Yes, I'd go with that.....I must admit when you see the likes of Jamie Peacock and Paul Wood being interviewed after a match on Sky, and you have their tattoos coupled with their broad northern accents, you can't help but cringe a little and think to yourself that it is little surprise that the middle class media look down on our sport.

It seems the excessive tattoos have almost replaced the flat cap and whippet as the calling card of Rugby League....

Its called human nature and we all do it, even when we deny that we do it - we all judge other people on first impressions, in fact its not human nature, its an animal instinct.

If you've ever worked in sales or an industry where you're making eyeball contact with your clients, when your job relies on you winning the trust of complete strangers then you soon come to understand that first impressions actually count for an awful lot and any little thing you do to add to or subtract from your first impression is going to affect your success, or otherwise.

Its the reason why (for instance) during the summer when short sleeved shirts are in order, you'll rarely see "full sleeve" tattoos on display from the sales staff in furniture showrooms, or prestige car salesrooms, if they've got them, they'll hide them - why ?

I had been told by someone who had one removed by laser that it cost five times more to remove the tattoo than it was to have it put on (not sure if this is B S though).

The one thing he did say which i can believe is the laser pulsing (on his arm) was like having a giant elastic band stretched to its maximum then released on target repeatedlyicon_eek.gif

Out of interest who do people think has the worst tatts in regard to style and design in S.L?

Thank you for the impromptu lessons in both cod-psychology and business.

My point however, remains.

Fully respect your point, but be honest, if David Cameron or Ed Milliband turned up in parliament with a prominent tattoo on their necks, then they'd be an absolute laughing stock (not that ain't already... ).

Similarly, if interviews were being carried out for a high profile job, a heavily tattooed individual would inevitably be seen in a negative light....It might not be right, but it is human nature, as Jerry points out.

Prominent tattoos (and piercings) are still a social taboo to a certain extent - I don't think it will ever change.

Young people see it as a way of looking more attractive to the opposite sex. It's supposed to convey the image that you are an interesting person who challenges the rules.

Of course, if you aren't actually an interesting person then you just look like a fool that has paid money to let someone draw on you.

Of course it does, because its your opinion.

Which is exactly what I mean, you can't control someone else's opinion of you all you can do is present an image to them that you wish to be judged by, if you wished to be judged by an arm full of blue ink then they will do just that.

Some may - obviously you do, but you're assuming that everyone else is as judgemental?

Personally, I respect people who choose to express themselves and I don't de-select anyone based on being tattooed or otherwise; that would be shallow and might be to my cost.

The guy who inked my tattoo, over 20 years ago, would not tattoo outside of 't-shirt area' nor would he ink a woman's name on a man and vice versa. He knew it cost him business but stuck with those principles

I agree with the first impression sentiment that jerry said. It's powerful.

I think there was an old stigma about people with tatts being rough, or even in old days, battle hardened sailors.

My opinion has changed as I have several polynesian friends who have proper Ta Mokos, or who have their whakapapa on various parts. These are significant and some are beautiful as well as telling their story. Same can be said of other polynesian tattoos.

Anyhow have a look at the traditional way of getting it done in Polynesia. Ouch.

Look up - Maori Ta Moko – on video sites.

Delaney. Don't do it kids.

Reading this thread brought a little smile to my face, i was in my local boozer a few years ago when a young lad who also drank in there came in proud as punch flashing off his recently acquired man utd tattoo, i told him i was very impressed with it but i had never heard of mancester united, he gave me that blank what the **** you on about look so i had to mention the missing h, funniest thing was he'd had it for about a week already!, i promised not to tell anybody else which i duly stuck to my word for about 30 seconds!!. The poor lad took some flak that day.

I've seen one that says 'MADE IN WIgAN' on a skewed angle.

there are a lot of people who get bad tattoos, whether that's badly done or simply getting them for the wrong reasons.
But most tattoo fans get them for themselves and themselves only. Personally I'd never get my neck or hands tattooed, but if someone else does that's up to them.

Worst tattoo in SL has to be whatever Joe Westerman has on his arm. In fact I think he might have had it covered in the off season. Can't find a photo now!