Dear Abbe,
I want to paint my SEM column orange, in homage to Zeiss vintage equipment, sort of an “orange homage,” if you will. How do I convince my higher-ups that this is indeed a good idea?
Tired of Gray in California
Dear 50 Shades of Tired,
Ah yes, the orange phase of Zeiss. Having spent some time with the company in Jena, I can wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that Orange is the new Gray. It just seems more … Oktoberfestive! Otto Schott and I used to suggest many bright tones on the production of light microscopes and equipment. Unfortunately, the stodgy foundation members loved the “dignified” look of that Nachkriegszeit Kitt color. It is always difficult to convince higher-ups of anything unless money is involved. Try convincing them that orange increases productivity, accuracy, and camaraderie and they may just jump on it (the idea, hopefully not the scope).
Sometimes life hands you lemons, sometimes it hands you something that looks and smells less appealing. Let Abbe give you the tools to make anything appear more palatable. Contact Herr Abbe's assistant at johnshields59@gmail.com.
