Meet Y!CN Contributor Justice Lives Not

It gives me great pleasure to introduce fellow Associated Content Source Justice Lives Not. Justice is a heavy hitter on Associated Content. He will celebrate his two year anniversary with Associated Content on July 15, 2009. As of this writing, he has published 203 articles and has reeled in a whopping 261,751 page views. Justice is the first to admit there are two sides of his personality, though this is really no different than many people. On one side there is the Justice that is relaxed and easy going and on the other side is the Justice that is cynical and tough as nails.

What I like about Justice Lives Not is that he definitely has developed a very powerful voice within his writing. He is not afraid to speak his mind, challenging society when he sees fit. He also shows his softer side when he speaks of his wife and children. He also shows that he is a man of integrity when he takes time to memorialize one of his fallen friends. Even though I have only just begun to know Justice Lives Not, he strikes as the type of man that will stand up for those that are his true friends. However, it is clear that he is not a fan of back stabbing or double talk. If you want to be a friend of Justice Lives not, you best do what is right. In manner similar to how Hank Williams Jr. spoke of his father, I speak of Justice Lives Not. Here goes: If you don't like Justice Lives Not you can kiss my ass! Justice, take the ball and run with it.

1. When did you discover you had a passion for writing?

(1. Wow, that's a toughie, seriously! I have been writing music and lyrics since I was a sullen, angry teenager. Some of my friends saw the stuff I wrote and were all like, "Wow, dude! You oughta start a band or something!" So I did; started several, actually. For most of my life, I really had a flair for poetry and lyrics, and eventually wrote hundreds of pieces ranging from "Incredible" to "Jeez! I can't BELIEVE I wrote that garbage!" )

2. Have you always considered yourself a good a writer?

(2. Much of my life, I didn't even consider myself a good ANYTHING! After a hard life of being told continually (in one way or another) what a worthless piece of shit I was, I just quit school at 16, smoked a lot of grass, drank a lot of Wild Turkey, and took a lot of acid. But enough boo-hooing! Somewhere around almost dying and almost going to prison, I just started writing down the twisted lines that came to me from seemingly out of nowhere. People started to notice, and for the first time in my life, I was starting to get a little respect and some real compliments! But even so, it took years before I had enough confidence in what I was doing to not be afraid to talk well of my work and be proud of it!)

3. Who have been your biggest influences in fueling your desire to write and in developing your skills as a writer?

(3. Steven King, for one. And George Orwell and Ayn Rand; they were truly the ones who awakened me to the fact that Authority does NOT have our best interest at heart. I also like work by the outcasts of society, like S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" and "Rumble Fish", Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye", and just about everything by Steinbeck.)

4. How did you discover Associated Content?

(4. Through my awesome and talented friend doreen mulman. I met her after stumbling upon the memorial site she created for the late Mary Kay Bergman, the wonderful and talented lady who did all the female voices for the first 3 or 4 seasons of South Park. The mkbmemorial Mary Kay Bergman Memorial Site really struck a nerve with me, since I found out her death was a suicide brought on by her depression, so I contacted her and her partner nora salisbury to let them know how much their touching tribute site meant to me, and how the more I read about Ms. Bergman, the more I could identify with her.

Anyhoo, Doreen was my first official internet friend, and we have been friends ever since. We would write long letters about our lives and relationships, and she would remark on how well-written my letters were. One day, she sent me a link to Associated Content, and told me I should consider writing for real! I though it'd just be a little one-shot deal, you know, just for shits-n-giggles. Who'da thought it would've ever gotten as big as it has, especially in just a couple short years? Wow!

5. Do you publish articles for other online sites or in print?

(5. Not yet, but I have had almost a dozen editorials printed in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, though, but I am starting to get over writing about politics, though. It seems there is no discussion and critical thought anymore; only name-calling and put-downs, and it seems as if the most shrill voices are forever drowning out the voices of reason. So why bother?)

6. Have the articles that you published more recently out performing your first few published articles?

(6. Most definitely. Even my lowly poetry gets over 100 hits in one day here recently!)

7. Do you have any articles that standout with exceptionally high or low page views?

(7. Well, my all-time winner so far is my review of my the smith and wesson sigma series pistol with a whopping 34,461 views in just 20 months! Actually, all my firearms reviews and music gear reviews seem to be the most popular. The low-end of the page view spectrum is my poetry, as most poetry doesn't get very many page views on AC anyway, but my most disappointing performer is my slice-of-life story called bluecollar comic book geeks, with only 99 page views. I know prose doesn't fare well on AC, either, but I really liked the premise and the moral coda at the end, and wish it'd reached more readers, but oh, well!)

