All Apologies

Here at OFF Magazine, we know we don't make everyone happy.

What was it Abe Lincoln said ... I can't remember right now, but you get the picture.

But sometimes we make people downright mad. I can tell you for sure, it's never intentional, but our writing can sometimes be misinterpreted as an attack.

An example: two issues ago, way back in February, OFF's very own Richard Cason attended two different mixed martial arts events in Cape. He then wrote about them in his own Richard Cason style -- exaggerated and humorous, sparing no one the wrath of his wit. One of these events was at the Cape Eagles Club, where Cason actually had a VIP ticket that included dinner, drinks, the whole works.

When Richard sat down to type his piece, what came out was in typical Cason style. He bagged on the organizers, of both events, and he spit directly in the face of the people at the Eagles who prepared his food and drink. Needless to say, they weren't happy.

Many of the Eagles worked very hard on the event that night, and when they read what Cason wrote, they were angry enough to give me a call about our little publication. Who knew so many people paid attention?

Now, to the point -- I'm writing here to let anyone affiliated with the Eagles whom we have offended know that it was all in fun, however misguided. Cason's style is a little cynical, a little over-the-top, a little stretching the truth. While Cason's writing does appear next to more traditional journalistic style, his style is not. The guy is a comedian, not a reporter, and his main goal is to make his writing funny, facts be damned. That's exactly why we have Cason writing for this publication -- his stuff is different.

To the Eagles: what Cason wrote was simply a joke. He was going for a few chuckles, and like most comedians, he often gets those chuckles at the expense of others. We're sorry his writing offended you, and I take the responsibility for allowing his words into print. I simply didn't realize so many people would take what he wrote so seriously.

So again, we apologize, sincerely. The last thing we want to do at OFF is to turn potential readers away. We are a magazine, and readership is the name of the game. If you're an Eagle, and you no longer care to read OFF, we understand. Just know we are sorry, and it was all a joke (maybe not a very tasteful one, but a joke nonetheless).

And with that said, check out our panel's picks for the best guitarists in Cape on page 10. These guys are just a part of what makes Cape's local, live music worth listening to and watching. And if you have an opinion, e-mail me. We want your letters. Who do you think should have been featured as a great Cape guitarist?

Now, here's OFF.

Matt Sanders, editor of OFF Magazine, enjoys contemplating the deeper meaning behind Beavis and Butthead while listening to ABBA.