Commentary: I'm disgusted with the horror community...

This was my first post after the Wolf Pack took over the running of Robert's blog....

Commentary: I'm disgusted with the horror community...

By William Pattison, aka Eric Morse

For Horror Bob Blog

 

I have to say, people, that as much as I love horror I'm disgusted with the horror community....

I know what your reaction is going to be...What's up your ass now??? Here is the thing, it seems to me that people in the horror community have the attitude that if you don't go to a half dozen conventions a year and fill your Facebook profile with pics of you standing around with horror celebrities you are a nobody in this community. It doesn't matter if you made an impact in this genre or if you step up and help people without hesitation and give 120%. Unless you are a member of the elitist inner circle you don't mean a thing...

Oh fucking, God, you say, here he goes again. Yes I am. A couple days ago on the messageboard, From Dusk Till Con, I was informed that I'm nothing but a cheap fan fiction writer who runs a cheap public access podcast and that I'm being stupid to expect anyone to have me as a guest at their convention. Hell, for the past six months I've been practically begging podcast and horror magazines (including Fangoria) to interview me. I want to talk about my books, especially my web published book I put out for free for the fans, but all I hear is crickets and silence.

I have to say I hate hypocrisy. The majority of us horror fans have always been treated like trash by the outside world. When I was a kid I was literally beaten down by the kids in school because I was one of those horror/sci fi geeks. In one instance a group of kids laughed at me as they broke two of my fingers. Now, I've noticed the same arrogant us and them attitude among members of the horror community. It's like if you don't hang out with this group at conventions or you don't belong to these organizations you are trash. These people get the red carpet thrown out to them by convention organizers. They only have to ask to do podcasts and magazine articles. It's not that these people have made any bigger impact on the horror genre then say me or Victor Miller, it's just that they are part of this high school mentality social political crapfest that has contaminated our community. It makes people like Victor and I literally get treated like beggers with bowls when it comes to conventions or just trying to promote ourselves in this community. It doesn't matter that I wrote the first original novels based on a slasher franchise, or that Victor wrote the script that started the F13 franchise...we are not in their select social group, thus we are considered inferior.

This has royally gotten to me the last few months. Being shit on by Reyna Young for the only North California horror convention has just brought it to a head.

Last month I got so depressed that I nearly pulled a Dark Spider and walked away from the horror community and the social community in general. You can take only so many beat downs before it starts to take it's toll. But then I got mad and changed my mind. To fucking hell with these hypocritical jackasses. Why should I have to give up the thing I love and walk away to die. I have as much right to be able to do conventions and promote myself...screw them...I bellowed within.

So, here is the thing...why am I calling members of the horror community hypocrites??? Here is my answer we are a community of people who were treated like shit, beaten down, and called inferior by non-horror fans for our love of this genre...Why the fuck are we doing this shit to our own. What arrogance drives this crap??? The people copping this attitude should be ashamed.

My dear friend April and JimmyO Burril said in an interview the one thing they love about the horror community is that they help and support their own. I wish it was true.

I will say this, I have supported anyone who has come and asked me for help. If they wanted to promote their film, project, or event I would not only have them on my show, I'd post on Facebook and open threads on messageboards to help them. This is not going to change with me. This is who I am. It's just I wish my fellows in this community would do me that same respect back. It's like what John Rambo said in Rambo Part 2 when Troughtman said that John shouldn't hate America. John said, "Hate it? I'd die for it. I want what they want and any man who gave his all and spilt his guts for his country wants. For his country to love us as much as we love it...That's what I want..." Enough said...

Robert

 This was actually written four days after Robert died. Jennifer had me help her write this because isn't much of a write, you can tell from her posts on Facebook....

Robert

By Jennifer Masters, with the help of William Pattison

For Horror Bob's Blog

This is Robert's wife Jennifer. I'm so sorry to tell you that Robert died January 12th. He started having chest pains and I called the ambulance. He died a little bit after he arrived at the hospital.
Robert didn't have a lot of friends. After he had to close the video store he was left pretty much alone, since most of the people he talked to were customers.
I know he would like me to tell all of you what a joy it was for him to come on here and chat with all of you. Thank you for making he last months happy.

I plan to post his last two interviews. Robert’s friend William Pattison is helping me, since I don’t know the computer very well.

Hero

I have to say I was blown away when Robert informed me that he had written this. It was because of this writing that Robert ended up interviewing The Eye...

HERO

By Robert "Horror Bob" Masters

For Horror Bob's Blog

When I went to surprise my new friend and my first interview on my blog, William Pattison, known to Friday the 13^th fans as Eric Morse, for lunch I didn’t realize it would be so inspiring and eye opening.

I arrived around eleven-thirty in the morning at the San Mateo County Assessor/Recorder Office, where William works as a foreclosure journalist, which means he sits in front of a county computer and types the information from the Notices of Trustee Sales and assessor information into his laptop to be used to create a newsletter for foreclosure investors. I asked a very nice lady at the front desk if she knew William. She immediately pointed at a row of small cubicles, each with a computer in them. William was on the opposite side from me. I could see his tan hat with the words “DOCUMENT JOURNALIST” in dark blue letters peeking up from behind the cubicle wall.

I went around the cubicle and tapped William on his shoulder and said hello. He looked up at me and I noticed he had earphones on. He took off his hat and pulled off his ear phones. I noticed he had a peach fuzz amount of white hair on his head, which he’d shaved it a couple weeks before. He asked if he could help me. I introduced myself and he was surprised. I guess he doesn’t get very many guests at the office. I invited him to go out to lunch, realizing he might not be able to take the time away from his work. He smiled and said it would be his pleasure; the only thing was he was limited in funds. I told him lunch was on me.

Before we left the office, William introduced me to the lady in the cubicle on the other side of him. The lady’s name was Amy and she is the publisher of the newsletter William does the research for. She was very nice and told us to have a good time.

As we were leaving the office asked William for a suggestion on where we could go. He initially suggested Subway; I told him we could do better than that. He suggested a sandwich shop he knew called Sandwich Spot. Funny enough it was near the Subway. We actually enter to restaurant from the back door. William said it was the way all the cool people went.

Upon entering the establishment there was a blare of rock and roll music. This sub shop must be extremely popular because it was loaded. There was a line that started nearly at the entrance. I suggested we go somewhere else, but William assured me that we wouldn’t be waiting too long. I was surprised to find he was right. Amazingly enough we ordered and paid for our food within ten minutes. We ended up sitting outside in a courtyard area. Though it was cold outside the sub shop had heating unites outside so it was fairly comfortable. Our sandwiches came rather quickly after. These were wonderful sandwiches. We both had the same thing, a sandwich called The Manwich. They had pastrami, roast beef, turkey, and salami.

As we ate we talked horror. William has a wonderful knowledge of classic horror. We talked about Universal horror films and Hammer. We even chatted briefly about an old Amegus film we both enjoyed but has become a lost treasure, The Asphyx.

