Cube-Star | Blog

Enter Lifehacker's Coolest Cubicle Contest and Win a $500

2008-02-28T10:43:00.004-06:00

Think your cubicle is pimp? Put your workspace decor savvy to the test by entering Lifehacker's Coolest Cubicle Contest and you could take home a $500 Amazon Gift Card.

We're looking for the coolest cubicle on the block, and over the next few weeks we'll feature our favorite submissions every Thursday on Lifehacker. Once the submissions are exhausted, your fellow readers will vote for the cubicle they think is the coolest, and the winner will take home a $500 Amazon Gift Card!

Of course, if you need one or two more things to put your cube on top, style your workspace at Cube-Star.com

Generation Y, Watch Your Boss for These Warning Signs

2008-02-18T17:39:00.004-06:00

To help managers deal with our overweening self-importance, BusinessWeek has come up with a bullet-pointed Generation Y workplace survival guide. No, it doesn't include anything helpful, like how to use Facebook or Twitter as management tools. It does suggest exactly the kind of boss behavior Gen Y will see right through, once we learn to recognize it. So how do you know if your boss is trying to game you into productivity? Here are the signs:

Read the full story on Valleywag or read the BusinessWeek story Communicating with Twentysomethings.

Turning Office Clutter into Art

2008-02-11T11:06:00.000-06:00

In describing the "Office Space" exhibit at the New Art Center in Newtonville, Mass., Chris Bergeron poses the question, "If Dilbert shared an office cubicle with Yoko Ono, what curious ideas might result?" The resulting perspective is curious indeed.

Tamiko Kawata fashioned rubber bands into something resembling the most dazzling condom display you've ever seen.

Um, office condoms? Seriously?

G. Jesse Sadia's burned Xerox paper with incense until a haunting face appeared.

Can't wait to copy my next report on Patchouli-infused paper with apparition watermarks, er smokemarks.

In her striking "Adaptive ReUse" installation, Molly Blieden wove a carpet from thousands of elastic bands that look like dried noodles.

Noodle rugs? What kind of office are we running here, anyway?

Find out more by reading the article, Turning office clutter into art, or checking out the exhibit, New Art Center presents Office Space.

My Cubicle, A James Blunt Parody

2008-01-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

This is the video every cube denizen dreams of making. And Judhi Prasetyo of Singapore went and did it!

The video was posted about a year ago, but we found it recently on the personal blog of Chris Garrett, a professional blogger and Internet marketing and new media consultant in Yorkshire, England. Props to Chris for drawing attention to it. Check out his professional blog for first-rate thoughts and advice on the business of new media, blogging and online marketing.

Bring Home the Office with a Stay-at-Home Server

2008-01-20T12:11:00.000-06:00

The marketing folks at Microsoft have a little fun explaining the benefits of having a home server. Check out what they say about life in the office, complete with cubicle illustrations, in "Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?".

Resolve to Improve Your Cubicle Wellness in the New Year

2008-01-03T18:37:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. Sitting in your cubicle, you're surrounded by well-intentioned co-workers enthusiastically pronouncing their new year's resolutions. Eat healthier. Workout at the gym during lunch. Say no to the boss's over-reaching demands. We all know how these will turn out. And, of course, everyone wants to know what inspiring resolutions you've made.

Now there's a book to help you deal with all the inquiries. Cubicle dweller and computer programmer William R. Vitanyi, Jr.'s "The Official Guide to Office Wellness" will set you on the path to new year's resolution nirvana. The hardcover book features 100 office workers demonstrating animal-inspired positions, stances, and movements carefully designed to alleviate office maladies.

That's right, it's a 120-page spoof on exercise programs geared for the office or cubicle, featuring goofy photos and accompanying text. Just the ticket to put new year's resolutions (and corporate wellness programs) in their proper perspective.

And the best part? It's available now at Cube-Star for just $14. Pick up a copy today and resolve to work out those new year's resolutions.

Wired Offers Fantastic Fixes for Your Cubicle

2007-12-21T12:23:00.000-06:00

As a follow-up to their Saddest Cubicle contest, Wired reviews Kelley Moore's book Cube Chic which offers 22 workspace makeovers, including "zen cube" pictured here. The book provides suggestions and step-by-step instructions for giving your cube a whole new look.

Hey, this is our whole reason for existing as a blog and webstore, so read Fantastic Fixes Help Your Sad, Pathetic Cubicle and then buy the book and your decorating accessories at Cube-Star.com.

