What Paul McCartney Has To Do To Recapture His Greatness
By the Record Doctor
I’m not really a doctor but I play one in the newsletter. I just heard Paul’s latest single, "Hope and Deliverance" off his upcoming Off the Ground album which put me in my most philosophical mood (look out!) The song was another pleasant McCartney dittie backed by a (and pardon my Latin, which means Spanish in this case) nice little carumba rhythm section. So I decided what I would do is prescribe for Paul what he has to accomplish on this next album to re-establish some of his tarnished reputation.
Diagnosis #1: He could be murdered by a deranged fan (who will receive plenty of exposure on ABC’s "20/20") and thus become a martyr for all those leftover 60’s people or:
Diagnosis #2: Follow up his best studio album in years ("Flowers in the Dirt") with less Beatlesque material. Sure a rival St. Paul merchant declared "Flowers" to be the best album of the 80’s, but frankly what Paul needs to do is get back to a more personal style of writing. I have in mind efforts like "Dear Friend", "Little Lamb Dragonfly", and "Here Today" (his of so elegant tribute to Mr. Lennon) where he let down his increasingly annoying flip side to show some genuine deep felt feelings. Heck it wasn’t that long ago he wrote that confessional line, "I’m often accused of giving too little, it’s got me confused, I’m split down the middle." But it’s been way too long since he wrote the equally appropriate, "What’s the use of worrying? (No use)." How does it feel to survive the latest world tour without restoring yourself to former greatness? How does it feel to be the richest entertainer ever" But more importantly how does it feel to be with the lovely Linda, and how has that endured for 23 years? How does it feel to be fifty? What goes on in that hemp infested mind?
WHAT WE MOST LIKELY WILL GET: Another album of silly love songs. But that’s ok, I’d rather hear that than 1/3 of the pap Lennon produced and I’d for sure rather hear that than the stuff former mates Wiblury George (the fifth ELO?) and Ringo are doing. No one can top Paul in writing those haunting melodies, and his partnership with Elvis Costello seems in retrospect a good idea. But how about some of the charm of "McCartney" (which did pop up in his appearance on "Unplugged")? or the experimentation of "Ram" and "Press to Play" (or "Sgt Pepper" for that matter)? How about some of the cocky sure handedness of "Red Rose Speedway" and "Band on the Run"? or some of the maturity of "Tug of War"?
The sun rises again on February 9 and the proper fork will be chosen, by all, by that time.
Monday, January 18, 1993
Monday, January 11, 1993
Lex the Lemur
Lots of my lemur friends come up to me and say, "Hey Lex, who do you think you are? What makes you think you can spell your name with an ""e" instead of a "u"? What’s that all about?" I tell them that as a "consumer" advocate the letter "u" is too exclusive; it can mean just you and me. An "E" on the other paw stands for everything and everybody, which is of course, the most important philosophy to keep in mind in the retail industry/business.
Speaking of which, there is absolutely no truth to the rumor I used to work as a shill for the Schlampp Fur Company, turning in my friends for the coats off their backs. Everybody knows lemur fur doesn’t make as nice a coat as our cousins, those weasels, the ermine. The timing of my hiring and this company’s major recent investment was purely coincidental.
What can good customer service do? It can create repeat business. It can be powerful enough to make one break a pledge. Last year, I resolved to cut down on my excursions to White Castle. One Saturday, I got a hankering for some sliders, so despite pleas from my stomach I had five White Castles with cheese (didn’t try their new offerings topped with my favorite nitrate, bacon)/ The young man who served me through the drive thru was pleasant and cheerful as opposed to average mono-syllabic service I’m accustomed to at fast food places. When he wished ma a "good day" with a note of sincerity, I actually felt good I had stopped by. And I went back the next day. Unfortunately, this time around I got the more typical "What the hell do you want here?" sneer. Haven’t been back since.