It was around this time that an event happened that totally changed the flavor of our luncheon.

A woman and her mother entered the sandwich shop. The woman who had at one time been very attractive now had a scar across her face. William immediately recognized her. He excused himself and went over to her. I followed close behind because I knew something was up.

William greeted the woman and asked her if she was all right. The woman looked at him quizzically and asked if she knew him. He informed her that he was the one who saved her life. She looked at him surprised and then she hugged him. I was amazed.

William explained to me that a few weeks ago he had been out to get food for him and his sister when he had come upon the woman, whose name we found out was Guadalupe, and her husband fighting. Her husband pulled a razor blade knife and slashed her face with it. William interceded and had to hit Guadalupe’s husband in the head with a garbage can to stop his attack on her. Guadalupe had run away from the scene and her husband had also fled in the opposite direction. According to Guadalupe she ran to her mother’s house. Her mother rushed her to the emergency and the police were informed. With tears in her eyes, Guadalupe informed us that she had just been to her doctor and that he had informed her that she was going to have a permanent scar across her face.

According to Guadalupe her husband attacked her because he thought she had been out with another man. In fact she had been at her mother’s house. According to Guadalupe her husband is now in custody and is awaiting trial for attempted murder.

William gave her one of his business cards and told her if she needed him to testify he’d be more than happy to. Guadalupe’s mother, Mrs. Gonzales, was in tears the whole time William and her daughter were relaying the story to me. Mrs. Gonzales also prayed and asked the Virgin Mary to bless William for what he did for her daughter.

After, William offered Guadalupe and her mother lunch. Guadalupe told him he’d done enough for her, but he insisted. I was completely amazed.

After we said our goodbyes to Guadalupe and her mother I escorted William back to the recorder’s office. On the way, we talked. I asked him why he insisted on buying the ladies lunch. He said that he just felt he had to. I reminded him that he had said he was limited on funds. He told me he realized that, but he still had to do it. I asked him why. He said because that is just who he is, like risking his life for a complete stranger. He told me his co-workers, who had been away from the office when I came, would call him completely nuts. He said they’d have compared this situation to him helping a lady he’d become close to at a coffee bar he had frequented. The lady in that situation had ended up playing him and backstabbing him. William’s co-workers had rubbed his nose in it and told him that he deserved what he had gotten Though William did indeed regretted what he did for that woman, he even got a tattoo to remind him of the situation, he knew he really couldn’t have done anything different. When I asked why, he said once again that that was just who he is.

After leaving William at the recorder’s office I was excited to get home and write about this experience. I realized I had been privileged to see a part of William Pattison few people have seen and even fewer have understood. I understand and I feel honored to be able to know him.

Now, with that said, I have to say that I originally planned to interview actress Michelle Shields next in order to get her side of why she ended her friendship with William. After spending this time with William along with reading what Michelle Shields wrote on her profile, and in her posts on that picture from Days of the Dead, I have decided I won’t do that. I will not give that woman another opportunity to make excuses and lie at William’s expense. It would be an insult to the wonderful things this man has done. The way Michelle Shields paints William Pattison is a far cry from who he truly is. William is not a degenerate or a woman hating sadist. He is also not sick or delusional, nor is he a liar.

If anything it is clear to me that it is Michelle Shields who is an egotistical opportunist who manipulates and lies to aggrandize herself at others expense. In my 70 years I’ve known a number of actresses, Betty Davis and Loren Bacall, just to name a couple, and I have to say Michelle Shields is an insult to the name of actress. The actresses I’ve know have something this spoiled, self absorbed, poser doesn’t, that is class.

William is a hero and deserves better than lies and insults. This incident was not the first. William has helped, and even saved, the lives of a number of people. That rotten bitch Michelle Shields should be ashamed of herself. She has the nerve to parade around costumed up as a hero, yet she bashes the real thing. That totally disgusts me. My wife, Jennifer, who is standing beside me as I write these words, agrees with me.

Before I said my goodbyes to William he told me something very comforting. He said that there are real costumed crime fighters, like Batman or Green Hornet, out in the world. He said he knows one of them, and is in contact with others. He said that there are people who do risk their lives to protect people and ask for nothing in return. That is truly a comforting thought.

Interview with Wayne "Count6String" Goulden

Here is the last interview Robert did before his death....

Interview with Wayne "Count6String" Goulden

By Robert "Horror Bob" Masters

For Horror Bob's Blog

For my interview this time I have the pleasure of having a very talented musician and internet radio personality, Wayne “Count6String” Goulden.

Horror Bob: Welcome, Mr. Goulden.

Count6String:  Hello everyone! I am Wayne "Count6string" Goulden, I am a song writer/performer and internet personality. I also composed the score for the Derek Young film..."Midnight Matinee Psycho". Thank you for having me, I am happy to answer all your questions.

Horror Bob: I’ll start with your musical work. What got you interested in music?

Count6String:  I grew up always loving music. But, the first time I heard the late great Randy Rhoads play, I knew this is what I wanted to do. The way he played and the sound that came out were unbelievable! He had so much talent, it is such a shame we lost him so soon. I like his early work with Quiet Riot and his work with Ozzy speaks for itself. A true legend... who is truly missed. Around the same time, I also loved the drums. The church where I went to Sunday school, had an old drum set in the basement. They let me play it. After a while, they let me bring the kit upstairs, to play for everyone.

Horror Bob: What performers and bands inspired you?

Count6String:  Besides Randy, a huge influence on me was Def Leppard and Alice Cooper. These guys are my heroes, I thank them for all their inspiration. Other influances include, Metallica, Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Ratt and Kix. Even bands like Genesis and Survivor. I like a wide range of music. My parents listened to a lot of old country while I was growing up. Don Williams, Charlie Pride, Jessie Colter, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and many more. As a child I used to borrow records to listen to. That's when I found my dads old Kiss and Led Zeppelin albums. I have been a fan of Rock 'n Roll ever since! One of the first songs I can ever remember hearing, was "Hang On Sloopy".  My Mom would play it on the record player and I would go to sleep to it as a baby. I still have that 45RPM today! 
     

Horror Bob: Tell us about your first band. What was the experience like?

Count6String:  My first band was called "Mystic Image". It was around 1989, the band did have at least 3 to 4 members, but for the most part it was me and my old friend Chaz. The way it formed was Chaz and I started it, brought a few guys in, but ended up with just me and him. I do not remember very many gigs other than parties, we were too young to play in bars.We had some original songs, but we did more cover tunes than anything. I remember putting so much time into learning all the songs I heard on the radio and drawing logos for the band name. I also learned a lot about what you needed for people to take you seriously. It was a lot of fun. I ran into Chaz at the Horrorfind Convention last year. My son was dressed like Jason Voorhees and chasing him around. After about a half hour, I realized that it was my old buddy Chaz. I introduced myself and he was blown away! It was great seeing him again, it had been about 20 years.

