I work at a company that makes clinical research software and we had some extra work so we hired a freelance worker for 6 months for two projects. We work with a default framework (that we developed) it contains a lot of default screens, like inputscreen, codes-screen etc. because this really speeds up development. It also contains an about-screen that automatically shows the project name and version etc. You can also add a "programmer" string so that the aboutbox will display "programmed by J. Smith" for example.
Halfway through the project I told the freelancer "you can add your name on the about-screen", he was reluctant "oh no, I don't want my name there" but then he did put in his name. Then after he left I saw that he changed it to only his initials (for example "J.S.") I thought this was weird, why would you not take credit for your work?
Maybe a weird question, but do you always take credit for the software you write (in a credit screen, aboutbox or any other notice)? And if no, then why not? I know I always wan to take credit for any big project I work on.
thank you, yes I wrote this fantastic piece of sofware