CELEBRITY SPOTTING: I was withdrawing money from a cash machine in Rosedale, and I looked at a gentleman seated on a bench nearby. I said to myself, "Say that looks a lot like Christian Laettner." But I thought, nah, couldn’t be. But he stood up and his 6’11" frame erased any doubts. I watched as he strolled into "Hot Dogs & More." Hey gals! He’s as advertised: definite GQ material.
SuperMom called and asked if I was interested in going to the Inauguration since Bob Dylan is playing. She said she thought she might be able to "score" some tickets. So I said, "Sure". She called back a bit later and said she was wrong, it was by "invitation" only. I’m sure it was but an oversight on Bob’s part. Either that or he figured a lemur would make them squirm. What do you think he’ll play? "Wiggle Wiggle"?
Another benefit of good customer service- The Impulse Buy. I was in a pet store purchasing food for my cousin Max (who I know wants to be a lemur, it’s so much cooler and he already has the stripes). I couldn’t find his brand, so I asked the clerk. I was standing right in front of it, but he didn’t make me feel foolish for asking, which I greatly appreciated. As I was walking out, I saw a cat tree which I knew Max, the simpleton, would enjoy. $50. I said what the hell, I felt good, why not?… Musical question of the week: If Jimi was alive would he play unplugged…till next time.
Editor’s Kudo to Pete Nordgaard for contributing the article on the following page. Thanks Pete!!!
Speaking of which, there is absolutely no truth to the rumor I used to work as a shill for the Schlampp Fur Company, turning in my friends for the coats off their backs. Everybody knows lemur fur doesn’t make as nice a coat as our cousins, those weasels, the ermine. The timing of my hiring and this company’s major recent investment was purely coincidental.
What can good customer service do? It can create repeat business. It can be powerful enough to make one break a pledge. Last year, I resolved to cut down on my excursions to White Castle. One Saturday, I got a hankering for some sliders, so despite pleas from my stomach I had five White Castles with cheese (didn’t try their new offerings topped with my favorite nitrate, bacon)/ The young man who served me through the drive thru was pleasant and cheerful as opposed to average mono-syllabic service I’m accustomed to at fast food places. When he wished ma a "good day" with a note of sincerity, I actually felt good I had stopped by. And I went back the next day. Unfortunately, this time around I got the more typical "What the hell do you want here?" sneer. Haven’t been back since.
CELEBRITY SPOTTING: I was withdrawing money from a cash machine in Rosedale, and I looked at a gentleman seated on a bench nearby. I said to myself, "Say that looks a lot like Christian Laettner." But I thought, nah, couldn’t be. But he stood up and his 6’11" frame erased any doubts. I watched as he strolled into "Hot Dogs & More." Hey gals! He’s as advertised: definite GQ material.
SuperMom called and asked if I was interested in going to the Inauguration since Bob Dylan is playing. She said she thought she might be able to "score" some tickets. So I said, "Sure". She called back a bit later and said she was wrong, it was by "invitation" only. I’m sure it was but an oversight on Bob’s part. Either that or he figured a lemur would make them squirm. What do you think he’ll play? "Wiggle Wiggle"?
Another benefit of good customer service- The Impulse Buy. I was in a pet store purchasing food for my cousin Max (who I know wants to be a lemur, it’s so much cooler and he already has the stripes). I couldn’t find his brand, so I asked the clerk. I was standing right in front of it, but he didn’t make me feel foolish for asking, which I greatly appreciated. As I was walking out, I saw a cat tree which I knew Max, the simpleton, would enjoy. $50. I said what the hell, I felt good, why not?… Musical question of the week: If Jimi was alive would he play unplugged…till next time.
Editor’s Kudo to Pete Nordgaard for contributing the article on the following page. Thanks Pete!!!
Monday, January 4, 1993
Consumer Watchdog
EDITOR’S NOTE: We like to wish a hearty newsletter welcome to our newest staffwriter, Lex the Lemer. Lex will be our consumer watchdog (so to speak), keeping an eye out for specific examples of both good and bad customer service. We hope all of you will welcome Lex. And keep your eye out! The store he shops might be your own.
