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Slobs Found To Be More Productive Than Neatniks

writertype writes "Are you a slob? Do you pile papers on top of folders on top of game boxes? Here's the thing that those anal neat people can't even conceive of: you're more productive than they are. That's the conclusion of "A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder," by Eric Abrahamson and David Freedman, a new book that argues neatness is overrated, costs money, wastes time and quashes creativity."

10 of 396 comments (clear)

  1. Indeed? by wframe9109 · · Score: 5, Funny

    In other news: People with Anorexia found to be more productive than normal eaters.

    "It's quite ingenious!" exclaimed one researcher, "it seems that because Anorexics do not need to take time to eat, they are far more productive!"

    When asked whether health implications or possible mortality ensuing from Anorexia could negatively affect productivity, the researcher seemed angered, and left the interview.

    On a serious note. One can get a lot done when they don't have to deal with cleaning shit up. But there is a certain point at which the stench, impossibility of finding important items, and spousal/co-worker nagging will counter any increased productivity.

    1. Re:Indeed? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      a friend of mine who breeds small animals for use as bedding

      Now THIS is an idea whose time has come! Imagine laying down at night in a nice fluffy bed of badgers.

  2. Attention Slashdotters by timias1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    The article is about clutter not hygiene.

  3. Motivation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    My guess -- this article was written by a slob.

  4. I knew it! by Noryungi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Which is the perfect excuse to ask for a raise!

    "But, boss, you really have to admit that MY desk is much more messier than everyone else in this company! I demand more money! See here? We are talking about a freaking 3 DAYS OLD PIZZA, buried under papers and backup tapes for chrissake!!"

    I hasten to say that I already got a raise. I am just rehearsing for the end of the year review... ;-)

    --
    The right to offend is far more important than the right not to be offended. (Rowan Atkinson)
  5. I would reply to this but... by macurmudgeon · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm just to busy being productive and I can't remember which stack of papers my keyboard is under.

    1. Re:I would reply to this but... by TheVelvetFlamebait · · Score: 5, Funny

      You call yourself a geek? I'm looking for my paper under a stack of keyboards!

      --
      You know, there is a difference between trolling and pointing out the flaws in your reasoning. Just saying.
  6. It's not a cluttered mess. by Canthros · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's just an efficient hashing algorithm.

    --
    Canthros
  7. Re:Cleaning can be costly by InsaneProcessor · · Score: 4, Funny

    No. In our cleanup, we actually found $12000 worth of stuff that we needed for our current project and a missing employee.

    --

    Athiesm is a religion like not collecting stamps is a hobby.
  8. Messy me, tidy wife by pubjames · · Score: 4, Funny

    I bet I'm not the only one with a significant other that drives them nuts by tidying up all the time. A typical conversation might go something like this:

    Me [settling down to watch a movie]: Where is the HMDI lead?

    Her Wherever you last left it.

    Me I left it on the floor behind the TV.

    Her Well I haven't touched it.

    Me You must have, it can't have moved itself.

    Her I definately haven't moved it. You're always loosing things.

    Me Do you even know what it is?

    Her What is it?

    Me It's a black cable. It was on the floor behind the TV.

    Her Oh, I might have put it in one of the boxes in the shed.

    Me [angry] So now I've got to put my shoes on and go out into the cold to look through all the boxes in the shed!

    Her Don't blame me! You're the untidy one that is always loosing things...