Picture courtesy of EL Appleby
Back after a month’s absence. Where does the time go?
I’ve been working on a committee for a charity event for the past few months. The event is this weekend; the story below was inspired by both the picture above and that experience.
I also had a dog once that looked as though he’d been a collaborative design effort. He was a good dog.
Word Count: 104
Designed by Committee
Their first meeting outlined the mission and charter for the product. Successive meetings focused on process more than outcome. Each championed their idea as the most important, most vital element in the design without regard for the big picture.
When their product was unveiled to the market, it was met with surprise then horror. Stepping back for the first time, they could see the fruits of their labor. Blinded by hubris, they saw only the beauty of their vision.
– Best trunk!
– Great spots!
– Stripes rock!
– Better in Black and White!
God shook her head. She knew better than to outsource.
Please check out the links to all the other Flash Friday Fictioneers, which can be found here.
© Erin Leary
I used to feel a bit like that when we had to do group projects in school. I hated them. 🙂 But I never ran with scissors!
janet
Thanks, Janet!
Interestingly, I thought “designed by committee” when I saw this too. Ultimately I went a different way, but I’m glad someone tested that theory!
It begged to be tested! I’m glad I wasn’t alone with that thought!
I love this one! It might very well be my favorite this week.
Thank you!! That made my day.
Fun story, Erin. I’ve been working on Team Projects lately too and getting consensus is always difficult. This Garanimal is a perfect example.
Glad you’re back. We’ve missed you!
Thank you, Russ! I am glad to be back. Too many things going on I feel like a Pushmepullyou. 🙂
The story is insightful, and the last line is truly excellent!
Thanks, Jan. that was a total improv comment at the end. It felt like it needed something.
Really enjoyed this. Several messages rolled into one here. Well done.
Thanks, Sandra. It took me a few passes to get it where it worked.
This made me laugh. Oh, those committees. I’m glad you’re back to writing these.
The committee work is all over but the crying now….
Very funny and true to life! And I love the idea of your dog that was a collaborative design effort! Sort of a Heinz 57 dog, which is an expression I haven’t heard for years, but rediscovered the other day!
Thanks, Trudy. That dog always drew a laugh. He was quite pleased with how he looked. A true Heinz 57, for sure.
Love it! God as a woman always gets my vote, and I totally agree with the sentiment of this little tale. Great stuff 🙂
I made that change right before posting – just one more twist. Tanks for the fun prompt!
A fun flash – good luck with this weekend.
Behold the beauty of compromise! I love this, considering how true it often is.
Dear Erin,
Glad to see you back. It’s taking me forever this week, with my whacked out work schedule to get around to all the stories. This one makes me smile. I echo what has already been said. Love the committee and their Leader. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Love it, but it’s very close to reality .. 🙂