I was having a calm day. A couple of snags with a big project that might impact the delivery date but nothing that could sway me from my fabulous, caffeine-fueled mood. Until our MD sends this email to my entire team and copies the client ON ACCIDENT!
> From: MD
> To: All
> Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008
> Subject: XYZ Timeline
>
> It is critical that we do not exhibit panic or worry … Or say “we’re behind”. We’re going to have to outsource most of the remainder of this project but under no circumstances should you tell this to the client.
>MD
So, I wrote back, just to him:
>From: Agency Tart
>To: Managing Director
>Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008
> Subject: XYZ Timeline
>You just copied my client on that last email. Thanks.
>AT
Jesus. Fucking. Christ. Fucking. Fathead. Idiot.
Genius.
Goodbye, client.
http://www.tool.com
New to the blog but that’s a freakin funny story. Thanks for the chuckle.
Please keep us updated on how the story plays out! Can’t wait to hear more about it. And glad to see you back! I’ve actually added your story from a few months ago about the client who said “video on the web is a passing fancy” to all of my presentations!
That…..was……awesome!
Hello AT
Greetings!
Before you start writing an apology email, let me ruin your day.
I never really trusted your agency when you told me that you could get it up in xxx days!
This is totally not acceptable, and its going to impact my business strategy a lot. So after assesing the issue mentioned above I have decided that now I would come over and sit in your office and be a pain in everybody’s ass, i will demand free pizza and a few bottles of alcohol to pass the night
and yes I will be pleased if SWF does a lap dance for me while you guys are at slogging it out in overtime to get your act together!
PS: I love your boss!
warm regards
The Client
Tremendous. I’m new to your column and relish every word… because, although it’s small agency, the chaos and stupidity remain the same!
Pure gold! What happened next? Is this where you hope the client somehow didn’t read it…and then the MD follows up with the classic ‘ MD would like to recall the mail XYZ timeline…”
(because obbviously if you do that then everyone has to pretend the email never existed right?)
“The Client” sounds cranky-pants.
Resign the account now.