The conversation I keep having

Every few weeks I end up in a conversation that goes roughly like this. Someone mentions they keep project documents in their personal cloud account because it is easier to share, works on their phone, and does not require a ticket. I understand all three reasons. I’ve done the same thing myself at some point, usually late on a Friday when the official tool was being unhelpful.

The trouble is not the intent. It is that the file has now left the boundary where anyone can see it, back it up, or take it back when the person moves on. And these conversations go badly when they sound like an accusation. The moment it feels like a scolding, people stop mentioning what they do, which is worse than the original problem.

What I’ve noticed in practice

The files that end up in personal accounts are rarely random.…