Web Worker Superstitions

I know that as a web worker it’s easy to lose track of time and date, but just in case you haven’t noticed: it’s Friday the 13th. Of course, enlightened workers of the 21st century that we are, we don’t worry so much about broken mirrors and black cats and walking under ladders today. But it seems to me that there are some new superstitions growing up for a new age.

Here’s a selection of the ones that we’re living by now:

  • Bad things will happen to you if you break the email chain. Every email message must be replied to, if only with a reply to indicate that you got the sender’s last message. This is why you have 2000 unanswered messages in your inbox: you don’t dare delete or file them unanswered.
  • A faster computer will make your more productive.
  • Friends on social networks bring good luck. It doesn’t matter which social network, who they are, whether you have the slightest clue what they do, or whether you have the time to participate in the network. If you’re feeling worried about life, the cure is to go out and collect more friends. If you don’t have as many as Robert Scoble, you’re slacking.
  • It’s bad karma to turn down an invitation to a private beta of a new website, no matter how stupid the concept.
  • The cell phone network, wireless technology, or internet provider that you’re not using right now works better than the one that you are using.
  • People back in the office are plotting against you, and you need to spend time developing your own network of spies to ensure that they don’t succeed. As a web worker, it’s not enough to deliver 120% of what you promise, you also have to turn into a mini-Machievelli to get ahead.

Did I miss any? What web worker superstitions keep you worried or working on this fine Friday?

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