
An inventor recently sued 3M for 400 million dollars, claiming he invented the Post-it note back in 1973. He claims his product was called the Press-on and he showed it to 3M executives in 1974. I can’t help wondering why it took him over 40 years to sue. How do you forget someone owes you 400 million dollars? He should have written himself a reminder. Perhaps a Post-it note.
To-do List:
6:00 pick up kids at soccer practice
Drop off dry cleaning
Sue 3M for 400 million dollars
*(400m is a lot of money. Don’t forget. 400m will buy a lot more Post-it notes.)
I sympathize with his wife. She must shake her head every time he says they can’t afford a vacation or braces for the kids or Post-it notes.
‘Have you sued 3M for 400 million dollars yet?’
‘Don’t worry,’ he says, tapping a finger to his temple, ‘It’s on my to-do list.’
‘Please, please just write it on a Post-it note already.’
‘Do you mean “write it on a Press-on note already”?’
Many people have great faith in their memory power and feel writing stuff down is almost a concession of faltering ability. Whenever my wife asks me to fix anything around the house I tell her, ‘I’ll put it on the to-do list.’ After ten years of marriage nothing had ever been fixed and she finally asked me, ‘Have you even made a to-do list?’ I told her, ‘Making a to-do list is at the very top of my to-do list.’
I’d start a to-do list if only I could remember to buy some Post-it notes.
Man sues 3M over invention of Post-it
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If anyone is in Arizona I’ll be doing stand-up this weekend and next at Stand Up Scottsdale. I’ll be doing six shows each weekend opening for Lynne Koplitz and then Joe Matarese. Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.standupscottsdale.com/
Upcoming tour dates in Arizona and LA can be found on my comedy page: http://www.pauljohnsoncomedy.com/#!tour-dates/conp
Here’s a clip from a recent stand-up performance in Hong Kong: My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad
Deborah the Closet Monster
February 10, 2016
To the post, hee.
To the note LA shows are upcoming, YAY! I will be on the lookout for more info. 🙂
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
It should be March 7-21 but I don’t have all the venues confirmed yet.
Blogdramedy
February 10, 2016
I’d make to-do lists if only I could afford the correct list-making implements. A Mont Blanc pen and moleskin notebook. Because my list of things to do are so very expensive. Not sure why that is… *grin*
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
Getting a better job so I can afford a Mont Blanc pen and make a to-do list is on my to-do list.
Carrie Rubin
February 10, 2016
I do love me a good to-do list, one with little boxes in front of the items that I can check off. Now that I’ve typed that, I realize how sad it sounds. Now adding “Get a life” to my to-do list…
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I love making to-do lists. I can’t say I’m great at crossing items off the to-do list but the actual making of the list is something I do incredibly well.
LionAroundWriting
February 10, 2016
Great blog name!
And funny article.
Elyse
February 10, 2016
Post-it notes are outrageously expensive these days. I think the guy just had to find a new job so he’d have a venue from which he could steal the damn things. And in today’s job market, and at his age, that ain’t easy.
Break a leg during the shows. Just make sure it’s not your own.
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I began working from home some years ago and figured I would save so much based on never having to commute. I had no idea I would spend even more having to buy my own office supplies and printer ink.
Elyse
February 10, 2016
And the bill for snacks quadruples along with waist size.
Margie
February 10, 2016
My husband has a “To Do” list, but mostly he adds items right after he does them, then immediately crosses them off. He likes how a long “Done” list makes him feel…
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I think that’s very wise. It certainly gives you a sense of momentum to see so many things crossed off the list.
Kate Crimmins
February 10, 2016
Not near LA but your clip is hilarious!
In My Cluttered Attic
February 10, 2016
I could have wrote a novel with all the post-it notes I’ve used. I might had even be a major investor in 3M. Now that I think about it, I’m glad I wasn’t. I could have been sued for 400 million dollars! I think I’ll just save some dough by sticking to scrap paper. That way I can make a note to myself to catch your act while you’re on tour.
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
Hmm…a novel comprised entirely of Post-it notes. That’s not a bad idea. I should write that down.
In My Cluttered Attic
February 10, 2016
LOL If only you had a Press-on note. Sadly, those were never invented.
Invisible Mikey
February 10, 2016
It’s called “Dracula”, by Bram Stoker. No dialogue, just notes to and from the various characters. Readers join the information together to see the plot unfold.
He called them “Perseverance Missives” I believe. Victorians preferred ornate product names.
List of X
February 10, 2016
Don’t forget to let us know when you’re performing in Northeast.
I’ll put it on my Post-it note.
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I’ll write myself a reminder. If only I could find a Post-it.
