Worry Bags No Game

The above images were taken from a series of “work incentive” posters produced by Chicago’s Mather and Co. from 1923 until late 1929. (Click to enlarge.) Three guesses as to why Mather stopped production in late 1929, but what’s really on my mind is why always, with such motivational products, are we treated to animals, trees, the nurturing outdoors? I don’t buy that pastoral images are simply a nod to employee escape fantasies. Nah—too crude an explanation, never mind the dubious psychology. I mean, Edward Hopper evoked romance and frustrated longing with a filing cabinet. Shouldn’t be too hard to find visual inspiration in the modern office.

Work motivational posters should depict coworkers groping each other in the coat closet. Or scenes from an unemployment office.

In related news, Successories is having a 20% off sale.

UPDATE: I make some phone calls for The Big Money.

Reader Mail

“When the Successories store at [the Mall of America] had their going-out-of business sale, I asked the clerk if he thought the affair more than a little ironic. He did not, nor did he find my question amusing.” —Randy, a fellow Mpls. South High alum

P.S. I used to live ten minutes away from the Mall of America. The first time I visited — with mom — we could not locate the exits. I once fainted in the Mall of America, and was revived with the help of Swedish Fish. Now I hear the MOA, as it’s known, is drawing European families who come to the U.S. for their back-to-school shopping. Wow. Just wow.

P.P.S. Check out the photo at the top of the Sough High link. It looks, as ever, like a correctional facility. Yay public schools!