FRIDAY FUNNY: The Cubicle Periscope

There has been a great deal of analysis and criticism of the culture of cubicles. Most people in cube farms do not view this configuration in a positive light, but no one is convinced the cubicle is going anywhere (at least not in the near future). As a result, of 40 years of "fermentation," the cube culture has blossomed, creating interesting subcultures and lingo.

The term, "prairie dog" popped up about 10 years ago as description of the worker tendency to spring up spontaneously in the cube farm to ask a question, make an exclamation, or just investigate something curious or interesting going on in the surrounding area. The phenom has created its own cottage industry, the Cubicle Periscope.




Charlie White of Gizmodo writes:

You can covertly extend your Cubicle Periscope, keeping tabs on your scheming office mates and becoming a master of workplace intrigue.

Sure, we've seen cubescopes before (see photo, above right), but this one takes on a new level of sophistication, with its 5x zoom and 15-22" height range.

The scope was originally designed for sporting events, letting you see above crowds. That explains its serious construction and $60 price. It looks quite durable, suitable for the highly mobile paintball player, and includes a carrying handle and its own strap-on case. Apparently this is a tool for those who take their office spying seriously.