A
male
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I'm 24 and work in IT; mainly on the distribution and delivery side for a small firm. I occasionally do the website for them; I'm a gofer at the firm (someone who does a bit of this, bit of that, no regular role, but is a proper employee).However, I've become the target of jokes in work for not having a Facebook page - I don't want to, and don't have to, and no matter how many times I politely tell my co-workers this, they won't have any of it.I complained to the boss, but all it resulted in was a worker paying me a fine of £30 for "offensive behaviour".I don't use Facebook, preferring being with people in-person, or using Gmail/Hotmail instead [webmail is a little bit better], and my only social networking is really providing help to people on serverfault - but that's an educational site, not a Facebook-like one, and it benefits my work, what I learn from there.The bullying's got so bad I've complained multiple times; some of the co-workers even wrote on Facebook - on an unofficial group about the company on their wall (my girlfriend's on it, she told me this):"Hope we can get a photo of the gimp in his undies, he's a boring young fart""Would be an honour to see it mate... the gimp in his undies... strip him and grease him like a pig!""Heh... wheeeee!!!! Looks like a young Johnny Depp without the glasses and would look damn good in bra and knickers... wheeee, let's tie him to a chair in his undies"and"How big is his dick?? Big enough to suck?"and even"Let's get some photos of him in his undies, post them on here, and get 100,000 likes".We were disgusted by this; complained to Facebook but no response.I complained to the boss, and he's looking into it, but progress is slow.I've never had any trouble with him, or been in trouble with him, he says I'm good at what I do (I think I'm average, really) and don't understand why I'm getting such aggro. Is it because I enjoy my job and take pride in it, and do what's asked of it?I'm not "sucking up to the boss", only doing my job.I'm not miserable in work, I only see these co-workers every so often of my Monday - Friday there, and although I could leave, I still have 18 months left to go on my contract.Please help me. What should I do and why is this happening?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (21 February 2013): I'd contact a lawyer and see what can be done. That sounds like defamation of character and cyberbullying since you are the intended target.Have your girlfriend print out what she has read about you and bring it into the lawyer.Sounds like the boss is not responding to your requests so fast, but he will move fast if a letter is sent from a lawyer to have them stop. It doesn't reflect well on the company what his employees are doing and could certanly cause damage with marketing their company image.By 18 months left on your contract are you not an employee of the company but have been hired out, like freelance, to help in IT?Sadly, all some people have in life is Facebook since they don't have a life outside of work.Stick to your principles and ignore their requests to join Facebook. Facebook can be a pandora's box if opened as you can see by how your co-workers are acting on it. Childish and immature behavior at best.
A
male
reader, TrancedRhythmEar  +, writes (21 February 2013):
 These people are jealous of you and the only way for them to feel good about themselves is by putting you down. Your boss is a pussy. He is not looking into it. Its politics he will only do so much to butt in and stop this. Workplace harassment is big. Is there anyone higher you can go to in your company?
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (20 February 2013): What is your EEOC equivalent, as i see you're in the UK. Get in contact with them and make sure you have a paper trail, proving that you filed a former complaint. You'll see them leap to their legs once even if you allude to filing with them.
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A
female
reader, lmao1989 +, writes (20 February 2013):
 Wow you co-workers sound so very childish.I'm the same i had facebook and got rid of it because it causes more hassle than it is worth. Take for instance what's been said on fb about you without you even having it....This could have been made oblivious if your g/f didn't have it.I am not suggesting she get rid of it but why not block that page from her site and ignore them ignore what they have to say and leave them in work and NEVER socialise with them leave them b*itch about you on that page because it'll frustrate them more that you aren't going on fb and will never see what they say.I don't feel it's bullying as they don't realise you're reading it... if you are bothered by it confront them say to them'i've seen what you've been writing and i don't appreciate it why don't you guys do some work and grow up and get on with your life without wanting to know mine'I can tell you now people who want you to be on there want to know your life and what you're doing why?because they are sad have no life and love looking at other peoples.I'm speaking on your co-workers behalf i'm not saying that's why everyone goes on fb i know it's to keep in contact also but that's why they are doing it they have no life of their own and need someone else's to make themselves feel better.Hope this helps x
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