EDITOR'S COMMENT—JULY 2000
In my very first Editor's Comment way back in May of 1997, I told about a hotel that I regularly visited in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In my excitement to involve friends in my new adventure, I called to book reservations for a two-day stay and an on-site photo shoot of local tattooed people. When I explained my intent, the manager suggested I book accommodations elsewhere. "We'd rather not have tattooed people on the premises," she said.
The second example involved a photographer who did fabulous, dream-sequence photos. I though that her lush, hand-painted prints would establish a different look to the magazine, and offer an enterprising photographer like herself the perfect venue for experimentation. "Send me see a copy of your publication," she told me. I did, and, a few days later, got a note, saying, simply, "Not for me."
Screw 'em!
So, it is with utter amazement that I relate how times have changed over the last three years. It seems a well-respected, corporate leader visited my office the other day. He's the head honcho for a chain of upscale department stores. I must add that I often wear long-sleeved shirts to cover my Bob Roberts' skull and dagger when I deal with the more conservative members of the population. I see no reason to make them feel uncomfortable. Well, this day I forgot. I came to work in a short-sleeved Hawaiian number.
When this gentleman came into my office, I caught him looking at the Seth Ciferri flash, Sabado watercolor and Norman Rockwell print of "The Tattoo Artist" decorating my walls. I felt like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"Errrr, good morning," I said.
"Good morning," responded the executive. "You know, I have a tattoo."
"You do?"
"Yes, my youngest daughter died from an illness three years ago, and I have her name tattooed right here." He unbuttoned his shirt to show me the girl's name above his heart.
Well, that certainly twirled my tassels. I'll definitely think twice about getting that "Eat the Rich" tattoo on my hand next Tuesday.
—Bob Baxter, Editor in Chief