Amazon's wacky work rules

Well, maybe not so wacky considering that the online retailer is hiring lots of temporary workers for the holidays to wrap, pack and ship orders. Silicon Alley Insider got the skinny from an employee at one of Amazon's shipping facilities.

No wearing lipstick: Amazon doesn't want you using any products on the warehouse floor that could be sold from the site.

You can only drink water: And all water must be stored in clear bottles so floor supervisors can tell what the liquid is. Lemonade, soda, or anything else with color is not allowed.

Don't use too much tape: Gift wrapped packages are inspected by floor supervisors. Employees are trained how to wrap using the correct amount of tape and wrapping paper.

Don't work too slow: Our source says employee work flow is tracked by scanners that prompt each person when to move on to the next order. If you don't work fast enough, it can be tracked back to you.

Don't talk too much: Floor supervisors monitor social habits too. Our source says if you're caught talking too much, you will be separated from your neighbor.

Don't wear a watch: This is another rule designed to prevent theft. Since Amazon also sells them, employees must remove their watches before entering work.

Don't show up late: This one isn't particularly crazy, but there are no excuses for being late. On the six-point system, showing up half an hour late earns you half a point. One hour or more gets you one point. If you don't show up at all, that's a whopping three points.