I think its fine to ask for that if its something you can actually get passionate about. i.e. if you have a social network about skydiving, it kinda helps if employees are actually into that, since they'll give you better suggestions
I'd rather have an employee that challenges my thinking, perhaps maybe even challenging my authority, than one who never speaks up and is always complacent.
You got me excited that Kathy was posting again!
Me too - I miss that blog so much!
I am always suspicious of people who won't use their own money for their own gear (of course, modulo them being able to actually afford it given their circumstances).