Steven Smith -- the dude who can't seem to stop getting Zune tattoos -- sits down with Shoutmouth to reveal that he's going to get a third and fourth tattoo, among other things...
What made you want to get the first Zune tattoo?
I had been wanting to get a tattoo since I turned 18, I am 23, and I couldn't figure out what. So after the Zune came out and I feel in love with it I thought the logo was pretty sweet. Well, my sense of humor has always been geared towards jokes that either digust people, anger, or scare them, so I thought the Zune logo would ruffle some feathers.
What made you get the second Zune tattoo? Better question still: What is the second Zune tattoo of? I gotta admit, the first tat looks a little more artistic than the second. Was this a shotgun decision?
The second tattoo was because the first one was a blast to get done and I wanted to stay with the same theme. My tattootist wanted to buy my digital camera off me...he did and offered me a second free tattoo. So, I looked on www.zune-arts.net and picked my favorite commerical -- the picture is symbolizing the sharing ability of the Zune.
How long have you owned a Zune? Why do you like it so much? Do you think it's the best MP3 player on the market? Have you ever owned an iPod?
I had owned a 5th Generation 30GB iPod prior to the Zune coming out, but in August 2006 I heard that Microsoft was making an MP3 player, so I waited until Nov 14th, 2006 (the launch of the Zune) and sold my iPod to a bud and bought my brown Zune. A couple of days later I realized the battery wasn't holding a charge so I exchanged it -- they only had one of each color so I had to go with black. Later I find out my computer was the problem not the Zune. I do honestly believe the Zune is the best because it does everything an iPod does and more. Not to mention it doesn't feel like I have to shield it from the world (laughs).
Let's cut the bullshit -- How much is Microsoft paying you?
Microsoft is not paying me, they had no prior knowledge I was even doing this until after the fact. The trip to Redmond, WA was offered after the fact and so was the Zune care package that zuneinsider.com sent me.
Did you expect anything from Microsoft when you got your tattoos?
Other than a hat and some art no not really. Cesar from zuneinsider.com said he would send me the much talked about care package if I went through with it, when I originally posted my plans of getting the tattoo 2 months ago.
What's your favorite type of music? What's in your Zune right now?
I love everything, and on my Zune I have everything from Ani Difranco to Insane Clown Posse. If I had to pick a favorite type and artist I would have to say Rock/Alterative and Maroon 5.
Where are you from? What do you do? Are Zunes a popular gadget in your neck of the woods? Where did you get your tattoos?
I am originally from Moscow.....Moscow, Idaho but I currently live in Sioux City, IA. I am going to school for Graphic Design and I work for One Step. I help take care of adults who can't physically or mentally take care of themselves. The Zunes are catching on simply from word of mouth, from yours truly (laughs). I got my tattoos at Felony Tattoos in Marshall, MN from Travis Moon.
Can you be specific about how Microsoft contacted you and what they're giving you?
Laura Foy from Channel 10 contacted me first then after asking me about wanting to do an interview on Channel 10...she passed me on to Tina Wood. Not sure what I am all getting but I know I am getting a Zune. Reminder: I didn't get either tattoo to get anything.
Has Bill Gates personally called you?
No....*sniff*
Would you recommend getting a tattoo to acquire free stuff? For instance, should I get a tattoo of a Nintendo Wii? I really want one of those.
I would not recommend getting a tattoo just to get free stuff. I would only suggest the tattoo if you can look at it in 30 yrs and have a cool story about it.
Do you think the Zune is going to survive as long as your tattoos?
Yes, look at Xbox and Sony. The original Xbox didn't look like it had a chance against the PS2 but the 360 is now crushing the PS3. I feel the iPhone is financially going to hurt Apple and if the 6th Generation iPod is all touch screen and more expensive than the Zune 2.0 it could flip the table.
Is all of the attention from your tattoos kind of overwhelming? You're sort of a celebrity in the music community right now.
I wouldn't say overwhelming -- more exciting. I love all the negative insults, because even though they think they are crushing my feelings and hurting me, they aren't. Instead they are getting the Zune name more well-known to people who might not have known what it even was. As far as being a celebrity? I think it's all good and makes me laugh every time someone has noticed me in a store from the web.
Have you ever -- or do you intend to -- have a Microsoft-sponsored Zune party?
I would love to, maybe I can ask about throwing one at my college *wink wink*
So, what are the future tattoo plans?
My 3rd tattoo will be "welcome to the social" across my back and my 4th tattoo will be the picture off of Zune-arts.net of the robot from the junk yard commercial.
