Hi-tech tools such as modems, e-mail and cellular phones enable employees to do much of their work at home. But many employees feel a subtle or overt pressure to intensify "face time" — the time, productive or not, that they're seen at the office.

John and Heather duly dispatched their pictures, both of which showed pleasant, open, plumpish faces. Both liked what they saw, but there still remained the underlying worry that neither might be the person they said they were. It was not until eight months after they first made computer contact that the couple finally secured what is termed "face time" — a meeting in person.

The President himself drops by the White House press room to announce or call attention to events that reflect favorably on the administration, thus guaranteeing himself a few precious seconds of 'face time’ on the evening TV news.