Part 6: Contemplations (Opinion)

At this present time, though the inflatable suit market is growing, it is polluted with poor, untrustworthy options. Sadly, I would consider Squeak Latex the biggest offender, because there is no point in paying triple for the same cheep garbage. However, there would be virtue in paying even more for something better. Hell, why not the best? It's been a long time since we in the inflation community have had such an option. Not since the disbandment of Pretty Pervy in 2012, and a few others soon after. I imagine there are those in this community who consider Squeak Latex to be the natural successor to Pretty Pervy, and while it certainly has the potential to fill that role, it is a mistake to think it's already done so. Yet in this lies a great opportunity for Squeak Latex. Why dose Oz refuse it?

I could suppose Oz's aversion to advance in such a new, small and unconventional service. If not a lack of interest, or commitment to his own work —though I believe that plays a big fat part regardless— then perhaps it's because Oz looks to the example of Pretty Pervy; the only historical precedent for professional quality construction of inflatable latex designs (of artistic merit). A president which ostensibly dictates such specialized, costly service to be an unstable, unsustainable endeavor. That the general trends of the inflation, furry and rubber communities oppose such an expensive "however quality", option of inflatable latex gear... Yet I would argue that Pretty Pervy was a victim of the times, not the trends.

They opened their doors as early as 2001. They did not announce their closure until 2011. By that time, the world was still recovering from the Great Recession. I don't believe the target clientele for such luxury gear could wield the adequate spending power back then, as they might today. Nor might the demand itself have been as big and firm back then, as it likely is now. The interest in such gear has only grown since then. The community isn't getting any smaller. If it was big enough to support such a service in the 2000's, than it most definitely could do it today. A fitting development I think, for the next round of "Roaring Twenties".

Of course, that might never have been Oz's wish in the first place. I do recall that Oz has himself expressed several times, the interest in being the "affordable option". That he would rather Squeak Latex be the "Woolworth's" of inflatable latex, than the "Tiffany's" that Pretty Pervy arguably was. I anticipate also that my suggestion may provoke some indignation among my fellow suiters; that Oz raise his prices further, and further put inflatable suits out of people's reach. While it's a perfectly noble cause, and tender sentiment which Oz likes to espouse —that anyone from any community concerned should be able to have an inflatable suit of their own— I say; No, thank you. Not to sound like a heartless bourgeois. I too wish any member of this community, who desires an inflatable suit as badly as I have, be able to afford one of their own to enjoy. However, China has already granted that wish, with opportunities such as Latex Catfish, Kink Projects, or even random eBay listings. We don't need any more affordable options. Especially if it's a proper swindle; one which adheres to no standard of quality, yet appoints prices well beyond "affordable".

The affordable options dominate the market, with a fair sized selection ranging from $300 to $800. Meanwhile, Squeak Latex suits range between $1,600-$2,000. Now again, don't quote me on it, but I believe Pretty Pervy suits ranged between $4000-$8000. Maybe more, maybe less, but still. I've provided as much evidence as I can to show that the suit I received lies within the $300-$800 range of quality. Yet his prices are creeping ever closer to extravagance. Oz's only argument in defense of his current prices would be that roughly half of his aging, outdated fursuit designs remain exclusive to his collection after 12 years in business. However, their not worth it. Even if Oz still offered customization, his suits are still not worth it.

If such simple designs as the Big Blowup Suit and Inflatable Hood end up riddled with so many problems as mine, one can rest assured that those more complicated designs (such as the inflatable fursuits), will inevitably entail as many flaws, if not more. Again, that's not a matter of speculation. I could refer to the first Zaros suit Oz produced (the one his team fucked up, so he decided to auction off )...

If you read the suit details in the auction's description, you will see Oz admits to a flaw. A simple one, which Oz claims is too difficult to repair...

This isn't Squeak Latex anymore. This is "Oz's Discount Inflatable Suits Emporium". I don't suppose Oz to be the "da Vinci" of all things latex, but I can't believe he couldn't fix an air leak on a hood because it rests between the lining of the rubber and the zipper. I reset the entire zipper on the back of my first suit, after it exploded, and I did it in less than a day. It wasn't a professional job, but it worked. I just fixed the water seepage on my Squeak hood with a glue needle. Again, not a professional job, but it still works, and I was finally able to shine the thing. This is lazy and, again, it's Oz testing what he can get away with. If that where his suit, Oz would have fixed it.

