JAYNE GETS A TATTOO

Okay, it's only a temporary tattoo, the Arcane logo, as a matter of fact. I've been assured it will wear off in a few days. It was something of an experiment, you see. There will be a few Arcane tats in each of the Collector's Packets that folks who pre-order FIRED UP at participating bookstores will get when they pick up the book. I was curious to see how the temp tats worked. Sort of nifty if I do say so, myself.

But ordering up the tats got me to thinking about the whole subject in general. For some reason, people seem to be sharply divided in their opinions when it comes to tats. Few folks are neutral. Personally, I have toyed with the idea of getting a real tat but two things have always stopped me cold in my tracks. The first is the fact that the process involves actual needles and pain. I don't do unnecessary needles and pain, although I did have my ears pierced, come to think of it. Anyhow, the second thing that gives me considerable pause is the thought of what the tat is going to look like when I'm 95. I don't believe that tats age well.

I do realize that tats have sinister connotations in some quarters -- jail house and gang-related tats come to mind. But art of any kind is a form of power and, like power, art can be twisted in evil ways. Some ghastly films have been made and some horrifying pictures have been created. Those issues aside, I have no problem with the basic concept of tattoos.

I find tattooing an intriguing art form because it is so personal. A lot of the young stylists at my hair salon have tats. I see professionals of all kinds on the street displaying tats. I think tattoos can be very cool on both men and women alike.

But, as I noted, people seem to have strong opinions on the subject. I've heard that having a tat can ruin your chances of getting a job.

So this is your chance to let me know how you react if you see someone with a tattoo. Think I should get a real one? Do you have one? Don't worry, I won't ask where.

Jayne