Thursday, November 04, 2004

Sudden Bit of Respect for the USPS

Soo... while driving home from work today, I was surprised and gratified to catch a snippet of a song by The Postal Service between news items. Even more interesting, however, was the fact that the next story was a little piece about the fact that the United States Postal Service had discovered that a little electro-indie band on the West coast was using "their name" and sent them a cease and desist letter.

I imagine the exchange taking place between shy indie rocker Benjamin Gibbard and a stern looking middle aged group of postal workers.

Postal spokesperson: You can't use our name you know!

Benjamin Gibbard: Oh? Oh...shucks.

Postal spokesperson: (clearly had been expecting more anger) So..that's..uh,that.

Bejanmin Gibbard: (hands in pockets, kicking one foot a little) ...But I LIKE the postal service.

Postal spokesperson: (quietly muttering out of side of mouth to other postal people - "oh my god, he's so adorable! are we sure about this?")

Other Postal People: (burst out) Fine!! AUGH! You're so cute!! Be our mascot!! We'll make a stamp with you on it!!

Benjamin Gibbard: Ok. Cool.

True: Surprisingly, after the intial contact, rather than requiring the customary ceasing and desisting, the USPS found themselves charmed by the adorablilty of the indie kids, and eventually asked if they could adopt them as the offical USPS band. Apparently the USPS wants The Postal Service's music for commercials, to sell their cds in post offices, and have them play at a mega-conference for postal big-wigs coming up.

Who's your daddy?

Uncle Sam.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

just curious -As a citzen of a country outside the US, i wonder how many other countries have "postal services". Sorta funny that the USPS forgot that other countries might be interested in a cease and desist order. Or perhaps The Postal Service could become worldwide advocates on behalf of beleaguered posties everywhere...

Steph said...

Ha! Good point. But then, I wonder if since the USPS has already adopted The Postal Service, if other countries would have to find alternate mascots. I can imagine a big musical battle, ending with a triumphant battle wherein The Postal Service square off against, say... Parcel Delivery...or Par Avion or something.