8. Which of your published articles on Associated Content are your personal favorites?

(8. I like when our little girls become young, a story about how my wife Luchrisa and I unexpectedly became guardians of our nieces Kassie and Ariel for the first part of their lives, and what an unexpected blessing they were to us. I feel it is an important story, because their father bailed on them, and they clung to me as their male role model (a job I really didn't want, I might add). The experience taught me a lesson on just how important strong men are in the lives of little girls, and how it can make or break their foray into womanhood.

I also like scary tv logos from my childhood, lessons i learned on ac, socializing ac my best idea ever, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LE2SIrWblY&feature=related, too! There are so many more to list, I honestly couldn't, in all fairness, pick a winner, so I tend to let my fans choose their favorites; I think its interesting to see which of my stories each individual chooses, and why.)

9. As you near your second anniversary with Associated Content last month, how would you describe your overall experience as an Associated Content Source?

(9. Awesome! I met so many different people from everywhere, with different backgrounds and worldviews, its unreal (and most of them are actually helpful and decent human beings!) I could have traveled the whole world for 25 years solid and not have been exposed to the overall diversity I have found on AC.)

10. How has your writing evolved over the course in just short of two years of writing and publishing with Associated Content?

(10. Well, that's another hard one to answer, but I believe that the biggest change seems to be how I stopped trying to write so 'perfect', like I'm being graded for English class or something, and write more like I actually I speak in Real Life. So I guess I could say that more of my so-called personality comes through as my style evolved, and I don't sweat the technical details as bad. Sounds a mite unprofessional, I know, but according to my fans, that's precisely what keeps my work interesting, and keeps it from reading like an owner's manual for a lawn mower.)

11. What do you consider your three biggest achievements or milestones in your writing career with Associated Content?

(Well, I reckon that would be winning the 2008 Political Haiku Contest with my quintet entitled obama mccains crazy train, getting my shweet "Top 1000" Content Producer's badge, and publishing to dream again; a song I wrote back in 1999, musically inspired by stuff like Alice in Chains, but a struggle that many on AC can easily identify with, and that is working all day long so we can chase the American dream of independence and self-reliance at night.)

12. Are there any changes that that you would like to see with Associated Content in the near future?

(12. For starters, I wish the poets would get more respect than they do 'round here, but truly, I'd like the actual writing on each page to take precedence over the advertising.)

13. Do you think the opportunity for success at Associated Content is the same, better
or worse then when you started writing for Associated Content in 2007?

(13. It is hard to tell, really. My success at AC truly took me by surprise, but unless the AC admin. decides to construct many of the artificial barriers that so many organizations build in the name of 'fairness', then I will safely bet that, no matter how long AC stays in business, talent will always select itself!)

14. Where do see yourself on your fifth anniversary with Associated Content?

(14. Hopefully still being able to afford an internet connection (let alone electricity). Seriously, I hope to be published or otherwise gainfully employed in some line of work where I can use my brain instead of my back. I reckon I'll always stay at AC unless something really undesirable happens here.)

15. How do you come up with ideas for articles for Associated Content?

(15. These come from just about everywhere, sir. A lot of them hit me at work, and I'll jot them down on whatever piece of paper I have at the time (soon I will carry a small digital voice recorder to make that a bit easier). Sometimes, I hear about the will of the People being ignored yet again, and I rant about it. Others, I just have a little memory in my brain that starts a little rhythm happening there, and voila, a poem is born! I sometimes draw on my past and the happenings of my neighborhood to cook up a good short story. Or, like most AC folks, I'll buy something I need; a garden tool, a piece of music gear, etc., and just write about the item and what I really think about it. Truly, I just let the rhythm of my hectic life TELL ME what to write!)

16. Do you have a written list of article ideas that have you have yet to write?

(16. Oh, yeah! Even in my music, I have little riffs, licks, and lyrical pieces that have been 'in the bucket' since 1985! And they're actually on several 'lists', which could include the backs of paycheck stubs, napkins from the plant cafeteria, and even ATM receipts. To my wife, they're just a pile of garbage in my studio, but she knows not to throw them away, because she knows how I get when I screw up and inadvertently toss out what could've been my next "million dollar idea".)

17. How long does it typically take you to write an article for Associated Content?

(17. That depends on several factors, truly. The quickest way is to cough out something I already completed, even if it was 20 years ago (this is my 'coward's way out' when I get cold feet about not having published in a very long time). On the average, though, I can cook up an AC piece from scratch in one or two nights, really, even if I don't get to bed till 1:00 AM. What takes me so long for such a seemingly simple little piece of writing is the million chores, tasks, and the readings of all my AC favorites while I concoct my piece.)
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18. Which Associated Content Sources do you like to read the most?