From the Playground to the Cube Farm, Easy Networking Strategies That Work

2007-12-10T18:21:00.000-06:00

This is the time of year you might find yourself being pulled frequently from the safe environs of your cubicle to attend this, that and the other holiday party, company mixer, or client open house. You know deep inside that this is the perfect time to do a little professional networking -- to put names with faces, meet some uppity-ups and otherwise get your foot in the door to a better job. But if you're like me, that's when the nausea and inertia kick in and you start talking yourself out of going or find yourself mingling safely with people you already know.

Pamela Slim, author of the entrepreneurial advice blog Escape from Cubicle Nation, says it doesn't have to be that way.

The other day, I learned some simple and powerful networking techniques from 9-year old Austin on the playground in my suburban community.... I was floored at the grace and ease with which Austin broke the ice and made a new friend. Here is what I learned from his natural networking ability.

Read more Expert networking techniques from a playground-savvy 9-year old and get yourself out of that cube!

Gift Ideas to Make Your Co-Workers Smile

2007-12-05T20:16:00.000-06:00

Gift-giving in the workplace can be a real challenge sometimes. Give something a little too "edgy" and everyone questions your judgment or professionalism. Give something "safe" and your recipient thinks you're bland or didn't put much effort into it. But going the safe route doesn't have to mean boring. Check out these ideas for light-hearted gifts that are sure to bring a smile to you co-worker's face and save you a few grande mocha's in the process.

What's for Lunch? Decision Spinner
The toughest decision of the day just got a lot easier. Just flick the spinner and learn your fate -- one of sixteen different lunch options including 3 Martinis, Teriyaki and Vending Machine. Features a fold out stand and hanger so you can prop it on your desk or hang it in your cube. $4.95

The Cubes IT Set
Let your favorite computer geek act out his or her tech support fantasies OR let your favorite keyboard-challenged colleague work out his or her frustrations. Set includes all the necessary plastic parts to build a cubicle fit for a computer geek: three walls, desk, captain's chair, CPU, flat panel monitor, keyboard, server, laptop and a 2-3/4" tall posable sysadmin, Tim. $12.95

Build a whole miniature cube-farm, also available: Break Room Set, Office Worker Ann, Corporate Zombies

Boss Toss Catapult
Relieve a bit of corporate stress by sending small supervisors skyward with the Boss Toss! Just load one of the plastic executives into the catapult and pull the trigger! Great for launching over cubicle walls at co-workers. $4.95

Boss too uptight for that kind of shenanigans? Go commando: Ninja Attack Catapult

Dr. Frued's Therapy Ball
Stressful work environment? Give your cubicle neighbor some quick and ready relief. Dr. Freud's Therapy Ball is like your very own shrink, trapped inside a magic eight ball. Just shake the ball and turn it over for one of twenty different responses such as "How did that make you feel?" and "Talk about your mother." $7.95

Or if your own Debbie Downer's already got enough therapy, try: Affirmation Ball

Pwned! Pennant
Show some love for your local gamer who'd rather be pwning noobs than preparing TPS reports. $5.95

You know who these are for. Also available: Accounting Pennant, AV Club Pennant

Surviving Your Co-Worker's Holiday Party

2007-11-29T16:10:00.000-06:00

A new email arrives at your office computer. Opening it reveals a surprise invitation to a Christmas party from a co-worker, who's not really a close friend. You're honoured, of course. But there are concerns, particularly if the invitation comes from someone outside your own social scene. Suddenly you're nervous. What will this party be like? How should I behave? What should I wear?

Check the Toronto Star's list of office archetypes and their approach to holiday entertaining and you'll know What to expect when cubicle mates throw a holiday house party.

Office Lip Dubs Turn Cubicle Repression into Creative Expression

2007-11-19T13:28:00.000-06:00

The hottest thing in workplace expression is also the latest thing in user-generated content. Office lip dubs are music videos shot with co-workers in the office and dubbed with the original artist's song.

Lip Dub - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger from amandalynferri on Vimeo.

According to the Washington Post, the term "lip dub" was coined by Jakob Lodwick, founder of the Vimeo video-sharing website, who orchestrated the first office lip dub to "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger.

"It's kind of the bridge between amateur video and actual music videos," Lodwick says. "And it's packaged so that other people can share the concept.… Any impression that this was an elaborate, carefully choreographed, thought-out piece is inaccurate. We really just threw it together quickly. It's the kind of thing anybody can do."

