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The Chronicler

When the Night Auditor Becomes IT: One Front Desk Worker’s Battle with New Computers

Anime-style illustration of a person overwhelmed by computer setup challenges and technology issues.
In this vibrant anime depiction, our protagonist grapples with the complexities of setting up a new computer system, showcasing the humorous struggles we all face when technology doesn't cooperate.

Ever had your boss hand you a stack of boxes and say, “Just set this up, will you?” without so much as a sticky note of guidance? Well, let’s just say if you work the overnight shift at a hotel, you might want to start sharpening your IT skills—because you never know when you’ll be promoted to “Chief Technology Officer” at 2 a.m. That’s exactly what happened to one intrepid overnight front desk worker, who shared their saga of hotel tech despair on Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk.

What started as a regular shift quickly devolved into a caffeine-fueled, error-message-laden marathon of computer setup, mystery troubleshooting, and a desperate plea for help from IT support that fell on deaf ears. It’s the kind of story that’ll make anyone who’s ever been “voluntold” for a technical task laugh, cringe, and maybe pour themselves a stiff drink in solidarity.

When Malicious Compliance Meets History Class: How a Tape Recorder and the ADA Schooled a Smug Professor

A student with disabilities in a history lecture, showcasing determination and resilience in learning.
This photorealistic image captures a moment in a history lecture, where a student with Tourette syndrome and ADHD navigates the challenges of learning. Their expression reflects the drive to engage with the subject, embodying the theme of malicious compliance and resilience in the face of adversity.

History is full of epic battles, but sometimes the most satisfying victories happen in a college classroom. Imagine facing off not against enemy armies, but an overzealous professor who thinks he knows the only “right” way to learn. For Reddit user u/Filthylittleferrent, the battlefield was American History 101. The weapon of choice? A microcassette tape recorder. The objective? Win back the right to learn in peace—and teach a smug lecturer a little lesson in the process.

This is the story of how one student’s clever (and hilarious) malicious compliance turned a would-be academic showdown into a masterclass in standing up for yourself—one cassette at a time.

Why “READ THE INSTRUCTIONS” Is the Most Ignored Rule in Tech Support

Cartoon illustration of a frustrated IT support worker troubleshooting a softphone app issue.
In this vibrant cartoon-3D scene, an IT support worker faces the challenge of a user struggling with a softphone app. This relatable moment captures the common frustrations in tech support, highlighting the importance of following instructions for smoother troubleshooting.

If you’ve ever worked in IT, you know the routine: a panicked user calls in, something’s broken, and the clock is ticking. You ask the usual questions, try the usual fixes, and then—just when you’re about to tear your hair out—you discover the real problem was hiding in plain sight: someone skipped a step. Welcome to the wild world of tech support, where the phrase "Did you follow the instructions?" is met with a sheepish silence more often than you’d think.

Today’s tale, courtesy of Reddit’s r/TalesFromTechSupport, is a perfect example. Picture this: a user’s softphone app refuses to open, and no amount of tech wizardry seems to help. Until, that is, the missing puzzle piece appears… in bright, bold, impossible-to-miss red letters. Spoiler: it went unread.

Why Can’t Anyone Follow Simple Card Reader Instructions? Tales From the Hotel Front Desk

Confused anime character struggling with card reader instructions during payment process.
This vibrant anime illustration captures the frustration of misinterpreting verbal payment instructions, highlighting the common struggle many face when using card readers.

If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know that some battles are eternal: getting guests to understand checkout times, convincing them Wi-Fi isn’t actually magic, and—perhaps most infuriatingly—helping them pay for their stay with a card. No, not because they don’t have the funds (though that’s another story), but because the humble card reader apparently requires a PhD to operate.

u/WagWoofLove from Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk recently captured the essence of this struggle with a simple question: “Why is it so hard to follow verbal instructions??” When the only thing standing between a guest and their comfy hotel room is confirming an amount on a card reader, you’d think this would be a slam dunk. Spoiler alert: It’s not.

