the voice of reason. Or to at least foster some healthy debate. If you like something, that's great. But by bolding claiming it's awesome, you should support your claim.
I wrote, "Yes, PwC Connect will do as a title - it's good and all, but "awesome"? How exactly does it maintain "creativity and professionalism"? I don't want to shoot down the fine concept, only to challenge your writing: there's only so much that a name can accomplish. Your argument or compliment will be much stronger if you offer logical support for your position instead of just making naked statements. Keep this advice in mind and it'll help you greatly as you prepare for the UFE down the road."
PwC's response?
Thank you for all of your comments, but unfortunately I will not be posting them as we don't feel as though they are relevant or appropriate
to the subject matter.
Thanks for being a loyal reader however, and take care!
Not relevant?
You're asking for feedback on your new name. You get honest feedback, and you shoo it away.
Not appropriate?
What?
Did I make a dead baby joke or something?
Honestly.
Always delivering a bit of extra value, forget about the negative experience and consider some bonus UFE advice to share: there are some true gems up on David Fleming's blog.
He's a Commerce grad who went into real estate instead of getting his CA - and judging from his stories, I'm glad he did because the information he shares is invaluable. Plus, I have no doubt he would've aced the UFE - this posting here is a fine example of the type of sharp analytical thinking you need to either have or develop to do well on that exam.
And he doesn't arbitrarily censor my comments either.
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