So, you want to know why the image of "Square-Zilla" disappeared? Here is the story. On November 9, 2001, I received a letter from the law firm of Small Larkin, LLP, informing me that they represent Toho Co., Ltd, owners of the name "Godzilla", a registered trademark. The letter went on to say that my use of the "Zilla" portion of Toho's name, along with the use of a lizard-like image on my web-site might lead people to believe that the name "Square-Zilla" is somehow "associated with, authorized by, or sponsored by our client." They "asked" me to remove the image of the "GODZILLA character" (aka Square-Zilla).

    I suppose I should explain how the name "Square-Zilla" came into being. It was almost accidental. I was a student at the time, taking my very first square dance class. One evening, while we were taking a break between class sessions, I was talking to some of my classmates about square dancing, and how much I was enjoying it. Apparently I was being a little overly animated about what I was saying, and one of my classmates (in joking fashion) said "Oh my God, I think we have created a monster", to which another classmate replied "Yeah, Square-Zilla!", and everybody chuckled. Soon my classmates began comparing my dancing prowess to images of Godzilla stomping through Tokyo, (I should explain, at this point, that I am 6'2" and nearly 300 lbs.). So the nick-name stuck. I didn't really choose it, it chose me. Years later, when I decided to try my hand at being a caller, it seemed only logical to use "Square-Zilla" as part of my business name.

    Now you know the story. There was no sinister plot to try and gain a business advantage by using someone else's trademarked name. It was all done in fun, and a sense of my own personal history in square dancing. The letter even repeatedly referred to my "Square-Zilla" image as the "GODZILLA character". I drew that image, by hand, using the line drawing functions of word-processing program called Framemaker. I was very proud of how well it turned out, and later converted it from eps to jpg, and colorized it. Now I am apparently not going to be allowed to use it.

    So, for those of you who might have been brain-dead enough to think that a square dance caller is somehow "associated with, authorized by, or sponsored by" a company in Tokyo that makes monster movies, here is my disclaimer:

    "Square-Zilla Calling", a registered business name in the state of Oregon, and "www.squarezilla.com", a domain name owned by "Square-Zilla Calling" and registered with the Inter-NIC, are in no way associated with, authorized by, or sponsored by Toho Co., Ltd of Tokyo, nor any of it's products, trademarks, or service marks, including, but not limited to, "Godzilla" or any other motion picture monster.