MicroComputer Accessories

MicroComputer Accessories, a division of Rubbermaid company, was a major supplier of ergonomic work environment furniture and accessories.

In 1991, San Francisco was one of the first cities to introduce an ordinance requiring ergonomic equipment for computer intensive businesses in the city. The law, entitled the “Video Display Terminal Worker Safety Ordinance” was a rather intimidating body of legalese for the business owner to wade through.

To dramatize this, the day the law went into effect, we ran a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal. Three-fourths of the ad was a literal reproduction, in eight-point type, of the entire verbiage of the new ordinance. The ad ended with a simple thought: "or call us."

The ad concluded by explaining:  

“What do you do now? Well, you can choose to deal with it all on your own. Or you can call 1-800-876-6447. We’ve set up this special phone line to answer any questions you might have about the new VDT law.”

“We’re MicroComputer Accessories, Inc., and we’ve been helping computer-intensive businesses create user friendly offices longer than most businesses have even owned computers. So we know what you’re up against. And we have the means of helping you make many of the necessary workstation upgrades right now at a price that’s well within the limits of the law...and most any budget.”

“Everything we make, from adjustable keyboard drawers to monitor stands to complete workstations, is designed to reduce worker down-time and increase productivity. Which is why, law or no law, we’re a very smart business choice.”

“Call us now and we’ll rush you information that can help you bring your computer workstations up to standards. Or, of course, you can simply refer to the do-it-yourself guide shown above. It’s your call.”

Produced while at Orenstein Savage Advertising.