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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1368
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:18 am: | 
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Had a nice talk with Jamie last night who agreed that if certain unstated conditions were met he would "think about possibly contemplating a potential consideration about looking into" creating an MOL board that looks like a Word document for those of us who have day jobs in offices!
The implications of this are HUGE! No more clicking on different programs when coworkers or bosses approach!
Imagine giving the appearance of always working? (Makes me shiver.)
Oh, it is a happy day. A happy day indeed.
Thank you Jamie! You are my hero. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1614
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:24 am: |
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And he's straight and single... |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 3150
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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His sense of humor is slighly twisted, however (in a good way). |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1370
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:33 am: |
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Fully aware, Ref. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1419
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:52 am: |
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This would be good, as I currently sit by a window, but I have to keep the shade pulled down all the time because my monitor reflects in the window so people walking by can see what I'm doing by looking at the window. Even if I switched off my MOL screen, they could see that I'm doing that because of the reflection in the window.
How nice it would be to actually lift the shade and enjoy the fact that I have a window... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7048
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 11:26 am: |
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I have a blackout screen, so you have to stand directly behind me to see what I'm doing.
Um, uh, Las.... your initial post was rather fawning and awestruck. Is "hero" the new term for "decorator"?
Never mind. I really don't want to know.
 |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1371
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
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Greenetree, you digress. This is all about coming across to others as a diligent worker.
Besides, put me, Jamie and one gorgeous 21 year old at a table and all I get is, 'Yeah, hold on a second las, you're interrupting.' |
Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 28
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 11:40 am: |
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"Certain unstated conditions...?" Oh my. 
Perhaps of interest?
http://www.ghostzilla.com/index.html
"Invisible" browser that slots into existing open windows, easy to toggle back and forth...  |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3151
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 11:42 am: |
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The very first Tetris program I owned, eons ago, had what was called a "BOSS KEY". A quick flick of the wrist and a generic spread sheet flashed up onto the screen to hide what you were actually doing. Something like that might be even easier than making MOL look "wordish". |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1484
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 11:51 am: |
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Oh, Las, you flatter me -- but I am just a tad older than 21! |
jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 464
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 12:59 pm: |
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I didn't say I could make this board look like a Word document - I said I could think of making a panic button which could load a Word or Excel looking screen.
I'll see what I can do.
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LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3152
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:09 pm: |
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Tetris did it 20 years ago, Jamie..I am sure you cvan come up with something magnificant for Las. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13198
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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Just hit Alt-Tab in Windows or Apple-Tab in MacOS.
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1372
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:14 pm: |
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Jamie, my hero, if I had time to hit a panic button I'd have time to bring up a Word doc. The panic button was your idea.
MY idea (and Pippi's and ESS's) was for you to create a subscription-based program wherein those of us who would prefer to enjoy MOL all day without the fear of being seen enjoying MOL all day could purchase an MOL that looks like Word.
You didn't say no. You rolled your eyes, but you did not say no.
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jamie
Citizen
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 465
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:29 pm: |
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Ok, if you can recode this script to look like a Word document, I'll implement it. |
fiche
Citizen
Username: Fiche
Post Number: 103
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:32 pm: |
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Thanks Tom Reingold.
Alt-Tab it is. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13203
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:41 pm: |
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Also, Windows-D will minimize all windows at once.
In MacOS, Apple-H will hide the current application.
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1422
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |
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Yeah, unless the screen looks different, switching apps doesn't help me. All I have to do is click another open app to get MOL off my screen, but like I sez....I have the window reflection problem....
Oh well....I'll just have to keep the shades down. |
Mr. Big Poppa
Citizen
Username: Big_poppa
Post Number: 538
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |
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You could also buy a privacy screen for your monitor. It costs about $15-20 and allows you to view the screens only when directly facing them. You cannot see the screen from an angle.
They are often used for laptops when traveling on trains, planes, etc so other passengers can't see the screen. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1373
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 2:06 pm: |
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Lil, it's just not fair we should suffer like this. Not fair at all... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1423
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 2:38 pm: |
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Hmm.....a privacy screen...you've peaked my interest. I'm going to have to check that out Mr. Big.
Las - I know....I know... must we suffer like this??? The only consolation for me is the fact that I contantly catch my boss with AOL or other websites up on her screen as I go by her office or "pop-in". But, something tells me she's not online nearly as much as I am.
