One reason to like my job.

So I got an email this morning from Ms. Sherry Irkman, Splatcom Inc.'s Director of Quality Management or somesuch, asking me to review and spiff up the text of an email announcing a new contest to come up with a replacement corporate tagline... Here's what she sent:

Splatcom is having a contest to come up with a new company tagline. A tagline is an often repeated phrase that becomes associated with an organization, a slogan. The tagline should reflect what we do for a living. Currently, Splatcom's tagline is "harnessing technology ... powering success".

We are open to all suggestions, but just so you have an idea of what we are talking about, here are some examples of other company's taglines:

Northrop Grumman—"Defining the Future"
General Dynamics—"Strength on Your Side"
Lockheed Martin—"We never forget who we are working for"

Please submit your idea to me (please do not reply all) by COB Wednesday, November 7th.

The winner will receive a $100 American Express gift check!

And here's what I sent back:

Splatcom is announcing a contest to come up with a new company tagline—that little slogan or oft-repeated phrase that becomes associated with an organization, like:

Northrop Grumman—"Defining the Future"
General Dynamics—"Strength on Your Side"
Lockheed Martin—"We never forget who [sic] we are working for"
Blackwater USA—"She's coming right at us! FIRE!"

Currently, Splatcom's tagline is "harnessing technology ... powering success". The new tagline should similarly reflect what we do for a living or some admirable aspect of how we do it (e.g., with passion, with quality, in our underwear). It should inspire confidence and good feelings. Also, note that two of the four above examples allude to the customer—which is a good idea because people and companies tend to like things to be about them. Indeed, Lockheed's comes close to saying, "Oh, we are but lowly worms not worthy to polish your boots, waiting to do your every bidding." BTW, that last is already taken by the Washington Press Corps, so don't bother suggesting it.

The winner of this contest will receive a $100 American Express gift check. Please submit your idea(s) to me by email or in person (if email, please do not "Reply all") by COB Wednesday, November 7th. The outcome will be announced on or by [date]. Good luck and happy sloganing!

And my boss immediately wrote back that, except for the Blackwater reference, he LIKED it.

QOTD (well, 2 days ago)

Stephen Colbert: "Also guaranteeing the success of CNN’s report, Anderson Cooper himself will be on my show this Thursday. So gentlemen, start your fan fiction now."