More 'Hard Rock' humor...

Hey, did you hear the joke about the horrible businessman who concepted a failed business, then wanted to sue the new owners of that failed business for royalties?

I WISH this were a joke, but if you've followed local news of late (I RARELY do, actually...wow, I paid attention to something...NEAT) then you've heard the "chuckler" of a headline: Steven Goodwin - one of the principle (ahem) "masterminds" behind the origins of the Hard Rock Park, now wants ROYALTIES from the park's new owners. He wants an ANNUAL $500,000 "licensing fee" for his part in conceptualizing the park, and 1.5% of the park's revenues over $50 million each year.

This is the SAME guy who, uh, "masterminded" a $50 daily admission (when a far superior park in Atlanta, "Six Flags", charges $39.95) and the $150 season pass fee (when same aforementioned 'Six Flags' park in Atlanta offers a $49.00 season pass). He's the, uh, "mastermind" who figured they didn't need much marketing - the "build it and they will come" rationale. He's the head honcho that ran the park when dozens of folks uprooted themselves from where they were (working at various theme parks across the country and around the world) to have a job, once the park opened, for all of eight months, at best.

The dude wants HALF A MILLION DOLLARS per year - when his former "company" still owes MILLIONS to various debtors, including local media (cough cough), vendors, suppliers, etc. Will he, then, pay off some of HIS company's debts? Nah. He's a smart rich guy; he takes no personal responsiBILITY in his "brainchild's" failure; but he certainly wants to reap the, uh, "reward" for the concept.

This man, and his co-horts, ran a JOKE of a theme park by not listening to those they hired who DID know what they were doing, and in the process put hundreds of employees through undue strain and relocation. But he WANTS his payday, anyhow.

Did he go to tbe bank of "Sheer Gall" and take out a massive loan or something? Wow. Amazing.

Mr. Goodwin, I think you should appeal your claim before your former employers and those you gladly accepted $150 per sesaon pass from before shorting them of their value. If you can rationalize your request and convince THOSE folks, I say you deserve it.

Methinks you'll have the same fate as one of those guitars you smashed against 'Led Zeppelin: The Ride" a little over a year ago, though. So methinks you'd be wise to steer clear of the park and nearby environs. We southerners don't take too kindly to out-of-towners with accents who remain rich while bilking locals and new neighbors.