.. spare change?

The industry is a really judgmental environment. Nothing goes unnoticed. And I seriously mean nothing. And if anything happens, everyone will know about it within at least 5 minutes. I know that full well with my own first hand experience. Several times too. Word spreads like wildfire. And if you thought high school was bad with all its stereotypes and dramas, then I highly doubt your survival in the night life.

And if being judged for our appearances and actions weren't enough, my friend just recently started a top ten list. And it's not the typical top ten list of best friends too. This list changes every week.

This week, it is the top ten girls. In my perspective, I think it's extremely stupid and shallow. It's degrading. And I refuse to be a part of it like everyone else is. Girls are asking to get on the list. Boys are voting. And you get as many votes as you can in that week. The rules are that you get a vote a day. And the exception is that if you are a part of Phoenix Sounds, then you get two votes a day.

At first, I thought it was just a matter of popularity. Guess not. Along with the original votes, there is a recently added bonus of 5 votes going to the best dancer and 10 votes going to the best dressed of the night.

I really think the girls need to reconsider their priorities. Well, I don't think it applies to all the girls. But I did end up hearing that one of my good friends asked to be on the list and was continuously asking everyone to vote for her. She jumped up 6 votes in 20 minutes. No offense, but I swear she reeks of desparation for something that is extremely trivial. And I bet if I asked her, she would say that she did no such thing. In the industry, everyone knows everything. And you don't even have to literally know a person to know about their business. So I find it extremely silly especially when I know she's lying to my face.

I think the industry has changed her. For the worse. I find that she's all caught up with all the superficial things. Always trying to look good for each event resulting in debt as she continues to buy clothes even while she lacks the money for it. Then she drinks till she drops. Literally. I cannot even keep count the times she has been kicked out, or better yet carried out bridal style out of the club. I even feel embarassed for her when I hear the gossip and rumors about her. Back then, I used to almost see and talk to her everyday, but now it has dwindled to a maximum of once a week. And when I do see her, it's at an event, so she's massively intoxicated. God, I just hope she never turns into one of the stereotypical industry girls that gets 'passed around' in a group of guys.

Maybe. Just maybe she will snap out of her phase and actually be herself again. After all, I think the industry is a temporary pastime, though the problem is that it sucks the majority of people in. And then we come into terms with the whole idea that frightens most of us: change. And don't get me wrong, but I just think change, good or bad, happens for a reason.