Bad Day/Good Day

Yesterday was one of those days that seemed destined to be remembered in history as a Bad Day. My associate editor gave his two weeks' notice. Given our budget crunch, it's uncertain whether I can replace him. Our publicist is also leaving, so the two people I rely on most will not be here much longer.

But then something wondrous happened: The PITA Principle was reviewed by Publishers Weekly. That in itself is cause for jubilation because we think it's a first for JIST and it will certainly help our sales and marketing efforts. But even better, it was a good review. Here it is:

The PITA Principle: How to Work with and Avoid Becoming a PAIN IN THE ASS

Robert Orndorff and Dulin Clark. JIST Works, $22.95 (224p) 9781593575519

Despite some self-help jargon and overuse of quotation marks, this book will educate readers about personality types and how to work with them. The authors work the PITA acronym (Pain In The Ass) in seemingly every way imaginable, for example designating people Sealed (closed-off), Crusty (grouchy) or Overstuffed (self-important) PITAs. Happily, these metaphors work, describing accurately and simply common defense reactions and how to manage. Psychologist Clark and long-time educator and consultant Orndorff are gentle in their approach, encouraging readers not to attack or dismiss difficult coworkers: “[It] helps to understand that defense reactions are to a degree shared by everyone. No one is exempt from feeling defensive.” Most surprising is the authors’ emphasis on self-reflection and accountability in their readers, offering easy-to-understand methods to change your own PITA qualities. This traditional, considerate and well-organized handbook should prove valuable for people struggling to spend their work days more peacefully. (Aug.)

Of course, as a fan of The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks, the criticism of our punctuation stung just a tad. Perhaps the copy editor (one of the best in the business) and I should have put the hammer down harder. But all is redeemed with the words "well organized." Yeah, it is! Hooray for us!