(18. I am a man of many eclectic tastes, so allow me to categorize them, if I may. Incidentally, I truly have so many favorites on AC, I cannot possibly list them all! My favorite poets are Steven West, Lisa Renee, deadPoet, Janet Hunt, and Mary "ARTME" Davis, to name just a few. As for politics, my favorite Liberal writers are Tyler Mills, RJT, and Fabletoo; My favorite conservatives are Snidely Whiplash, Tony Vega, Shanika, Sheryl Young, Randy Inman, and Kim Linton; And my Favorite Moderate/ Libertarian, etc., writers are Dan Mage, Jesse Matthewson, Donald Pennington, and Betsy ross. My favorite all-arounders are Charlotte Kuchinsky, Nikki, Bandit, and Jennifer Wagner; and Last, for humor, I like Bat Canary, CB Jones, Mickey's Big Mouth, and of course, my AC idol, the mighty Barefoot, to mention but a scant few. Sorry if I excluded anyone, you ALL rock!

19. Do feel as though you have bonded with anyone within the Associated Content Community?

(19. Mostly with the more self-reliant, rugged individuals among us; people like Snidely Whiplash, Donald Pennington, Jeffery Moats, Tony Vega, Randy Inman, Shanika, Dan Mage, and more recently, Brian Schultz. Likewise, I feel I have become good friends with Sheryl young, Kim Linton, Tyler Mills, Lisa Reneee, Greenhill, Nikki, Bandit, Jotworks, RJT, and quite a few others. So many people have been great to me, and one more time, I gotta mention theBarefoot; he has been one of the most helpful sources to me on AC, cheerfully (and yes, sar-freakin-castically) answering any question I have presented him. Also, kudos to Michelle Devon for the same.)

20. What has given you the greatest satisfaction so far in nearly two years of writing and publishing with Associated Content?

(20. Getting immense praise from all these writers whom I know are much more talented and smarter than I'll ever be!)

21. Have you had experienced any disappointments in writing and publishing with Associated Content?

(21. Well, none as far as the Administrative side of AC goes, except for the usual minor gripes and inconveniences we all experience. My biggest disappointment is really in MYSELF, for naively believing that I could connect with other writers with points-of-view different from mine and engage in intelligent debate with them. Most of these people are no different than who you would meet at a UT/Florida game; people like to start stupid shit with each other simply because of the kind of shirt they wear to the game. Well, did it ever occur to you geniuses that there is a REAL PERSON inside that friggin' shirt? Therein lies the problem; on AC, most of these tolerant, open-minded types just don't want to realize that there is a real person behind that silly avatar, and that one little opinion does not an evil (or even a good) soul make!)

22. What do you like best about writing for Associated Content?

(22. I love the feedback and self-actualization I get from fellow writers (I really didn't know if I was any good until I had so many people tell me so!), and the interaction. I have met so many different people from different walks of life, education levels, and worldviews, and the mutual respect we share for each other gives me a little glimmer of hope that the USA just might not be going to hell in a handbasket (or at least not as fast as we think it is). Also, I LOOOVE that 'block-and-delete' option for the anonymous sissies who like to kick me in the shins and run.

23. What do you like least about writing for Associated Content?

(23. The anonymous little drive-by comments that chicken-shits bomb some of my work with. This doesn't happen to me as much anymore, since I routinely use the aforementioned 'block-and-delete' button, so many of these punks finally got the message and quit wasting both our time! Outside of that, I dig AC to the max, and only wish I had more time to read all the brilliant work that's out there and publish more of my work as well.)

24. What are your greatest frustrations or challenges in writing for Associated Content?

(24. Trying to think up truly original stuff to publish that hasn't been hit on a million times by countless AC Sources before me. That old saying, "There's nothing new under the sun", really rings true here, so I reckon that my biggest frustration and/or challenge is trying to stay original.)

25. Do you ever get writers block and if so what do you do to overcome it?

(25. Actually, I just ride it out, because I don't believe creativity should ever be forced through. I know, I'm gonna have to change that mindset when I start getting more lucrative writing assignments and have to meet deadmines and such, but I am more of a creative cat by nature, and it just has to 'come to me'.)

