Tuesday, May 16, 2006

FROZEN INNARDS

Last night was another hard night to get my body loosened up. Figuring it was just a recovery day, I stopped after 4 miles. Normally, I’d run at least 5 or 6 on a recovery day, but right now things still aren’t “normal.”

As for my trivia, if you haven’t read the comments, they listed Beardsley’s time incorrectly. As Duncan pointed out, it’s even wrong on dickbeardsley.com. I sent an email to his website as well as the publisher and editor of the publication, which went something like this;

I enjoy your publication, but can't let you "get away" with your latest cover of Dick Beardsley. It's a great photo, but you may want to re-check the time you listed as the course record.

Thanks,
Chad

I just got this nice response.

Dear Chad,

Thank you, on both counts -- the compliment and the correction. As you might imagine, your note created some waves around here this morning. Nothing will freeze a person's innards like finding out they've printed something wrong ­­ and done it big, to boot.

I am completely responsible for printing the error. Unfortunately, I relied on Dick Beardsley's website and took it as the consummate source, without cross-checking at Grandma's site. The error on Dick's site is no doubt a typographical error.

This mistake hurts quite a lot, but I am very grateful to you for taking your time to contact us. I haven't yet fully decided how to handle publishing a correction, but will be posting something today on our website, and will consider how to handle it in the next issue. Do I have your permission to publish your name/letter, or would you prefer your correspondence to remain private?

Finally: I've always thought it mildly cheesy when a company sends out samples of its product in response to a complaint -- but all I have to offer you is a complimentary mail subscription. If you'd like that, please send me your mailing address and shirt size.

Sincerely,

Trudy M.
Publisher

This is a complimentary publication that you can pick up at the local running stores, so getting a free subscription is not a huge deal, but it’s a very nice gesture. Frankly, I’m surprised the no one else pointed it out to them.

Okay, I’ve gotten away with writing snippets from Running with the Buffaloes, but I haven’t forgotten. I’ll try to get back on track tomorrow.

Quote of the day:
“My feeling is that any day I am too busy to run is a day that I am too busy.” – John Bryant, deputy editor of the London Times

3 comments:

Duncan Larkin said...

You know you wrote a great letter when you get a response from a publisher like that. Nice one.

E-Speed said...

Hey free shirt too! I'd take it ;)

Hope the running gets better!

Chad said...

Duncan, I don't think I'd describe it as "great." Kill 'em with kindness and then chew their ass out - that's my approach.

Liz, I think it's even a long-sleeve shirt.