By JENNIFER GIBLIN
Style Editor
 

This past week, three new respondents began their job of answering all napkin requests. Prior to that, one respondent was responsible for maintaining the napkin board. After all of the unanswered napkins are collected on Mondays, a list is made detailing all the requests, complaints, or compliments. This list is then sent to the menu committee, composed of members of the Bates dining staff who respond to all requests. The respondent is then responsible for typing up replies based on the information given by the committee. Answered napkins are posted on Mondays.

The former respondent believes that the process is an effective means of communication between students and the dining staff, especially when compared to the system used in the past. The committee began receiving the lists just five weeks ago. Previously, the napkins were photocopied and given to those in the department to whom they pertained. This new process is not only faster but it also allows everyone in dining to receive the information.

So how seriously are the requests taken? The respondent admitted that some napkins are dismissed, though only those which contain requests that have been repeatedly answered. She encouraged everyone to read the responses in order to be more aware of what has already been addressed. Also, napkins which are deemed offensive or which contain profanities are sometimes thrown away. She explained, "It is good to write a smart napkin because it keeps the board entertaining but don't be downright rude." Napkin requests which are most seriously considered include those which introduce new menu ideas, ask for healthier alternatives, or express dissatisfaction with new food items. To the napkin board respondent, positive napkins are always nice to see.

Cereal tends to be the food which for which the most requests are received. Presently, thirty-two varieties of cereal are rotated. If students want a new brand such as Team Cheerios, other cereals will have to be removed from the rotation. Questions about the new salad dressings are also frequently found on the napkin board. This summer the dressings were changed after a taste test was given, mainly to faculty and staff. Given the general dissatisfaction with the new, sweeter dressings, they may again be switched, especially if more unhappy napkins are posted.

The job of a napkin board respondent is somewhat of a challenge. Characterizing the napkin board as a "service of entertainment as well as communication," the former respondent clearly recognizes the need to come up with creative responses to pique interest. Fortunately, because their identities are kept a secret, the respondents are uninhibited in their replies. Although they have the liberty to say what they want, they are still somewhat censored to ensure that the responses are not too sarcastic. Although the former respondent is pleased to be free from the work the job demands, she sometimes reads a napkin that she wants to respond to but she said, "Everyone says I'm too mean anyway."