Indie, you're a freakin inspiration whichever part of the world you live in. When I finally sort out my trip to Egypt I'm going to get extra luggage and bring all the gear I can fit! xx
Hahaha i read these articles ALL the time and am always amazed at how well i can relate....well, for this one, i was ACTUALLY there trying out, watching you run into walls and trying not to giggle!!! And also trying not to be TOO intimidated by my now derby wife's awesome east coast derby transfer skills...and making fun of Donut for wearing khakis!!! this is awesome, way to go Toni!!!! (i don't think Skateland smells like cinnamon gum anymore...at least not when i go there...it usually smells like sweaty derby boys when i go now ;) Finally, my deepest apologies for any spelling and grammar mistakes...typed this out on my phone and this site isn't very phone friendly (or i was just lazy and didn't try very hard )
I personally feel awful hearing the name Ray Pugh. I feel that it feeds into rape culture, as a few have said in these comments, and that the defence that it's a reference to gamer culture does it no favours. Using the term 'rape' in a gaming context as you suggest is offensive to me. I am not and hope to never be the victim of rape or serious sexual assault, but I still find it offensive. I am sure that the friends you have in your community know you and trust you but to me, seeing a name that does appear to make light of something so horrific and personal, it makes me wonder how much light you would make of it if a friend of yours was groped in a bar, or catcalled on the street. Or if a friend of yours was doing the groping or catcalling. Saying that it is "a psychological joke aimed towards the men i share the track with" feeds into this macho pack mentality that perpetuates rape culture.
I don't think people should be banned from using the word "rape." The level of humour and of offensiveness really depend on the context. . Saying you're going to rape someone isn't a cleverly funny joke, its an easy shock tactic.
I checked it out and put in the specs I currently enjoy using but didn't see my wheels on the list. I use faster wheels just now (wide faster grips on the lite hub) and love them, they are derby owned and have increased their wheel options too to include narrower and more duro options. I feel they should be added. The sliders are a great thing too so think it is a good tool - would be great with other wheels added, I would say add some of the hockey wheels and maybe dance wheels that are out there too as some skater love super narrow wheels and they can be significantly less expensive than some derby marketed wheels.
I just wrote this reply that said exactly what I wanted it to. And then it deleted itself.
The general gist was such:
I love reading about the behind the scenes stuff and I know from past experiences that dealing with large corporations isn't as ruining to our "industry" as often people make it out to be. I'm thrilled to hear that Fremantle Media are adapting, a skill so often overlooked in entertainment media companies these days.
The second bit of my comment was regarding "how much these skaters are getting paid". I can feel contented that GGRD and LADD and all involved have reached an equitable agreement for their participation - they (and Fremantle Media) have found value in their involvement. Why would someone be involved if they weren't getting something back. I don't just mean dollars, I mean real value. This is, even at its base level of two awesome leagues skating against each other, SO HUGE for us and even huge for an American who would likely never get to Australia without RDX.
Also, I have never thought it appropriate to ask someone's income, especially of people I've never met. I find it divisive to expect those kind of details from skaters, organisers etc. I feel value from my experience already in that I will meet and be trained by the world's best on a track I've never experienced. My league has gained hugely from a Page 3 half-page article, other local media coverage, physical presence at our recent bout and monetary donations from tickets sold. The buzz is massive locally. The skaters in my league are proud to be part of something this big with myself, DangeRass, Godjilla*, Babycakes and Brigand Strong being chosen to represent at the bootcamp and will continue to gain as my teammates coach everything we learn.
What an awesome opportunity for the skaters from Australia who get to join LADD and Gotham on the banked track! So cool and I'm so jealous. Also good on Fremantle for involving local derby, or so it sounds. I'm really curious to see how this works out and hope good things come from it for all of derby!
I'm curious about finances in all of this. I'm assuming the LADD and Gotham ladies are having travel/per diem expenses covered of course, but are they getting any other payment/compensation from Fremantle or any part of the money RDX could possibly be making? And what about the Australian skaters joining them? Just wondering - you can't be part of a derby league and not wonder about cash and bouts. Force of habit!
Indie, you're a freakin inspiration whichever part of the world you live in. When I finally sort out my trip to Egypt I'm going to get extra luggage and bring all the gear I can fit! xx
You got it so right. Enjoy your top 10 every time.
Ah the smell of Skateland....