Horror Bob: How many bands have you been a part of?

Count6String:  I have been in about 8 different bands. Two of them never really got off the ground, we ended up just writing and rehearsing stuff. Other projects include "Mystic Image", a comedy/metal act called "Saint Lucifer". A group called "Forsaken" and a local band called "Eko Faktor".  Another project that I am still apart of, is called "Allegory". We had called it quits a few years ago, but we may be getting something going again, in the near future.

Horror Bob: I heard from a mutual friend that at one point you gave up on making music. What spurred this?

Count6String:  I felt if you love what you do, you give without asking. I put so much time into music, hours and hours away from my family. I felt it was what I had to do, if I wanted it to go somewhere. I did not want to be a rock star, I just wanted to make music for a living. Most of the bands I was with ended because of a band members girlfriend, guys being in it just for the beer and chicks or someone trying to be the leader and making it hard on everyone else. We even had a few shows where we got too drunk, one almost turned into a brawl. At one point my wife was our manager and we were working with an agent from California. There were some issues that my wife and I could not agree on and it caused a lot of stress on us. At one point, I did walk away from music. I tried to give up a few times, but my phone kept ringing. I still did not play, but  I was happy to give advice or help out when I could. I became more of a teacher. I made some friends who would come to see me play, when I walked away from music, they were willing to learn to play just to get me going again! I inspired them and that meant the world to me. I felt good about what I had done with music and was happy to teach what I had learned.

Horror Bob: I gather it was Eric Morse who helped you get started again with your music. Could you tell us a little about this?

Count6String:  Eric sent me a pic of a tattoo he just got, that had a Gypsy curse attatched to it. It reminded me of a song I did with Allegory, back in 2002 ,called "Curse of the Gypsy". I sent the song to him and he fell in love with it. Eric had also heard a song I did for a Friday the 13th fan film called "He's Back". But it was "Gypsy", that inspired him to write his own song, something he had not done in a while. He sent the lyrics to me and asked if I could do anything with it. I re worked the words a little and came up with the melody and "Nikki Tears Her World Apart" was born. It was released at Cafe Press, as a limited edition along with "Gypsy" and the demo for "Nikki". You can still find the video for "Nikki" that Eric made on YouTube. It was the first song I had done in about 2 to 3 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu4CIHrZSbo

Horror Bob: I’ve heard that after you worked with Eric Morse on a song, you started getting other projects as well. Tell us about this.

Count6String:  After I got back from Horrorfind 12, in my hometown of Gettysburg back in 2010, I was going through all the cards and flyers I got from up and coming film makers. I was trying to find someone to interview on Horror Chat. One guy I met stayed in my mind, he was a young southern film maker named Derek Young. He was there with his Dad, promoting his first feature film called "Family Property". I met him at the costume contest and he was dressed as the killer in his film. He told me he made this film out of his own pocket. He had driven all the way from Franklin County Virginia to try and get it out there. I admired that and decided to give him a call. I invited him to come on our show to promote his film. I have a lot of respect for a film maker with such drive and determination, I wanted to help in any way I could. As fate would have it, Derek has since become part of The Eric Morse Project and is the host of Bloodbath Radio along with his own show, Reel Movies 4 Reel People. 
After he heard the song "Nikki", Derek asked me if I would be interested in doing the theme song for his next film. I was excited about the project, so he sent me the lyrics. The film was called "Midnight Matinee Psycho", I had a demo recorded in about 3 days. As the project moved along, Derek asked if I could score the instrumental parts as well. I had not seen any footage, just set pictures. I went to work on many different feels and musical pieces. I kept them pretty much in the same key as the theme song so that they all sounded related. I believe he also used a demo of a song I did for another project called "Engraved", in the film. I am proud to say that Derek has been so happy with the work I have done for him, he says I have a part in every film he ever does!
Another project I was asked to be a part of was a film called "Campout Nightmare". A friend of Eric's named Mike Sankovich, was putting this project together. He wanted a remake of the "Little Red Riding Hood" song. The lyrics were re-written and sent to me. That version became "Little Red Final Girl". You can find  that video on YouTube also.
I have future projects in the works with Derek and Eric. I have even thrown my name in the hat to do some musical work on a film project called "Zombies Ate My Neighbors", that I had heard was in the works. Still no word from anyone who I have contacted related to the project. From what I understand, it seems to be a difficult one to get off the ground. It is based on the video game of the same name, which was one of my all time favorites! Derek has also been talking to Gary Sales, about using a song Derek and I did for the up coming "Madman" remake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFNxesHF3rU

http://www.archive.org/details/MadmanMarz2011

Horror Bob: I’ve heard you are working on multiple album projects. Would you like to tell us about what you are planning?

Count6String:  After I scored "Midnight Matinee Psycho", I decided to do something for myself. I wanted to make an album. I had been kicking the idea around since recording "Nikki", so I began work on some songs ideas. I still have quite a few songs on the shelf from my days with Eko Faktor, that need a home. I upgraded my home recording equiptment and I am doing it all myself. So far the working title of the album is called "Engraved", after the title track. I plan on 13 songs, complete with album artwork. I am hoping to have it completed early this year. Then, I hope to begin work on my second album project. It will be all the songs I have done with Eric and Derek. The working title is "Karma", that will hopefully be ready late this year or early 2013. I also have a few film projects to work on as well, so I have plenty to keep me busy.

Horror Bob: Have you a label or are you doing this independently?

Count6String:  I am doing this independently. Hopefully a label will show interest someday, but you never know. I could not have done any of it, though, without the support of The Eric Morse Project, Derek Young and my Family. Derek has said he would like to help manage me. And, Eric has been so helpful with finding ways to advertise, distribute and get the word out there. We make a great team and I feel we have a great adventure ahead of us! Horror Movies, Rock Music and Radio Shows. We are going to have a blast!

Horror Bob: Now, I heard before you started working on internet radio you did celebrity interviews for a well known Friday the Thirteenth website. Please tell us about this.

Count6String:  Yes, I did quite a few celebrity interviews over at Crystal Lake After Dark. I became good friends with Alex around 2005. He is the founder of CLAD. The interviews we were able to put together were awesome! I did many interviews with Friday the 13th alumni.  I met some really great people at CLAD. It is an awesome forum!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9mbwdWzytU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9BxW7Zo4BM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg3H2FxjmdQ&feature=related

Horror Bob: What were some of the celebrities you had the pleasure of interviewing?

Count6String:  Harry Manfredini, Richard Brooker, Warrington Gillette, Keven Spirtas, Annie Gaybis and Russel Todd, to name a few. We had a system, 13 questions and we always tried to throw in the question... "Have you seen any of the other F13 films?" It was amazing how many said no.

Horror Bob: I heard you are now with Eric Morse’s site The Bloodbath Board. What happened that made you leave the other Friday the Thirteenth website?

