Hi, my name is Al

Email Games

Okay, so I tend to have some very interesting conversations with mates about very weird things. One day, me and Jay were having a random conversation and Jay happened to say, ‘I bet you can’t use the word ‘$word’ in a staff email today.’. The word is unimportant and escapes my memory but for all purposes, let’s call it ‘awse’. So the challenge was to use the word ‘awse’ in an email to the staff mailing list.

There are a few rules that govern the game, they are not strict but necessary nonetheless:

1. Context: The word should not be used in reference to itself. As in, ‘does anyone know if ‘awse’ is a legit response to an email’
2. Subtlety: If the word if referred to in a way that it is not the focus of the sentence bonus points are awarded. If the email can stray to focus on a different subject matter and refer to the word as if it is a common term, the better it sits with the judges. Eg: Did anyone catch the feling-flinging contest on the weekend? It was awse but the last contender failed miserably”
3. Degree of Difficulty: this is always a game-winner. The more ridiculous the word, the higher scoring it is. pretty easy concept though, a word such as ‘Thyroid’ would rank higher over a word like ‘Tops’
4. Time frame: as the day progresses some people may choose to implement a ‘bonus’ round where the players are allocated a second word to complete before the end of the day. If both words can be uttered in the same email then the points are effectively doubled

Other Rules which can make the game funner:

• Although a minimum of 2 people must be aware of the game, these are just both the players. Spectators shouldn’t be on the staff mailing list unless they swear to remain completely unbiased. Any influence on the mailing list can give an easy opportunity for a player.
• At least 1 authorative figure must remain unaware. This is a tough one, at the last position I had I know the man in charge knew I was up to something. Looking at previous emails would show a pretty blatant trail, but as long as its not aggressive or obnoxious, im sure it will be okay. If there is anyone that isn’t aware of the game, then it will work, it might be a bit like a ’secret’ game but hey, its a larf
• The scoring system means nothing: Any references I have made to doubling scores or bonuses are really nothing. It all really comes down to how you use it. If someone uses the word in an amazingly well constructed manner with the right amount of humour, then thats it, game over. If you both write the same amount of stuff, then choose whichever comment is best and the winner gets a free beer from the loser. It’s that easy.

Before I get any comments, I have played(and co-invented) this game at a previous job, and the game is in no way a reflection of the extent we went to to entertain ourselves. I enjoyed my time at all my previous positions, this was just the proverbial cherry on the proverbial cake. Here are a few words to get everyone started.

• Voluptuous
• Sextant
• Salivate
• Arachibutyrophobia
• Dactylonomy

And remember, this game is un-named, so if anyone thinks of a suitable name, let me know. Enjoy!