Would it be possible to have a version of the forum (accessible from a link on top or bottom or something) that didn’t look so ummm…“forum-ish.” Those of us at work that have created this illusion of being productive and whatnot would like to keep this lie going but the yellow/marroon colors and flashing “Oberbiker” kind of blow my cover. I would like to see a version of the forum that is just text. No pictures, no colors, no flashy ads (you can still have ads to make the sponsors happy…make them text as well). Is this doable? Are there add-ons or different shells for this forum software? Anyone else have interest in a product like this?
The garish colors snd flashing ads are the only things that keep me even close to the straight and narrow.
wow, a stealth forum with stealth marketing ads. The interface should look as close as possible to one of the options below:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
This would cover 99% of office workers. In fact, Dan could package it up and get Microsoft to deploy it as a service pack of some kind…
I’ve resized the open window I do my internet surfing in so that it fits perfectly inside a frame on one of the apps that I support. Anyone just glancing would have a very hard time noticing. I can never get away with a maximized window, it just sticks out like a sore thumb.
Use FireFox instead of Internet Explorer. FireFox allows you to configure many things that will help you to hide your activities. FireFox is also safer, has advert blockers, and you will also not have annoying pop-ups (not on this site) and you can download lots of extenstions and themes. It is very powerfull.
Find out more here:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
Of course, you may not be able to install software on your work PC. In this case the ALT+TAB can help in some cases.
i have a four button track ball at work. one of the buttons is set to minimize the active window. it’s saved me a bunch of times.
This is the greatest thread ever, read at the responses!!! We make fun of those who are addicted to McD’s and Reality Television, but are we any better? It is amazing that we all haven’t gotten fired by now!! My company is on a witch hunt to “access denied” all non-work related sites. They have gotten my roommates diesel truck forums, and other friends Subaru and motorcycle forums, but somehow they can’t seem to nail down slowtwitch and gordo’s forums. Thank god, i might have to quit!!!
My name is Pluto and I am a Slowtwitch addict!!!
exceeeelent idea!
The ultimate stealth forum… looks like excel or word and is hosted on an official sounding domain like financialreaserch.org.
unfortunately/fortunately, my job is deliverable/performance based and the workload never really decreases, so the amount of overtime that i have worked lately is somewhat proportional to time squandered here. In the end, I am just cheating myself and taking away time from my family, but like any addict, I can’t help myself 
I know I will now get flamed…go ahead…I am ready…but…Are some of you that are breaking the rules at work, the same ones that complain about drafting, or saying the IM cutoff shouldbe shortened?? I am not saying you do…Or am I saying you guys are the ones who draft…Just wondering about consistancy here…OK Go ahead and destroy me now.
I keep several applications open while surfing. I always keep my left thumb on the “Alt” button, and my left finger just above the “Tab” button. If the situation dictates (ie… the Boss is coming) I quickly hit Tab button and then release both simultaneously. That switches applications pretty quick, and saves my butt.
Joel
as a “boss” you guys aren’t really fooling anyone and look more guilty from trying to hide things. when I walk into someone’s office and get the quick alt-tab or the minimize the app thing, I worry that you’re on there all day. if you leave it up and don’t seem to care then I know that you’re just taking a break.
You are implictly suggesting a personality trait of a cheater.
Do I surf the net at work - Yes
Do I complain about drafting - Yes
But I never draft. Drafting is cheating!!!
Isn’t surfing the work cheating?
Depends on the nature of the job. You can have sex with other women in an open marrige and it is not cheating.