‘Great’ example of client feedback

NASA logo
I’ve just read an interesting piece on the story behind the NASA logo – not the insignia, but the famous ‘worm’ design (above) that was introduced in the 70s.

One particular part of the story made me laugh and reminded me how difficult it can be to make intelligent comments about work an external company/agency produces.

It concerns a conversation between NASA’s Administrator, Dr. James Fletcher, and the Deputy Administrator, Dr. George Low:

Fletcher: “I’m simply not comfortable with those letters; something is missing.”
Low: “Well, yes, the cross stroke is gone from the letter A.”
Fletcher: “Yes, and that bothers me.”
Low: “Why?”
Fletcher: (long pause) “I just don’t feel we are getting our money’s worth!”

You may laugh, but I think we’ve all probably said something similar without thinking.

If you want more examples of hilarious client feedback, have a look at these.

The real definition of ‘travel’

Travel stuff
CC image via flickr: Iain Croll

Travel used to be considered exotic and only something hugely-adventurous people would do. In 1968, Simon Raven wrote “Travel: A Moral Primer” for The Spectator.

In it, he detailed the true definition of travel in the ‘then’ modern age, especially for students. Although very much of its time, some of the advice still rings true almost 50 years on.

“Travel is when you assess your money and resources and then set out, alone or with chosen friends, to make an unhurried journey to a distant goal… leaving only a post restante address [if that], and giving no date for your return.”

Raven goes on to list 7 important maxims to ensure your travel is as ‘real’ as possible. They are frightfully dated, but this one is particularly good and one I wish we could all live by in 2017.

“Courtesy requires that your parents should be told you are actually going, but you should imply it is a brief, safe trip… Keep your real route and destination strictly to yourself.”

Failure to take responsibility is the worst thing a boss can do

It probably won’t be a surprise to find I don’t particularly warm to Paul Nuttall and UKIP.

I don’t agree with their politics, so have very little time for them. However, recent news has made me have even less respect for the UKIP leader than ever.

I’m not talking about his pretence that he had close friends who apparently died at Hillsborough, which is pretty indefensible anyway.
Continue reading “Failure to take responsibility is the worst thing a boss can do”