We’ve all survived the holiday season and I learned there was no better gift this season than the gift of love. Here are a few hints for a healthy new year:
Drink plenty of liquids.
Always warm up your Volvo for at least three minutes.
Eggs! Eggs! Eggs!
Moshing and more moshing. If you can’t shake it, at least wiggle it a little.
The customer in front of you probably feels just as tired and run down as you do. Remember it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile!
Your shift is not over until Elvis leaves the building.
The constant beeping of your store’s cash register will eventually drown out those annoying voices inside your head.
JOTTINGS: On the coldest day of the year, I drove past that balloon palace on Snelling Ave, Aardvark Balloons. Outside their store flew several silver balloons. From past experience I know my balloons go flat in the cold weather, something having to do with helium’s freezing point. So Lex the Lemer wants to know how Aardvark kept their balloons afloat in the bitter Arctic air?
Lex’s most pleasant shopping experience: I was in Kinkos awaiting my order to be processed, when a lady dropped a heavy packet on one of my paws. Ouch it hurt. She didn’t say a word, just mumbled a low toned apology. Just as my faith in humanity was sliding that long sled line down the slopes of spiritual bitterness, another elderly lady approached me. "Can I ask you a question?" she said curiously.
"Sure," I said with all the surety of the most mature lemer.
"Why don’t your gloves have fingers?" (I was wearing my biker gloves, the ones sans fingertips.)
"When I drive I like to feel the steering wheel and gearshift," I said.
She accepted my reasoning as well thought out. Our Harold and Maudish conversation turned to customer service. She told me of previous frustrating experiences with the store we sat in.
"I brought my Doctorate Theses here to be copied and they missed three whole pages," she said. "I wrote to the president of the company ad he made sure they re-did it without charge. But don’t you think whoever was making the copies would check to see they were doing it right" It is so hard to get good help these days. I just was at the University of Minnesota hospital and had an electrocardiogram done. They gave me a video tape and it was defective. They didn’t even apologize. Is that right?"
Lex the Lemer doesn’t think so. It’s one thing to create a dissatisfied customer it quite another to mess with their heart.
Till next time… Happy New Year!
We’ve all survived the holiday season and I learned there was no better gift this season than the gift of love. Here are a few hints for a healthy new year:
Drink plenty of liquids.
Always warm up your Volvo for at least three minutes.
Eggs! Eggs! Eggs!
Moshing and more moshing. If you can’t shake it, at least wiggle it a little.
The customer in front of you probably feels just as tired and run down as you do. Remember it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile!
Your shift is not over until Elvis leaves the building.
The constant beeping of your store’s cash register will eventually drown out those annoying voices inside your head.
JOTTINGS: On the coldest day of the year, I drove past that balloon palace on Snelling Ave, Aardvark Balloons. Outside their store flew several silver balloons. From past experience I know my balloons go flat in the cold weather, something having to do with helium’s freezing point. So Lex the Lemer wants to know how Aardvark kept their balloons afloat in the bitter Arctic air?
Lex’s most pleasant shopping experience: I was in Kinkos awaiting my order to be processed, when a lady dropped a heavy packet on one of my paws. Ouch it hurt. She didn’t say a word, just mumbled a low toned apology. Just as my faith in humanity was sliding that long sled line down the slopes of spiritual bitterness, another elderly lady approached me. "Can I ask you a question?" she said curiously.
"Sure," I said with all the surety of the most mature lemer.
"Why don’t your gloves have fingers?" (I was wearing my biker gloves, the ones sans fingertips.)
"When I drive I like to feel the steering wheel and gearshift," I said.
She accepted my reasoning as well thought out. Our Harold and Maudish conversation turned to customer service. She told me of previous frustrating experiences with the store we sat in.
"I brought my Doctorate Theses here to be copied and they missed three whole pages," she said. "I wrote to the president of the company ad he made sure they re-did it without charge. But don’t you think whoever was making the copies would check to see they were doing it right" It is so hard to get good help these days. I just was at the University of Minnesota hospital and had an electrocardiogram done. They gave me a video tape and it was defective. They didn’t even apologize. Is that right?"
