A Devil’s Workshop called Mind!

(October 28, 2005)

“Hi! My nam’s Dolly Do-little. M hr 2 mk frnz wid sum1 f my types. ne Teddy Free-man lisnin’?”

How profound! But more than the words (or the lack of it), what amazes me is how online chatting could become quickly popular with people of all ages (tell me about despondent uncles and desperate grandpas on portals!). When I introspected the why and what of things, it led me to the deadliest virus of all times. A mortal word called boredom! And this seemingly humble word can drive two legged sloths to activities – creative or otherwise that only a devil could fabricate in his workshop.

What happens when the frustrated guy on bench (off a project temporarily or for as long as he is not laid off!) wants to kill time on a drowsy Monday? There are more chances that he may end up becoming a cartoon artist having drawn monstrous avatars of his team leader / project manager, depending on whose head he’d love to have for supper.

Boredom could also be gripping for some others who do not have the liberty to sketch. So much for living in a democracy! She may sit writing down plans and plots how ‘Kill Bill’-Volume 3 could be made. These creative minds may come up with sub plots that may start from their own cubicle. How interesting would that be? It'd not be a surprise if these amateur conspiracy theorists could give shivers to one Mr. I-love-blood Tarantino!

A few others may choose to convert their misery to entertainment. The best part (or the worst) is that there is no warning sign for all those unsuspecting colleagues who would soon become subjects. While some such ardently working guinea pigs return from lunch to find their workstation filled with post-its, others see that the keys are either missing or interchanged with yet another equally bewildered compatriot. Some of the badly affected ones are those found with certain... ahem... DVDs, which have nothing to do with the Inaugural function, or the day when the boss spoke endlessly at a seminar long forgotten! “Is this really the Chief Fun Officer at work or a monster on the loose?” some victims shout out in desperation.

When a person is devoid of work of some sort (in fact any sort) and is made to feel idle and lazy, it gives rise not only to a devil’s workshop but also to exploitation of the inactive brain. Now, I had not looked at this perspective of the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention” when boredom cramps a sincere staff member. Whatever be it, this goes out to prove that a devil’s workshop is capable of coming up with some interesting ideas. But, usage at one’s own risk!