Did you know that medieval scribes spent countless hours hunched over desks, painstakingly copying texts by hand? While their work was crucial for preserving knowledge, it was also physically and mentally exhausting. In a burst of candid frustration, some scribes slipped complaints into the margins of manuscripts. Phrases like “Oh, my hand” or “Writing is excessive drudgery. It crooks your back, it dims your sight” stand out as a witty form of passive-aggression—possibly one of the oldest glimpses into workplace discontent.

Beyond “Oh, My Hand”
Far from isolated incidents, these marginal notes are sprinkled throughout medieval manuscripts in various scriptoria (monastic writing rooms). Some scribes even doodled self-portraits of themselves slumped over their desks. These notes and sketches offer a window into their daily grind, which, when you read it, echoes to this day:
- Physical strain: Cramped hands, aching backs, and failing eyesight were constant companions to these dedicated copyists.
- Emotional toll: Scribes often worked under strict deadlines, leading to occasional bursts of humor or bitterness in the margins.
- Comedic commentary: In some manuscripts, you’ll find remarks such as “As the harbor is welcome to the sailor, so is the last line to the scribe,” a playful sign-off that shows both relief and a desire to inject personality into repetitive tasks.
How AI improve CRM– From Ink-Stained Quills to Modern Keyboards
Today’s workplaces might be more comfortable and better lit, but the feeling of monotony remains when tasks are repetitive—especially for sales or support teams constantly updating customer relationship management systems.
If you think about it, those medieval scribes were “data entry specialists” of their era, meticulously recording information. Their passive-aggressive margin notes weren’t just a quirky pastime; they were a cry for efficiency and relief from busywork. In a modern context, you can still find the echoes of “Oh, my hand” whenever an employee sighs at yet another form to fill out.
Relieving the Burden with Automation, or How AI Improve CRMs
Repetitive tasks in CRM systems echo the scribes’ predicament. For instance:
- Data entry: Manually transcribing meeting notes or call details feels just as endless as copying manuscripts.
- Note synchronization: Logging everything accurately—especially under time pressure—can lead to errors or burnout.
- Action item tracking: Important to-dos often get lost in the shuffle.
But here’s where we see how AI improve CRM workflows. With modern tools like CRMagic, your team doesn’t need to spend precious time on mind-numbing copy-paste tasks.
CRMagic Improves your CRM with AI: The Summarizer That Let’s Reps Focus on Selling
- Automated note-taking: CRMagic listens to calls and meetings, then summarizes the conversation into concise, accurate notes.
- Action item extraction: Follow-ups, deadlines, and responsibilities are clearly outlined—no risk of something slipping through the cracks.
- CRM syncing: Rather than writing the same details in multiple places, all relevant info is pushed directly to your CRM.
A Spiky Perspective: Ditch the Scribe Routine
If your sales or support reps are muttering “Oh, my hand,” it’s time to transform your CRM approach. Let them focus on productive conversations and closing deals, not the digital equivalent of copying manuscripts line by line.
Because no one should have to live in the margin of their own work. Leverage AI-driven solutions – like CRMagic – to unlock efficiency, spare your team from mundane tasks, and keep them engaged in the work that matters most.
Embrace automation and discover how AI improve CRM, so your team can avoid scriptorium-style drudgery and focus on what truly propels your business forward.