SCREW’s SHIT LIST isn’t just for people in the news.
It’s also for flaky friends.
And for business partners past and present, collaborators, “advisors,” hangers-on, and anyone who’s ever benefited from my time, labor, ideas, connections, or reputation while mistaking that access for permanence.
Here’s the standard: when I hit a real-world problem, not a bad mood, not a slow month, but a rent problem, the room went silent. And let’s be clear, this wasn’t a room full of broke people. These were people with money. People I’ve helped. People I’ve done deals with. People I’m actively building value for right now. And not one of them thought to step up.
That’s not oversight.
That’s character revealed.
So here’s how the SHIT LIST works. Being on it doesn’t mean I’m screaming, ranting, or burning bridges. It means terms have changed. Access is revoked. Automatic goodwill is gone. No more unpaid consulting. No more favors. No more introductions. No more referrals. No more assuming you’re involved in upcoming projects because you were involved once before. No more assuming I’m even your friend. Be happy you’re at least getting the bare minimum required of me, but that’s it.
If you couldn’t think of me when I needed help keeping a roof over my head, or when I was picking up food from the City Mission because I couldn’t afford any for me and my special needs son, don’t expect me to think of you when opportunities open up. This isn’t personal. It’s transactional clarity. Loyalty isn’t something you claim. It’s something you demonstrate when it costs you a little.
And for anyone who assumes they’re a shoo-in for what’s coming next because of past proximity or because you have money? That assumption alone earns you a closer look. History buys you context, not entitlement. And frankly, your dollar is now worth less to me than a stranger’s.
I’m not torching relationships. I’m auditing them.
I’m not being bitter. I’m being precise.
And once I’m over this hump, the SHIT LIST doesn’t get erased. It gets maintained.
If you’re wondering whether you’re on it, here’s the test:
When I was under water, did you reach out with help, or did you sit back and wait to see if I’d save myself? Worse, did you hold out on purpose, thinking you might get “in” on a future project or venture cheaper once I was desperate?
That answer made the decision for me.
Now you can go fuck yourself.
—P.
FEATURED ART: Segutoart Seguto, “The American Dream”, 2021 (Spain)
