Kailani says “In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response”. You should go to Kailani’s site and link up with Mr. Linky, but don’t be rude, be sure and answer her question.
My Question:
What do you think about rules that people follow just because they are rules, what if the rule is old and doesn’t make sense anymore?
My moms club has a newsletter that I write every month and e-mail it out to all of the members. I’m supposed to mail it out to the chapter heads but I always forget and end up being late every month. I asked them if I could e-mail it to them and they could print it out if they absolutely needed it printed.
Their response:
All chapters must print and mail the newsletter out to chapter heads and big sisters by the 15, it’s a rule.
My response:
No I have not done it, yes I will do it because they complain to my president and I don’t want to embarrass her anymore than I already have but it irritates me because it hurts the environment and they probably just recycle it anyways. So I feel some rules are STUPID. Yes I am late again!!!
I’m a total rule junkie. I follow the written and unwritten rules of life. However, I think it’s usually time to rewrite the rules when we find a better way of doing things. I actually just had this similar conversation with my husband earlier tonight.
First of all, I think you should bring up the fact that you are wasting paper in the next meeting. Not only that this is lots more work for you. Do they really not have access to computers? This is one rule that needs to go down! lol
Usually I follow the rules unless they make no sense. Then I try to change them.
Some people just feel safer with things left the “way they’ve always been.” Unfortunately I tend to be one of them… I hope though that I would (in this case) be able to change.
I don’t think I answered the question….
If I didn’t believe in a group or company’s rules I would disassociate myself from them.
For “stupid” rules I hate them. For rules that protect people and privacy I follw them. But I am the kind that will break the “stupid” rules because I think they are …well… stupid. And I think all mommy groups have a bunch of stupid rules, which is why I no longer belong to any of them.
Rules are there as guidelines.. if there were none we would all be in one big mess. Just as if there were no traffic lights..no rules of RED, GREEN, or YELLOW.
However, there are times.. when its like come on lol change the rule already or make an exception!!!
I think their are so many rules that could be done away with or re – written. Now in your case, it would make sense to have a ‘window’…I mean, I’m sure they are reading more newletters than one. You mean they read them all on the same day? I think not. lol.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! But if it can be improved, then by all means, bring it up! I agree with letting them know that there’s a lot of paper waste involved. If they won’t budge, then its up to you….you either stay or leave.
it would depend there are some really crazy ones I wouldn’t follow because there old fashion and it sounds like the group your involved with is have they not heard of trying to save the planet why wast trees when an e-mail work great but you have to deceide how important the group is to you
I don’t like archaic rules that only seem to serve to make things more inconvenient for people, as the rule you mentioned seems to be.
I would (begrudingly) follow the rule, but would work dilligently to change it.
I understand the concept of rules and everything but sometimes .. it’s a little much. I can’t stand jumping through hoops things and find it super frustrating when I have to. In your case, I would go along with their procedures but inquire about updating them. Kind of sounds like they’re not open to that though. Good luck!
I usually follow the rules but some need to be updated for sure.
You gotta know when to go with the flow and when to question the ways. Turning 40 helps with this
I follow rules even though they’re dumb. I have my own business and very picky with the way things are done, I have a client that’s not following my rules and it drives me nuts, so because of that, I try to respect others’ rules no matter how lame it seems to me.
I generally follow the rules, but have always been one to bring up change if something is being done just because.
I personally like structure and have made up and follow rules as long as I can remember
Some people don’t like change. lol
Sadly, I have to deal with this a lot. Not only in the world of education, but with religious items for holidays.
Rules are meant to be modified. Maybe you can voice your concerns and see about changing it?
You mean like the U.S. Constitution LMAO! Some of it is very outdated! I am very anti-authority, I don’t like too many rules.
I’m all for following rules, but I also will stand up and question things if I feel they are no longer valid.
We have some stupid rules at work. They call them “Simplification”. It should be called “Stupidifacation”. For example, we’re only allowed 3 pens per person. I’m so not kidding!