Inquiry:

[temptationaccomplished]

[Oh dear. Is he doing this right? Is this where you put this? How does one go about asking about jobs? He's never done this before. He was just...given a sword, given an assignment, sent on his way. Do as you're told and stand over there. That's a good lad.

However, despite the uncertainty in his inquiry, the writing itself is spot on. This is all penned very neatly, with the styling of someone who was once and still is very comfortable writing with a quill--and not in the Modern Hipster Instagram Crafter way, but in a way that has been sculpted by changing influences over time and adapted to suit his personal aesthetic. There's an air of English Roundhand to it, with hints older styles like Chancery in some of the letters. The penmanship is flowing and legible and very old-fashioned, but not quite ancient. Circa late-1700 to mid-1800, so very modern! Someone knows very well that they are DAMN GOOD at pretty writing, missed doing it, and is quite happy to take the opportunity to show off.]




To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to inquire about open job positions available in the area to students. I have over 30 years experience with antique and rare books, including acquisition and preservation of historical and culturally valuable documents. My area of specialty was misprint Bibles, books of prophecy, and first editions. I also have experience crafting illuminated texts, making inks, and binding books using traditional methods.

Any assistance at all is most appreciated.

Yours sincerely,

A. Z. Fell
House Ka
Diatu Magic Academy

P.S. I don't suppose there's any need for a food and wine critic, is there?

Comments

[talkyourwayout]

[Well, Louie's first thought, just upon reading "I wish to inquire about open job positions", is that maybe whoever this is would be useful for his delivery service. However, he decides they don't seem to have the same usefulness as Orisa and Lena, as the young duck continues to read. However, the Business Club did offer a second investment if he wanted to expand things... Hmm.]

I mean, I don't know about critiquing school food, since the options there are limited. But there's restaurants off-campus that people like to check out.

Of course, you'd need a place to print that and share it. Look, I've got business smarts, and more importantly, I've got connections. You seem to know a lot about... Written stuff. I think our best bet is to start up a newspaper for the school.

Louie Duck

[temptationaccomplished]

[Aziraphale would make a horrible delivery boy.
Deliveries and messangers... that was more the work of Archangels.]

A newspaper seems like an awful big undertaking. Though a source of news would certainly be useful for the students, I can't say I have experience in news media.

That is not to say I am not interested. Perhaps as a contributor and editor? What kind of connections do you have at your disposal?

- A.Z.Fell

[talkyourwayout]

I mean, with enough people, all of us using magic... I might not be a problem. But maybe you're right.

[Louie likes money, but he just might like being lazy more.]

But the school's Business Club said I have an investment from them if I want to start another business.

[temptationaccomplished]

Magic and capital are a wonderful start, but they are hardly all you will need for such a project.

Printing will undoubtedly be the easy part, as magic can do that. It can also distribute, if needs must, but I think magic only provides so much. It is much like automation; certainly no replacement for creativity.

Remember: anything worth doing is worth doing well. I'm sure the business school would like to make good on their investment, so one must be sure to deliver a product worthy of such.

[talkyourwayout]

Oh man, you sound so much like my uncle.

But I'm not sure I agree. As long as it gets done, isn't that what really counts?

[temptationaccomplished]

[Ah, this must be the famed Uncle Scrooge he has heard mention of. Funny, given the name.]

No.

Take some PRIDE in your work, Louie! Take pride in yourself!

What you produce as a business or craft is reflective of yourself. Present something that you can proudly put your name on.

If you don't care about your work, why should anyone else? Why should they pay money for slipshod work?

[talkyourwayout]

[If Louie was expecting anything specific, it sure wasn't to be called out like that.]

Look, if the product solves a problem, who cares if I care?

[He... Doesn't really know what else to say to that.]

[temptationaccomplished]

Why work on something you don’t care about?
Or why should I work for/with someone who doesn’t care?

[talkyourwayout]

To make money? I'd think that would be pretty obvious.

[temptationaccomplished]

If that is your only motivation, fine. But I shan't participate in such a loveless endeavor. I have standards!

[talkyourwayout]

Yeah, okay, good for you.

Some of us can't afford that.

[temptationaccomplished]

Room and board have been provided for you, along with your education. I'm not sure what you think you cannot afford here.

[talkyourwayout]

I mean in general. Back home and stuff.

[Louie, you live with the richest duck in the world, now. Stop that.]

Look, I've seen what happens when you try to play by the book with these things. You can put in all the hard work you want, and sure, sometimes it pays off.

But sometimes it doesn't.

[temptationaccomplished]

Yes, I know all about systems that are corrupt and do not necessarily reward the behavior they claim to encourage and advocate, but being jaded and uncaring is not the way to change that.

But let us assume your paper succeeds using your methods; what will you do with your newly acquired wealth?

[talkyourwayout]

It's not going to make it worse, though, you know?

And the general plan for what to do with wealth is to be wealthy.

[temptationaccomplished]

When you look at the scope of history, it does make it worse, though, Louie. It really does. Negativity is called such for a reason--it takes from the world, makes it all a little less bright and wonderful.

You intend to just sit on your wealth? What good is that? Spend it, donate it, disperse it into the world. Don't hoard it. There's no point to wealth if you keep it to yourself, except for pride and greed.

[talkyourwayout]

Wow, you have really thought a lot about this, haven't you?

[Which is as close as Louie will come, for the time being, to admitting that he makes a pretty good point. On both fronts.]

[temptationaccomplished]

I suppose I have seen a lot of things in my time and these are common mistakes of even bright, ambitious people.

[talkyourwayout]

And we're back to you sounding like my uncle. I guess I'll think about it, okay?

[temptationaccomplished]

Alright. Thank you.
And I suppose I will take that as a compliment.

[talkyourwayout]

I guess it is one. I mean, Uncle Scrooge is really cool and smart.

[temptationaccomplished]

The infamous Uncle Scrooge! Thought as much. Miss Webby mentioned his adventures. I’m afraid the name has a different sort of connotation in my world, given association with a literary character, but I am very glad to hear YOUR Scrooge is so “cool.” He certainly sounds like a fellow with a good head on his shoulders.

[talkyourwayout]

Oh man, yeah, Webs loves telling people about Uncle Scrooge. I'm sure you've got a good idea of his story, then.

He does! And he got rich through hard work alone, so I guess it is possible.

[burningbrighter]

That's really cool, actually! My friend Twilight would love you. She loves anything and everything to do with ancient books.

Libraries are always looking for help, I'd think, but that newspaper idea is great too.

[temptationaccomplished]

If she ever ends up here, please feel free to introduce us. I would love a chance to talk to someone who shares my interests. [And won't be trying to buy my bookshop stock.]

I am more than happy to help around the libraries, if they are open to that. But I do need some spending money; do you know if they pay for that help?

[burningbrighter]

I don't, I never asked. But they really should! I've only ever worked at the restaurant, and it's easy enough to pick up tips there.

But I could help with the newspaper! I draw comics.

[temptationaccomplished]

I'm afraid I would be quite terrible working with food. How ever do you manage to not eat your goods? Or banish rude customers?

Oh, that sounds marvelous. Every newspaper needs comics. Political or entertainment comics?

[burningbrighter]

Entertainment. I don't think we really know much about the political situation...

And as far as customers? You learn to insult them in small ways they won't notice.

[temptationaccomplished]

That is true, though I suppose I was thinking more general editorial cartoon than strictly political. I much prefer the idea of entertainment comics, however. Politics can be just ghastly reading sometimes.

...Frankly I would want them to notice. I suppose that's awful to say, and more of a reason I really should not deal with customers.