Comments on: Caution Tape

By: systemsboy

systemsboy — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 20:53:37 +0000

This applies to systems administration as well. I even have my own office (I’m very lucky), but I was interrupted twice just getting through this article. It’s not so bad when I’m just reading, but when I’m trying to hunt down a server issue, or troubleshoot a workstation, or (maybe more akin to programming) write a shell script, it’s VERY difficult when people are constantly knocking on the door with every tiny little thing. I’ve tried signs, I’ve tried not answering. Nothing seems to do the trick, except maybe yelling at someone. That seem to be the only way I get any peace, even if it is only temporary at best.

I guess it’s the nature of the beast.

By: M.e.

M.e. — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:14:59 +0000

I would patent that elevated from reach idea ASAP if I were you. It’s and obvious winner. I see the lid idea causing unwanted prolonged exposure to your own farts. This would have to be addressed before any real testing could be done.

By: dave

dave — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 23:11:24 +0000

I recently had a conversation with a coworker about the problem with getting any programming work done from an open cubicle. I think that cubicles should have lids.

Basically, you mash a giant button (probably named “Lid”), a top slams down on the cubicle, and a door swings shut. Lights and an air tube are connected to the lids, so that cubicles don’t get stuffy or dark.

The other suggestion was to have each cubicle sit on a hydraulic lift. When you’re busy, you simply raise your cubicle seven feet off of the ground and out of harms way.

This idea led to another, in which cubicles were stacked up instead of laid out on a horizontal plane. Each worker would simply be ferried up to the appropriate cubicle for a trouble-free work environment.

Perhaps my last idea might be better suited for the Japanese.