Kansas City Playlist: Biz Journal Bemoans TKC Blog Goodness

Once again Kansas City suits show us that they don't know how the Internets works. 

Watching the local biz class struggle to find their way in the digital era is often fun and frustrating at the same time . . . Kinda like watching an old episode of Mad Men wherein the characters mistakenly think that smoking is cool, back Nixon over Kennedy and extol the virtues of "technology" by way of electric typewriter or desktop computers as big as refrigerators.

Accordingly, and thanks the THE BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS, we notice two biz journal suits sweating TKC and throwing more than a bit of shade our way . . . Here's the word that inadverently reveals newsies don't understand the Internets or the basics of journalism . . . Check-it:

This quote says a lot but here are a few things that grind our gears. 

First off, instead of the snub they should probably just admit that our phrasing is clever and CLEARLY sticks in their craw because they aren't allowed to write creatively. 

In this epoch it's so much easier to express criticism over admiration but we would appreciate a bit of gratitude for brightening their day. 

More importantly, beyond a clever TKC turn of a phrase what we really do is share QUOTES by way of the FAIR USE doctrine under U.S. law. No, we're not stealing or shoplifting or doing anything nefarious when we quote something from behind a paywall. In fact, we're rather conservative with what we reference for the sake of information and education.

Also, we try to be courteous and encourage readers with additional notes that a subscription to the Biz Journal is "worth it" for locals who want to understand some of what the ruling-class are thinking. Whilst we're not gonna buy a subscription, maybe it's something readers can expense and charge to a client. 

But let's get real . . .

WE CAN SENSE BIZ JOURNAL DESPERATION BY GOING AFTER OUR TKC BLOG COMMUNITY!!! 

More to the point . . .

C'mon man, if a paper thin paywall is the only thing keeping the Biz Journal in biz than they're only in slightly better shape than the rapidly fading Kansas City Star. 

Paywalls aren't gonna save local journalism and the scheme mostly serves to turn away otherwise enthusiastic potential customers. 

Thing of it is, we kinda like this news outlet which OBVIOUSLY has some great stuff that's worth supporting and maybe that's why their criticism stings more than most. Great writers and reporters are doing important work at their publication and THAT is why we quote some of their more noteworthy offerings . . . Hiding them behind a paywall is archaic and undermines the local discourse, the public trust and the best interests of any publication that wants to grow into the future.

We have plenty of tricks, tips and insight to offer but for that they can hire this basement blogger to write a columns that are WAY MORE INTERESTING than so much presser hype that they also publish and pass along in order to feed the algorithm.  Because above all else, this little exchange taught us that the Biz Journal avidly reads www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . 

And so, as yet another gesture of unrequited friendship . . . That's not quite as embarrassing as a few flirty lunches TKC has enjoyed over the years with a couple of biz journal staffers. Tonight we share a playlist dedicated to lonely corporate life that often overlooks the hierarchy of human needs which extend far beyond mere commerce.

Let's start out with classic rock from The Great White North. A fun fact: Canadian band Bachman–Turner Overdrive (BTO) penned the classic "Takin' Care Of Business' back in 1973 and the tune was inspired by one of their audio engineers,  the "original idea was to write about a recording technician who would take the 8:15 train to get to work, inspiring the lyrics "take the 8:15 into the city".

Now let's go with something a bit more current . . . About six years ago pop band Panic! At The Disco wrote "High Hopes" as a testament to hard work and the hustle culture dominating social media. More specifically, the song documented the journey to stardom of the B-list pop band. However, the track was inevitably ruined when Pete Buttigieg supporters were featured dancing to the tune and their choreography suffered widespread social media mockery that even made it to SNL.

One of our favorite intros to any movie . . . Dolly Parton's theme song for 9 to 5 PERFECTLY captures working life of the 1980s and the movie's opening sequence commute might be a low-key cinematic testament to working-class life during an era when Hollywood was more focused on cheap fantasy.

Another favorite track that's a bit more recent . . . Now in his late 50s, Dutch DJ Tiësto still moves MILLIONS of music fans with his eclectic & rhythmic brand of techo. One of our faves is "The Business" not only because the track demands listeners move their bodies but also because the zombie video backing it up was very fun and surprisingly poignant.

Finally, we share a classic American song about the biz world and the big picture. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying might represent the U.S. reaching its pinnacle of musical theater in 1961. Seen from a modern day perspective, it's almost like watching the H.M.S. Pinafore from Guilbert & Sullivan which also speaks to a bygone era of a former world power. The conclusion of the musical is the triumphant "Brotherhood of Man" that undermines the initial ambitions of the main character when he comes to an epiphany that his drive for success was essentially meaningless if it caused harm to so many friends, allies and co-workers who he met along his quick journey to the top of the vapid corporate ladder. 

Understandably, amid recent MAGA mass layoffs, the musical is popular to this day but the campy 1967 movie adaptation staring Robert Morse remains one of our favorite renditions and serves as the climax to our cheeky clap back against Kansas City suits who, similarly, aren't seeing the big picture.

As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe & fun Saturday night.