Splinters

The story of Joe Gordon being sacked by the UK bookstore chain Waterstone's for comments about the company in his weblog has been making the rounds over the last few days: the Guardian has a good summary of the situation. I cannot believe those contemptible fuckwits at Waterstone's can get away with doing this. A simple "please stop posting about the company on your blog" verbal warning would have been enough, especially given Mr Gordon has worked for the company for the last 11 years. And it's not like he said anything particularly unpleasant. Not only does it show what humourless, ignorant and irresponsible scum Waterstone's must employ for disciplinary management, it makes a mockery of Waterstone's PR image of being a purveyor of knowledge and enlightenment.

Stuff like this makes me furious because it's so utterly un-necessary. Some have said it might be a breach of contract. So what? How about a little bit of human contact and empathy rather than running for mingefrothing shitehawk lawyers every 5 seconds? Waterstone's could have dealt with it with a touch of grace and understanding and everyone would have been happy. Instead they've shown up not only their own utter contempt for their staff but also for their staff's loyalty. To have worked anywhere for 11 years is a pretty remarkable feat these days. So, here's hoping Joe Gordon gets a job soon with another bookstore and also that everyone stops buying anything from Waterstone's, ever. They're shit anyway - they never have anything in stock and take months to locate anything you order.