Exhibit 25.8

Not Stock Photography

Say what you will about stock photography--and this blog says nothing about stock photography, not for months--but it does prevent online advertisements like this one I got today:


Am I supposed to be this guy? Or is this guy supposed to be searching me? What's that even mean? Why is he conducting this search in the bathroom anyway? Can I help him pick out a new shower curtain? I'm thinking a nice red floral one, maybe?

As you see, I have questions, questions and one decorating suggestion which will make the best out of an unfortunate bathroom tile situation.

Now if only I knew a way to find him...

Exhibit 7.7

Stock Photography Review

One of the most common ways to utilize stock photography is as a stand in for a company's sickly, jaundiced employees. While low wages, poor working conditions, and fluorescent lights might make already unattractive employees appear malnourished and unhelpful, the timely use of a stock photo can let the public think a company's workers are clean, moderately attractive people versed in the use of a floral kerchief:


Now that's an employee you expect to answer the phone at your cable company. She may not have a computer, but she has a series of indistinguishable white binders full of answers. She hasn't yet mastered watch-to-kerchief coordination, she does have a pleasantly theatrical way of posing while talking.

The important thing is to find a photo that screams competence when you put a picture on your contact page.


Headsets: Check.
Diversity: Check.
Business formal attire: Check.
Phones:

Oh, so close. On the plus side, the lady on the left looks like she's terrified of having to answer any questions anyway. Somebody should get her some helpful white binders.


As this person clearly has no idea how to hook up a computer, it's probably best to avoid this photo. While the mouse and cpu-less keyboard with its monitor set up perpendicular to the keyboard may look high-tech, it's probably not going to lead to effective, accurate answers.

Rather than who will be answering, stock photography can also be used to portray those who will be calling. The picture you choose will say a lot about your company.

This one says: We're perverts.

This one says: We're perverts.