What secret ingredient keeps Blue Q extra tasty? It’s hard to explain, honestly. Other than the awesome hard-working, fun-loving staff, democratic sound system, and the almost-monthly pizza parties? I suppose it’s the index cards.

Once the product development team collects ideas for new socks, bags, soaps or whatever’s next in line, they write down their favorites on index cards. Sometimes they are good copy ideas, sometimes little snippets of art, sometimes stuff that we could never actually make because we might get sued but we laugh at it anyway. Then we get everyone in the office (or warehouse, or both!) together for a presentation. We call it “Flash Carding.” Whichever idea gets the most laughs wins!

Actually, it’s slightly more studied than that. Once the initial laugh-attack passes, we have real conversations about each proposal. Sure, it’s ridiculous, but would it sell? How many coin purses already have cats on them? Do we want another? These conversations act as our system of checks and balances. We make better products and fewer mistakes when everyone – from HR to Sales to Customer Service to Operations – has a say.

The fun is in the editing, for sure. We can have SUCH a good time with bad ideas -- or, you know, like I said, ideas that might get us sued. Recently, we vetted Lavatory Mist ideas (poop jokes! my favorite!) and it was so fun that we wanted to share a little glimpse with you. So, here are a few examples - the best of the worst, or the worst of the best, your call - from a recent Lavatory Mist flash-card session.

Enjoy, and stay tuned for the ones that actually made the cut!