Inspire us to keep hitting "continue" [update 1]
by Kevin Kelly 
{ Sep 25th 2006 at 4:25PM }
If you've ever worked in a massive cube environment, then you've seen the cheesy inspirational posters that plaster corporate cubicle farms. The lone man climbing a mountain with the word 'DETERMINATION' emblazoned across the bottom, accompanied by some sort of inspirational saying such as, "Anything is possible if you put your mind to it." Management drones think that colorful pictures and self-help mantras inspire us to work extra hard, stay that extra hour, and collate files better.Despair, Inc. offers hilarious alternative versions of those posters, which are meant to be demotivational. Such as a photo of a shipwreck with the word 'MISTAKES' on it. "It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others." They are a badge of honor amongst the dot com industry, programmers, game developers, and lovers of cynicism.
Retroblast invites a distinctly video gaming twist to the poster genre with their "Create Your Own Motivational Posters!" contest. First prize is a load of gamer gear, so take your best whack at it and inspire the masses.
[Update: inserted missing word, d'oh]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Raynre @ Sep 25th 2006 4:39PM
I had some fun with one of these a whle back...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/Raynre/
Motivation/motivator5b4223c4f44d5e256969012f00.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/Raynre/
Motivation/motivator4afcdd4dbea67b9d61942f9ee4.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/Raynre/
Motivation/motivator8ddc3a669b017b59512a1da92c.jpg
Raynre @ Sep 25th 2006 4:40PM
Oh look, they become links now. I dont remember that happening...
Either way, c/p and enjoy.
NETNAVI @ Sep 25th 2006 4:57PM
What happened to the India 360 commercial?
chris w @ Sep 25th 2006 4:59PM
SO OLD!!! I sent this into joystiq on 9/11/06. No reference to me though, thanks BTW ..|..
Good for you though, at least people get to submit before the deadline's up.
Cody @ Sep 25th 2006 5:18PM
We can do minor edits to the posters right?
rasgueado @ Sep 25th 2006 5:43PM
If you want to see a really funny and disturbing inspirational poster that is absolutely real... go here: http://www.theyesmen.org/hijinks/hiresphotos/blog/20041015dc15.jpg .
Brody Brooks @ Sep 25th 2006 5:56PM
Lo and behold, MY entry.
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2058/certitudeposterkt0.jpg
Bub @ Sep 26th 2006 10:00AM
Awesome. Joystiq actually has great writers, despite how much I may harp on them...
White Rose Duelist @ Sep 26th 2006 9:03AM
Well, I know my wife was destined for me as punishment. We just haven't figured out yet for whom. :)
GhaleonQ @ Sep 27th 2006 2:14PM
I've loved Despair, Inc. since its mainstream launch 5 years ago. I'm glad to see that it's getting some more favorable coverage.