Watching unproductivity productively.
I’m in the undergrad library right now. I had some soup for lunch (Roasted tomato and red pepper bisque – delicious, btw) and then I started looking for an open computer. I saw two open machines, so I tried the one on the right first. It didn’t work, so I sat on the one to the left. This was around 1:20. Since then, others have come by to use the broken compy on the right. I told the first several people that came the computer was out of order, but they didn’t pay my words any notice and sat down anyway, only to get up again. My warnings didn’t seem to have any effect, so I stopped.
Right now, its about 2:30, and I’ve seen 16 17 people come by to use the machine. It’s been pretty amusing actually, to see all those hopefuls come to the computer only to have their hopes crushed by this non-operational computer. It’s 18 people now. Some people have actually sat in front of the computer for a good couple of minutes, staring at the monitor, wiggling the mouse frantically to try will the computer to life. Now it’s up to 19. Others have tried the power buttons, while one individual got on his knees to check the power plug connections on the the floor. The monitor powers up just fine, fooling some to wait and see if the computer will work as well. Now we have our 20th victim.
Sometimes they come in small groups, and I can see the excitement on their faces as they spot the empty computer seat, a potential source of study, pleasure, or socializing. The joy quickly fades from their face as they realize this computer is merely a hunk of plastic and metal bits which serve no purpose except to humiliate them. There’s our 21st. Make that 22. I swear, some of these people see others before them fail, but decide to try anyway.
Many of them glance over at my station, if only to catch a glimpse of the electronic freedoms that I am experiencing, the very ones they have been denied. Or maybe they’ve actually managed to read some of the text that I am typing right now, noting their disappointment, but unable to retort except to trot off with their heads bowed in shame. Absolutely delicious.
Ah, the bell. Time for class.
why not just post up a sign on the computer saying it’s broken.
I guess I could have, but I was busy writing this post.
Haha, we had a seat without a computer (but with a monitor, mouse and keyboard) for the bigger part of the semester in one of the computer pools. Since I always bring my laptop to the university right now and that room has a) power outlets, b) heating (well, computers, really but it’s not connected via wall or windows to the outside, there are rooms and corridors on every side so computers provide enough heat) and c) space for my laptop, a notepad and a comfortable seat I prefer to sit there than anywhere else.
Anyway since I (in contrast to you) didn’t want people to try to use this nonexistent computer (and they tried at the beginning) I put a piece of paper there saying “No Computer –>” (pointing where the computer would be). That piece of paper became my mousepad for two weeks or so, until I had to replace it due to it getting holes.