Possibly not spam ramblings and links from the edge of the universe

25Aug/090

Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock

Posted by dlz

I think I'll just leave this here...

GO!

Books about Evanescence,
Are not punk rock!
Guns & Roses watches,
Are not punk rock!
Hello Kitty iPod cases,
Are not punk rock!
Rob Zombie lunch boxes,
Are not punk rock!
Slipknot binder paper,
Is not punk rock!
Tinkerbell pillow cases,
Are not punk rock!
Led Zeppelin air fresheners,
Are not punk rock!
Tupac incense burners,
Are not punk rock!

Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!

Misfits candle tins,
Are not punk rock!
ICP throw blankets,
Are not punk rock!
Beaded Elvis curtains,
Are not punk rock!
Talking Lambchop plush dolls,
Are not punk rock!
AC/DC hair clips,
Are not punk rock!
Spongebob wristbands,
Are not punk rock!
Sex Pistols boxer shorts,
Are not punk rock!
Dischord back catalog,
Okay. Maybe that's punk rock.

Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!
Hot Topic is not punk rock!

Hot Topic is a contrived identification with youth subcultures to manufacture an anti-authoritarian identity and make millions.
The $8 you paid for the Mudvayne poster would be better spent used to see your brother's friend's band.

DIY ethics are punk rock.
Starting your own label is punk rock.
G.G. Allin was punk rock.

But when a crass corporate vulture feeds on mass-consumer culture,
this spending mommy's money is not punk rock!

Lyrics by Mc Lars (Andrew Nielsen)

30Jul/090

Free is good, but…

Posted by dracoling

Many people think of the internet as the ultimate  "Land of the Free". Free software; free services; free everything. Few people stop to consider, "what does that mean for those who take their time and skills to create that which I consume freely?"

When I was younger, I simply took. And signed up. And downloaded. And got everything I possibly could. For free. Every site; every program. The free one was always the one I wanted. At the time this was the rule; if only because I didn't have any money, so I couldn't buy anything.

Now that I'm older and slightly more experienced, with a greater income line matched only by a greater expense line (and only more wealthy in that more money runs away from me every month,  so I guess that at least one line of the spreadsheet suggests I have more than I used to) I have begun making efforts to support those who make the free stuff that I enjoy most.

I appreciate their effort and can releate to the non-monetary expenses required to create something and allow others take it, use it, view it, share it with others, and even make parts or all of it their own. In addition to helping with the bottom line where I can, I would like to highlight the efforts of some of my favorite developers, artists, and writers, here on these pages. My hope is that I can share their work with our readers, so that maybe they all can enjoy and one day help to support these creators, themselves.

"I will give you my sword, and together we may fight and die. Or I can raise, for you, an army. And together we may all fight and live." - Anonymous