When Your Boss Thinks Pregnancy Is Contagious: Hilarious Tales from the Clueless Corporate World

Male boss looking confused in an office, unaware of a pregnant employee's needs, cinematic style.
In this cinematic illustration, we capture the moment a male boss realizes he may be out of touch with the unique challenges faced by his pregnant employee. Explore the complexities of workplace dynamics in our latest blog update.

If you’ve ever worked in an office, you know that managers come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of… let’s say, “awareness.” But every so often, a story emerges that makes you wonder how some people ever graduate to a corner office. Enter u/A-Helpful-Flamingo’s latest update on r/StoriesAboutKevin, chronicling the truly jaw-dropping cluelessness of a male boss who seemingly missed every possible memo about pregnancy, bodily autonomy, and, well, basic biology.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, because you’re about to be entertained—and maybe left shaking your head in disbelief.

Why Your Credit Card Might Crash the Wedding: Hilarious Lessons from the Hotel Front Desk

Weddings: Magical, Memorable… and Sometimes a Hot Mess at Check-In

If you think the most stressful part of a wedding is picking the seating chart or writing your vows, allow me to introduce you to the unsung battlefield: the hotel front desk at check-in time. As wedding parties swarm the lobby with excitement—and a touch of chaos—one poor front desk agent’s tale on Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk reveals just how wild things can get when wedding logistics and credit cards collide.

It’s a story of one very large wedding, a groom with a golden heart (and a single, overworked credit card), and enough payment confusion to make anyone elope to Vegas. Ready for the inside scoop?

When Monitors Attack: The Hilarious Tale of the Office 'Jack-in-the-Box'

Picture this: It’s a quiet afternoon in the IT department. You’re catching up on tickets, sipping coffee, and mentally preparing for the inevitable post-lunch slump. Suddenly, you open a returned monitor box and—WHAM!—the monitor springs out like a digital jack-in-the-box, nearly launching itself into orbit and giving you a near-heart attack. Welcome to the wild, unpredictable world of tech support.

That’s exactly what happened to Reddit user u/xTheatreTechie in their now-legendary "Monitor in the Box" story from r/TalesFromTechSupport. And honestly, it’s the kind of tale that proves truth is always stranger (and funnier) than fiction in the world of IT.

When 'Service With a Smile' Becomes 'Stay Away From Me': The Curious Case of the Overhelped Hotel Guest

If you’ve ever checked into a luxury hotel, you know the drill: fresh flowers, marble floors, and a staff so eager to assist, you wonder if they can read your mind. Some guests bask in the pampering; others, apparently, just want to be left alone. But what happens when your quest for solitude clashes with a hotel’s mission to serve? Let’s dive into a true tale from the front desk trenches—where “service with a smile” nearly becomes a contact sport.

When Hotel Hospitality Meets “Adult Toy” Generosity: A Front Desk Tale to Remember

Picture this: You’re working the night shift at a hotel, minding your own business, when you’re handed a complimentary gift bag. Free stuff, right? Who says no to that? But what if that bag contains... let’s just say, items that would make your grandma blush—and your parents ask a lot of uncomfortable questions?

Welcome to the wild world of hotel front desk stories, where the line between hospitality and hilarity is often blurred by the most unexpected guests. This particular tale, fresh from Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk, may just take the cake for “Most NSFW Employee Perk Ever.”

Broomsticks, Bus Doors, and a Dash of Snark: The Art of Petty Revenge on Public Transit

If you’ve ever ridden public transportation, you know the unwritten rules—let folks off before you try to get on, keep the aisle clear, and, above all, have patience. But sometimes, chaos reigns and etiquette flies right out the bus window. In a recent gem from r/PettyRevenge, Redditor u/Either_Coconut shares a story that’s part public service announcement, part stand-up comedy, and 100% relatable for anyone who’s braved the morning rush.

Let’s set the scene: Downtown Philly, a packed bus, and a throng of riders eager to swap places. What could possibly go wrong?