Count6String:  It's not that I left, but there came a time when the interviews seemed to dry up. With the "Crystal Lake Memories" book coming out, not many were wanting to do interviews right away. At the same time, Alex and I had a disagreement, some hurtful things were said. I felt I should stay away for awhile and let it blow over. When I did come back around, I realized as long as I had been gone, things had changed. I noticed above my name, where it used to say interview guru, was now blank. I felt I had let everyone down. I realized how most likely it did look as if I just walked out. I had nothing against CLAD, but my mistake was that I let my differences with Alex affect that. I just hope all the cool people I met there, would someday understand. Since then, Alex and I have put the past behind us, we are friends again. I still stop by CLAD, now and again to check out whats going on. I thank them so much for letting me be the interview guru!
Eric had asked me if I was interested in helping him get the Bloodbath Board off the ground. It did not have very many members so, I thought a dry spell of interviews might not be an issue. Also, it would give me the chance to try out a few things and ideas. I admit, since I joined on I have become very, busy with other projects so I am trying to work on that as I go. I try to plan time for things, but sometimes trying to plan something is the worst thing you could do LOL! I go with the flow and just try to spend as much time with my Family and my hobbies as I can.

Horror Bob: How did you get started in internet radio?

Count6String:  Eric came to me and asked if I would interested in hosting a horror related talk show. I did not think it was for me at first, but then I thought I will not know until I try it. I became the host of Horror Chat, along with my co- hosts Christopher Highland and Eric Morse. I was nervous at first, but I am getting ready for my third season and I feel really good about being a Horror Host. It is a lot of fun and it keeps me on my toes. I always feel if I have something to say, I have a great outlet and I get to hang with the guys and talk horror movies!

Horror Bob: How is it working with Eric Morse?

Count6String:  Eric is great! He is like my Uncle, he has been so supportive and helpful. He has given me faith back in my music. He has shown me I have more to offer, as a talk show host. He is definitely one awesome boss! There is never a dull moment. I look forward to working with him as long as he will have me around. He has a passion for what he does and I respect that.

Horror Bob: Had you known much about Eric Morse before you started working with him?

Count6String:  I remember going store to store, back when the Camp Crystal Lake novels were released, trying to collect them all. Believe it or not, I only got one. I knew who Eric was and I was honored to find he was a member of CLAD, as well! I did not know much about him other than the novels, but we soon became friends. I learned his real name is William Pattison and he lives in California. We got to meet at the Days of the Dead convention in Indianapolis, Indianna, where we shared a table. He signed my copy of "Road Trip", that I had bought so many years before. He is very down to earth and an all around fun guy! I am proud to work with him.

Horror Bob: There has been a lot of controversy running around the net recently in regard to Eric Morse. You got any comment on this?

Count6String:  Eric is who he is, he is not the type to lie down and take it, so to speak. He has been called everything under the sun, by people who claim he is no good. The one that gets me, is when they call him a stalker because of his friend, the missing Dark Spider. That is out of line, considering he has not done anything that a stalker does. He is friends with her husband and joined in to spread the word of her disappearance. There are victims of real stalkers out there, who would not take kindly to that word just being thrown around in some internet war. Stalkers make peoples lives a living hell, some people never recover. That is something that should not be mocked. It was hard enough back in the day just to get anyone to believe there were stalkers and what the law could do about them. I have seen what a stalker can do first hand, it is not funny at all. Saying Eric is creepy like that, is like saying so is Roger Corman, Fred Olen Ray or Lloyd Kaufman. Yes, Eric likes Horror/Sci-Fi and yes, Eric likes pretty girls. A Horror/Sci-Fi film including pretty girls may be right up his alley, but that does not make him creepy. Hell, I would watch that film too, LOL! Eric is not creepy and he is not a stalker. He just has his share of enemies and he would rather fire back that sit and take it. Hence, the name calling and all the BS you can handle. It is very sad, but a lot of people have what I call "Keyboard Muscles."  They are very much like "Beer Muscles." They get to a place where they feel safe or indestructible. Then just mouth off, not caring who they hurt.

Horror Bob: What you think of you other co-hosts, Derek Young and Christopher Highland?

Count6String:  Derek is one of a kind. He is never at a loss for words. I think he will have quite a career in making movies. He too, has that passion for what he does. Chris is so cool. He is very softspoken, but over the past 2 seasons he has opened up a lot. I look forward to hearing and reading more from him. He is quite the author himself. I am proud to work with these guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5EDN0WP-VE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGDU_yGZQQ4&feature=related

Horror Bob: From what I gather, your show is at war with another podcast. Would you like to explain this situation?

Count6String:  Well I do not know how much I can say about it, other than a so called friend of Eric's turned on him over a misunderstanding. Now, one of her friends is attacking our show out of spite. You see, she too called Eric a stalker, around the time he asked her to do our show. For some reason, she changed her mind and started throwing crap at Eric. It is very hard to understand this situation. I am not sure if I have all the facts straight myself. All I know for sure, is that if this guy wants to slam our show in hopes of impressing a girl, he has a lot to learn in life. I hope he is having fun trying to learn it! The way I see it, every slam on us is another free plug for our show. Go ahead and slam us, say we suck and no one should listen to us. We all know it is the forbidden fruit, that tastes best!

Horror Bob: What can fans expect this season on your show, Horror Chat?

Count6String:  This season, we are going to dive into many more horror related topics and guests. I also plan to release some tracks from my up coming album "Engraved", on the show. We are working very hard to come up with fresh ideas, to bring to life. We are going to have Nurse Hatchet and Nicollette Le Faye, to name a few. Along with plenty of surprises. We will keep you up to date on all the Horror Conventions and Celebrities coming your way, as well. Tune in and check us out!

Horror Bob: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Count6String:  Thanks so much to everyone out there who knows who I am and has taken the time to read this interview. I hope you continue to follow me on this wild journey. We will see where it takes us. Keep in mind that even in the internet world we have bullies and down right mean people. It is you the cool people, who make it all worth while. Feel free to contact me on FaceBook or through The Eric Morse Project. Thanks again so much!
Thank you, too Robert, for taking the time to interview me. You really did your homework, those were some great questions!
I had a lot of fun, Take Care My Friend!
HAPPY SLASHIN' !!!

I would like to thank Count6String for the pleasure of his time. Please tune into The Eric Morse Project on Blog Talk Radio and listen to Count6String and his friends. You will not be disappointed.

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob!

Interview with Derek Young

Here is the Fourth interview Robert did...

Interview with Derek Young

By Robert "Horror Bob" Masters

For Horror Bob's Blog

For my interview this week I have the pleasure of having a talented young independent filmmaker and internet radio host, Derek Young.

Horror Bob: Hello, Derek, welcome.

Horror Bob: So, Derek, what sparked your interest in filmmaking?

