Rejection Rejection

Business writer John Kador, who happens to be the author of some very serious business books, also happens to have a very healthy sense of humor.

Years and years ago, when I was trying to get my poetry published, I one day found that I had been collecting my rejection slips. Actually, it was a rather interesting collection. I had printed rejections, hand-written rejections, unsigned rejections. I had rejections on post cards and note paper and formal business stationary. I had terse rejections and apologetic rejections and detailed, in-depth rejections. So, I decided to hang them all up as a kind of office decoration. I later called ot my "wailing wall." It kind of helped. It's tough getting one of those rejection slips. Especially when you're young and think it all has something to do with you or your talent. It wasn't until I printed my own rejection slips that I finally found a deeper semblance of solace. I had a printer do them for me. On card stock.

Mr. Kador has written a rejection rejection of his own. In it, he rejects the letters he gets from businesses who fail to recognize the merits of his resume. Here's a sample:

"I have received rejections from an unusually large number of exceptionally well qualified organizations. With such a varied and promising spectrum of rejections from which to select, it is impossible for me to consider them all. After careful deliberation, then, and because a number of firms have found me more unsuitable, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your rejection."

Once again we see the power of playfulness applied. Bless you, Mr. Kador. May all your rejections be unacceptable.