It’s deathly quiet here today. That’s the way management likes it. When too much idle “chit chat” occurs, the result is an email blast saying to end it. I have headphones that I use occasionally to help cut the silence – but on busy days, it just interferes more with my work than it helps ease the tension of the uncomfortable quiet.
Once upon a time, we took turns streaming music at a tasteful volume in our little workgroup area. Then the “no-streaming” memo went out. Something about it using up too much bandwidth. So I plugged my iPod into my computer speakers. Shortly thereafter, my fallen counterpart was accused of being defiant and contuing to stream music. There was even an allegation of proof that she was using more bandwidth than everyone else in the office. I couldn’t believe the dishonesty I heard coming from my own employer’s mouth, since it was I who was the culprit in the apparent “unlawful noise” violation. No one had said “no music”, just no streaming. Clearly, no noise at all is what was meant.
It feels like Rupture Farms, to this technogirl. My internship for a college degree in Fine Arts was working within the realms of the real Rupture Farms environment at Oddworld Inhabitants. Back then, the dark, dreary and dangerious world I was a part of was, well, exhilarating and inspring …
Production Design from Abe's Oddyssee
Working for this version of Rupture Farms is demotivating and depressing. There’s no talking, no positive, non-productive noise allowed … at least when management is present. It’s gloomy, and not in the way that thrills me. Even with the lights on and blinds drawn, it stays dark here.
My days are long and I’m at a loss …. :-(
