I had an epiphany just now. Nothing large or life-changing, just one of your normal, run-of-the-mill “why?”
Now granted they’re not as standard on everyone’s desk as a stapler, phone, or tape dispenser, but I’ve seen my fair share.
The lowly paper-weight! Do we really need these? Now companies have made them that perform other duties, I have a couple on my desk that serve as little folder holders via a piece of stiff wire and a little alligator clip on the end.
My question though is, when did the real need for these stop, yet the end item continue to be produced. Where did they really originate? Maybe I should do a search on Ask Yahoo! or Google Answers. Were they just that much more popular before there was A/C? I’m guessing windows having to be opened for air circulation and the beneficial yet annoying side-effect of breezy gusts of wind flying by your desk.