Cocky&Rude

There’s something kinda fun and dangerous about snooping around someone’s private things.  Whether you’re peeking in a coworker’s drawers, peeking in a blogger’s windows (yes, I’m referring to Polt), or taking a peek inside someone’s medicine cabinet when you use their bathroom, you experience a certain feeling that’s kinda cool.  Your adrenalin surges a little bit as you picture yourself as a sneaky detective looking for clues.  Or maybe that’s just me.  (And now that I’ve written this, I doubt that I’ll ever be invited to any of your houses ever again.)

Last week I asked the C&R readers to submit photos of their office desk or workspace, so we could all snoop around and make fun of their desks.  (click to enlarge all photos!) Here’s what was submitted:

First up, here’s a photo of my own desk.  My desk is the epitome of [professionally undiagnosed] Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  At first glance, it would appear that I’m not busy — but I am, I just keep everything that I’m working on in a small stack under my phone.  There is a near-complete lack of personal objects (my idea/dream is that I’ll quit or be laid off at any moment, and I don’t want to carry anything out the door with me).  Objects of note: cutout of Canadian goose (a coworker stuck it there), 3 computers (a Mac flanked by two PCs), and my impressive colored paperclip collection in the left corner, which actually stretch from ceiling to floor.

You can probably guess whose desk this is by the Dilbert calender.  It’s Craig‘s!  As we learned via Twitter a few weeks ago, Craig is currently working a in a giant trailer on a construction site.  His desk is small and impersonal, and appears to have no privacy at all (no wonder he’s always bitching about the name of this blog…).  Craig’s desk features a few organized piles of papers and a large monitor that is crammed with boring spreadsheets.  Objects of note: Tissue box, cup, small mysterious bottle (to the right of the calendar), and a lack of C&R on his computer screen.

Mikey submitted two photos of his desk at the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission. The first made me wonder if Mikey works in a yellow haze all day long, but the second photo somewhat reassured me that his camera was just playing tricks.  Mikey appears to have a lot going on at work, as his desk and bulletin boards are cluttered with papers, headphones, and various personal effects.  Objects of note: A bulletin board that is leaning against the wall (no one at the IGLHRC can hang that on the wall for him?),  a small square jar of rocks, the famous photo of Mikey as Marylin Monroe, and a stack of business cards that I designed for him!

Mikey’s Dad submitted these two photos of his spacious office area.  Clearly an office where there is a lot going on, Mikey’s Dad’s desk(s) appears to be the workspace of multiple people.  This office features lots seating, nice wall/desk colors, and lots of storage (cabinets and drawers).  Objects of note: lots of bottles and buckets that house mysterious substances, a cardboard box shoved under desk, a bottle of rubbing alcohol, the view of a store (?), and a complete lack of C&R on the computer screens.

Mr. Sombrero submitted this photo.  Our repeated attempts to ascertain whether or not a tornado, hurricane or exploding bomb had created such a mess have gone unanswered.  What we can see is that Mr. Sombrero has two Macintosh computers, and one was apparently shoved aside to make room for the larger of the two.  Objects of note: a mustache hanging from his monitor, a photo of his kitty, and lots and lots and lots of papers.

Paul submitted these three photos.  The first is of his nameplate, which I assume he is very proud of.  The second is a photo of his very organized office (which rivals my OCD, to an extent).  Paul’s office is very color coordinated — almost everything is either black or white.  The few specs of color that you may notice are Post-It notes that have been stuck to the wall.  I applaud Paul’s neatness and organization!  The final photo is a photo of his computer, featuring a Dr. Who and Star Trek theme.  This appears to be the only hint of Paul’s geekiness in the entire office.  Objects of note: a glass hand next to the calculator, lots of binders, and Paul’s own personal printer (jealous!).

Polt submitted this photo of his desk.  Polt rivals Mr. Sombrero for the messiest of the submitted desks, but Polt gains points back for having (what appears to be) C&R on his computer screen (even thought it looks all screwed up in the ancient version of Internet Explorer that he’s using).  Polt’s tiny desk features piles and piles of paperwork, toys, a phone and not a whole lot else.  Objects of note: Polt’s odd choice of a steno pad mouse pad, a surprising lack of purple, Spongebob and Superman toys, and the awful mint-green door and wall that Polt probably has to look at all day long.

VUBOQ‘s desk appears to be the exact opposite of Paul’s.  Where Paul’s desk was organized and stuck to a black and white color scheme, VUBOQ’s desk is a colorful collage of rainbow colors and happiness.  VUBOQ works in what I’m guessing is organized chaos; his work scattered all over his desk, intermingling with toys.  Objects of note: a green bag of rolled papers (they remind me of graduation diplomas), a colorful and flexible orange dinosaur, a jar of rubber cement (possibly for sniffing), action figures, Pez dispensers, and a colorful assortment of Post-It notes.

And finally (and slightly out of alphabetical order) is Tam‘s desk.  The first photo is of her desk, the second is the view into her office, and the third photo is the view out of her office.  Tam sent her photos complete with every possible bit of interestingness pointed out (making my job very easy).  Objects of note: Annoying window, Canadian recycling bin, flip chart why?, a really old calendar and delicious snacks.

So what do you think of all the desks?  Which is your favorite?  Neatest?  Messiest?  Craziest? Where would you like to work?  Leave your thoughts in the comments!