Derek Young: I had a friend who got me into it. We started making shorts and my love grew. Eventually I wanted to do one to prove I could do it on my own and it turned into my first feature Family Property. Now I can't stop it's a passion and all I want to do.

Horror Bob: Who is your favorite filmmaker?

Derek Young: I would have to say a mix of four would be right Lloyd Kaufman, Tobe Hooper, George Romero, and Quentin Tarantino.

Horror Bob: What film got you interested in grindhouse?

 

 Derek Young: I'd have to say The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Horror Bob: Who is your favorite actor in grindhouse films?

 

 Derek Young: I would have to say Danny Trejo in Machete was one of my favorite performances.

Horror Bob: What was your opinion of Rodriguez and Tarantino’s film Grindhouse? Did it capture the feeling of the grindhouse films you love?

 

 Derek Young: Very much so. I mean people who didn't get it just didn't but I went to theaters and watched it the way it was meant to be seen and it captured every essence of an obscure drive in grindhouse film.

Horror Bob: Tell the readers about your first film, Family Property.

 

 Derek Young: Well it's simple a father knows he's gonna get busted by the cops and killed fighting them. So he tells his son it's his responsibility to protect the Family Property at any cost and if someone steps on it to kill them. 10 years after his death people start coming on the property and a killing spree ensues. It has Jeremy Ambler from the Walking Dead, Alexander Isaiah Thomas from Cabin Fever 2 John Birmingham and Lloyd Kaufman as my celebs who are in the film and then there's a great other cast. Family Property by the way was picked up for distribution by World Wide Multi Media and will be release later on in 2012.

Horror Bob: Tell us about your second film, Midnight Matinee Psycho.

 

 Derek Young: There's so much to say I'd have to answer this with go to the website to see all of it. www.midnightmatineepsycho.com

Horror Bob: In Midnight Matinee Psycho there are a large number of cameos by horror personalities. How did this come about?

 

Derek Young: Funny you ask that cause the answer is I met them and I just asked if they would do it. I had contracts with me incase they said yes.

Horror Bob: In your film you have a reunion of members of the cast of the film Madman, please tell us about this.

 

Derek Young: Well first I reunited them with an interview on my blogtalk Radio show Reel Movies For Reel People. Then I got the balls to ask them to be in the film and they said yes.

Horror Bob: What is your next film project?

 

Derek Young: Well right now I am working on getting my film Josie off the ground which by the way if you visit Midnight Matinee Psycho's site theres links to each of my projects just click on the posters.

Horror Bob: You are the host of the internet radio show Reel Movies for Reel People. Tell us about this. How did you get started?

 

 Derek Young: Well I was interviewed on one The Eric Morse Project and thought it'd be fun as I always wanted to try my hand at radio and so I did.

Horror Bob: You also host The Eric Morse Project show Bloodbath Radio. How did this come about?

 

 Derek Young: After being a regular call in and becoming friends with Eric when he took one of his shows off air he approached me with the idea of me and him doing a show and we came up with the name and the rest is history.

Horror Bob: How is it working with Eric Morse? What kind of person is he?

 

Derek Young: It's been a blast and Eric is a good friend lately he's been trashed by a few people but that’s just cause they wish they had half his class when it comes to being there for fans and friends.

Horror Bob: Several people have called your boss, Eric, some very unflattering names like stalker, degenerate, sicko, and pervert. What is your opinion on this?

 Derek Young: They are all idiots. These people judge and don't know. Hell Eric has saved peoples lives and done a lot for many people. The degenerates are those casting those stones.

Horror Bob: An actress has publically called you and your fellow crew members of The Eric Morse Project liars in regard to your statements regarding her interactions with yourself and Eric Morse at the convention, Days of the Dead. What do you have to say about this?

 

Derek Young: This actress can say what she wants we have proof and she just has her mouth which has been used to do more than poorly act and tell lies. It’s been used to slander us as well.

Horror Bob: What is your opinion of the actress?

 

 Derek Young: She is of low class and will never work in any of my projects.

Horror Bob: The Eric Morse Project is starting its third season. This season the show is supposedly at war with another podcast. Please explain this situation.

 

 Derek Young: Well this guy actually says he's an Icon. I've never heard of him but he trashed us so now we are taking him down.

Horror Bob: Besides a lot of jabs at the competition, what can people expect from this season?

 

 Derek Young: Fun with great guests and great interviews.

Horror Bob: What do you see as the future of the horror genre?

 

Derek Young:  I see it turning back to some of the older roots and making a good comeback again.

Horror Bob: Is there any advice you would like to give out to aspiring young filmmakers?

 

Derek Young:  Never give up no matter what. Once you do then you have failed eventually your time will come and don’t you wanna be there when it does.

Interview with Christopher Highland

Here is Robert's third interview with Wolf Pack member Christopher Highland...

Interview with Christopher Highland

By Robert "Horror Bob" Masters

For Horror Bob's Blog

For my first interview for my Eric Morse Project Month I have the pleasure of talking to a talented young author and internet radio personality, Mr. Christopher Highland.

 

Welcome, Christopher.

 

Christopher Highland: Thanks for interviewing me. This is my first interview ever.

 

Horror Bob: So how long have you been writing fiction?

 

Christopher Highland:  I have been pursuing my writing craft for sixteen years. At the beginning, I was terrible, and I knew it, but I was determined to make something of myself, and to be as original as possible, as a writer. I earned my B. A. in Fiction Writing, and am proud of that, and have people from all walks of life, tell me how great a writer I am, and that they wish more writers were like me.

 

Horror Bob: Do you write in any other genre other than horror?

 

Christopher Highland: I have written in other genres in the past. I first started out writing crime/action novella, followed by science-fiction-type action stories and an unfinished novel of the same nature. All this was practice, and though the writing would be considered forgettable, I learned a lot as a writer regarding what to do and what not to do with how to write, and to gauge the readers. I followed with "magical-realist" fiction, or fantasy stories that I wrote in college, but I also wrote a suspense story in the midst of that time that I wanted to for years, and on the basis of that story, I later thought of writing the "Tommy Jarvis" novel. So, I do a little of everything.

Horror Bob: What authors are your inspirations?

 

Christopher Highland:  The writer that's been the biggest inspiration has been Stephen King. He does overwrite frequently, but that's his style. As for individual writers inspiring my writing as a whole, I can't really say. My life has been the biggest inspiration for my writing,and my imagination. Nobody inspired me to write, or encouraged me. Ever. I had to do this all on my own.

 

 

Horror Bob: You are currently finishing a novel that you are distributing as an episodic series, Friday the Thirteenth: Tommy Jarvis. What inspired you to create this work?’

 

Christopher Highland: As I said before, I wrote a suspense story in college that I wanted to write for many years, but was not a strong enough writer. Once I was, and getting the right reaction out of my audience, I thought on that for months. During that time, I went on various Friday the 13th website forums and read how some people would write, wishing that Tommy Jarvis became the killer after "A New Beginning". I was just finishing my first novel, and was eager to work on a new project soon after it was finished.