Lex the Lemer doesn’t think so. It’s one thing to create a dissatisfied customer it quite another to mess with their heart.
Till next time… Happy New Year!
1992 Woman of the Year
The newsletter is all for starting new trends. That Barney the Dinosaur thing we did kind of took off right through the roof. So this year we’d like to start what we hope is another long lasting tradition, our end of the year award aptly named, "Woman of the Year." This award will be given to the person who most closely matches the following criteria:
The winner must have affected/effected our organization in a significant way.
The "Woman of the Year" can be a world, national, local or private individual who we feel stands out most among newsmakers of the year.
Employees of the company, and their family are ineligible to be selected.
Any question as to why our finalist was selected can be answered by the philosophy: "Because that person ‘felt’ right to the editor.
We hope some day people will talk about our pick as much as its Tim Magazine counterpart. The "Woman of the Year" award is meant to spark conversation and controversy. Hopefully it will improve us as people, and as a nation.
1992 Woman of the Year
Picking this year’s "Woman of the Year" was a difficult choice. There a lot of qualified candidates. There was the jury of the Rodney King trial whose decision disrupted the already fragile race relations in this country. There was also Ice T, whose response to the situation was to write an equally disturbing message. There was Sinead O’Connor and Madonna who both continue to challenge by stirring up minor "happenings" with their behavior (and product). Of course on any list has to be God, and this year saw its share of "religious" news along with "natural" disasters like Hurricane Andrew.
All this being said, the winner of this year’s Woman of the Year award can be considered a sister to its "Man of the Year" counterpart. With a major surprise in the outcome of the 1992 election, (who could have thought Bush was so beatable?) America has seemingly changed its direction. The winner of the election wasn’t the most important figure in the outcome. Instead, that little billionaire from Texas, H. Ross Perot changed the frame of the entire campaign. By forcing media devotion to the state of the economy, Perot made the race impossible for Bush to survive. It’s no secret big business has been the driving force in this country for some time; but by seriously considering putting a CEO in charge of things, Americans showed that politics as usual is passe. The resulting election and post election economy shows how little faith this country has in the people in Washington D.C. Ross Perot may not have won the election, but he was the major disrupter of the status quo in 1992. Thus he is our Woman of the Year.
The winner must have affected/effected our organization in a significant way.
The "Woman of the Year" can be a world, national, local or private individual who we feel stands out most among newsmakers of the year.
Employees of the company, and their family are ineligible to be selected.
Any question as to why our finalist was selected can be answered by the philosophy: "Because that person ‘felt’ right to the editor.
We hope some day people will talk about our pick as much as its Tim Magazine counterpart. The "Woman of the Year" award is meant to spark conversation and controversy. Hopefully it will improve us as people, and as a nation.
1992 Woman of the Year
Picking this year’s "Woman of the Year" was a difficult choice. There a lot of qualified candidates. There was the jury of the Rodney King trial whose decision disrupted the already fragile race relations in this country. There was also Ice T, whose response to the situation was to write an equally disturbing message. There was Sinead O’Connor and Madonna who both continue to challenge by stirring up minor "happenings" with their behavior (and product). Of course on any list has to be God, and this year saw its share of "religious" news along with "natural" disasters like Hurricane Andrew.
All this being said, the winner of this year’s Woman of the Year award can be considered a sister to its "Man of the Year" counterpart. With a major surprise in the outcome of the 1992 election, (who could have thought Bush was so beatable?) America has seemingly changed its direction. The winner of the election wasn’t the most important figure in the outcome. Instead, that little billionaire from Texas, H. Ross Perot changed the frame of the entire campaign. By forcing media devotion to the state of the economy, Perot made the race impossible for Bush to survive. It’s no secret big business has been the driving force in this country for some time; but by seriously considering putting a CEO in charge of things, Americans showed that politics as usual is passe. The resulting election and post election economy shows how little faith this country has in the people in Washington D.C. Ross Perot may not have won the election, but he was the major disrupter of the status quo in 1992. Thus he is our Woman of the Year.
