Transcript

Panel 1

Action/Setting: Donna Lake stands in a large, mostly empty breakroom with tall windows. She notices on the wall is a big sign with a mattress illustration and the words “MATTRESS SALE” (with “SALE” in large red letters). Three tall stools sit in front of the coffee bar.
Dialogue: (none)

Panel 2

Action/Setting: Donna Lake stands in the shared staff office area, noticing a large wall display showing a pack of gum labeled “VAR MINT” and “BUBBLE GUM,” with a little animal graphic on the wrapper. Pink bubbles fill the background of the display. A leafy potted plant and part of a desk/chair appear on the right.
Dialogue: (none)

Panel 3

Action/Setting: In her own office, Donna stands with one hand on her hip, looking annoyed, and gestures toward Parker Fox, who is busy putting up a third large advertising poster. Behind them, posters include “Pops Pizza” (with a slice character) and the “MATTRESS SALE” sign partially visible.

Dialogue (Donna Lake → Parker): “PARKER!”

Panel 4

Action/Setting: Donna's office. Donna stands facing Parker; Parker looks impatient, saying, Dialogue (Parker): “NOT NOW, DONNA, DASH IS STILL AHEAD BY 12,000 THRIVE POINTS”

CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT

CHAPTERS

Ad Space
Posted on May 13, 2026 by donnalake

Donna Lake Headshot
From Donna's Desk:

When the most competitive employee in the building isn’t winning, they start hunting for value wherever no one thought to look.

Today’s disruption was Parker realizing the building itself contains monetizable surfaces.

It’s almost impressive. It’s also the purest summary of corporate thinking I’ve ever seen: When the program stops working, do not fix the program. Expand the program into everyone else’s space and call it “innovation.”

This is the hidden cost of “friendly competition.” Once you attach points, you don’t get thriving. You get hustle. You get a coworker selling mattress ads over your desk like you’re a podcast.

If you need me, I’ll be here drafting a new policy: My office is not a billboard. It’s a workplace. With feelings. And, ideally, pens.

Donna

 
 

6 thoughts on “Ad Space”

  1. Cheri

    My oh my oh my! That Var Mint ad just pops up everywhere!

    1. donnalake

      They do seem to have an extensive ad budget, don’t they?

  2. Bubba, Jarts Champion

    Var-Mint Bubblegum now found at Mable’s Feed and Seed Store. Recommended by small and big game hunters, and Grannies alike.

    1. donnalake

      Thank you for your contribution, Bubba! Shall I invoice you directly for this plug or send it to Mable’s?

  3. Cierra

    Hey, at least they’re not getting it tattooed on them.

    1. donnalake

      It’s a slippery slope! Maybe the fur factor will save us all.

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