I'm also concerned. Is that how Oz would have presented the suit to the original client? One would assume Oz was auctioning this suit off due to that "irreparable" flaw, as it renders the suit unacceptable to the one who commissioned it. Yet now we know from Zaros that such wasn't the case. ...And who is this "we" that couldn't even figure it out? Who wrote this? Was it Oz, or his janitor? ...You know what, dear reader? I AM stupid, I have to admit. I didn't pay attention to this auction at the time, because the suit wasn't my style, and I wanted to place my own order anyway. But bugger me, I should have. This description already said everything I needed to know about Oz's attention to quality control. It's horrible, but at the same time, I don't know what's worse; that Oz has no shame in selling garbage, or that the garbage eventually soled for $2,200. So, thanks to that precedent, an inferior inflatable latex fursuit with a hood in unacceptable condition is now worth as much. I'm sure Oz's prices will eventually reflect that.

Be that as it may, I don't blame the participants of the auction. I can sympathize with their desperation. I acknowledge there's little alternative to what they may have beheld as their own "dream suit", suddenly placed within their reach. I'm sure they all considered the starting price of $1600 "fair", as even I once did, for what Oz might be offering. They may have not even bothered to read the "fine print" in the description (I hope they didn't). Also, the leak on the hood is the only flaw which Oz can see, or is willing to admit. Like my suit; imagine what ells the successful bidder probably found wrong with that suit... No, I blame the man who calls himself the "affordable option"; who portrays himself as the hero of the less fortunate enthusiast, yet has no quarrels against putting a $600 suit up for auction —bearing inexcusable flaws, and the partial design attributes of another client's fursona— and letting those same fans believe it should be fought over at $1600 to start.

At that price alone, I would say one is only paying for the Squeak Latex name but, as I've shown, even that they will not get, as it appears nowhere on the actual items. By the trajectory of Oz's prices, I can fairly ask not "if " but "when, will he be charging Pervy prices for Catfish quality?". He already demands inordinate prices for economy suits, because most people don't know any better. For many people, this may be the first latex garment they've ever owned. They might not know the difference between quality and thrifty, let alone it's proper value. Of which, Oz takes full advantage. It's a swindle, any way one tries to slice it. If Oz wants to compete fairly in the affordable market, then he should revert back to his 2016 prices "at least". Otherwise, he should brand his own service with the appropriate disclaimers...

⦁ Do not over-inflate your suit.

⦁ Do not submerge your suit in water.

⦁ Do not request custom orders, or ells!

⦁ Allow 12-18 weeks for response to inquiries (expect to be treated like shit).

⦁ Allow 24-192 weeks for production.

⦁ Items may not be as they appear in publication.

⦁ Hoods may cause suffocation.

⦁ Suit may have unpleasant odors, improper fitting and other such flaws.

⦁ Seller reserves the right to burn order documentation (whatever he gets his hands on).

⦁ Do not wear your suit after midnight, or you'll turn into a fat balloony gremlin.

...He can put all that on the home page of his website.

Regardless of fair play, I still submit that there's no need for any more cheap, underwhelming options. I've been their, I've done that. I'm tired of worrying, every time I place an order. I'm sick of the disappointment, every time I open the box. I'm board with the blandness, the copies, the knockoffs. I've never seen a market so new, so small, so specific, yet so oversaturated with clones and lack of originality. That's what assures me the inflation community is on the rise. If all these newer, enthusiastic members where only as experienced, and informed, and fed up as I, that same market would have crashed already. Instead, I see this same market thriving, and growing, beyond proportion.

For instance, there's recently come available a crude PVC design from another nameless Chinese manufacturer, which mimics the "Inflat-A-Suits" from Spy Kids 2. Regarding personal experience at the cinema, it goes without question; one of the most attention-grabbing and memorable scenes (for one like myself ), in what was otherwise one of the worst films I've ever had to personally sit through in a movie theater. Even at the age of 8, I thought so. Yet, the Inflat-A-Suit has since become idolized and celebrated in the inflation community. It's design alone is iconic; easily recognizable among members, and so often parodied in fan art or literature. It still amuses me too; how apropos that the Inflat-A-Suit is the biggest mark which that film left on popular culture. Yet of course, the first physical recreation I see of the suit is not on Etsy, but Alibaba.