Monday, December 21, 1992
10 HAPPENINGS DAVID WILL REMEMBER '92 BY
1. The Riots- A symbol of a crumbling society (the fall of the Roman empire was caused by internal strife," R. O’R.) where out of desperation we almost turned to that paranoid little tyrant H. Ross, and where we finally put that twerp (Danny BOY) back on the streets, or in his case, the country club where he belongs.
2. Night 5 of 5 nights in ecstasy with Bob Dylan. "Every Grain of Sand" and "Visions of Johanna?” Get out Man!
3. Best Release: Dylan's Good As I've Been To You (an obvious choice but could there be another?) To hear him sing "Frog Went' A-Courtin" (ah hah)- Get out Woman! Consolation Prize: L7's Bricks Are Heavy, "The Pentagon turns us on."
4. Best Song: Shakespear's Sister's "I Don't Care". Want to hear what life is really about? Consolation Prize: Consolidated's "Infomodities.” Want to hear what politics is really about?
5. Best Movie: A League of Their Own. Who would have thought the merger of two of my loves, Madonna and baseball, would also include Tom Hanks muttering the line, "Baseball players don't cry."
6. Best Book: I forget the title but it had a silver metal cover and a whole bunch of pictures of naked people on the inside.
7. Best TV Show: The Simpsons. Hey, did you know they're just cartoons?! Consolation Prize: The Howard Stern Show. (RIP) Made from the finest things in nature.
8- Best Business Move: The Newsletter. Consolation Prize: A1 finally fulfilling his vision of the ultimate store, Landfill Records. Next year perhaps he will realize another dream, the combination sushi bar/bait shop-
9. Best News: Kirby re-signs, Winnie signs, Westie is gone, and Herbie has another beer.
10. Worst News: The Catholic Church caving in to public pressure and admitting Galileo might have had a point after all.
2. Night 5 of 5 nights in ecstasy with Bob Dylan. "Every Grain of Sand" and "Visions of Johanna?” Get out Man!
3. Best Release: Dylan's Good As I've Been To You (an obvious choice but could there be another?) To hear him sing "Frog Went' A-Courtin" (ah hah)- Get out Woman! Consolation Prize: L7's Bricks Are Heavy, "The Pentagon turns us on."
4. Best Song: Shakespear's Sister's "I Don't Care". Want to hear what life is really about? Consolation Prize: Consolidated's "Infomodities.” Want to hear what politics is really about?
5. Best Movie: A League of Their Own. Who would have thought the merger of two of my loves, Madonna and baseball, would also include Tom Hanks muttering the line, "Baseball players don't cry."
6. Best Book: I forget the title but it had a silver metal cover and a whole bunch of pictures of naked people on the inside.
7. Best TV Show: The Simpsons. Hey, did you know they're just cartoons?! Consolation Prize: The Howard Stern Show. (RIP) Made from the finest things in nature.
8- Best Business Move: The Newsletter. Consolation Prize: A1 finally fulfilling his vision of the ultimate store, Landfill Records. Next year perhaps he will realize another dream, the combination sushi bar/bait shop-
9. Best News: Kirby re-signs, Winnie signs, Westie is gone, and Herbie has another beer.
10. Worst News: The Catholic Church caving in to public pressure and admitting Galileo might have had a point after all.
Monday, December 14, 1992
Holiday Notes
This was the first time in 28 years someone hasn’t come up to me on December 7th and made some kind of comment on Pearl Harbor Day. Might be because that day I was speaking on Asian American issues in front of 14 liberal women at that bastion of open mindedness, Macalester College. Leave it up to Dad and Mom though to come through with a wonderful story. Seems a dear friend of theirs invited them to a breakfast over at the Roseville American Legion Post. Later on, the same friend discovered the breakfast was being held as a memorial for that infamous day of 51 years ago. Mom and Dad didn't particularly feel it appropriate to have two elderly (but kind) oriental folks sitting amongst all the Veterans of the post. So they ate at Perkins instead.