What a great article, Toni! Looking forward to more :)
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Hahaha i read these articles ALL the time and am always amazed at how well i can relate....well, for this one, i was ACTUALLY there trying out, watching you run into walls and trying not to giggle!!! And also trying not to be TOO intimidated by my now derby wife's awesome east coast derby transfer skills...and making fun of Donut for wearing khakis!!! this is awesome, way to go Toni!!!! (i don't think Skateland smells like cinnamon gum anymore...at least not when i go there...it usually smells like sweaty derby boys when i go now ;) Finally, my deepest apologies for any spelling and grammar mistakes...typed this out on my phone and this site isn't very phone friendly (or i was just lazy and didn't try very hard )
really, its true! voted!
I personally feel awful hearing the name Ray Pugh. I feel that it feeds into rape culture, as a few have said in these comments, and that the defence that it's a reference to gamer culture does it no favours. Using the term 'rape' in a gaming context as you suggest is offensive to me. I am not and hope to never be the victim of rape or serious sexual assault, but I still find it offensive. I am sure that the friends you have in your community know you and trust you but to me, seeing a name that does appear to make light of something so horrific and personal, it makes me wonder how much light you would make of it if a friend of yours was groped in a bar, or catcalled on the street. Or if a friend of yours was doing the groping or catcalling. Saying that it is "a psychological joke aimed towards the men i share the track with" feeds into this macho pack mentality that perpetuates rape culture.
I don't think people should be banned from using the word "rape." The level of humour and of offensiveness really depend on the context. . Saying you're going to rape someone isn't a cleverly funny joke, its an easy shock tactic.
Here is a comic that relates to the use of such terminology in gaming: http://bechillcomedian.tumblr.com/post/34753146008/reblog-my-comic-about...
And here is a brilliant article entitled How To Make A Rape Joke:
http://jezebel.com/5925186/how-to-make-a-rape-joke
I agree with (I think it was) Grace Killy - Anyone can pick an offensive name but don't be shocked and appalled when people take offense.
I checked it out and put in the specs I currently enjoy using but didn't see my wheels on the list. I use faster wheels just now (wide faster grips on the lite hub) and love them, they are derby owned and have increased their wheel options too to include narrower and more duro options. I feel they should be added. The sliders are a great thing too so think it is a good tool - would be great with other wheels added, I would say add some of the hockey wheels and maybe dance wheels that are out there too as some skater love super narrow wheels and they can be significantly less expensive than some derby marketed wheels.
I just wrote this reply that said exactly what I wanted it to. And then it deleted itself.
The general gist was such:
I love reading about the behind the scenes stuff and I know from past experiences that dealing with large corporations isn't as ruining to our "industry" as often people make it out to be. I'm thrilled to hear that Fremantle Media are adapting, a skill so often overlooked in entertainment media companies these days.
The second bit of my comment was regarding "how much these skaters are getting paid". I can feel contented that GGRD and LADD and all involved have reached an equitable agreement for their participation - they (and Fremantle Media) have found value in their involvement. Why would someone be involved if they weren't getting something back. I don't just mean dollars, I mean real value. This is, even at its base level of two awesome leagues skating against each other, SO HUGE for us and even huge for an American who would likely never get to Australia without RDX.
Also, I have never thought it appropriate to ask someone's income, especially of people I've never met. I find it divisive to expect those kind of details from skaters, organisers etc. I feel value from my experience already in that I will meet and be trained by the world's best on a track I've never experienced. My league has gained hugely from a Page 3 half-page article, other local media coverage, physical presence at our recent bout and monetary donations from tickets sold. The buzz is massive locally. The skaters in my league are proud to be part of something this big with myself, DangeRass, Godjilla*, Babycakes and Brigand Strong being chosen to represent at the bootcamp and will continue to gain as my teammates coach everything we learn.
What an awesome opportunity for the skaters from Australia who get to join LADD and Gotham on the banked track! So cool and I'm so jealous. Also good on Fremantle for involving local derby, or so it sounds. I'm really curious to see how this works out and hope good things come from it for all of derby!
I'm curious about finances in all of this. I'm assuming the LADD and Gotham ladies are having travel/per diem expenses covered of course, but are they getting any other payment/compensation from Fremantle or any part of the money RDX could possibly be making? And what about the Australian skaters joining them? Just wondering - you can't be part of a derby league and not wonder about cash and bouts. Force of habit!
I love your guts out Bam and can't wait to see the beast in action.
This is crazy helpful! Thank you much.
Great stuff, each of your top ten brings a good chuckle...And Laugh! Keep it up.
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