 

Horror Bob: I have heard that one of your inspirations for doing this book was Eric Morse’s Camp Crystal Lake novel series. Is this correct?

 

Christopher Highland: Yes, it is. I wanted my novel to have as much exposure as possible, so after shopping around for the right web site, and having it serialized, I was ready to begin writing.

 

Horror Bob: In your novel you’ve decided to ignore the film Friday the Thirteenth: Jason Lives and have Tommy Jarvis take over as the killer in the story. Would you explain this.

 

Christopher Highland: Tommy seems to come into the story purely by chance. He acts as a hero, at first, but as the story goes on, he goes from hero, to observer, to bully killer, to full-fledged killer. I wanted Tommy to have a transformation with his character, not being just some non-descript killer from beginning to end. We meet Tommy in the woods of St. Louis, after he made his way out of the hospital he was at. Living like a nomad, wanting to be left alone, he stumbles upon something, that wakes up the killer instinct in him. Given this, I find that this being a very realistic type of story, I feel I lend as much terror, suspense, depth, and respect to the series, as possible.

 

Horror Bob: How have fans reacted to your story? I know Eric Morse got some strong reactions with his novels.

 Christopher Highland: Of the new comments I have received, they have been positive. I wish more people, especially people from the series, or other horror writers, would read and comment.

 

Horror Bob: What is your next writing project? Are you planning to publish it or web publish?

 

  Christopher Highland:  I'm currently taking time off from writing, since writing "Tommy Jarvis" took two years to write. I'm reading and listening to as many books and audio books as I can, to experience as many writing styles as I can for my next novel. My next novel will be a fictional memoir, with fantasy mixed in. It will be my first novel I plan on outlining, so this will be my most ambitious novel to date, and maybe most personal. It will most likely be web published.

 

Horror Bob: How did you meet Eric Morse and start as a co-host on his internet radio show?

 

Christopher Highland: I stumbled across an ad for an online chat that Eric put up in the fall of 2008, and having read all his Friday the 13th books in the previous three years, I wanted to meet him and discuss the books. I told him all the ideas I had for my "Tommy Jarvis" novel, including the plot, kills, characters. He liked my ideas, and encouraged me to write the novel. Later on, he told me of his plans of having his own internet radio show, and thoughts of including me. At first, I said no, because I don't talk much, I'm not much of a conversationalist, and barely passed my college speech class. I later agreed, still with trepidation, but curious, and with a sense of adventure.

 

Horror Bob: How is Eric Morse as a co-host? How is he as a person?

 

  Christopher Highland:  He's very lively as a co-host, and as a person. I can't imagine anyone else agreeing to take me on as a co-host for a radio show, given I have no radio experience, and that I've had to learn on the air, and that I'm still learning, with radio, and the horror genre. In my time being part of the crew, I have learned so much, and grown as a person. Despite what people may think, I can tell he has a good heart.

 

Horror Bob: Eric has had some controversy recently. Would you like to comment on this?’

 

Christopher Highland: No.

 

Horror Bob: How is it working on the radio show? How are your co-hosts, Count6String and Derek Young?

 

Christopher Highland: I feel I work well with my co-hosts. We each have something to bring to the show, and we are each an essential part of our crew. Count and Derek are very talented, and can do things I can't do, and am grateful that they are along for the ride.

 

Horror Bob: I have noticed you are a soft spoken person. Has this been a difficulty on the radio show?

 

Christopher Highland:At first it has been. I was very nervous my first time on the air, and my first few times on the air, I was not using a good phone, but as time went on, I've become more sure of myself with being on the air, and being on a better phone. My heart still pounds, but not as much, but since I do my best to prepare, and prepare so much, I feel I can deliver a sure, steady show, without having the need to shout.

 

Horror Bob: You are the horror history expert on The Eric Morse Project. What are your qualifications? Since it is obvious you couldn’t have watched every horror film ever made, how do you make up for these blank spaces in your knowledge?

 

Christopher Highland:  I grew up on horror, starting from the age of seven watching horror films. I frequently read and listen to horror novels and audio books, horror comics, and my college degree shows that I have years of experience in research. That's one of my many talents: I find things. In the past, I have studied film, art, and criminal justice, and those fields demand heavy research, with having a strong attention to detail. I fill the spaces by watching and reading whatever I can, with how much time I have.

 

Horror Bob: I’ve heard that you are hosting the new show on The Eric Morse Project, Xtreme Horror. Tell us about your show.

 

Christopher Highland: It's similar to "Horror Chat", but it will focus more on extreme topics within the horror genre and the horror community. Not just with discussions on horror films with extreme natures, but aspects that can be polarizing, offensive, and things that people may not have thought about. Whatever happens, it will be very interesting, and very lively.

 

Horror Bob: What can we expect from a show hosted by  Christopher Highland that is different from Count6String or Derek Young?

 

Christopher Highland: One that is thoroughly researched, detailed, and a bit more opinionated.

 

Horror Bob: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

 

Christopher Highland: I'm not really aware I have fans. I do have some, few they may be, and they are friends. But, I do want to thank them, and any future ones, for reading my work, and listening to the shows I'm involved in. I put so much into whatever I do, especially my writing, so if my fans read anything of mine, they should not be disappointed.

 

I would like to thank Mr. Christopher Highland for his participation. Please remember to listen to the new season of The Eric Morse Project.

 Be ready for more interview this month by members of Eric Morse’s Wolf Pack.

Until then, keep on Creepin’

A Real Life Watchman, An Interview with The Eye

Here is Robert's second interview he did....

A Real Life Watchman, An Interview with The Eye
By Robert "Horror Bob" Masters
For Horror Bob's Blog

For my interview this month I have the honor of having one of a distinguished group of people known as The Real Life Super Heroes. Though I will not give his true name for anonymity, my guest is known in the ranks of real crime fighters as The Eye.

Welcome. It is such an honor.

The Eye: Greetings, everyone!  I’m pleased to be here.

Horror Bob: Tell my readers about your movement, what is RLSH all about?

The Eye: It takes many forms, really, from charity outreach, to raising social awareness, battling apathy, to actual, down and dirty crime fighting.  One thing it is not, and should not be considered, is an opportunity for vigilante justice.  That’s right out.

Horror Bob: How long has your movement been around?

The Eye: That’s hard to pinpoint.  Although I began what I do in the early 1980’s, I know that it’s been going on in one form or another for several decades.  There was a fellow that was around in the South Bay Area (what most would simply call “Silicon Valley” these days) who dressed in the style of “The Lone Ranger”, complete with mask, and called himself “The Road Ranger”, helping stranded motorists in his little white pickup truck along Highway 101, carrying things like common-size radiator hoses and clamps, extra petrol, tire repair equipment, etc.  He was one of my earliest inspirations, back in the 1960’s.

