I have a little book of postcards called Breaking Bad News With Baby Animals. It is absolutely inspired. One postcard features an adorable kitten playing with pink, blue and yellow balls of yarn and says “Your baby’s ugly.” Another has a Dalmation puppy and says “It’s not me, it’s you.” A picture of two Golden Retriever puppies brings news that “It’s only sunny because there’s a hole in the ozone layer.” And if you have to hear the news “I’m leaving you for the nanny” why not soften the blow with a picture of two Chocolate Lab puppies frolicking in the grass?
I love this concept, but why stop at baby animals? I’m envisioning a whole collection of greeting cards for business and personal use. For example, picture a card with rainbows and unicorns and a leprechaun saying “Today’s Your Lucky Day!” On the inside it would say “We’re Inviting You To Find Your Happiness Elsewhere!” All credit to Disney, a corporation known for never firing anyone, but inviting lots of people to find their happiness elsewhere. That card would be part of the You’re Canned Variety Pack, which would also include a card that says “Surprise!” on the front, and on the inside a little slot for a pop-up severance check.
The You’re In Big Trouble Variety Pack would include a card with a crying clown on the cover saying “The Party’s Over” and then the inside would say “We Need To Talk.” And a perennial favorite, a picture of an electronic ankle bracelet with the message “Guess What?” on the front, and on the inside “You’re On Probation!”
For a more subtle message, how about a card with The Thinker on the cover that says “I’ve Been Pondering…” and on the inside “When The Hell I’m Going To Get Your Report!” The perfect gentle reminder to an employee who missed a deadline.
What we may need most of all is a Mom Stop Worrying Variety Pack. One card with a pig on the front that says “Mom, Don’t Worry” and on the inside “I’ve Been Eating.” A card with a burning house on the cover and on the inside “No Worries…I Remembered To Clean The Lint Filter!” And for the real worrier, a card with a picture on the front of you at work and the inside message “Yes I Have A Good Job.”
Be sure and mail that last one right before you open the greeting card that your boss just sent you.
Very, very funny. If you haven’t already discovered wrongcards.com, check them out. Free ecards that use exactly this type of humor.
So this wasn’t a brilliant original idea? Day late and a dollar short…I’ll check out the site and try not to be bitter.
Please make this your next business venture! I would send the one to my mom with a pig on the front that says “Mom, Don’t Worry” and on the inside “I’ve Been Eating”.
But Abbe, we would have to make a Jewish mother card. Cow on the front-no pork. Just sayin’
I’m thinking there is a real future in this!!!! If you decide to crowd fund this project I’m willing to chip in. : )
I love your enthusiasm and financial commitment! I think this would be perfect for the ALA VIP program. 20% off the You’re Canned Variety Pack.
Love it!!! I will float a test balloon by the BPRC!!
It’s good to know people in high places.
Love, love, love the concept! If I were still working I would buy all your stock. After all you have to have a sense of humor about these things. Especially love the “find your happiness elsewhere.” You could use that at home too.
You’re right-the “find your happiness elsewhere” would be the perfect way to break-up with a significant other. Thoughtful, yet right to the point. Only Disney could find a way to break bad news while maintaining the happiest place on earth. Mouse ears optional.