How to Spot A Maniac

June 9, 2017
   If you are a subscriber to True West magazine you know we have been running a True West Maniac campaign featuring several of our most famous and favorite members, like this:

   Chris Casey Describes What Happened Next:

  While I was running errands for Mom, this morning, I had to pick up a few things at Food Pyramid.  Just as I was leaving the store I was approached by an elderly gentleman wearing a John Wayne T-shirt, a Korean War Veteran ball cap, and holding the latest issue of TRUE WEST magazine. He didn't seem to be in a very good mood. 

   When he got inside my bubble he asked somewhat gruffly, "You got a minute?"

   "Sure", I said. 

   The man flipped the magazine open and landed on the full page True West Maniac ad featuring my repellent mug.
   "This you?"

   "Yeah, that's me", I confessed. 

   I jokingly followed up with, "How'd you recognize me without the hat and the mustache?".
   "Ugly is still ugly", said the old man flatly.

   I laughed. "That's true!"

   "Next time you talk to the True West people", the man grumbled, "Tell 'em you spell carrying c-a-r-r-Y-i-n-g, not c-a-r-r-i-n-g". 

   The gent was referring to the typo in the ad of which I was already aware. But, I played like I was shocked.

   "Is that right? That's how you spell it?"

   The old man finally cracked a smile. "You're puttin' me on, now, ain't you?", he said with a chuckle. "Gettin' me back for that 'ugly' crack, huh?"

   "Probably", I said.

   The old gent stuck his hand out, we shook, and he said, "Pleased to meet you, Maniac".

   "Likewise!"
________

End of Chris Casey's travelogue. By the way, Chris lives in Oklahoma. Note that we actually spell-checked this version of the ad.

We have featured five Maniacs so far and we have been getting unsolicited submissions like this:

True West Maniac #81

J.W. Atkinson

   Don't know who to contact for a Maniac picture.... My name is  J.W. Atkinson ..True West Maniac # 81.   Hastings, Minnesota.  Cowboy Action Shooter... 50's and 60's Western lover... Retired and married to a school marm...owner and operator of Hastings Firearms...( yes I sweep out the place!)   Love your mag !

   Keep 'em comin'!