Lessons from CHI: Part 1

Two nights ago in the hot tub, these words sent me into the deepest spiral of self loathing of my short academic career:

Woman who had been listening to me trash another researcher: "Oh, I am ----'s girlfriend."

There are three lessons to be taken away from today's episode:

1. Never wear identification when possible (i.e. do not be the "I wear my conference badge even when I'm not at the conference" guy).
2. Give false identifying information where necessary (e.g. "I am Paul Dourish").
3. Refrain from "constructively criticising" other researchers unless full privacy is assured (i.e. do a full 360 degree scout, and post a guard if necessary -- undergrads are appropriate for the guard task).