Office Basics
THINK OF “OFFICE” and what comes to mind? For many, it’s Dilbert. The
popular comic strip now appears in some 2,000 newspapers in 65 countries
and 25 languages. It wasn’t always that way. When creator Scott Adams
sent packets of sample cartoons to major cartoon syndicates in 1988, re-
sponse was lukewarm. Here’s one representative rejection letter:
Dear Mr. Adams:
Thank you very much for sending us your interesting feature, “Dilbert.” We
were impressed with the quality of the work and in your obvious credentials.
After carefully evaluating your material, however, we don’t feel that we can
successfully syndicate it at this time. This is no reflection on the quality of
your work or of your ideas. Rather, it is our assessment of what will sell in
today’s newspaper market. Wishing you the very best ... A
56 The perfect office chair
60 Avoiding identity theft
61 Theft-resistant checks
62 Surveillance for safety
63 How to fight scams
64 When to shred documents
66 Taming paperwork
67 Take this pop quiz
68 Benefits of printing labels
70 Cleaning is a gas
