The story would have ended there had it not been for an expose in The New York Times in December 2003. The Times reporter painted a dismal picture of working conditions at the Kin Ki factory that manufactured the Etch-A-Sketch. According to official Kin Ki publications
Workers at Kin Ki make a decent salary, rarely work nights or weekends, and often "hang out along the streets, playing Ping Pong and watching TV" They all have work contracts, pensions, and medical benefits. The factory canteen offers tasty food The dormitories are comfortable.