On/Off The Record.

The record was a city newspaper pushed off the stands and into the web by the ever driving force of the free market - freedom. Bloggers churn out stories four times a day when the writers of yore would take 7 days just to make copy.

It's entirely one of those self-deprecating entries in which I write about the detriment of the ethereal essence of the art I pursue so longingly only to find myself standing in the middle of the battlefield with a toy horse, a plastic sword and a cop arresting me. My name is not Brian.

In my experience dealing with pseudo-professional(s) agencies(people) there is a sense of self-entitlement that begs the world to bow down before them. The intellectual climax that beginning reporters achieve when they first get asked to be spoken to "off the record" is only comparable to hitting that sweet note(spot). G. Perhaps the example is exemplified in those agencies providing a service for the community at large - like consulting or putting on a conference.

Ingredients for a facade of seriousness regarding diversity and a protected environment in which 4 different lettered diversities can thrive in. Speakers about diversity. Luncheon with professors. Students from 8 schools instilled with tradition brought together at the most social of their peers. Add to that a clever name involving a plant and you're done. All thats left is the planned debauchery of the night in which the masquerade type masks and naked pictures run wild.

I'm part of the broad umbrella described on applications as diversity. I'm proud of that. In the words of Caulfield's classmates - Digression!

Being on/off the record bothers me. Whatever happened to understanding context? To reading the subtle hints taught to us by years of conversations, small talk and society's norms? The rocket science handled by those dedicated to it  - psychologists, psychiatrists and other sickos - seems to be so specialized that everyone outside of that realm is completely incompetent.

I only ask for one things.

Read between the lines.