Posted on 03/20/2006 7:34:30 AM PST by mathprof
An exasperated father has discovered to his cost that cyberspace is not the ideal arena for family feuds. Two weeks ago Steve Williams became so fed up with his daughter's messy bedroom that he built a website featuring pictures of his slothful offspring's lair in an attempt to shame her into action.
But the public humiliation proved a short-lived victory. While it did spur his daughter, Claire, into tidying up her room, it also whet her appetite for revenge. With the help of her father's friends, the 20-year-old business student has now set up a rival website that displays photos of him in a variety of compromising situations.
"All my friends feel sorry for Claire so they're ganging up on me," said Mr Williams, of Whitehaven, Cumbria. "They've managed to dig out photos of me drunk and dancing round with a handbag at a party, and also put pictures of my garage on to show it's not just Claire who's untidy...
Despite the embarrassment, Mr Williams said he had no regrets.
"It started off as a flippant remark, with me saying to Claire if you don't sort your room out I am going to put that pic on the internet," he said. "It had the desired effect. Her bedroom is not immaculate, but it's a hundred times better. My son has started keeping his tidy too. He's living in fear of being outed!
"Claire is absolutely mortified. She has only just started speaking to me again."
Mr Williams' site, www.shameit.com, has proved hugely popular with disgruntled families from all over the world. Nearly 40,000 people have visited the site in its first fortnight.
(Excerpt) Read more at technology.guardian.co.uk ...
I was 25. Course I was working full time--2nd shift-- and going to college....hardly home at all.
LOL! That is an idea! I think I'm going to order biohazard warning signs and nail them to their doors!
I'm not too sure it is a compliant thing vs. an ownership thing.
I've 3 and they seem to have a need to have control over their rooms.
I don't see that spill over into other aspects of their behavior though.
But how was your room ;)
Holy moly, aye aye captain!
::snaps to attention::
LOL!!!
Ironically, my sister made my mom age REAL FAST over her room being a toxic dump equivalent when we were growing up.
Now, her house is SPOTLESS. So, I don't think the room reflects what the outcome will always be.
ROFL! there is an idea!
Gabz takes charge!
Problem solved.
Darn right. My oldest stayed until she was 24, got her degree and a good job and then moved out. She got married, bought a house and now we have 1 year old and 2 year old grandsons.
Now if I can just get the 17 year old to do the same...
LOL!!!!
I didn't think of it either until I saw it for myself. On more than one occasion too.
The girls she stood up too were the popular cliquey types. So if you have to do battles with the stubborn personalies, well do it but don't go the end of trying to break their will like I am some promote.
When our kids were little (but old enough to clean up after themselves) they lived in fear of ...[scary music!] The Bag Lady. She would creep into their rooms when they were sleeping, or while they were at school. She carried a big black bag, and *poof* all toys and clothes left on the floor would disappear! Once a month, she featured a special deal. If their rooms were all shipshape, she would leave things from the black bag. Of course, the things had to be put away before bedtime, or she would take them back again!
This worked well, until they figured out the Bag Lady could be used as a trash disposal service. She retired, and I learned to close bedroom doors! OK, our oldest son's carpet wasn't seen for his entire senior year, and when I finally got the guts to clean that room, I found stuff in layers! I could actually date the junk!!
I'll remember that - thanks.
That was a colorful post! You need to seriously consider writing children's stories or something!
I'm not joking. I read that twice and may read it again. That was great.
I'm going to print this out and save it (out of my daughter's reach). Next time I'm about to blow my stack, I'll lock myself in my room and read it over and over! You're right, there are way more important things and, when the kids are gone and their rooms neat and clean, who will care about today's mess?
"It is easy, just go in there with a coal scoop shovel and a few trash bags. Do it once and they will be broken of that habit"
Yepper! Worked like a charm with our daughter; she never did like it when I cleaned her room for her...
I never had a problem. When my children were but two if they left anything on the floor I simply just picked it up and threw it away. I never replaced it. They learned quick.
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