Subject: How to Write a Referral Letter 
  
     My boss asked me for a letter describing my partner Bob Smith, and this
     is what I wrote:
 
1..  Bob Smith, my assistant programmer, can always be found  
2..  hard at work in his cubicle. Bob works independently, without  
3..  wasting company time talking to colleagues. Bob never  
4..  thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and he always  
5..  finishes given assignments on time. Often Bob takes extended  
6..  measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee  
7..  breaks. Bob is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no  
8..  vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound  
9..  knowledge in his field. I firmly believe that Bob can be  
10.. classed as a high caliber employee, the type which cannot be  
11.. dispensed with. Consequently, I duly recommend that Bob be  
12.. promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be  
13.. executed as soon as possible.  

     S.D. - Project Leader  

     Shortly afterward I sent the following follow-up note:  
 
     Bob was reading over my shoulder while I wrote the report sent to you
     earlier today. Kindly read only the odd numbered lines (1, 3, 5, etc.)
     for my true assessment.
 
            Regards, 
            S.D.