This is the matter where China perturbs me most of all "on this topic". They are, to some degree, intuitive. Chinese manufacturers know what people in the inflation community want to see, likely based upon commissions put forth by those members of the community with exceptional initiative. Chinese manufacturers can recognize the supply vacuum arising from a rapidly developing niche demand, and they know how to exploit such desperate desires. Yet as far as quality is concerned, the only question these manufacturers ever ask themselves is "How can we get away with any less? ". They don't sell these suits because they have an interest. They do it because they see a profitable opportunity. Workers don't produce these suits because they have a passion, they do it so they can earn enough. Perhaps that they don't starve.

Take Hongyi for example; they are primarily a manufacturer of inflatable advertising and decorative PVC sculptures, capable of wholesale and mass production. However, they permit sail to individuals, rather than businesses exclusively, for a broader, more profitable clientele. They have also diversified over time; adding inflatable tents, furniture, toys, and other such goods to their selection for a wider, more lucrative range. Eventually, Hongyi began producing inflatable sex dolls as well. I make no judgments (what sort of a hypocrite would I be then?), but I don't mind asking why.

Compared to their leading, mainstream commodities, why something so left field all of a sudden? Because Hongyi is passionate about sex toys? Because they want to make a living off their passion, by creating and offering exceptional products for that particular market? No; because they can make them, and they know people will buy them. If they possessed a creative passion in themselves, they would not resort to perverting copyrighted characters from franchises such as Pokémon, or My Little Pony. That's not passion, it's pandering. And if they gave a damn about pleasing anyone, they would also not resort to plagiarizing the character designs of privet individuals. I've seen Hongyi blatantly steel the likeness of a character created by a random artist in the furry community, and turn it into a sex doll. The personal assets of someone in the same community they are appealing to, stolen. That's how much the Chinese manufacturer cares about their target clientele. To be fair, that's how much they only can care, under their current system. Chinese factory workers are not getting rich off such practice. They are only trying to survive, so they will produce whatever they think can make a buck. That Hongyi finally began producing inflatable suits, I imagine that decision was preceded by sincerity and enthusiasm such as this...

"What? People wanna wear this shit now?! ...PfffHAHAHAHHH!!! Hmhmph sure, why not? If they're buyin', we'll throw it together for 'em."

I'm sure none who would buy from Squeak Latex consider that such factors are likewise at play. Even if they know Oz is outsourcing. They may take comfort in the notion of buying their suit through someone who is passionate on the subject, who shares in their fascination on the subject, and who is ultimately the one behind the overall operation. Yet Oz is not "behind" the operation; he's completely removed from it. He's not even in the picture. The production of his suits is out of his hands, and in those of his Chinese production team who, if cheep enough for Oz to hire, are not payed enough to care. It's clear as crystal to me, by the condition of the items I received, that Oz's production team cares just as little as the average Chinese manufacturer. If it isn't also obvious; Oz has adopted that same apathy. His so-called "quality control" is just as despicable, probably because he can't keep up with so many flaws.

Of course, I take into account the zeal of those first time buyers "to be", who may be fully conscious of the facts, but just want a suit anyway. They've never had a suit before. They've neither experienced the problems or pleasures which accompany them. They never consider the possibility of disappointment in their fantasies. Instead, they may conflate their expectations with exaggerated depictions they've seen across the media spectrum, from Hollywood to DeviantArt, which creates a skewed sense of reality regarding the actual capabilities and limitations of real inflatable suits, as their development currently stands. I do understand; "to a beginner", anything IS better than nothing.

There was a time when I too regarded any inflatable suit as a precious, magical item; pulled straight from fiction, or dreams, or at least nicked off the set of some movie production. Though, after getting my hands on them, and growing accustom to them, I have come to learn and accept that not all suits are equal. Inflatable suits CAN be defective, they CAN be inferior, and they CAN be flawed. Not every inflatable latex suit is worth swooning over. There was never anyone to tell me that, so please be aware, dear reader, before you go shopping. If one simply wants to "inflate", I would advise them at this juncture to buy directly from a manufacturer in China. Of course, they still do so at their own risk, and will still only get what they pay for, but at least in that case, they are not also paying for Oz's next trip to Anthrocon.

