Sell outs

I've been thinking about one of the interviews I went through (and there were several) for my current job. The fact that until quite recently I played in a punk band came up in one of the conversations I had with the upper brass.

It was a funny thing. They knew that the band I was in is going to be signed and one of them asked if I was really giving up on the dream of being a rock star in order to pursue the far less glamorous life of a journalist, and in this case, the even less glamorous life of middle management. Of course I don't think they understand that underground rock stardom rarely pays more than street cred. I think ramen is the official food of The Warped Tour. If it's not it should be.

Anyway, I thought about it very briefly and responded that in punk rock (no matter what variety of it you are into) the worst thing a person can do is sell out. The same thing holds true for journalism. The worst thing you can do is sell out. I could make more money doing something else but I don't work for the money. I work because I still believe that what I do is important. If I were a wedding photographer or PR person, for example, my financial situation would be remarkably better. But I'd be a traitor.

I believe good journalism helps people. I believe it's important to use my talents and skills to help people. So this job is a good fit for me.

I really can't say why I put a Pogues video with this post. No matter really. I love The Pogues. Shane MacGowan (he's the one with the teeth) is brilliant. He doesn't look brilliant, but he is.