Sunday, August 17, 2003

Los Angeles Premiere Now I’m in the Los Angeles phase of my movie promotion tour. Last night they had a premier of “American Splendor” here. It seemed like there were about a million photographers and reporters in the faces of the people connected with the film, and I was about to turn and walk away from them, but my publicist, Laura Kim, kept urging me to co-operate, so I did. She has been right about so many things since I met her. She’s really a remarkable person, sensitive and considerate, but with a very good business sense. For years I’ve ignored some basic rules of good business, but under her guidance I’ve come to see that my cavalier attitude hasn’t always been the right one for me to display, especially now when my sources of income are so uncertain. So I go along with her and pose as the photographers want me to and talk to all the reporters even when their questions seem nonsensical and repetitive to me. Less and less these days am I inclined to waste time being rude and argumentative with people I think are ill-informed or not especially bright. In most instances it doesn’t help me in the long run; indeed rubbing people the wrong way can often result in harming myself. Might as well stifle my anger and annoyance, at least in some instances, and make the best of the situation. In the future look for a kinder, gentler Harvey Pekar. 6:36:04 PM