Reply to: How do you look busy when you're not???

[b0redom]

Download large source file.

./configure
while true do
make clean; make
done

Will spool meaningful looking stuff for ages..... So someone told me anyway.....

[stek]

I have an nmon or topas screen running too, it's quite active and has some colours!

[TheFaQQer]

As I've mentioned before 'tail'-ing some logs on a busy server is always good to make it look like stuff is happening. Nettop is also good. Leave them running in a couple of windows and do whatever you want in another.

I usually have "top" running in a window as well.

[Bunk]

There's a story on the daily WTF from a few years back where someone had installed the Matrix screensaver. So when he wasn't working, that kicked in automatically.

It was some months before he worked out that the permies around him thought it was code compiling, so didn't like to give him more work to do.

As I've mentioned before 'tail'-ing some logs on a busy server is always good to make it look like stuff is happening. Nettop is also good. Leave them running in a couple of windows and do whatever you want in another.

[Dark Black]

A useful CUK enhancement would be to allow us to upload our own (clientCo) logo to be displayed prominently top-left instead of the CUK logo.

Alternatively, disabling images is quite effective (make sure it's blocking avatars too as this can look rather un-technical).

Looks a lot less noticeable to casual passers by

[NotAllThere]

forums.xkcd.com - read up on the latest theories of Time (OTT).

[Troll]

I arrange meetings with co-conspirators- usually in a pub where something like the Lions or Ashes is being shown & as others say - always take a notepad to make it look official

[TheFaQQer]

There's a story on the daily WTF from a few years back where someone had installed the Matrix screensaver. So when he wasn't working, that kicked in automatically.

It was some months before he worked out that the permies around him thought it was code compiling, so didn't like to give him more work to do.

[mudskipper]

A useful CUK enhancement would be to allow us to upload our own (clientCo) logo to be displayed prominently top-left instead of the CUK logo.

[TheFaQQer]

Carry something important looking around with you and walk like you have purpose.

This.

I've used this with many clients.

Install a fake call app on your phone and set it to ring your phone. Answer it, say "Yep, I'm on my way", grab a notepad and a pen, and stride off somewhere. Then go and play games on your phone.

[Dark Black]

cut and paste web pages into notepad. or print them out.

Indeed, the old "notepad" trick - used that a few times myself, likewise creating large forum posts in the same as also mentioned

[MyUserName]

Happened to me yesterday, VERY irritating mid-dump.

Did it scare the tulip out of you?

[rhubarb]

(just make sure that the toilet lights don't automatically turn off after a set period of time)

Happened to me yesterday, VERY irritating mid-dump.

[Bunk]

Having a good walk is imperative to looking busy. When I look at some of the permie sloaths, walking aimlessly around the office at a snails pace I think those guys can't be busy. But when I stride over to the drinks machine, grab my two cups of water and march back to my desk it definitely gives the impression- that guy is on it!
Please note running in the office is a big no no in my opinion. Gives of the impression of being out of control, panicking, and generally being out of ones depth.

I read an expanded version of this ages ago. There were loads of good tips, always carry some papers or a notepad when you're walking around, makes it look like you're on the way to, or from, a meeting. Don't carry a newspaper, it makes it look like you're on the way to the toilet. I'll try and dig out the email.

Edit: found it. It's actually the Ricky Gervais (I think they mean David Brent, but never mind) guide to working.

Linky

[Jeebo72]

Ideas?

Today I'm using the working from home technique...