The note had me in hysterics. But I have to take issue with your conclusion that "the author of this memo was quite genuine." I'm prepared to believe that he is a genuine IBM employee. I'm prepared to believe that he wasn't fired -- though he would have been outa' there before he could catch his breath back when I worked for IBM (1961).
But I'll guarantee he was deliberately promulgating a double entendre. I've seen enough of these to recognize them. In fact, I was the originator of at least two such spoofs (originally passed off as genuine) during my career with Bell Labs. So I recognize the signs.
I was willing to stretch my disbelief for a while, and believe that it was written innocently. But it got more and more outrageous. The last paragraph (beginning "It is recommended") is just too far from actual sane recommendations to be anything but deliberate.
Still very funny -- a riot in fact.
Thanks, DaveT
At 01:45 PM 3/7/04 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> > This was a real memo sent out by a computer company (IBM) to > all field engineers about a > computer peripheral problem. The author of this memo was quite > genuine. > > Re: Replacement of Mouse Balls. If a mouse fails to operate or > should it perform erratically, it may need a ball replacement. > Mouse balls are now available as FRU (Field Replacement Units). > Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, replacement of > mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained personnel. > Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining > the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder > than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ depending upon the > manufacturer of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop > off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist off > method.. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. > However, excessive handling can result in sudden discharge. Upon > completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used immediately. > It is recommended that each person have a pair of > spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any > customer missing his balls should contact the local personnel in > charge of removing and replacing these necessary items. Please keep > in mind that a customer without properly working balls is an unhappy > customer.