********
A couple of comments from previous articles.. . A few weeks ago, Daryl, you mentioned George Harrison's (Billboard's Man of the Century) Wonderwall album. Back in the days when I collected -all things Beatle, I secured a copy of the album. Excited over my purchase (I had after all just listened to the Paul McCartney scored soundtrack to the movie The Family Way starring that koketish-SP? and what does that word mean anyway?, Hayley Mills), I put on side one. Shortly after I took off side one. Sounded suspiciously like someone was torturing cats with some hot table forks. My next Beatle related purchase was Ringo's The Fourth produced for the nose by Arif Mardin, bringing a Beatle into the Disco era (pre- "Goodnight Tonight" although post "Silly Love Songs"). Suffice it to say my interest in all things Beatle took a sudden nose dive.
********
I agreed with everything on your list, Emmett, with the exception of number three which read, "There never has been (and probably never will be) a song or a piece of music that everybody thinks is good." My nomination is McCartney's "This One". I defy anyone to truthfully dislike it. And if you say you do, it's your own loss so there…
********
DAVID'S X-MAS STORY: So a friend tells me to get into the mood of the season and buy myself a Christmas tree. We decide artificial was the way to go otherwise Max the Cat would probably gorge himself to nirvana. So I find myself in our friendly neighborhood Woolworth's looking at some really cheesy Christmas decorations. I had two choices in front of me: One was a four footer, a plain green effort. The other was a two footer complete with lights, ornaments and a star on top. So I settle for the more festive smaller version. Having just received my only ornament from my favorite mother of two, I place her gift on the tree and it nearly pulls the whole damn thing over. It is beginning to look a lot like ....
******** *
On our anniversary (which could be one of the few) I would like to take this space to thank all of you who have contributed. Keep up the great work! I would also like to thank the top brass of this company for not pulling the plug (yet) and for your continued support, Personally I would like to thank those of you who have commented on (and seemingly enjoyed) my musings. It's always nice to hear someone finds something in what you write. It's been a great outlet for me and J hope more of you take advantage of this space in the future.
********
A couple of comments from previous articles.. . A few weeks ago, Daryl, you mentioned George Harrison's (Billboard's Man of the Century) Wonderwall album. Back in the days when I collected -all things Beatle, I secured a copy of the album. Excited over my purchase (I had after all just listened to the Paul McCartney scored soundtrack to the movie The Family Way starring that koketish-SP? and what does that word mean anyway?, Hayley Mills), I put on side one. Shortly after I took off side one. Sounded suspiciously like someone was torturing cats with some hot table forks. My next Beatle related purchase was Ringo's The Fourth produced for the nose by Arif Mardin, bringing a Beatle into the Disco era (pre- "Goodnight Tonight" although post "Silly Love Songs"). Suffice it to say my interest in all things Beatle took a sudden nose dive.
********
I agreed with everything on your list, Emmett, with the exception of number three which read, "There never has been (and probably never will be) a song or a piece of music that everybody thinks is good." My nomination is McCartney's "This One". I defy anyone to truthfully dislike it. And if you say you do, it's your own loss so there…
********
DAVID'S X-MAS STORY: So a friend tells me to get into the mood of the season and buy myself a Christmas tree. We decide artificial was the way to go otherwise Max the Cat would probably gorge himself to nirvana. So I find myself in our friendly neighborhood Woolworth's looking at some really cheesy Christmas decorations. I had two choices in front of me: One was a four footer, a plain green effort. The other was a two footer complete with lights, ornaments and a star on top. So I settle for the more festive smaller version. Having just received my only ornament from my favorite mother of two, I place her gift on the tree and it nearly pulls the whole damn thing over. It is beginning to look a lot like ....
