ADMIN: Pulled from the archives, see Actual Rough PDF after article

September is always an exciting month. Cooler weather is on the way, kissing goodbye to 90 degrees at midnight & simmering heat in 5 o’clock traffic. School is starting and forgetful drivers pick up expensive tabs in newly activated school zones. The new DSVC Board has been busy preparing for the first meeting of the year, always one of the best attended of the season. Chip Kidd packed them in this year, so to speak. I heard it was an SRO crowd, but I wouldn’t know because September is an exciting month for me for a much different reason: Burning Man. Read this month’s ROUGHAGE for the latest report.

I always enjoy, and respond to, ROUGH reader’s comments. I’d like to hear more. This month I’d like to share an email I received from Eric Whetstone about writer Aaron Barker’s interview with Chip Kidd in the September ROUGH. Check it out:

“Phil, First of all, I’d like to commend all of those involved with the inner-workings of the DSVC. As with all organizations, it is the few who serve the many... so my hat is off to you and the others who make this one of the country’s premier design/communications clubs. Now, why am I really writing you today? It’s because I have been hiding in the cellar too long, afraid of the shame and mistrust that may seek me out, should I admit to my true self. Alas, I can no longer hold it in... “I am a heterosexual – I like women.” I know that it borders on taboo in our industry to make a statement as brazen and forward as this, but it is my true identity. In fact, one aspect of our industry that I enjoy quite a bit is the babes that find their way into the design arena. You know the ones, with the majestic racks (fake, real, who cares) and firmly shaped buttocks. I live for that kind of thing. Yes, I should be ashamed of myself... but that is how I am wired, and I’m proud of it. What is my point? Well, honestly I’ve really heard/read enough about how ‘gay’ everybody is. The Aaron Barker interview with Chip Kidd (a talented designer, and interesting speaker) just belabored some aspects of the persona that I don’t really care to know about. I’m sure that it really is relevant to his background, and without that premise to base his story around he may seem somewhat nondescript, so I do see where it helps the presentation of the interview, however... If I was to speak at a DSVC meeting about how I was attracted to women (see above) the way the Barker/Kidd interview reads, I would probably be condemned – and rightfully so – by everyone in attendance... at least the women. Wouldn’t I? Maybe I’m old-fashioned, or maybe I just have class... let me know. Anyway, I just think that this era of ’raw’ interviews where body parts, bodily functions, and the Fword are all commonplace is belittling to our industry and the talented professionals who drive it. As always, feel free to bash me back, or just hit ‘delete’... and thanks for the ear (oops, body part, sorry.)”
- Eric Whetstone, Member since the ’80s

Eric, though your response is the first negative comment I’ve had on anything in the September issue of the ROUGH, I’m sure you’re not alone in your feelings and I appreciate the time you took to contact me. I have had several phone calls saying they loved the same article. This, in my opinion, tells me that we have a real magazine. Pros & cons, likes and dislikes. It’s like D.J. Stout once said in the May 2000 issue of ROUGH (referring to Texas Monthly), “If we’re not pissing somebody off every month, we’re not doing our job.”

Thank you for your long term support as a DSVC member and let’s go grab a beer sometime. I’ll buy.

PHIL HOLLENBECK,
ROUGH EDITOR &
TITTY BABY UNTIL I DIE.

Download October 2002 Rough