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1375
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 4:38 pm: |
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Jamie, I've been thinking about this.
If all you are going to do is create a panic button, may I please save my favor for something else?
In the interim, I'd like to appoint Mr. Big Poppa my hero and track down a privacy screen.
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Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2666
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 4:50 pm: |
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Actually, the link that Project 37 posted seems to be exactly what you need. It's tough to make MOL look like Word because you'll still have the browser bar (and buttons) at the top (unless Jamie/Dave create a toolbar-less windows, then add a bitmap of a Word toolbar/buttonbar at the top). Hmm.. but you still haev the user icons. Hmmmm...
Ghostzilla sounds more and more ideal. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 7162
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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If you are running windows, why not just keep a word document open but minimized. Then that document would appear in the tray at the bottom of your screen. Clicking on the windows document would bring it up immediately and minimize the internet browser window.
How would this differ from using a panic button? |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2667
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 5:00 pm: |
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I think las's and LilLB's point is that they don't want to hit a panic button. They want a browser window that looks like Word. |
Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 30
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
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You definitely want to give Ghostzilla a try. I've been using it for a few years and it's fantastic. The windows are automatically sized depending on whatever's open, so nothing looks out of the ordinary. You can even run multiple tabs a la Firefox.
Here's a screen grab:
 |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1376
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 6:57 pm: |
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Had to wait until I got home to click on your link, Project 37 (paranoia).
Ghostzilla is amazing! Ghostzilla gives me warm tingles inside like we were meant to be together! But it has to be downloaded, and I can't download at work. (Technically, lurking online all day is against firm policy as well...)
Short of sleeping with the IT guy, have you got a workaround for the download?
By the way,
Big Poppa: You're out.
Project 37: You're my new hero! |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 14779
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:17 pm: |
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This is all SO ridiculous. Most companies these days monitor internet access, emails and all forms of electronic communications to ensure that their technology resources aren't being abused and to limit liability issues.
Whether the document looks like MOL or Word or a picture of flying cats, is immaterial. If you use your firm's internet access, you will eventually be caught.
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LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3167
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:18 pm: |
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Bah to you Sbenois. Ruin all our fun. |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 14780
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:20 pm: |
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Why don't you go make a batch of Matzoh Charlotte and try to sell it in front of Cait & Abby's.
I'll bet you can't sell more than three and of those three, two will come back and ask for the antidote. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1377
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:23 pm: |
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It's not about being caught on the internet, it's about not looking like you're goofing off when people pass by. This is only about appearances. We're not trying to change the world.
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sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 14781
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:26 pm: |
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Appearance works very well on a daily basis.
Internet tracking is what most places use at performance evaluation time.
 |
Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 31
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:37 pm: |
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las - just to reiterate what sbenois said:
Your Internet usage is *always* monitored at work, regardless of what browser you use (and Ghostzilla is just that - a browser). Regarding my workplace, I've never used Ghostzilla to surf illicit sites and I've never had a complaint regarding my performance in the several years that I've been there. It's a nice way to enjoy visual privacy, but it's definitely *NOT* a free pass to goof off.
If "lurking online all day" is against your company's policy, then please note that Ghostzilla will not hide your browsing from the company's network access log. What it *does* do is hide your browsing from people walking by your machine.
Just so you clearly understand how it works I don't want to get you fired!
If you're still cool with going for it, then I'd download it at home, burn it to a CD, then bring it in to your office. Assuming you're not restricted from installing software, you should be good to go. |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 657
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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re: "Your Internet usage is *always* monitored at work"
No it's not. It all depends on the company that you work for and how many resources they devote to monitoring things. Most large companies, yes, things tend to be monitored. There are logs kept of things in equipment everywhere, but do most companies do anything with the information, no.
Due to Sarbanes Oxley, many companies are now required to archive and monitor emails, IMs, and some do phone calls as well.
You can make an SSL/VPN (secure) connection back to your home pc and use your home PC to browse.
An easy 'pay' way to do this is by using www.gotomypc.com.
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Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 32
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Okay, maybe it's not always "monitored", but it is always "recorded", and *that's* what I was getting at.
kevin:
There are logs kept of things in equipment everywhere, but do most companies do anything with the information, no.
True, but las specifically said:
Technically, lurking online all day is against firm policy as well...
I don't know to what extent her firm enforces that policy, hence my caveat emptor. Odds are that her Ghostzilla-enabled usage wouldn't stand out (especially if her current MOL browsing didn't raise any red flags), but none of us can say for sure.
