Cost-Cutting

* I was happy to read about Chief Executive Gerald M. Levin’s bonus [“AOL Time Warner Bonuses Announced,” March 28].

It makes me feel that all our suffering is worthwhile. Now I feel good about the cutbacks we are facing. No overtime unless pre-approved (which it often isn’t). Sore neck? Sorry, can’t afford that headset for the phone you are on seven of your eight hours here. Hey, what’s that? That’s the new time clock to make sure they aren’t giving away one extra penny.

It is certainly inspiring me. In a creative field like TV, they want punch-the-clock-type people. Well, I am inspired to be just that mediocre.

ELAYNE TEITELBAUM

Sherman Oaks