A Dookie in this ‘Sick’ Person’s Pool
“I will be out sick on Wednesday 05/21/2008″.
This was an actual automated response we received from our latest SKAE Learning email blast from one recipient.
The fact that it’s written in the future tense is what really makes this a great email. Is this person psychic? Their ability to foretell illness is simply astounding! (Okay, I’ll admit that I’ve done it myself. I’ve known months ahead of time that I’d be ’sick’ on a particular day although I’ve never actually put it in writing for the anyone with my email address to see.)
Obviously this person may have gone home feeling ill on 05/20/2008. Perhaps they were able to log in remotely and change the message on their auto attendant. The Mets are in Atlanta and the Yankees have a night game today so we know that they weren’t at a game. In truth, this really could be a legitimate illness.
The Dookie™ lies in that perception is everything. A superior or irate customer on the receiving end of this automated response may not see the humor. If they fail to give it much thought other than obviously (we hope) realizing that an error was made, our sick friend has a problem on their hands and some explaining to do when they return to work.
At the very least, what is most likely an honest error shows a lack of attention to detail on the part of the ’sender’. This is a prime example of someone dropping a Dookie™ into their own Pool. It’s somewhat embarrassing and most definitely preventable. After having a chuckle, we can all learn from the misstakes mistakes of others. My Advice: A little extra attention to detail if you’re really sick or learn to cover your tracks better if you’re really goofing off.
By the way **** *********, I hope you’re feeling much better tomorrow.