I am flattered that you think my photo will lead to some mystery source “saddling my phrase” - by this I am assuming you mean you fear it will become a generically-coined phrase like “that’s hot”; thanks for such a vote of confidence. Clearly, if it evoked enough of a reaction for you to write as much as you did, I’d say - and forgive me for agreeing with you - it is pretty damn marketable.

Regardless, the contest here is not about any of this. It’s about enjoying The Office and having fun with Photoshop. Lighten up, killa. I vote for number 6 anyway. Technically speaking, that one goes with both the episodes and with the fact that we are renaming the workspace sign in this contest, not - as you say, bill - creating a slogan to coincide with Dwight looking out a window til the dawn of eternity.

here is why number 5 doesnt go with the picture.

lets say, we pick a picture of dwight for the next photoshop contest, too. this time lets use a picture from the basketball episode in season 1, a picture of dwight with his safety mask, his game face, the basketball under his arm, ready to throw down.

hey, wait a minute! “schrute first, ask questions later” would be perfect for that! i mean dwight’s the guy who stole the ball from his own teammate to shoot, right?. no question. this wins (its a slam dunk).

now, imagine that perfect photo and caption, then think back to our current photo and caption…. what a let down. how does dwight looking through a window have anything to do with “schrute first, ask questions later?’

here’s what i say we do:
1. immediately start contest #2 using the basketball picture
2. immediately give the prize in contest 2 to the “schrute first..” guy or girl
3. immediately get to printing those tshirts and hats and mugs.
4. then give the prize for the contest 1 to one that actually goes with the window picture.

in fact, by giving this person the award here you will be saddling their phrase (which has clearly struck a chord with millions) with this lame window photo forever. you will be denying them the millions of dollars they would make as the creators of the most perfect office merchandising yet. think of it. dwight all face-protectored up scowling out from all those mouse pads with everyone’s new motto scrawled across it in spray-painted letters. it would be a travesty. a travesty, indeed to deny this person that fame…. and to deny the world that mousepad.