PokemonGo: What's the Harm?

Did you ever feel left out? Sadly, by the posts some people have been making about the worldwide phenomenon, PokemonGo, it seem's like a lot of people are feeling left out and want to rain on others happiness. I can't tell you how many posts I see on social media that just tear apart something that is so harmless. Am I naive? Am I missing something? Is the devil dressed as a little, chubby, yellow pocket monster?


First, let me share why I see the good in Pokemon as a whole. In 2000, I opened a retail store at the very beginning of the Pokemon craze. My store focused on Japanese animation and naturally, we carried the Pocket Monster cards, plush/stuffed animals and whatever else we could, because the trend was hot. Fast forward to several years later when we opened our largest retail location and became home of the east coast's largest Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) league. Imagine, every Sunday, having 80-100 kids weekly, in your store, battling, playing and creating new friendships. This is when I saw the good in this crazy little game.


Some of the children that came in dealt with social and mental issues. From anxiety to Asperger Syndrome to Autism to physical handicaps. Most times they never left their house except to come to our store and the parents shared the stories with us. These kids wanted to meet new kids, make friends and have some fun. Pokemon allowed this to happen. No one was looked at as different, no fights every broke out. Not even tears were shed from what I remember. This is when Kim and I realized that this game helps bring people together. We, as a couple feel in love with the good in this game.


Now, here we are again, 2016, our store is nothing but a memory but our old friend Pikachu and the

gang have once again made their way into our lives. Yet, so many on the internet hate to welcome him....trust me, it's not Team Rocket in disguise. It's harmless.

Ok, so here are the benefits to PokemonGo from my perspective:

1. Getting Active - Yes, in order to play this game, you gotta get your ass moving to catch them all. You must accumulate walking miles to hatch eggs, take small adventures to find new breeds and head to gyms and pokestops. I know, walking? Pfft. (We are clocking an average of 10,000 additional steps per day because of this app)

2. Community - I can tell you this first hand, when we walked around our neighborhood, we were met with people of all ages stopping us, sharing where other Pokemon were and just laughing and having a great time. Again...tell me how this is bad? I can't tell you the last time Kim and I walked through our town and talked, laughed and enjoyed the time. This game brings people to together.

Does it have it's draw backs? Of course, but don't worry the media will make you aware of those issues. They love creating fear and telling you the bad stuff in the world.

Here are MY tips:

1. Watch where you're going!! I recommend using the buddy system. (I know..silly). The buddy should be someone who doesn't play and can watch your surroundings like cars, trees or dog poop.

2. Respect people's property - I know you can catch a Gastly in the cemetery but, let's try our best to be respectful. The slight chance of that elusive Pokemon being on private property can and will happen, but you, being responsible will walk away or do your best to follow the law.

3. Have Fun - don't let people bully you into not playing. You can be any age and you can tell everyone about how much fun you're having. Don'y worry what others say. Have fun.

Thanks for taking the time and reading this. As you can see, we have seen Pokemon change and affect people's lives in the most positive way. Any time you can see someone who is dealing with issues, smile and laugh, it's the best feeling in the world. Please share this blog, and check out my Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension - Now go out into the world and catch those Pokemon.

Hacks...and why I hate them. My tips on how to not be one!

Hacks...ugh..No, not the computer hacks that could potentially steal our nudes and send them to our bosses and not even those crafty life hacks (like peeing in there shower to save water), its those hacks that steal jokes or memes and claim how clever they are. Hell, I've even noticed the news hacks lately. You know, those sites that steal content from credible sources like THEY are all knowing when in fact all they really do is lift others hard work, and preach it like it's their own.

Definition Of A Hack: By Joe Fernandez. It's a term that most comics do not want to be called. It means you're unoriginal, derivative, and/or a joke thief. It is generally someone who is disliked and in some circles detested for taking comedy to its basest level.

The above definition can be used without the "comedian" context and can be used with social media instead. Chalk me up as one of those people who draws inspiration from sources that aren't always viewed as funny, witty or clever (not in favor with the masses). No, I'm not saying my sense of humor is any better than anyone else's, I just like what I like. 

My current comedy watch list:

Bo Burnham

Jim Varney

Will Sasso

Sarah Silverman

Its a short list, but keep in mind, it changes weekly. Although, Sarah Silverman and Bo Turnham have been on my list for quite a while. I LOVE "The Sarah Silverman Program" and Bo's 'Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous" as two examples of what occupies my viewing time.

Ok, so on to the list of how NOT to be a Hack:

1. Stop stealing!! This means stop using other peoples tweets as your own. Stop stealing shitty meme's. I get it...everyone wants to be funny...but not everyone is. Satire is dying and we, those on the internet are killing it. Be a free thinker, learn what entertains you and stop letting "likes" and "shares" run your life. Stop visiting "news" sites that just post articles without every crediting anyone. I saw a lot of it this past week. 

2. Watch what YOU like!! Eventually, you will wake up and say "wait..since when do I like this?". It might take some time, but it'll happen. Stop asking "what did you think? I'm thinking about watching it." Apparently you aren't thinking very hard. You're relying on someone else's opinion to sway what you want to watch? Then, you will just join that person on sharing "best thing on TV" or "OMG...another remake!!" Just take a break. Be your own person. Again, you can stand out and not worry about it. And trust me...all remakes aren't horrible and I promise you childhood will not need therapy. 

I remember, as a kid (12 years old) buying comedy books and reading them, along with comics while watching pro wrestling. I remember being told I was a nerd because when I was 9, i made a Frankenstein head to wear for Halloween out of cereal boxes. I remember being shunned because I didn't fit in. Why is this relevant? Because now being a nerd is cool. I still don't follow the masses. I still like what I liked as a kid. My house is still full of horror movies, Godzilla toys and shit from Sid and Marty Krofft.

How to stop being a hack is simple - give credit to those who deserve it. Stop worrying about liking what others like and choose your own path. Now I know this blog took a view off turns but who cares? Seriously...the message was simple and I created a "top of mind awareness" of what NOT to do and I promise you, when you head back to FB or Twitter, you'll second guess what you write about...or at least I hope you will. Choose wisely young jedi...

"and may the force be with you"

- Luke Skywalker (probably)