When “Read-Only” Gets Literal: The Hilarious Tale of Kevin, a PDF, and a Laminating Machine
There are days in the office when everything goes smoothly: coffee is hot, emails are manageable, and your computer screen stays blissfully crack-free. And then… there are days when Kevin comes to work. If you’ve ever browsed the legendary r/StoriesAboutKevin subreddit, you know Kevins are a special breed—well-meaning, but not always the sharpest USB in the drawer.
But even by Kevin standards, this story—originally shared by u/Sufficient-Owl1826—sets a new bar for workplace absurdity.
Laminating for Posterity: The Setup
Picture this: It’s a regular weekday morning, the office is humming with the gentle clacking of keyboards, when suddenly, a peculiar sight catches your eye. There’s Kevin, hunched over his desk, carefully feeding something into the laminating machine. Only, it’s not a document. It’s his actual computer monitor.
Confused, you and your coworkers approach. Maybe it’s a new anti-glare trick? A radical approach to screen protection? Nope. Kevin, ever the innovator, is on a mission.
“The file said it was ‘read-only,’ so I’m making it permanent,” he announces, a look of earnest pride on his face.
You’d think, at this point, the universe would reward such creativity. Instead, as the laminator’s heat does its thing, the monitor emits a worrying crackle. A spiderweb of cracks blooms across the screen, Kevin’s expression morphs from triumph to disbelief. In his quest to save a PDF, he’s just cooked his computer.
Lessons in Literal Thinking
Let’s pause and appreciate the tragicomic brilliance of this moment. The phrase “read-only” is one of the most basic concepts in computing: you can open and view the file, but you can’t change it. For Kevin, though, it triggered a completely different protocol—one involving plastic sheets, heat, and a total disregard for electronics.
What can we learn from Kevin’s display of do-it-yourself document security?
1. The Tech Literacy Gap is Real
Most of us assume digital terminology is universal. But for every one of us who knows what a PDF is, there’s a Kevin who interprets “read-only” as a call to action. Workplaces should remember that tech fluency varies wildly. If you’re in IT, thank your lucky stars for job security.
2. Laminators Are Not Universal Problem-Solvers
Laminating is a noble pursuit—perfect for menus, ID cards, or that certificate for “Best Chili” from the office cook-off. But the line must be drawn somewhere. Let this be a PSA: your computer monitor is not that line. If you’re ever tempted to run your laptop through the office laminator, please reconsider (and maybe step away from the device).
3. There’s No Substitute for Asking Questions
Some of the world’s greatest inventions began with a question. Unfortunately, so did Kevin’s adventure. Before you try laminating your screen (or, say, microwaving your keyboard to “refresh” it), ask a colleague. Or Google it. The internet is full of answers, and trust me—most are better than melted plastic and a bill from IT.
The Endearing Side of Kevin
It’s easy to poke fun at Kevin, but let’s take a moment to appreciate his drive. In his own way, he was trying to do the right thing: preserve an important file for all eternity. Sure, his methods were… unconventional. But in a world of digital ephemera, maybe we could all use a little more permanence. Just, you know, not at the expense of a perfectly good monitor.
Share Your Own “Kevin” Moments!
Workplaces are full of colorful characters and unforgettable stories. Have you ever witnessed a hilariously creative (or just baffling) approach to a simple tech problem? Or maybe you’ve been the Kevin in your office—don’t worry, this is a safe space!
Drop your best “Kevin” tales in the comments below. If nothing else, they’ll remind us all to double-check our instructions—and to keep the laminating machine far, far away from our electronics.
Got a story that tops Kevin’s? Or maybe a tip for avoiding workplace tech disasters? Join the conversation below! And remember: next time you see “read-only,” just take a deep breath and step away from the laminator.
Original Reddit Post: My coworker Kevin tried to 'save' a PDF by laminating his computer screen.