Microsoft developers (I'm told) have the option to 'go dark' at times. At least that's what Joe Schwetz indicated at a recent Sydney Deep meeting. The aim is to allow them to catch up on projects that are running behind. The process involves killing all distractions (email, blogs, phone calls, IM, etc) and focusing on priorities.

I'm sure many software companies use this technique in various guises. Here's Angus, one of our Devs, in a dark moment:

I wonder if Michael Kordahi will notice the sticker on Angus' PC, just under the book shelf...

I write this on Friday evening as I head home for two weeks holiday break. The last two weeks have been incredibly hectic. Anyone else found this year to be busiest in a long time?