A year or two after I moved to Los Angeles, I started a company with a few other guys. We developed web sites for small businesses and at one point had hundreds of independent contractors working as copywriters for us. Mom was one of our best writers and I was very happy to help her supplement her income by writing for us at home in the evenings. She really was an excellent writer.
Here is an email exchange between us from when she was first getting started:
From: Gagne, Kathleen
To: Gagne, David
Subject: W9
Sent: July 23, 2002 12:48 PM ETGood Morning
I’ve been trying to fax the W9 to [redacted] all day, and it keeps saying it’s busy.
I can’t get Microsoft Messenger at work. It’s blocked because they said the school board can’t afford as much sophisticated protection as private businesses and Microsoft “gets the most viruses.”
Anyway, can you email me at gagneka@sbac.edu if there’s another fax number I can use?
Love ya,
Mom
From: Gagne, David
To: Gagne, Kathleen
Subject: re: W9
Sent: July 23, 2002 12:50 PM ETsure … you can use [redacted]
your administrators are buffoons.
you are a million – nay! a Billion! – times more likely to get a virus from outlook email than from microsoft messenger.
so just load up ICQ! you can either download and install the full version of ICQ like you have at home (http://www.icq.com/) or you can use a “web version” at http://go.icq.com/ if they won’t let you install software on the PC you’re using now.David Vincent Gagne
From: Gagne, Kathleen
To: Gagne, David
Subject: Re: W9
Sent: July 23, 2002 2:11 PM ETdavid,
you realize you should just speak out and say what you mean!!!! haha!!i guess i’ll try the icq when i have some time
the fax says it went through ok, so am i on the contract payroll?
i found a dog by the side of the road off 53rd st this morning – it’s a very small terrier mix or maybe a corgi – very pudgy and very trusting. i had animal control pick him up, so now i have to find someone who can take him. i’ll probably be crying most of the day…..
i love you,
mom
From: Gagne, David
To: Gagne, Kathleen
Subject: re: W9
Sent: July 23, 2002 2:40 PM ETyup! we got it and you are now a contract employee! w00t!
I’m sorry about the doggie. :o(
What do you mean I should say what I mean? I do!
From: Gagne, Kathleen
To: Gagne, David
Subject: Re: W9
Sent: July 23, 2002 2:47 PM ETI was being ironic….. i love you
is my boss sending me any work today?
this is different from the one you saw in the yard – this one will be put down because of my actions if i can’t come up with another option for him…….
i love you