Abuse of camera phones

Does anyone remember the Spy vs Spy characters from MAD magazine? It was fitting that both spies looked the same, the only difference being that they were clothed differently – one in white and the other in black. The one in white was never necessarily the “good” one, and neither was the one in black necessarily the “bad” one. They were both equally good and bad in their own ways – shades of grey perhaps?

Anyway, what the spies had in those days were bombs and guns and all sorts of violent things that little kids shouldn’t be playing with, but do. What they did not have were mobile phones. Imagine what sort of hijinks they could have gotten up to if they did!

But we do have mobile phones now, and even the most basic of mobile phones now come with a camera or video function. The resolution isn’t perfect, but it works for the most basic of functions i.e. letting others see what certain things look like. Now, this is all great for people who use it legitimately. I’m talking about people who take pictures of food to blog about, or items they want to buy and need a second opinion, or cam-whoring pictures.

However, as with everything good, there are people who spoil things by using the camera function for perverse pleasures like taking pictures inside gyms or changing rooms. This is why in many places, camera phones are banned in such places – whether or not its actually enforced.

I’d like one more category to the people who abuse the joys of having a camera phone – People who sneak into other people’s offices to take pictures of it.

I was informed that this person, known to all of us, had come into my office purportedly to see my staff, and had then whipped out her camera phone to take pictures of the interior, despite my staff’s protest. Now, I’m all about “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery” but in this instance, I think its terribly bad taste and very low of this person and whoever asked her to do it, to do such a thing.

This person’s office is under major renovation at the moment and the ghost who owns that office is, I know, dying to see what we’ve made out of ours. However, unless he wants to risk waking the dormant Mt. Helena, he would not risk coming over. How convenient then that one of his staff would sneak by with a camera phone, to take pictures of my office!

Nevermind that there are confidential documents lying around. Nevermind that senior people in the industry should be well aware of the seriousness of such confidential matters. Nevermind that the ghost would either copycat or more likely, try to outdo us.

Not that we care about the latter.

Anyway, when I found out, my first reaction was to see red and erupt. But after a moment, I thought to myself “Why am I getting mad?” I should be flattered that people are taking such a great interest in what I do, and taking such pains to find out about me. If it was not happening to me, it might even be hilarious and the person doing it, is nothing short of pathetic. So I simmered back down.

But I have to protect the security of my office and my staff, not to mention the confidentiality of what goes on within. I cannot risk something similar happening again. I see this occurrance as a threat to my sanctuary and for that, I am prepared to issue my edict – All persons (we know who they are), shall be absolutely banned from crossing the threshold of my office. Cross that edict, and face the consequences. I don’t think my staff are that dumb.

This abuse of a camera phone is, to me, as bad as taking pictures of naked people in a gym changing room. Its a violation of privacy and an abuse of not only the camera phone, but of the welcome extended. Its like being invited into someone’s house and then stealing their precious Ming vase.

Suffice to say, I’m no longer feeling charitable hence my edict. The “divorce” will be completed soon, and like all good divorces once you have taken your portion of the property, its bye-bye!