07.15.06
Signs that your co-worker is maintaining a secret blog
It’s the thing we’re most afraid of: getting caught blogging about work, at work. Stories of bloggers getting busted for their blogs abound; sometimes transforming the “victims” into temporary blog celebrities. In most cases, someone getting outed for their blog translates into them being summarily dismissed. Most employers don’t take kindly to having (secret) bloggers in their midst. Bosses aren’t happy having to deal with having their neuroses ripped apart and documented. Co-workers don’t take kindly to being mocked. Heavens knows why.
I’ve read many a blog article focusing on how to keep your blog anonymous and your work and blog life separate. But what some of us need to know is how to catch a blogger red-fingered.
You want to be a Hardy Boy (or a Nancy Drew)? Here’s your chance.
1) Sam the Supply Guy seems to be a bit too interested in everything that happens in the office. He’s lurking, he’s overhearing, he’s set up mirrors around every corner. You once caught him attempting to put a homemade tracking device (created from paperclips, lots of paper clips) into your pocket. You look online and see an “Overheard in the Office” blog that uncannily reproduces parts of conversations you’ve had. Sam might be leading a secret blog life. Just maybe.2) Wendy the Intern: friendly, professionally flirtatious, and everyone’s favorite gal. She has a whiff of party girl about her and there have been audio (but no visual) confirmation of a lower back tattoo. Wendy has been sighted furtively typing away at what looks like an online journal. Highly suspicious, highly potentially guilty. Must investigate further. Dinner and drinks perhaps.
3) Gerard, the stoic but efficient co-worker who works three cubicles down is always seen at other people’s desks when they’re on vacation. He says he’s checking their computer for viruses. You know better; he’s looking for personal emails he can post to his blog. Serve him a big brother style “cease and desist” email. Then turn around, stab him in the back, and report him to the higher ups to secure that big promotion you’ve been waiting for.
4) The Tech Guy (real name unknown) is seen walking around taking pictures of everything. He says they’re for reference pictures to map out the wireless acoustics of the office so that he can better capture wild signals. You know he’s a blogger trying to start a geek photoblog. Go get’em tiger.
5) Your boss pulls you into his office and requests that you pen an “amusing, honest, insightful, and market driven” blog in his name that will make him look like a TIME Magazine “Man of the Year” candidate. You request the leeway to fudge a few facts and figures. You’re fired for your insolence.
There it is, some fine examples of how to tell your co-worker is maintaining a secret blog. Expose them for the bloggers they are. Don’t let uncensored blogging happen at your place of work. Rise up.