Horror Bob: Do I call you a real life super hero or masked crime fighter or simply RLSHer?

The Eye: Although I have gotten lumped into the RLSH category (and over the years, I don’t really care if I’m referred to that way, as I used to), I’m more of an actual “crime fighter”, per se, both through my own individual efforts and vigilance, as well as being a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain.  My entire region knows me, and is familiar with me as “The Eye”.

Horror Bob: What is the difference between a RLSH member and a vigilante?

The Eye: A vigilante simply goes out and punishes whom they perceive to be deserving recipients of their so-called “street justice”, but in fact by doing so, they just brand themselves as another form of criminal.  A RLSH, on the other hand, at least to my way of thinking, is more of a social activist, trying to raise public awareness of important social issues, provide charity outreach, helping others wherever they can, in addition to performing crime fighting actions, such as Mister Xtreme of San Diego, posting flyers of wanted persons of interest, resulting (hopefully) in an arrest based upon the help of a more aware and informed public.  And of course, to intervene (only if welcomed to do so) in helping individuals with immediate circumstances of need, such as in an assault, or car accident.  In these instances, lending only what help is legal, appropriate, and clearly desired by the recipients.

Horror Bob: What does it take to be an RLSHer?

The Eye: That depends of what kind of RLSHer you want to become, or have your “origin” be (comic book reference, there).  If you are like me, and want to be an actual de facto “crime fighter”, you may wish to become proficient in the martial arts, and certified in a course of instruction as a Private Investigator, and work with such tools as Crimestoppers or your local police department’s tip line.  Becoming a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, as I did, is another way of legitimizing your crime fighting and crime prevention efforts.  If however, you do not have such leanings, and say, for example, you are a musician or artist, you could funnel your talents into that direction.  Such an individual could create an art charity auction, to raise funds for a homeless shelter, as an example.  Your don’t need super powers to be a RLSHer…just skills, useful attributes, and a giving heart.

Horror Bob: How did you get involved in the movement?

The Eye: I was involved way before there was a movement.  Back in the 1980’s, I did crime fighting and investigation on my own, doing undercover work for Crimestoppers-attached police detectives, providing valuable information related to such things as drug dealing, counterfeited watch sales, and more, under various code names.  My very first code name was “Kaneda”, from the anime and manga “Akira”.   Over the years, the movement arose around such people as myself, slowly putting out feelers to see who else was doing this thing we do.  My first such contact back then was Captain Jackson, of Michigan, and his lady The Queen of Hearts.  I was invited to join his Crime Fighter Corps., and have been an honorary member ever since.

Horror Bob: I’ve seen in your posts on Facebook that you mention another RLSHer named Miss Mystery. Is she your sidekick, like Robin to Batman?

The Eye: That would be Lady Mystery, my wife, partner in crime fighting (and everything else).  I gave her the name “Lady Mystery” after she did some undercover work of her own, working for an agency that wanted to investigate the quality of care at local rest homes for the elderly.  She created a pretext of looking for the right place for her “mother”, using the experience of her actual ailing grandmother at the time to lend authenticity to her role.  Since no-one at any of these facilities had a clue as to her real identity, and her reports were submitted and acted upon successfully, I thought the name “Lady Mystery” quite appropriate, and it stuck.

Horror Bob: How is being a real super hero different from what we see in the comics?

The Eye: The translation to reality.  A lot of RLSHers don’t have the ability or know-how to accomplish this, and get into trouble, as some have lately.  In my case, one of my prime inspirations was the 1960’s television series “The Greet Hornet” with Van Williams and Bruce Lee.  In the series, the Green Hornet and his sidekick Kato portrayed alleged bad guys in the eyes of the police in general, so as to better to infiltrate and defeat the criminal underworld, posing as crime bosses themselves.  The only person who knew The Green Hornet and Kato’s true identities was the District Attorney, Frank Scanlon, who was the crime-fighting duo’s official but secret ally.  When the Green Hornet and Kato got the goods on the bad guys, they would contact DA Scanlon, who would then swoop in to clean up and arrest all of them, with the Hornet always getting away in the (planned) nick of time.

That’s the fantasy.  Nice, if it worked, but being considered a wanted criminal by all but one key police official simply would not work in the real world.  The translation into reality, and what I took away from that show, was that parts of it could work very well indeed.  If one was considered a legitimate anti-crime personality by way of eventually becoming a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain with the nickname of “The Eye”, owing to my actual certification of training and experience as a pro bono Private Investigator, one could then have an open conduit of information exchange (as much as the law allows, anyway) between oneself and the police, that serves both very well.  In essence, such a crime fighter may still “observe and report” just as any regular citizen could and should, but I have found that when a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain makes such a report, it is acted upon with greater enthusiasm and swiftness, because in such a role you are basically considered an adjunct to the actual police force, as an extra set of reliable eyes and ears for them, for crime detection.  That’s how you do it right, and translate it into reality.  Vigilantism, and walking around, say, with a painted riot shield, with the result getting your head crimped by police batons, thinking you’re some kind of “Captain America” (as has actually happened during the recent Occupy Oakland movement protests to one hapless alleged RLSHer), is not the right way to do it.  Period.

Horror Bob: Given the nature of your work the idea of being killed on the job must be a constant thought in your head. Why would you risk your life for strangers?

The Eye: Because a society must protect its own, and demonstrate a willingness to do so, if that society is to survive as a whole.  Ask any group of people responding to a car crash, coming together to rescue the occupants of a burning car.  The instinct to do the right thing is right there, all the time, just under the surface.  They don’t ask themselves why, they just do it, because it’s the right thing to do.  If the day ever came where everyone did that, then there would be no need for RLSHers.  And that would be a Very Good Day indeed.

Horror Bob: How do the law enforcement agencies feel about your movement?

The Eye: Very nervously.  And rightly so, owing to recent events with RLSHers in the news, such as with so-called RLSHers “Ray” (the Occupy Oakland incident), and “Phoenix Jones” (pepper-spraying innocent folks up in Seattle).  Recently, I was contacted by my “Commissioner Gordon”, Mountain View Police spokesperson Liz Wylie, saying that a local news crew contacted her, to see if they could do an interview with me regarding the above RLSH incidents.  To her relief, I told her to tell them no, because our city does not need that kind of ridiculous publicity.  She told them that I work with them in the capacity of a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, and that I was one of the best ones she had, doing what I do.  Most of the time, we have a nice, quiet city, because working in partnership with the local police, I keep it that way.  Or at least the part I patrol, anyway.

Horror Bob: What do you say to people who say that people in your movement are delusional and need to grow up?

