To begin with, the majority of the people working at The Corporation, Inc. were friendly and welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate their friendliness. On your first day, somebody would probably offer you a soft drink or a cup of coffee. Coffee was commonly offered. Not to take a cup was considered offensive, but to take more than three cups was too much. Offering you a third cup meant that you might be punished – unless you were a visitor. Visitors drank lots of coffee.

Taking pride in your work and presenting new ideas
was not looked upon favorably. Employees were
motivated by a continual fear of shame in their every
action. When dealing with the management, sincere
respect for their pride was essential. If your boss
made an incorrect statement, you did not want to
correct her in public or in front of others.

Their rules were harsh, and there were few second
chances, but they let us live. Like headless zombies, we lived and worked among the dead and dying – the price we paid for staying alive.