So semantics aside, my original point is still valid. It's still recorded (even if there isn't someone monitoring it 24/7), and that's what people using Ghostzilla need to be mindful of. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1070
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm: |
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If only that big, bright Message Board would scroll up off the screen when I scroll down. The Jobs header does, but not Message Board. |
Frederick Schmid
Citizen
Username: Carlfrederick
Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm: |
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If you commit a crime, you should be willing to do the time. How many of the comments above are asking -- how much can I get away with? |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1493
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 1:36 pm: |
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I'm not seeing this as "how much can I get away with?" It's more a matter of how to cover the MOL screen while multi-tasking. The original poster is a very efficient worker, keeps busy, meets deadlines, etc. However, occasionally, as we all do, there's the need to take a breather. Hence, MOL. It's not too much different than monitoring CNN all day.
This is hardly a crime. I am sure most companies realize that if their employees have internet access, they are going to use it. We are not talking about covering up online porn or shopping sites. Big difference. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1623
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 1:38 pm: |
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I don't know. MOL is more addictive than porn. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1495
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 1:45 pm: |
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Speak for yourself, SO Ref.
(I AM TOTALLY KIDDING!) |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1379
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:00 pm: |
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I have to agree with the Ref on ths one. Never "had" to check a porn site with urgency like I do MOL...
Frederick and Sbenois, requesting a a Word-looking screen isn't about doing anything that will lead to 'eventually being caught' or 'getting away with' anything. It is about being less conspicuous in a professional environment. This is only about what you wish others to see.
I would bet those of us who desire such a screen are quite aware our firms can track all our online activity and that same tracking mechanism can be used to see that we not only completed all our work but requested more, likely repeatedly.
Come, now, this is Virtual Cafe. Can't we all just fantasize together and save the issues for another place? |
Frederick Schmid
Citizen
Username: Carlfrederick
Post Number: 20
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:41 pm: |
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Folks,
I understand what you are saying. I have 50 employees and I realize that most all of them connect to the internet during the day for a number of reasons. Some reasons have nothing to do with our company and its business. My policy is simply everybody has to get their work done -- period.
When you are being paid to do a job and you do something else -- that is wrong. Have I done that -- yes, but it is wrong. Are you going to try to suggest something like being a little pregnant? |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3663
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:54 pm: |
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Hey Jamie! Were you paying attention? I think you just saw a terrific idea to pull in lots more eyeballs: The PORN Topic!
Here's what you should do: charge some nominal fee (like, say, whatever you get for posting a "classified" advert on MOL) for posting priviledges on the special "MOL-PORN" topic section, and then charge even more to gain access to the posts in the topic.
Sounds like a winner to me, especially if you stipulate that only "SOFT" porn will be allowed on the site. You could have separate sections for photos, prose, mp3's, and let folks either subscribe to each on a discrete basis, or at a "pay-one-price" bundled rate!
Here's a sample, just to get you started:
You're welcome.
-s.
BTW: The check's in the mail |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1382
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:56 pm: |
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Soda, you promised you wouldn't post my photos all over the internet! Jeez! |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:57 pm: |
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The only way that those pictures count as porn is if you are in 1954 in the heart of the bible belt. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2618
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:17 pm: |
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2619
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:24 pm: |
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1385
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:27 pm: |
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Monster, if all those soldiers in the first photo are for my birthday you're on the wrong thread. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2620
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:29 pm: |
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SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1626
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |
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Rachey Ray and soft porn... I'm in heaven... |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2621
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:32 pm: |
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2622
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:36 pm: |
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It's, "HiJack Lass's Thread Day",
pile on everyone
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2623
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:38 pm: |
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1386
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:40 pm: |
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Monster, you are the reason I NEVER click on a link at work. (sorry to interrupt) |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2624
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 4:56 pm: |
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13219
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 5:42 pm: |
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If you want to do away with that big Message Board banner, bookmark this rather than going to the usual address for the messageboard.
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 2633
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 6:58 pm: |
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yep, that's what I do too Tom, listen to the man, he knows - he knows...
Then I use adblock to block out those pesky banners at the top of each subject, and this allows me to see more threads per page. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3666
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 10:28 pm: |
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Oh (77.6 k) |
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Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1071
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 1:10 am: |
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That is great. I now have a new bookmark. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page