If they want something custom made, personalized, themed, or only constructed with care, I would recommend they save their money and wait until they can find something better, or something better finds them. That's what I plan to do before ever buying another inflatable suit. While the novelty has not diminished for me, my standards have matured. There is little presently available to impress me. I now demand quality for my money... I know I'm longing for something that not everyone can afford "or at least, not right away". Yet consider, dear reader, how welcome, how acceptable, how normal such an option has become, amongst thee in the more prevalent furry fandom, or long established latex community. Need I recount the bombastic dollar amounts hauled in by quality fursuit makers such as Mixed Candy, ArtKour, Made Fur You, Skypro, Zuri Studios, etc.?

Even if you can rarely afford it, isn't it nice to still have that option at all? Isn't it a relief that not every fursuit is held together with spit and paper clips? That not all catsuits are made from pudding skins? That many suit and gear makers of your feather exist, who earn their living by helping people get the best experience out of a shared interest. Who care about their client's desire as if it where their own. That it's a matter of exercising skill and passion to create something special for your hard earned money? Not just to prey upon the impetus of a poor, deprived enthusiast...

If you, dear reader, are a fursuiter; please picture this same plight for yourself...

How special would it be, if you could only acquire your fursuit from China? From AlịExpress, or Ace Mascot at best. It would be carbon copied from a design pattern that's over a decade old, all glued and stapled together in less than a week, by wage slaves who have no interest in the craft or the fandom, let alone bringing your fursona to life. How fun would a convention be, with a variety of eight species between two hundred suits? Every one, the same bland, mediocre, outdated cutout with a different coat of paint. Ears and tails dropping left and right.

If you're a rubberist, dear reader; please consider the same...

Imagine you could only buy your gear from Latex Catfish. You have to stay your arms like a centenarian, for fear of popping the armpits on your catsuit, while your chinless hood induces a horrific case of Habsburg jaw. Wrinkled about the hips, and stinking of turpentine. How long and thrilling should your sessions of indulgence be then?

Remember yourselves fortunate, because that's how fun it is to be an inflatable suiter at this time. Don't get me wrong; there are still a few quality holdouts left for inflatable latex. Some reputable makers do offer an inflatable selection, but it's nothing compared to what it could be. Not even to what it has been. I refuse to believe that inflatable latex has reached it's peak; that it's golden age has already come and gone, so I was born too late and missed it. Though it's origins stretch back at least 50 years, inflation has only begun to pick up speed in the past 20, and has only been booming for the past 10. It's still a grand, new frontier; a world yet to be charted. Inflation is a culture to be further recognized, a community to increase many fold, an avocation of tomorrow, a kink of the future. The next generation of inflatable suits will come. It will tap into the vast potential of the craft, still yet to be realized. Dedication to technical and artistic development will soon give rise to designs and gear of such diversity and application as we can not now remember nor yet even imagine. Such will be a great prosperity when it happens, for the individual participant, and the community as a whole. Oz should consider this benefit for himself. Not merely as a consumer, but as a craftsmen also.

Perhaps Oz fears the cost of insourcing; of labor, of material, of Squeak Latex throwing down the crutch of China and standing on it's own two feet for once. Labor, most of all; Squeak Latex does need a competent team. Oz can't possibly satisfy adequate demand with quality supply by himself. Even if we payed him $4,000 a suit, or $1,000,000. Money is no substitute for power. That would be my biggest fear in reforming such a company. Finding people with the skill to create quality suits. Of course, one has to pay them something they'll be happy to live on. Business has to be very prosperous to make that work. If the operation grows as such, a new location may also be required for proper work space. Perhaps a shop, which will also cost Oz a lot of money. Maybe some land tax, maintenance (all kinds of things the average person doesn't consider). When anyone ells thinks of Squeak Latex, they think of inflatable suits. When Oz thinks of it, he thinks of expenses and profit. I don't blame Oz if money is what daunts him. That Squeak Latex take it's greatest possible form would cost him dearly to get there. Even then, if one get's their dream business off the ground, there's never a guarantee that it will fly.

