Create a bad news message using this scenario:

Refusing a Request.

Editors of the monthly publication National Business have asked you, a consultant with Brandwise Solutions, to write a brief case study article for their magazine. In particular they are interested in your response to the rebranding of Goliath Groceries, Canadas fourth-largest supermarket chain, which commands a 14 per cent market share. Goliath has recently merged its distribution network, switched over to large-format stores, and repositioned itself as a whole foods and express foods retailer in order to gain a market niche distinct from recently arrived US rivals such as Stars and Stripes of Arkansas. Although you would like to offer your opinions on the subject, you fear a possible conflict of interest because your consulting firm advised on the branding and redesign of Goliaths low-price chain, Save-a-Buck. You are also scheduled to leave this evening for a three-month overseas consulting job. Write to the editors declining their request but leaving the door open for future writing opportunities.

Remember the 3-part construction. Include a subject line. Wordiness issues: /10 Grammar: /15 Provides Buffer: /5 Provides Matter-of-Fact Statement: /5 States Rationale/Reasons for Bad News clearly: /15 States/Infers Bad News: /15 Maintains positive mood/goodwill: /15 Closes conversation about Bad News, redirects if necessary: /10 Paragraphing and formatting matches appropriate business form: /10