Dan: "I’m in no way hindering or otherwise limiting your career. I haven’t mentioned your name in a public social media setting in eight or more years. I wish you well. One day, after all of us are dead, I hope some grad student digs up your work. Your prolific body of work will be amazing and impressive. Your greatest contribution to art is how prolific you've been in music and fine art. It’s your collective body of work that will be your legacy, more than any one work or project."
Yeah, yeah, Bax. I hear you. But here's the thing—I'm still here, still kicking, still creating, and more importantly, I’m still hustling. I'm doing comic cons now with my books, for crying out loud! Without affording paints or a studio, I just create and, yes, journal in the process, like some Taylor Swift knockoff. (I can already hear you saying, "Ew!").
But you know, if you actually took the time to look at my books, you might find better ways to open doors for me. Hell, I'd like to get my old network back from the colony. It doesn’t look like it’s happening, though.
But here's where we get to the heart of things, Bax. You were on board with me once, right? Then one day, you called it "crazy talk," dropped me like a bad habit, and left me flailing. I think if we stay away from each other in person (because I know how easily annoyed you get), and just deal through Messenger, we could actually sell a lot of my books and art. You know my writings, you've seen the talent. Not everyone has been exposed to it like you have.
Let’s face it, we’re not Drake and Kendrick, okay? We don’t have to hate each other.
Bax: "I don’t hate you."
Well, cool then. Think about promoting the books. I know I’ve been known to irritate and embarrass you—and, let's be honest, we’re alike in a lot of ways, mostly the bad stuff. But, damn it, you’re getting over 300 likes on average posts where I’m barely scratching 20 with my best! The algorithm loves you, Steve! You’re better at this game than I am!
Bax: "300 is not much compared to the real players who get 3k."
Yeah, maybe. But come on, we know my work deserves better than that measly 20 likes! I’ve got graphic novels that could translate into screenplays. If you want to promote a movie, I can write one from these books—got As in screenwriting back in college, just saying. I don’t even use standard storytelling formats. You know that from reading my stuff. We could have the bomb art film of the decade. Just need a promoter like you to talk to people, open some doors. For now, we can start by selling the books.
I’ve been spamming everything I can, throwing anything out there, and it’s hurting my place in the algorithm. What do you think would be a better approach?
Bax: "Dan, people are afraid of you. Your art is good. More importantly, it’s interesting and unique. People are afraid to engage with you because they fear you’ll turn on them and make them your next victim. You seem to be in much better control of your emotions now, which is why I’m willing to engage with you. I tried downloading your book, but I wasn’t able to. I’m sorry."
The fear, Bax—that’s exactly what I’m fighting. When I lash out, people assume the worst, but if someone else does, it’s just chalked up to a bad day. Magoski really stirred up that fear among the colonists, playing the "crazy card" on me, making the fear even worse. Sure, I’ve written about people in a harsh light, and I know I need to stop. It’s not like it’s a national emergency, but the "crazy card" keeps getting played. I think you see through it, but you play that card too sometimes. Just read the books. That’s all I’m asking of you right now. The two you downloaded? Those are my best work.
At worst, I’ll annoy you. Maybe embarrass you. I know it's not a great excuse, but some days I just don’t have anything else to write about, and a juicy putdown can draw some attention.
And look, I hate to bring this up, but a lot of people were afraid of Kelly Thomas too, probably for the same reasons.
Now, let’s get back to business. What do you say? You’ve got the platform, I’ve got the content. Let’s make something happen.
That’s it, folks. Negotiations with Baxter are like trying to sell ice to an Eskimo who already owns a fridge. But we keep going
by Dan and Bonkers
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