Last Tuesday the security door at the Washington Post Company stopped working. People could get into the office, but those of us inside couldn't get out. I became the point man on to those of us who are claustrophobic might call emergency. This is also to set aside any rumors that I do nothing at work. These are the e-mails I sent out until the door got fixed. I call this one:

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Wednesday, July 19, 2000 5:23 PM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Cc:  Ball, Phillip Jr.
Subject:  Broken Front Door

Everyone,
    Some of you maybe aware that we have been having trouble with the security lock on the front door. We are unable to open it from inside so it has been unlocked all day today. There will be a security guard on duty at the front door until everyone has left this evening. I will be leaving at 5:30 and anyone who is staying later should just be aware that the security guard is here to watch the door. Please do not feel that you have to leave earlier then you had planned. This is just to make you all aware of the situation which we should hopefully have sorted out by tomorrow.
Sorry for any inconvenience,
Thank you,
Scott
P.S. If you are reading this tomorrow morning and can not get out of the office call down to Security at 7894. I will be in by 8 am to watch the door if there is still a problem.

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Thursday, July 20, 2000 5:18 PM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Subject:  Broken Doors Part II

My Fellow Corporate Employees,
     Once again we are experiencing problems with the front door. We are unable to open it from inside so it has been unlocked all day today and yesterday.
     I have been told by security that the problem will be fixed tomorrow.
     Once again there will be a security guard on duty at the front door until everyone has left this evening. I will be leaving at 5:30 and anyone who is staying later should just be aware that the security guard is here to watch the door. As with yesterday, please do not feel that you have to leave earlier then you had planned. This is just to make you all aware of the situation which we should hopefully have sorted out by tomorrow.
Sorry for any inconvenience,
Thank you,
Scott
P.S. If you are reading this tomorrow morning and can not get out of the office call down to Security at 7894. I will be in by 8 am to watch the door if there is still a problem.

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Friday, July 21, 2000 8:53 AM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Subject:  Broken Doors III- The Search for Closure

Friends and Coworkers,
     I would just like to let you all know the current situation with the front doors. The doors are currently unlocked. We have been told by security that this situation will be resolved sometime today. I will be sitting at my post as much as possible but there are times where I am drawn away from my desk for various deliveries and such, so please be careful with your personal belongings and valuables.
     If you see anyone who looks like they don't belong please call me at 6629 and I will address the issue. I wish I could tell you this would all be resolved by this evening, but I cannot. If it is not repaired by this evening we will once again have a security guard here at 5:30 to ensure all of your safety. Please do not change your work plans and just be aware of the situation.
     I will keep you informed if anything changes.
Thank you for your patience,
Scott " Gate Keeper" McCormick

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Friday, July 21, 2000 5:09 PM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Cc:  Ball, Phillip Jr.
Subject:  Broken Door IV - The Voyage Home

Dear Friends,
    Day 3 of the Siege is about to end and I am sad to report that once again we do not have functioning doors. Many of us have already left for the day, but you few, you happy few who are still here you are reading this. Once again there will be a security guard on duty at the front door until everyone has left for the evening. Please stay as late as you have planned and just be aware that the guard is here.
    If you are here on the weekend  and get locked in the office call 7894 and speak to the security supervisor Bobbie Bryant or Phillip Ball on Saturday and on Sunday either Mr. Green or Charles Preffin and ask them to address the situation.
    Once again I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued patience,
Scott McCormick

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Monday, July 24, 2000 10:37 AM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Subject:  Broken Door V- The Final E-mail?

Friends,
     The story and the saga continues. We are not safe. They have not fixed the doors and at least one of our number was trapped in the office over the weekend. Well trapped for a couple of minutes any way.
     I would simply like to remind you all of the current situation. The doors are currently unlocked. Please keep all of your valuables in a safe location, especially wallets, lap tops and purses. I will be at the desk as much as possible to stem the tide of treacherous invaders, but if you see any one suspicious please let me know. That being said, you should be warned that there are 4 temps in the office, a couple of people from Pricewaterhouse, and several consultants from Arthur Anderson.
     Thank you for your continued attention to this matter and hopefully I will be writing you very soon with a resolution to this continuing drama.
Thanks,
Scott "Defender of the Front Desk"
P.S. If the issue is not resolved by this evening, we will once again have a member of security stationed at the front door from 5:30 until everyone has left.

From:  McCormick, Scott
Sent:  Monday, July 24, 2000 1:00 PM
To:  Corporate - 6th Floor
Subject:  Broken Door VI - The Final Chapter

    The Siege is over. A gentleman from Honeywell security has identified and fixed the problem and we are safe at last. I would like to thank all of you for your patience and hope that all of you remember how to get out of the office. Please be sure to press the button to exit the office, so that we can avoid any embarrassing accidents like people running into the glass doors.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your security.
Scott

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