The Vifl

Let me start by saying that in my department, the other programmer and i used to shoot rubber bands at each other a lot. others would get caught in the crossfire, and involve themselves.

before long, we would have some major rubber band wars, especially on friday afternoons. we even had some rubber-band guns, but they weren’t very effective. plus, a lot of the people in my department had developed good technique. we could usually get a 4 inch spread at 15 yards.

one day, my manager got a complaint, and passed it on to us.

Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 10:25 AM
To: #DDP IT
Subject: Rubber Bands

We have received a complaint from the janitorial staff concerning rubber bands on the floor. The crew says that they pick up the ones that they see but there are still rubber bands being picked up in the vacuums and clogging them. It’s a valid complaint, so can everyone please clean up the rubber bands that are apparently “slipping” out of your hands? Thanks!

Have a great day!

However, when the VP of our department got wind of this, he sent the following e-mail out.

Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 10:40 AM
Subject: RE: Janitorial Issue

I’m actually more concerned about the assertion of rubber band battles than I am about rubber bands on the floor. We’ve been down this road before with the whole dart gun deal. Someone gets one in the eye, and then we’ve got a real issue to deal with. IF there are rubber band battles going on, let’s bring that practice to a halt.

you see, it’s all fun and games until…