Rich found this great article on the Business Wire talking about getting paid extra to not call in sick and of seeing Star Wars:

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2002--There might be a virus going around workplaces on Thursday, May 16, 2002.

This virus is not a computer virus that infects files but the "Star Wars" virus that might make some tech employees call in sick to see the first day screening of Star Wars Episode II.

One Internet business, Goink.com (www.GOINK.com), pronounced Go-Ink, is offering all employees time and a half to come in to work Thursday, May 16.

"The hope is that we can basically bribe our employees to come into work and wait to see Star Wars this week," said Sarah Royer, the head Goink. Goink.com is one of the largest online inkjet and printer wholesale businesses online and currently ships out hundreds of packages each day across the United States.

"The policy of Goink.com is to ship out packages the same day. Customers also receive tracking codes for their order the same day. With a staff that loves high tech and have been looking forward to the Star Wars premier, we are hope they show up."

When Royer was asked what would happen if they are short handed she replied, "The management will be working back in shipping handling the orders. This is something we have not done since Goink.com was founded in a 300-square-foot office with four people." She added, "May the Force be with us."