Karl's Konsultancy Archive

Mythical consultant Karl first appeared in the first issue of Open Systems Today, March 2, 1992. Randy Jones, the artist for the Poser's Guide to the Internet and World Wide Web got what he thought was a one-time assignment to illustrate a cute little story. I sold editor Mike Azzara a continuing story, but no one told Randy. If I remember correctly, Randy got more money per episode than I did. Hmmm

This archive will grow over time, as I scan each illustration from Randy (with his permission, of course) and tie in the text of the story. I have decided not to change the text, keeping the stories rooted in the time they were written, although I may clean up some edits made against my wishes. I will add comments at the end of each one. Many of the stories were triggered by real events, and you deserve the details. Whether you keep reading far enough to find the details remains my task. Randy's drawings are so inviting and appropriate most people will read even my twisted puns and satirical comments.

The listing runs chronologically, with the published title followed by my original title on the piece. Did you know editors always write the headlines, never keeping the headline provided by the writer of the piece? I don't  like that either, but editors call the shots (until writers get Web sites). Well, here goes:

March 3, 1992: In Which Karl Gets Richly Rewarded For Work That's Simply Divine
March 16, 1992: Karl Meets The Corporate Powers That Befuddle
March 30, 1992: Desperately Seeking Standards
April 13, 1992: A Brief, Shining Moment In The World Of Politics
April 27, 1992: All Wired Up An No Place To Go
May 11, 1992: An Exorcism Sans The Pea Soup
May 25, 1992: Karl Does The Chicken Dance
June 8, 1992: Meeting His Match In A Sushi Bar
June 22, 1992: Karl Bests A Standards Anarchist
July 6, 1992: Karl Takes A Gamble On Integrity
July 20, 1992: Karl Crashes Compaq's New Era
August 3, 1992: Karl Administers Financial CPR
September 21, 1992: Karl In Kindergarten: Honey, I Scanned The Kids