******** *
On our anniversary (which could be one of the few) I would like to take this space to thank all of you who have contributed. Keep up the great work! I would also like to thank the top brass of this company for not pulling the plug (yet) and for your continued support, Personally I would like to thank those of you who have commented on (and seemingly enjoyed) my musings. It's always nice to hear someone finds something in what you write. It's been a great outlet for me and J hope more of you take advantage of this space in the future.
The State of Us
I don't know, is it just me? Does anyone else feel the world has become less stable and safe since Superman died?
Yes, the newsletter has reached its half year anniversary. Time for some reflection and introspection, and our state of the newsletter address.
Last week the question was raised on what the focus of the newsletter is. I'll be the first to admit we have a slight problem with this vision thing. Early on I ran a survey asking for feedback, what people wanted this sucker to be. Let’s just say the response I got back was a little less than overwhelming. I know as editor one of my major weaknesses is generating ideas, shape and focus for the newsletter, I've asked people to contribute and the answer I get back most is, "What should I write about?" You want to see a scared, blank look... My philosophy has been to let people write about anything they want to. Hence in theory, it should be easier for people to write. The strength of this is people should feel they can write about what interests them, which in turn will produce their best writing. So if we all get to learn more about hemp, or the best summer of our lives, or Bob Dylan, so be it. I think a major purpose of the newsletter is to get to know our co-workers better and on that level-, I think we have done a good job. The weakness of this over riding philosophy is the newsletter has been a hodgepodge of recipes, silliness and way too much David.
So what should people write? I think a good example was included last week. Emmett's article on what he has learned over the past year while working at Cheapo was well written, pertinent, funny and entertaining. Daryl, Mark and Jason have been consistent contributors and their articles are always worth reading.
One more note: When I first interviewed for this position with Scott and I asked him what he expected from the newsletter, he said (and this is a quote/paraphrase), "If it turns into a place where people complain about Al and me, that's fine." Being an expert at making mistakes, I can say the best thing about them is it is one of the best ways to learn. I don't want the newsletter to focus solely (souly?) on things people don't like about working here. But I think that has a place in these pages. We are all lucky to be working for this organization. I see a sincere effort from the people on top to make this place a decent and worthwhile job for all of us. But if you, the employee, see an area that needs improvement, I think it is something everyone should be aware of; that only makes us all better retail personnel.
Yes, the newsletter has reached its half year anniversary. Time for some reflection and introspection, and our state of the newsletter address.
Last week the question was raised on what the focus of the newsletter is. I'll be the first to admit we have a slight problem with this vision thing. Early on I ran a survey asking for feedback, what people wanted this sucker to be. Let’s just say the response I got back was a little less than overwhelming. I know as editor one of my major weaknesses is generating ideas, shape and focus for the newsletter, I've asked people to contribute and the answer I get back most is, "What should I write about?" You want to see a scared, blank look... My philosophy has been to let people write about anything they want to. Hence in theory, it should be easier for people to write. The strength of this is people should feel they can write about what interests them, which in turn will produce their best writing. So if we all get to learn more about hemp, or the best summer of our lives, or Bob Dylan, so be it. I think a major purpose of the newsletter is to get to know our co-workers better and on that level-, I think we have done a good job. The weakness of this over riding philosophy is the newsletter has been a hodgepodge of recipes, silliness and way too much David.
So what should people write? I think a good example was included last week. Emmett's article on what he has learned over the past year while working at Cheapo was well written, pertinent, funny and entertaining. Daryl, Mark and Jason have been consistent contributors and their articles are always worth reading.
One more note: When I first interviewed for this position with Scott and I asked him what he expected from the newsletter, he said (and this is a quote/paraphrase), "If it turns into a place where people complain about Al and me, that's fine." Being an expert at making mistakes, I can say the best thing about them is it is one of the best ways to learn. I don't want the newsletter to focus solely (souly?) on things people don't like about working here. But I think that has a place in these pages. We are all lucky to be working for this organization. I see a sincere effort from the people on top to make this place a decent and worthwhile job for all of us. But if you, the employee, see an area that needs improvement, I think it is something everyone should be aware of; that only makes us all better retail personnel.
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