The Eye: Pretty much what you just said.  I tell them that movies like “Kick Ass” may be entertaining, but are no metric to measure how you should go about actualizing being a RLSH.  And whenever incidents occur where a RLSH gets a serious case of stupid, I let the public very clearly know what these RLSHers did wrong, and hopefully they learn something from it.  If not, then the lessons they need will unfold, in the fullness of time, perhaps at the business end of a police baton, if need be, wielded by an officer fully-grounded in the reality of crime-fighting.

Horror Bob: Recently, a dear friend of mine saved a woman who was being attacked by a man with a razor knife. How would you as an RLSHer handle this situation?

The Eye: I know the person in question, as he is a friend of mine as well.  He handled the situation excellently, under the circumstances, and with all available tools at his disposal.  Since there is no way for anyone with sanity to block a knife by hand, he used a large plastic garbage bin, picking it up and using it as a defensive measure, thereby protecting himself  and the victim from further serious injury.  Any RLSHer would have done much the same, after first ensuring (like he did), that the victim indeed desired his help.

Horror Bob: What kind of defensive measures would you use in this situation?

The Eye: As described above, what he did was excellent.  If such a tool of opportunity was not available, alternate methods might have been sounding a loud personal alarm, to cause the attacker to flee (being afraid of detection), in addition to brandishing a stun device or deploying pepper spray (after a warning, and assurance that your protective efforts are wanted, I can’t stress this one enough).  Also, a bright strobe device, such as I carry, especially at night (of course), would also be excellent for putting your attacker at a tactical disadvantage, all done non-lethally, of course.

Horror Bob: What are some of the devices RLSHers commonly use for defense and crime fighting?

The Eye: From the legal to the very illegal, unfortunately.  Depending on the area of legality, you may find RLSHers carrying such things as stun guns, pepper or bear spray, batons, even blades, in some cases.  My devices are all non-lethal, and some, in particular the sonic and light-emitting devices I use, are designed to disorient and create a psychological and tactical advantage for the user, an aspect of personal protection not utilized enough in the RLSH community.  If you can accomplish your goal of defending yourself and any possible victims using non-lethal devices and the psychological factor, you are then able to achieve a higher form of crime fighting and prevention.  As it has been said, from Chapter Three of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”:  “For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”

Horror Bob: I saw on YouTube that there is also a movement called The Real Life Super Villains. Do you know anything about this movement? If so, are they a problem for RLSHers?

The Eye: Not in any way an actual threat.  They are primarily jokesters and pranksters, who at times yield interesting and biting commentary on the more egotistical of us in the RLSH world, and offer a good counter-balance to what we do, which is actually helpful, and  tends to keep us honest.  In many ways, they are the satirists of the RLSH world, and say the things that often need to be said and heard, whether we like to or not.

Horror Bob: The last few years there have been movies out about real superheroes, like Kick Ass, Super, and Someone’s Hero. In these films the super heroes use extreme violent methods, including the use of fire arms. Is there any truth to this in the real movement?

The Eye: As mentioned earlier in this interview, such as the events in Oakland, CA, and Seattle, WA, when such over-the-top things occur, they are usually dealt with by the authorities with swift justice, and a well-deserved kick in the pants, as they should be.

Horror Bob: How do RLSHers feel about the way they are portrayed in these films?

The Eye: Those of us who are doing it right are not pleased about it, because anyone new to the community thinks that we are doing it just like in the films, or only just recently started doing it because of the films (when many of us have been doing this since before the filmmakers graduated elementary school), and unfortunately, there are those wannabe’s that see a film like “Kick Ass”, and think “OMG that’s so cool”, and go out and try to make *that* a reality, which is a deadly mistake, and go and put together a throw-together “super suit”, grab a couple of nunchucks and swords, and think they’re going to change the world.  Idiots.

Horror Bob: There are people who dress up as real super heroes. These people do photo shoots and put out comics calling themselves RLSHers. I’m am personally offended by the fact that people like this take the honorable position of real life super hero and use it to feed their egos, promote themselves, and profit off of what you do as a service to your community. How do you feel about this and them?

The Eye: There are lots of folks who put on costumes, either as their own, self-created RLSH persona, or even cosplayers who dress up as known comic book superheroes, for charity events. Even if a cosplayer might not want to become an actual RLSH, and merely want to put forth the heroic image to inspire others, that’s fine.  In my book, they’re still doing something “heroic” in helping others.  But therein lies the rub:  *Are* they actually doing such heroic, symbolic deeds, or only using super-heroic imagery and a costume to promote their own agenda, without actually contributing in any way to the kinds of varied efforts that actual RLSHers do?  If they are claiming to be a RLSH, and don’t have anything tangible to show for it except obvious show-boating, then they need to go play somewhere else.  Preferably in traffic.

Horror Bob: HBO produced a documentary on your movement titled Super Hero. What are your feelings on this production?

The Eye: Actually, I am in that particular documentary.  Only to a small extent in the main feature, but both myself and Lady Mystery have a three minute special feature on the film, where we get to talk about what we do, demo a few gadgets, and so forth.  I think it goes a long way to show what a widely diverse group of people are doing this sort of thing.  If you get a chance to view it, you may laugh, you may think parts are cool, but the main thing I got out of watching it, even though I was in it, was that there was a common thread running through it all that although our methods may not be the same, we all have the desire to help and protect others, and I thought that overall that was pretty cool.

Horror Bob: What do you see for the future of your movement?

The Eye: Now that it’s been established, has it own nomenclature, and has been around for a while, and has become a full-blown sub-culture (thanks to excellent films like “Mystery Men”, which was a much better primer than “Kick Ass” by far, and is hella funny, too), I think it will be interesting to see how it evolves, over time.  My hope is that through sharing and teaching the right way to work with law enforcement whilst doing this, will go a long way to ironing out the kinks that current events have surfaced, and that people desiring to do what we now do in the future will come to it with a sense of legacy, and want to become a positive part of that.

Horror Bob: How can people find out more about RLSH?

The Eye: To start out with, simply do a search on “RLSH, Superheroes” (just “RLSH” will get you results with all kinds of acronyms that use those same letters, so adding “Superheroes” to it will get you where you need to go).  Doing so will also likely get you results leading to the documentary “Superheroes”, which is entertaining, and an excellent primer for anyone curious about the movement.  I highly recommend it.

Horror Bob: Is there anything more you would like to tell the public?

The Eye: Just remember that you don’t need a cape, goggles, a mask, or superpowers to do what RLSHers do.  Each person has their own attributes and skills, inborn and learned talents, that they can use creatively to help their fellow citizens.  If you take some time and look inward, your inner RLSH will be encouraged to surface, and help make the world a better place.  As a I say in the closure of my handbook “So you want to be a crime-fighter?”, you don’t need a costume or gadgets to do what we do…It’s just more fun that way.

I would like to thank The Eye for myself and my readers for giving us these insights into his world. I know for myself I feel a bit safer knowing that there are people like The Eye in the world.

This is Horror Bob saying, Keep on Creepin’