Krista, typo excused. I think this is one place we should be given a pass. I think you're right – they realize you're not just dabbling, and that makes a huge difference.

Paula, that's a fantastic editor. Keep her!

Precisely that, Devon. If you're not having fun, why bother?

Anon, I can't confirm that, either. I'd seen mention of it being his arm, but again, no confirmation. But a great idea!

Favorite Editor often says, "Have fun with it – I trust you'll come up with something great." Once it was my first-person account of being a Nielsen household. Most recently an offhand comment in e-mail turned into a really cool piece for an upcoming issue. It was one of those, "I wonder what…." scenarios that was idea for a poll. I collected data, broke it into blurbs, and then the art director played around with it. Just saw his rough layout and it is going to be so cool! Why? She trusted us.

That means delivering what I promise when I promise it and generally being available during business hours.

This probably sounds pretty simple, but I'm not sure it's the norm. I did a short stint as a project manager…flaking out and submitting things days late without any explanation or notice were pretty common.

I think I am guilty of the email brain dump, though. I like your idea about bullet points!