Exile on Pain Street
February 10, 2016
If this lawsuit succeeds I’m going to sue Leonardo DiCaprio for misappropriating my charm, devilish good looks and smooth way with the ladies, not to mention my deep concern for environmental causes. That son-of-a-bitch better lawyer-up.
100% true story. I had a dream once that I was trapped in the office conference room totally naked. I looked in all the cupboards for something to wear but all I could find was a carton of post-it notes. Well, you can imagine what I had to do…
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
On the bright side you won’t have any difficulty finding a place to write the reminder: ‘Buy clothes’.
pursuitofanewadventure
February 10, 2016
I always think of Romy and Michelle hahaha!
The Good Greatsby
February 11, 2016
I’m assuming this inventor hasn’t seen the film or he’d have sued two decades ago.
Mark Petruska
February 10, 2016
I listened to a podcast about the invention of the Post-It Note a while back. If I recall correctly, the adhesive was originally intended for the aerospace industry. No offense, but if my suit developed a tear in the midst of a spacewalk, the last thing in the world I’m reaching for is a Post-It Note to keep me oxygenated. At best, I might scribble a F*CK YOU, MISSION CONTROL note and slap it on my helmet.
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I didn’t know that. I’m happy for the Post-it note’s success but I feel bad nobody has invented an adhesive for the aerospace industry after 40 years. How are astronauts expected to work on their craft projects?
dianasschwenk
February 10, 2016
40 years. It’s like a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things, right? ❤
Diana xo
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I can’t say. Figuring out the ‘grand scheme of things’ has been on my to-do list for ages, so I’m not qualified to judge what would or wouldn’t be a drop in the bucket.
susielindau
February 10, 2016
When are you coming to Denver? Did you move back to the US or are you on a tour? I bet your answer is on a post it note somewhere.
The Good Greatsby
February 10, 2016
I’m on tour. I’ll be in Arizona and California for six weeks. I’d love to come to Denver soon. I’ve heard good things about the comedy scene. It’s high on my list.
susielindau
February 10, 2016
Let me know. We’d love to come to your performance. 🙂
Life With The Top Down
February 10, 2016
If you’re ever on the East Coast make sure you spread the word! I am the best audience member E V A H!
Confession: I write things on a To Do list that I already did just for the satisfaction of crossing it off. Whew…I feel better now.
The Good Greatsby
February 11, 2016
I do the same thing with New Year’s resolutions.
Carl D'Agostino
February 10, 2016
I am going to make a to-do list. But first I have to get a pen.
The Good Greatsby
February 11, 2016
Be sure and write ‘Buy a pen’ on the list.
She's a Maineiac
February 10, 2016
I think both post-it and press-on are great names, but why not use the obvious, “Stick-It”?Sometimes I’ll find an old crumpled post-it note and man does that bring back memories: “get milk, eggs, bread.” And they always say the same thing. You’d think I’d be able to remember to buy more milk at this point.
Too bad you weren’t touring here. I’d be the world’s first positive heckler. I’d yell out “Good one! You are very funny! Yes!”
The Good Greatsby
February 11, 2016
Stick-It is a great name. I’ll write ‘Visit Maine’ on a Stick-It and try and remember to let you know.
How are you feeling about the Super Bowl? Is the pain of Peyton winning at all assuaged by knowing he’s going to retire and won’t be able to hurt your Pats again?
She's a Maineiac
February 11, 2016
Assuaged? ASSUAGED?! OHHHH! (seething with the white hot intensity of a billion suns) I think Eli Manning’s sad super bowl face times a gazillion says exactly how I feel about him winning. (and yes, he won’t be able to hurt my Tommy boy anymore, so boo on him)
gerknoop
February 10, 2016
Will you ever be in the Washington area? Seattle or Spokane?
The Good Greatsby
February 11, 2016
I hope to make it there soon. I have lots of comedian friends and extended family in that area and I’ve been planning to make a trip.
gerknoop
February 11, 2016
Oh do let me know if you ever come here! I am going to be in Los Angeles between the dates of 18th thru 26th “ish”…..when will you have LA dates confirmed? I would love to see you perform if I could fit it into the schedule. I will be traveling north part of that time.
pegoleg
February 10, 2016
I hope the absent-minded inventor didn’t also forget to pick up the kids and the dry cleaning.
Jackie Cangro
February 11, 2016
Good luck at your show this weekend! I hope you’re not planning write your jokes on Post-Its.
seasaltandvinegar
February 13, 2016
Love the post! Do you think that the idea of calling it an internet “post” came out of the name “post-it”? If so, I can’t wait until this lawsuit goes through and we can start calling these dang things “presses.” “Hey did you get my message? I just pressed on your wall.”
elizabethargyropoulos
February 14, 2016
To do list: read everything you write…..xoxo