Back in the 1970s, Charles Solomon wrote a column for ASIFA’s newsletter while I was editing it. His columns were usually love poems to European animators or classic US independents. One time, on a whim, he wrote a highly critical commentary on a new, non-Disney animated feature. For months afterwards, at ASIFA events, someone would tell Charles how much they loved his column. Charles would instantly start expounding on the artist he had discussed only to be cut off by the admirer who stated the one they “really loved” was the review where Charles really tore into the film, the creators, the artists, etc and told them what (as I recall one said); “What a piece of crap the whole production was”. Soon Charles’ columns and other writings began to take on a much more angry tone.

It is still true today. Michael Barrier, sometimes referred to as the man “who hates animation” because of his strong views, has a web page. I only see it referenced by other sites after he has a particularly critical point about a new film or creator. Same with “Ain’t it Cool”. I never here someone mention about a favorable comment on the site. But let it declare some new film is a piece of trash, and every site on the web has to give you link to the comment.

Even I have been affected. Since getting back into Apatoons, or perhaps just due to timing, I have found more time to write cranky editorials and letters about various topics. For some reason, now I am getting requests from sites and mags to do some additional writing. My years producing and writing were of little interest. But, hey, a guy who gripes about animation, now THAT’s something they want. A publisher and I were discussing a book for almost two years. It would have been a somewhat negative look at a particular topic. I finally found I did not have the energy for such a project and talked to them about a different book that had a similar premise, but was more of a “fun” spin. They said they were sorry I was no longer interested in the more intense approach on the subject. They also said the new book was not something they would be interested in. However, I’m still interested so I’m continuing on with it.

I know we live in a world of negative advertising and tabloid news. I know hit series are about watching people getting fired. (Hey, remember how a decade ago people laughed at those “wacky” Japanese game shows where they might put people in a pool with a shark. Boy, our TV folks had a field day ripping on how idiotic those Japanese contestants and viewers were.) It just seems we are once again splitting between those who want all the good or all the bad. Balance doesn’t seem to exist anymore. Heck, we don’t even have balanced diets - we have Atkins.