And meanwhile, over in Brighton, a storm brews....

Hi everyone,

You may or may not know that when I started writing this blog, I was employed by Welcastle publishing company, to write for their music magazine 'Beat Beacon':

http://www.beatbeacon.co.uk/

My brief was to write a column, entitled 'Des Laughton's Japan Beat', in order to bring the nightlife scene to a wider audience. Despite doing my best to achieve this, I felt I was continuously undermined, unappreciated and underpaid, by Mr Castle, the publisher, and Ms Auburn, the editor. Therefore, when things came to a head, this June, Ms Auburn and I decided to go our separate ways, and I resigned as an employee of Welcastle Ltd.

I was determined to continue to champion the scene, here in Yokohama and Kamakura though, so was delighted to begin my association with SeekJapan, a Tokyo based magazine and website, which means anyone with internet access can still keep in touch with what's going on here. It is my plan to find a publisher in Britain to publish 'Des Laughton's Japan Beat' too, as I thought British magazine readers had no access to my stories. How WRONG I WAS!

Despite not being employed by Welcastle for three months or more, the cheeky sods have continued to rip my articles off, and publish them. I can't say I am surprised - I expect nothing less from Castle and Auburn - scruples aren't in their dictionary, folks.

Well, all I can do right now, is say here what they are up to, and recommend to anyone who reads my articles to read them here, or go to the Seek Japan site, for free. I stress again, I have no professional connection with Beat Beacon anymore, and they don't have permission to print my articles, nor do they pay me.

Furious? You bet I am, readers, and will be seeking legal advice.

Hope it doesn't get too nasty though - I just want what I'm owed. Hope you all keep reading my stories!

BTW Rock4four parties are taking a well earned break, in September, while a new, permanent venue is found, in Yokohama. Yuji Fuji and Fox White has invited me to chronicle their search for a venue, so stay tuned to this blog, for info. Hopefully, the party scene will be back in full swing, later in the autumn.

Thankyou again, to everyone who reads my stories, and for all you 4four rockers old and new, who made the summer season so utterly unforgettable.

Very best wishes,

Des Laughton