Needled To the Editor, Regarding Mari Wadsworth's very biased article, "Skin-Dig" (Tucson Weekly, May 2) concerning the National Tattoo Convention: Your paper had an opportunity to cover a very fascinating important event, not only to the tattooed public, but to those less-educated on the subject. Instead of a story on the convention or the intricacies of the world of tattooing, we got instead "The World According to Earl Kaufmann," along with some very condescending commentary about the event and its organizers. The National Tattoo Association may be a "professional society," but it is hardly "elitist." The fact that Kaufmann was not welcome onto the floor of the convention has nothing to do with a violation of his First Amendment rights, which he is well aware of. There are certain requirements for membership and attendance at an event of this caliber, which have always been adhered to by those who take it seriously. Over-the-top piercings and facial tattoos aside, Kaufmann is not the first person to be turned away. Plainly stated, Earl Kaufmann made a damn fool of himself. Instead of being dignified about it when he couldn't bully his way in, he spent the remainder of the time drinking heavily and crying to anyone who would listen, which the writer of this article obviously did. There are many facets to the convention which Wadsworth did not address, which was very irresponsible on her part and on the part of The Weekly. If anything, it seems that The Weekly has become a very elitist forum for anyone who chooses to see the world their own way. Perhaps Wadsworth should have interviewed more of the local talent, as Kaufmann is not the only--nor the most reliable--source of information in this diverse field. The NTA and the convention provide the public and the professional with a chance to see what is new in the field, to appreciate and acknowledge each other's work, and to educate about the newest technologies and advancements. All of this ensures the continued quality, safety, and growth of tattooing as a whole. A certain amount of respectability is required if anyone in this business is to be taken seriously. Kaufmann's only angle seems to be his own aggrandizement. Wadsworth's angle seems to be about discrediting this event and its organizers, including the Enchanted Dragon. The Enchanted Dragon, along with the NTA and other volunteers, worked very hard to bring this event to Tucson. We hosted the show and not one word was mentioned about it, other than that an incorrect caption below the photo of Sue Hammond's back. Sue did not walk away with the "Best of Show," but won "Best Large Female Tattoo" and "Best Overall Female." It was a show of blatant disrespect for the good work done by the Enchanted Dragon. We brought this show here in the spirit of professionalism and for the love of the art. Kaufmann, Wadsworth, and The Weekly have insulted the intelligence of their readers, tattooed and otherwise. --Glen R. Tackett Owner/President Enchanted Dragon, Inc. To the Editor, Regarding "Skin-Dig" (Tucson Weekly, May 2): Thank you for the coverage of the national tattoo convention, recently held here in Tucson. The photos were professional and of good quality. The Convention itself offered all artists a chance to interact and share knowledge acquired through experience. What else is a convention for? Anyone even remotely associated with this art form would have been impressed with the attendance list. A number of the artists in attendance have worked in the business for more than a decade, with the ability to prove their work history. This would include a select few that are in our town, some with 20 or more years of experience. These people have captured the eyes of the world at numerous other conventions held worldwide, as well as winning awards. It seems a shame that none of these home-grown talents were interviewed! Considering the amount of sensationalism the public is encouraged to choke down every day, I was surprised to hear of only one rumor committed to print in this article. Unfounded claims of ostracism (especially those based on lack of experience and information) are sure to jerk a few tears from the easily impressed. The professional working artists who chose to interact and share compliments as well as criticisms in an open forum all took advantage of a perfect opportunity to expand their knowledge. The ostracism we were informed of was totally self-inflicted. The supposed recipient would probably find it hard to convince those in business, who have actually worked a decade or more at their art, that he would be their peer. The tattoo community is close-knit. People who have chosen this art form for a career have usually apprenticed and humbled themselves enough to learn. In this process individuals are exposed to other artists and apprentices, so a convention is like a class reunion of old friends. As in everything, the proof is in the pudding. If you are considering a tattoo, ask to see the photos, ask about experience. Look at magazines. The caliber of work should be competitive, if not better, than the photos published. --Todd M. Evans Big Brother Tattoo Congrats To the Editor, Regarding your announcement of the results of the Arizona Press Club awards, the largest statewide journalism competition: What a hoot! Jim Nintzel is "balanced," "independent," and "delivers both sides." Jim Nintzel? Good old Blimpy Jim! Oh, I see. One judge is from the Washington Post, that bastion of independence and balance. Then there's a guy from the West Austin News, and one from the Anchorage News. Big-time journalists, both. And, of course, Danehy gets an award for an attack on Pat Buchanan, an extreme right-winger, and there's another dig at Fife Symington, another target to the right of center. Sure, fellas, we are balanced and fair and very politically correct. --Doug Fulton Jim Nintzel replies: Doug, you're absolutely right! Next year, you get to judge the contest! And if I'm blimpy, what's that make Rush? We Want Letters! Thrilled by our brilliant insights? Sick of our mean-spirited attacks? Need to make something perfectly clear? Write: tucsonweekly@tucsonweekly.com

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