Once again the Volcano shows discomfort embracing the things that make living in a city worthwhile. Co-ops are not weird, they're part of halfway sophisticated urban life. Tacoma is weird to only now (hopefully) be getting one.

I don't think it said anything about co-ops being weird. I think we've been pro- co-op since day one.

Dear Tornado,

Thank you for reading my recap of the TFC event. I live in the neighborhood and am absolutely thrilled that there will be a co-op within walking distance of my home. I was a member of the co-op when I lived in Bellingham, shopped at one in Olympia when my parents lived there and am so glad Tacoma will finally have one.

Maybe you should read the event recap again....

Yes, you've been supportive with an "I'm embarrassed to support this because this is Tacoma and the Army people might not understand" kind of tone. Well-intended and light-hearted or not, it's typical of the Volcano to act like it has to justify and vaguely apologize for promoting anything vaguely alternative or progressive in Tacoma (see, e.g. your apologetic "Green Issue" a while back. You wouldn't have the same tone about the Oly co-op, and the Stranger and Weekly don't go around equating co-ops with an outdated notion of hippies or apologize for using cloth bags.

Alright. I'm hip with where you're coming from with that perspective- and I can see it. But, from my perspective, it's more about trying to connect these ideas with the actual people that live in our area. I'm not apologizing for supporting the co-op, or supporting green businesses, or supporting anything else "progressive" - it's about a realization of the demographic of our area, and how some of these "progressive" ideas might be presented in a way that could possibly turn on more people. Pierce County isn't Seattle. It isn't Portland. The idea, as I see it, is to make some of these "progressive" ideas less scary to the actual demographic, not just close our eyes and pretend like we already live in a progressive community. I don't believe the divide is as large as we often make it out to be, and I want the Volcano to try to reflect that. As for the word hippie, I just think it's funny. I realize it's juvenile. I should really knock it off. I did go to Evergreen, and am married to a woman who once traveled with a circus, so I think I've earned some right to use it in jest.

Bottom line: It's not so much that it's the act that is irritating your readers. Just that it's a poor act. It's so funny to watch an alt weekly writing culture try to do the balancing act between gritty city posing and posing like progressives. End of the day all you are left with is just a repetitive image maker community of hack alt weekly writers:)

Look at how Tacoma (the city, not Pierce County) votes -- more progressive than anywhere in the state outside of Seattle. When the Stranger started, it didn't try to speak to the city of Seattle circa 1990, it tried to create the kind of place it wanted the city to be by challenging its readers to meet it on its own terms and its own aesthetic. You need to do the same and expect more from Tacoma. You might be surprised at the response.

I have not and never will apologize for using cloth bags. I used them since high school before they were considered cool and sold at the check out stand. And what everyone needs to remember is that Tacoma is way more than the small area of "hip, smart North Tacoma". Once you go beyond that area it gets a lot less progressive.

I don't live in Tacoma, although I'm from there. I now live in Rural Pierce County, which is far from being progressive. I like seeing that Tacoma is getting with the program, and not being left behind.
I enjoy my dose of Weekly Volcanoe. It's light-hearted and entertaining, as well as informative. And I take no offense to the term "hippie". Most people don't.
Carry on Matt. You're doing a fine job.

Yea for food co-ops, my parents were part of one in NY decades ago. As to cloth bags... SANITIZE THEM on a regular basis. They may be reusable, but most are carrying things you don't want to think about because they don't get cleaned.

north tacoma def is not hip. and drinks too much to have the amount of brain cells to be smart:)

and i think the volcano's own terms and aesthetics are quite clear and perfectly match the majority if not the entirety of said can't make up their fucking minds to go with the gritty act or the progressive act. heck, even Oly has more cred than Tacoma, and its not even arsed enough to have an alt weekly. Though they do have to stop right now with the gay Low Life bullshit. Anywho, I was walking past a crowd at the Paramount that was just emptying out into the streets and parking lots after a Widespread Panic show. Talk about a night of the living grungerocker. There were a few their who could have used a pair of brassknuckles to the dome, but even so, most individuals scattered around the place looked more impressive than any crowd I ever saw monkeyfuck a venue in Tacoma. So the gritty city bullshit needs to stop right now too:)

Good article. This accurately describes the general approach Tacomans have toward an all-natural lifestyle. We're open, we're excited, but we are slightly skeptical. Totally fair. The new co-op is going to kick ass, the people will be friendly, and we'll all have more gluten-free options to fill our various shopping bags. Only difference is some will choose to use what they are offered at the counter, while some will bring in their hemp totes reeking of patchouli. Embrace our differences people. Tornado: de-sensitize. Damn. low bar: stop posting here, you're an ass.