Notebook Peekers

Actually, I wear many hats. It was a city commission meeting. A bunch of folks marched down to city hall like they were ready to burn down Frankenstein's castle because they're jealous that the city administrator actually has an education and a commensurate salary. In other words, they think their taxes are high because the city administrator makes too much money. Never mind that their homes have tripled in value since 1990. That wouldn't have anything to do with the higher tax rates, would it?

By the way, this old shriveled lady was one of those who go through so much trouble to look younger that they appear to be an 18-year-old girl until you see their wrinkled, make-up smeared skin.

 

I once caught a competitor reading what I had on my laptop...

 

That's unbelievable. I had that happen at a few Arena games, except that it was some blogger rather than a true competing paper.

 

It happened to me too, and the guy discovered a note nobody else had -- until then. I don't know if he used it, but he certainly memorized it.

Oh, and I used to work for him. Maybe that's why he thought he could just take what he wanted.

 

Man, I want to go to the next meeting you cover.

 

Okay, just don't look over my shoulder.

 

Now THAT guy deserves a karate chop.

 

I don't know ... it almost seems like protecting your hand in poker. If you aren't careful enough to hide it, it's fair game for the guy to look. Nah, fuck that. Karate chop that fucker's head off!

Seriously, though, I do protect my notes or stories a bit to make sure no one else is looking to see what I've got.

 

That's what you should have done. That would've ended the peeking. Done it many times and never lost a momen't sleep.

 

I've seen guys who put their screen down. It sort of makes me feel funny, as if maybe they think I'm an asshole they can't trust, or that they're just so damned wonderful they're sure that I'll steal their stuff instantly and try to pass off their genius as my own.

But I try to remind myself that maybe one out of four people might take a gander at their screen. So who can blame them for being cautious?

 

I'd handle that like this:

"(Something objectionable)," first guy said.
"Write that down," second guy shouted to a reporter.

 

Guy I competed with was so horsebleep that I figured he put his screen down, whenever he walked away, out of embarrassment.

Generally, it's bush league to do that. It's like sitting at a red light, see a pedestrian standing there and clicking your doors locked, which the guy can hear. Like you assume he's going to come over and mug you. Uncool.