Read the full story: Creativity Of The Cubicle Spawns Office Lip Dubs (via Hartford Courant), then get out of your cube and and start singing.

Wired Announces 'Winners' of the Saddest-Cubicle Contest

2007-11-05T08:01:00.000-06:00

Think life in your cubicle is bad? Check out the "winners" of Wired's Saddest Cubicle contest.

Your situation is bound to look better now.

Halloween Creeps into the Workspace

2007-10-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

In offices across the land, cube zombies and spider webs are appearing in the night. How does your cubicle compare?

Post a photo to Flickr with the tags "halloween" and "cubicle" to add yours to the photostream.

Bloom Where You're Planted to Reach Cube Nirvana

2007-10-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has resided in Cubeland knows how difficult it is to work while trying to block out coworkers' conversations. "There is always someone who doesn't quite get that if he can hear me, I can hear him," says Mary Risher, a photo editor and cube dweller for the last 10 years. "I am forever overhearing domestic tiffs, weird bodily functions, etc. I've been reduced to wearing earplugs so I can concentrate. Even then, someone's voice manages to cut through the foam."

Monster.com provides tips on how to Improve Your Cube Life: practice cube etiquette and avoid cube atrophy in order to find inner cube bliss.

The Taboo of the Affaire de Cubicle Losing Its Potency

2007-10-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

Soon after word spread that Sarah Kay and Matt Lacks were conducting an office romance, Ms. Kay found herself in the office of the director of human resources. There was a time when such a meeting would have signaled a death knell for the relationship, and even jeopardized the employees’ careers.

The NY Times reports on the new openness of office romance: Boss’s Memo: Go Ahead, Date (With My Blessing)

Seriously, wasn't it more fun when it was forbidden and had to be concealed at all costs?

Style Your Workspace at Cube-Star.com

2007-10-05T09:55:00.000-05:00

Today, we're bouncing off our cube walls with excitement as we officially open the Cube-Star store for business. We're gradually adding items to inventory that we think are worthy. Right now, we're trying to offer a broad selection covering everything from upscale organizers and desk accessories to geek toys and chic decor.

The concept is still very much under development, so please take a look around and let us know what you think about the place. What kinds of things should we add and what things just aren't working.

We've partnered with Amazon on the backend, which dramatically shortened our set-up time and allows us to offer additional items that we don't have to keep in our own inventory. As a bonus, you can checkout using your Amazon account, so no worries about who is getting your credit card info and whether or not your order will show up (only Amazon, and, yes, it will or Amazon will refund your money).

Style your workspace at Cube-Star.com!

Happy Cubicle Day!

2007-10-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

The first National Cubicle Day was celebrated on October 2, 2006, and was "conceived as a kind of tongue-in-cheek celebration for those who slave away in cubicles. An excuse for a wild happy hour. A reason to pimp out your cube."

No word yet on whether or not the holiday's organizers have anything planned for this year, but that's no reason the rest of us can't mark this important day with our own in-office festivities. Maybe you can even talk your boss into bringing in some free grub for the crew.

Also no word on whether this holiday should be celebrated on October 2 each year, or the first Monday of October. In the absence of clarification, we're going with October 2 — why should Monday get all of the fun?

Rock Like a Cube-Star!

2007-09-21T11:28:00.000-05:00

A few months ago we started noticing a regular drumbeat of news stories and other articles related to life in the cube — how to survive it, how to decorate it, how to get out of it — and just plain living in it. What we couldn't find was a place that brought all this together, a place for cube dwellers to get tips, share their experiences and otherwise "find their people."

So we started this blog as a place to begin doing those things. We've added a feed from Twitter to see what people are saying about their cubicles. We're also showing pics from Flickr tagged with "cubicle" so you can see how other people's cubes look. We've even got a news feed on cubicle-related articles. We're also gathering other resources of interest to those living in the cube and we'll start featuring those on the site as well.

But we don't want this to be just about what we find out there. We want to build a place where cube inhabitants come to explore and share, vent and advise, learn and prosper. We want to build a community. A place for all things cubicle.

In addition, we hope to launch a store soon where you can find all the things you need to max out life in the cube — books, decorations, organizers, toys. Whatever it takes for you to have the hippest cube in your building, to rock like a Cube-Star.

In the meantime, as we put the site together, please send us your suggestions, comments, links and feedback. Use the comments or email to: comments at cube-star dot com.