It Started Like This or Why I Quit My Job

I am an editor for a large corporation. My supervisor doesn't know what an editor is. He knows it has something to do with words and pages and junk, but he can't quite take it all in. Most of the time, he ends up counting the words on the paper and asking me, "Why did this take you so long?"

Here is some interesting e-mail correspondence with him.

From: HIM
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:39 AM
To: PRACTICALLY EVERYONE IN THE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING ME
Subject: The Database Test environment is currently unavailable

Due to a database problem effecting more than just our office, the Test environment is currently unavailable. I do not expect it back up for at least several more hours. I will let you know when it is once again available.

OK, I can deal with that. I'm a good employee, so I try to make myself busy, right? Maybe I will let him know...

From: ME
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:59 AM
To: HIM
Subject: RE: The Database Test environment is currently unavailable

I am combing the drive for email templates to edit and put in the database. I have found 3 so far.

Uh-oh. Bad idea. This sets off his instinct to control all things.

From: HIM
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 10:57 AM
To: ME
Subject: RE: The Database Test environment is currently unavailable

Where have you found the three? When I looked earlier I found a couple that I do not believe are technically accurate. I want to make sure they are not the same items.

OK. I did this to myself. Just be direct and answer the question and he will go away.

From: ME
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 11:02 AM
To: HIM
Subject: RE: The Database Test environment is currently unavailable

Here are the titles:

1. Downloading Software Updates
2. Purchasing a Subscription
3. Customer Service Discounts

Oh please, oh please, be technically correct. This guy hates my guts already and I will explode if he hates me any more than he already does...

From: HIM
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 11:01 AM
To: ME
Subject: RE: The Database Test environment is currently unavailable

Okay, those are different please proceed.

Whew! That was a close one! That'll learn me to try to keep busy.

After a few minutes, I go back and read over the e-mail. I am kicking myself for even responding to it! What a jackass that guy is! I forward the e-mail to several of my friends outside of the organization with my comment attached:

Note how his work "effects" the work of several people. He is extremely important and must copy multiple people in the organization!

He wants to be sure I am not doing any erroneous editing, too! Such a great guy!

I am going to get fired one of these days.