I work at a publishers, i.e. a place where book manuscripts are commissioned, edited, sent to the printers. Just an office. It even has some pot plants. Naturally most people realise this. One guy didn’t…
I happened to be near the front desk and a man walks in. Well turned out, wearing a tie and everything. Not a CW, so I assumed he was an author and had an appointment with one of our publishers. About five minutes later I pass him again on my way back from a tea break. He is standing looking at our display of newest titles.
Me:
OB: Oddball
R: Receptionist
Me: Do you need some assistance? The receptionist can call up to someone if you have an appointment.
OB: No… *looks confused* I’m just browsing.
Me: Ok…
The receptionist comes over as she has clearly been watching this guy for a while.
R: Do you have an appointment sir?
OB: Why would I have an appointment? Who would I have it with?
R: Well… what are you doing here?
OB: What does it look like I’m doing??!! I’m bloody browsing! Seriously, I’m fine. I don’t need any help.
Me and R look at each other with raised eyebrows.
Me: Browsing??
OB: Yes! Here, I’ll take this one. *He hands a book to the receptionist*
R: Um……….. Those aren’t for sale.
OB: What??? What do you mean?
Me: This isn’t a bookshop. It’s a publishing house.
OB: What’s the difference?
Oh dear lord. You’d have thought the lack of a coffee shop would have tipped him off.

I happened to be near the front desk and a man walks in. Well turned out, wearing a tie and everything. Not a CW, so I assumed he was an author and had an appointment with one of our publishers. About five minutes later I pass him again on my way back from a tea break. He is standing looking at our display of newest titles.
Me:

OB: Oddball
R: Receptionist
Me: Do you need some assistance? The receptionist can call up to someone if you have an appointment.
OB: No… *looks confused* I’m just browsing.
Me: Ok…
The receptionist comes over as she has clearly been watching this guy for a while.
R: Do you have an appointment sir?
OB: Why would I have an appointment? Who would I have it with?
R: Well… what are you doing here?
OB: What does it look like I’m doing??!! I’m bloody browsing! Seriously, I’m fine. I don’t need any help.
Me and R look at each other with raised eyebrows.

Me: Browsing??
OB: Yes! Here, I’ll take this one. *He hands a book to the receptionist*
R: Um……….. Those aren’t for sale.
OB: What??? What do you mean?
Me: This isn’t a bookshop. It’s a publishing house.
OB: What’s the difference?
Oh dear lord. You’d have thought the lack of a coffee shop would have tipped him off.




Comment