26. What are some of your interests outside of Associated Content?

(26. I love the outdoors; hiking, fishing, working my 1/8 acre urban farm, and even such mundane activities as cutting my grass, pruning trees, and a walk through the park. I also like to draw pictures when I get some rare free time (http://justicelivesnot.com/art-by-justice-lives-not feel free to check it out!). Of course, there's music, which is my first TRUE passion, but, alas, Warner Brothers or Capitol hasn't 'discovered' this ol' boy yet (hahah), but the bottom line is I love to jam, and can play guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, and am currently studying keyboards and the mountain dulcimer (at this point, it bears saying that I am not very proficient in sight reading music, but and quite proficient at understanding theory and playing by ear). And recently, photography and videography has taken a huge upswing in my pursuits recently.)

27. What are your favorite memories outside of Associated Content?

(27. Ah, the live shows I played in my bands! I know most of them were at these little rinky-dink holes-in-the-wall, but that's truly where you get to play for the most raucous and wildest crowds! If I had a nickel for every drunk that slurred in my ear "You're the best damn bass player I ever heard in my life", then quite frankly, I could retire early and really give Geddy Lee a run for his money (just kidding, Geddy; I know I am not even fit to tune your Ric, sir!) The only other thing I can honestly recall is my wedding!

That's right, but this wasn't no traditional White Wedding in some stuffy church! We were married October 30, 1993 OUTDOORS in Panther Creek State Park in Hamblen County, Tennessee. It was cold and drizzly, but we had an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace to which required took a 250 yard hike up a mountain to reach the thing. My beautiful bride and I DID NOT wear a tux and gown, but rather nice jeans and button-down shirts, our friends got to come wearing whatever they felt most comfortable wearing, and in the fashion typical of Luchrisa and I, we paid for it ourselves, and brought the whole thing in for under $400.00, and that included the $100.00 we paid the preacher for his services! We like to think it makes more sense to put the real effort into the marriage instead of the wedding!)

28. Do you think Lane Kiffen is the right man for the Head Football Coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers?

(28. Couldn't answer that intelligently, sir. I reckon only time will tell, and I just hope they give him a better lineup to work with than Fulmer got last season!)

29. Who do you think was the better University of Tennessee Volunteer football coach, Johnny Majors or Philip Fulmer?

(29. Hard to say, because both men were damn good coaches, but there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding the passing of the torch in 1992. Many accuse Fulmer of 'stealing' Majors' gig rather opportunistically when Majors fell ill. I don't see it that way. Hell, would YOU have turned down an opportunity like that had it been offered to you? Uh-uh, ANYBODY would've taken that dream gig! Sometimes, I think Tennessee fans get a little to emotionally involved with their beloved Big Orange!)

30. Who is your all time favorite University of Tennessee Volunteer player?

(30. That's easy. Peyton Manning! He's a class act, a nice guy (and the antithesis of Heath Shuler)! But I also hold good ol' Tee Martin in a very high esteem. Everyone seemed to hate him and almost rooted for him to fail, and yet he carried the Big Orange to the 1998 National ChampionshipHis pro career might not've been that remarkable, but Tee Martin kept his cool and made all his detractors look like fools! He has a college football career any athlete would and should be proud of!)

31. Who is your all time favorite University of Tennessee Volunteer player to play in the NFL?

(31. Again, Peyton Manning, all the way!)

32. What is your most memorable University of Tennessee Football moment?

(32. When the Vols cleaned the Gators clock back in 1998 after losing 5 straight seasons. The look on Steve Spurrier's face was PRICELESS!!! Cumberland Avenue went bananas and tore down both goalposts, even throwing a CBS TV camera into the Tennessee River! Lotta beer-drinkin' and hell-raisin' that night!)

33. What opponent of the University of Tennessee Football team do you hate the most?

(33. Really, I don't hate any of the SEC teams that bad, but it used to be Florida, actually. Not that I have a damn thing against Florida, but it was that hot-head Steve Spurrier I couldn't stand! I will never begrudge the man his bragging rights; he was one of the most talented players and coaches to ever grace the gridiron, but he was such an immature crybaby; a sore winner as well as a sore loser! I just liked to see his temper-tantrums when he'd get his ass handed to him. And now that he's not with the Gators anymore, I personally see no reason for the rivalry to continue (so I guess it's the Gamecocks I 'hate' now).)

34. What is your prediction for the University of Tennessee Football team's 2009-2010 season?

(34. Hard to say. I just want to put it out there, though, that I think every one of those Vol fans screaming for Fulmer's blood last season are real sick SOB's myself. Here you had one of the winningest coaches in college football, and he has a bad year, and the fire him! I gotta say, VOl fans can be very unrealistic, because you simply cannot win them all!)

35. Is there anything else that you would like to add to this interview?

(35. Just a thank you for the interview, Han, and to your readers for letting us waste their time. God bless you all!)

Here is a link to Justice Live Not's Source Page:

Justice Lives Not