Dangerous or uncomfortable environments are also a common theme. For example, going into dilapidated buildings or areas with high crime rates. There can also be issues with animals, like the aggressive dogs I mentioned before. Another theme is dealing with superstitious or paranoid individuals. Some people may have strange beliefs about the census and act in a very uncooperative way towards the enumerator.
One common theme is hostility from the people being surveyed. They might be suspicious of the enumerator's intentions and act rudely or even aggressively.
Another typical theme is logistical nightmares. Maybe the addresses are wrong or hard to find. The enumerator could end up in a completely different and potentially dangerous area. And sometimes, bad weather can also add to the horror. If it's pouring rain or snowing heavily while the enumerator is trying to reach a remote location, it can make the whole experience quite dreadful.
One horror story could be when a census enumerator had to visit a really remote and run - down area. The houses were in such bad shape that it seemed like they could collapse at any moment. The people there were also very hostile, thinking the enumerator was there to cause trouble or steal information.
Well, I've heard of a census worker who had to deal with a very hostile resident. The resident thought the census was some sort of government intrusion and started yelling and threatening the worker. The worker was really scared as they were just doing their job. Also, there are stories of census workers having to go to remote areas where their vehicle broke down on the way back. They were stranded in a desolate place with no immediate help available, which was a nightmare.
One census horror story could be about incorrect data entry. A family reported their correct information, but due to a clerical error, their data was entered wrong. As a result, they were marked as having a much higher income than they actually did. This led to them being ineligible for certain benefits they truly needed.
There was a census taker who visited an old, dilapidated mansion. As he entered, the door slammed shut behind him. He heard strange noises like whispers and footsteps but couldn't see anyone. He felt a cold breeze even though all the windows were closed. He was so scared that he abandoned his work there and ran out as fast as he could.
One memorable one is when a family reported their dog as having the job of 'chief security officer' and listed its salary as 'bones and belly rubs'. Another is a story where a census form had a section for 'languages spoken at home'. A family wrote 'fluent in cat meows and dog barks' just for a laugh. Also, there was a person who wrote in the 'ethnicity' section 'Martian - American' as a joke on the census form.
One common theme is the fear of the unknown. Many horror stories play on things that are not fully understood, like strange noises in the dark or unexplained disappearances. Another theme is the threat of death. Characters often face life - threatening situations, which heightens the tension. Also, the idea of the supernatural, such as ghosts, vampires, or witches, is frequently used to terrify readers.
One common theme is the feeling of helplessness. People try different products but still can't get rid of lice easily.
One common theme is over - regulation. For example, restrictions on home improvements like changing the color of the roof or adding a small porch. Another theme is financial pressure. HOAs can levy large fines for minor infractions, which can put homeowners in a difficult financial situation. And also lack of communication, where HOAs make decisions without proper consultation with the homeowners.
Another theme is misidentification. Like the story I mentioned before about using a toxic plant instead of an herb. People might mistake one ingredient for another, which can lead to horrible consequences when it comes to eating.
One common theme is the loss of progress. This can be due to hacking, like in the story where a player lost all their items. Another theme is bad community experiences, such as being bullied in a guild. And then there are the technical glitches that can turn the game into a horror show, like the one where the player had issues in the haunted - themed area.