no way.

[moominmolly]

I just learned we're moving to a new building in April. At first, I thought this was a good idea - I mean, the building we're in now is a bit institutional and we're moving to swanker digs. But - get this - some efficiency expert has decided that we'd all do a better job if our cubicles were slightly smaller and just below chest-height. For those

Comments

[srd]

Sounds like you need a little preparation time. First of all, get one of those toyguns that shoot rubberfoam darts, like this one. Be sure to practice before the move though, so you can effectively hit Joe Screamy Guy at 10 cubicles. If you're a good enough shot, eye contact will keep the others quiet enough ;).

Then you could build a cardboard blinker for your monitor - sides and up. And then of course, lots of music and headphones. While not good for concentration it's bound to be better than listening to jabber.

Oh, and about slacking off - see the first paragraph.

(Boy am I glad that I don't have to work in cubicles (yet?).

[moominmolly]

Music and headphones. Music and headphones. I definitely think this is the way to go. Do they sell human-size blinders like horses wear?

[srd]

It would definitely makes for an interesting ... uhhh... "toy". Maybe you can ask your local riding supply store if they can adjust the fit/size/harness.
Btw, try w3m sometime - it has the best table and frame rendering I've seen yet for a textbrowser.

[jnala]

Companies actually do sell monitor hoods. They're intended for use by graphics professionals who want to avoid glare and to keep a neutral visual field around the screen so they get colors just right - not for self-blinkering isolation-lovers - but hey, whatever works.

[fennel]

I've been really getting into the use of headphones + portable music device as a little personal protective sphere. Not sure it would stand up to that kind of strain, though.

Also, I've found that even technically clueful people will often mistake lynx web-browsing for work. This allows for slacking in a wide variety of situations. (And livejournal seems to be lynx-friendly!)

[moominmolly]

Hah! I already do that with my mail. Piles of text windows seem to baffle a surprising number of people. I may have to go back to lynx - or links, the world's most impossible-to-google-for web browser.

Still, though, I think I like the gun idea. My coworkers seem to be into "fun". Fools. I like the idea of taking their toys and using them for evil.

suggestions

[jnala]

1) Cubicles can be modified. You're an intelligent and handy sort of person. Make improvements to your cube some evening, improvements which you know will improve *your* efficiency. People might be sensible and not interfere with it, realizing that individual needs differ. If anyone gives you shit, explain why you're doing it - for the good of your productivity, for the Company, probably don't mention the "so I don't kill you all" factor - and be loud about it, so it's more likely that an inane response will get flamed and not just by you

[lyonesse]

here's a thought: erect a tentlike higher-walls-n-ceiling thang out of fabric over yr cubicle!

[vokzal]

Actually, see jwz's website for something similar.
I'm not sure if you could pull it off there, but... to find it, try searching on "Star Trek"
and "cubicle". Or "cameoflauge". but spell it
right.

And I second the headphone rec. Even if you
use cheap ones, people will think you are
"working", and not be as likely to randomly
chitchat with you. Of course, you have to be
able to not pull them off to *start* random
chitchat. And be able to wear them for long periods of time.

[jnala]

http://www.jwz.org/tent-of-doom/