Guy Kawasaki has a new post that tells the story behind the The No Asshole Rule. As Guy points out out, one lesson is that “premature buzz” is an oxymoron -- this book had a lot of early buzz among bloggers (notably Guy, who seems to be the Oprah of the online world; he had a big impact on the Heath brother's wonderful Made to Stick too). Guy also points out that that the Asshole Rating Self-Exam, or ARSE Test (which is approaching 60,000 completions), demonstrates the virtues of having something fun, interactive, and viral linked to a book.
Guy introduces the next web-based toy linked to The No Asshole Rule, ARSEmail. I've been working with the great people at Electric Pulp and entrepreneur Brian Witlin to develop web-based "e-cards." You have a choice of sending one of two cards, one to help someone who is dealing with an asshole, OR the other to apologize if you have been asshole. You can send a personal message with each card. Plus the card about dealing with assholes has some tips, as well as a link to my post on tips for victims of workplace assholes. You pick your card, write your message, and then send it. Let me know what you think of our latest little "asshole management" tool
I love the idea of the ARSEmail! Would it be too passive aggressive to include the name and email address of the ones being an ass and send them a copy of the condolence?
Posted by: Stephanie | March 20, 2007 at 12:37 PM
This is a great idea. It has a real chance to modify behavior...and if not, it's still a great outlet.
The whole idea cracks me up. Years ago I registered a site called ucanbitemyass.com (no kidding). It was along the same idea, but not elegantly executed. Just makes me laugh. ARSEmail is going to go viral I have a hunch.
Posted by: Frank Roche | March 20, 2007 at 06:53 AM