Don't Forget About The Little People

Our fledgling company hasn't had it's second birthday and we've already seen the uglier side of the business. Saying that we're in the business is a little bit of a stretch, since we haven't even gotten our feet wet but it doesn't mean that we aren't effected by the industry matters.

Since the economic downturn, things haven't been the best in any industry and the same goes for the little guys, like us, as it is for the big boys. This is what we love to do. Art and fashion, and if we can make enough dough to allow us to keep making shirts for one more day, that is all we require. But, when the squabbles of the few, effect the many, that's when the sweet turns sour.

Rogue Squirrel was supposed to be in Virginia Beach right now, selling shirts and spreading the word. Instead I'm writing this from home, and the other guys have had to make other plans. I won't get into the specifics, but this is selfish, childish behavior at it's worst. Repeat after me, "it's not about you, it's about them." Especially when 'them' refers to vendors, performers and attendees. That's all I'm going to say about that. Just think about everyone else involved before taking matters into your own hands, when things don't go your way. Now, we aren't making money. No money, no shirts, no happy happy.

How I feel can best be described by Norm MacDonald, from the movie "Dirty Work". In this scene Norm's character has been the victim of a rather hilarious prison rape.

"You fellas have a lot of growing up to do, I'll tell you that! Ridiculous, completely ridiculous. Can you believe these characters? Way outta line, way outta line! I've gotta a good mind to go to the warden about this. You know what hurts the most is the lack of respect. You know? That's what hurts the most. Except, except for the other thing. That hurts the most, but the lack of respect, hurts the second most. Ridiculous!"

To tribute, or not to tribute...

It's ok to come out with a shirt, showing appreciation to Michael. Your own memorial to the King of Pop. But, it also sucks.

It's kind of a catch 22. You don't want to, not offer your appreciation, and you don't want to be seen as a fair weather fan. Remembering good, profiting from the death of a person, bad. The whole world has to answer right now just to tell you once again, who's bad. Now that, my dear reader, is bad.

The thing is, Michael Jackson is timeless. I am personally against releasing a commemorative t-shirt even though we have in the past. Sean Taylor was different. We used the profits to donate to Joe Gibbs: Youth for Tomorrow, and the Sean Taylor Memorial Fund. This all sounds very, "holier than thou", but what can I say.

I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna go listen to some Michael, get a blank t-shirt, and drench the fabric with my tears. Then I'll sell it as a commemorative shirt. Boogers and all.

Peace Mike, we will miss ye.