Still, dose that idea not appeal to Oz at all? The idea of working with his own personally assembled team, and not an overseas crew. A team of skilled artisans (however many he needs), who can understand him, and vice versa. Who are present in the same studio, and not the other side of the world. Who are as passionate for the craft as himself. Who would nurture creativity, rather than stifle it. Who could preform mountains, over the mole hills which Chinese production can only accomplish. Who are less likely to steal his designs, and have them mass produced in a sweatshop. Doesn't Oz have enough faith in his service, or himself, to at least give it a try? Oz had enough faith in inflatable suits to start a business around them in the first place. How could he not think that same service ready or worthy of elegance? Oz could announce such intention "to reform Squeak Latex into a high end operation", and I garment he would have people lined up at his doors months in advance of their opening. I think that's what a lot of people in the community are longing for right now, that I'm not the only one. How could Oz think his buyers are truly satisfied with the debased suits he's cranking out now?

I wish I had a time machine, so I could meet Oz back when he discovered inflatable suits for himself, but hopefully before he conceived a company so themed. I wanna show the past Oz my Big Blowup Suit and Inflatable Hood. I would show him all the problems with them, tell him what I payed for them, then ask him if he's interested, for himself. Would he have been satisfied? Dose Oz even remember what an inflatable suit is; what it means to a person who would gladly pay so much for it today? After all his effort to create an easy, enjoyable job for himself, I fear Oz "of all people", has long forgotten...

That is NOT what an inflatable suit is! It's not a necessity, that has to be mass produced. Not something that, in itself, means nothing to the owner, and should be destined for a land fill in one or two years. It's nothing like that. An inflatable latex suit is, to me... a luxury. An item of interest. An instrument of entertainment. Something that does not merely captivate, but satisfies absolutely. If I may entreat you again, dear reader; imagine you have a great and beloved hobby. Not that you don't already, of course, but for the sake of this argument, imagine it's playing pool. You're going to save up and get yourself a pool table for your home. Which option would you prefer? Bear in mind, there's no uncertainty. This is your passion. You are going to use this thing at least once a week, for as long as it lasts...

Would you get the $500, mass produced option out of your local big-box store? It's a small, bear piece of white fiberglass which stands on four rickety broom sticks, and folds in half for storage. The cues are plastic, the billiards are hollow. The rails consist of cords. The pockets exist as six holes cut out of the thin table. Each one mounting a little woven basket. The table itself is unlevel, so the balls tend to favor one side... Granted, at such a low price, you could readily replace this thing after every time it bursts into flames, but you'll never be able to enjoy a round without all the detracting issues.

OR

Would you pay $5,000 and get the single solid piece of imported slate? Set in cherry oak and adorned with green woolen cloth. Cushioned rails and ball return chute. Maple wood cues and phenolic billiard balls. The only problem you'll ever have is with third party accessories.

That's the level of quality these suits should naturally lend themselves to. Like a pool table, or a fursuit, or what have you; it is the means to one's passion. No one want's something that has problems, that doesn't work right, and causes more annoyance than enjoyment. They want something that will work proper when they get it, and for as long as it should. That's the level of quality Oz should offer. The level of quality he should WANT to offer. I bet, if this sentiment ever gained traction, Oz would be quick to respond. He would try to shoot it down with more excuses. He might say...

"You all don't know what you're asking for. Don't believe what I said about "you would be looking at Pretty Pervy prices" for me to do that. The price would actually be much more than that. Probably $15,000 - $20,000 a suit, at least! It's the price of a car! It's the price of your first born! It's the price no one want's to know! It's impossible!"

...to which, I would respond...

"Well, that's about as credible as your current prices."

I have no doubt prices would be high, and supplies limited, but if Oz says he can't, it's because he doesn't want to. Oz does not want to surrender the free time he now enjoys (and to great extent, appropriates), for the commitment required of him to achieve and operate a legitimate, quality and reputable latex clothing company. His commitment to the business is already precarious as it is, and that's his biggest problem. If he doesn't want it, then it can never happen. Even if Oz began offering that level of quality service, I still might not fancy him the proper person for the job. I fear Oz unfit to run a business, particularly as an "auteur". I can still put all dissatisfaction aside to admit that Oz is a great artist, a great performer and a great personality. I'll never deny that, but there's a big difference between an artist and a businessman. He has come a long way as such, but I still don't know if he has what it takes. I still doubt if Oz even wants what he has now. Besides the question of capability, I sense a conflict of interest. Maybe inflatable suits is not his greatest passion. It's not mine either. I love to use them, but I wouldn't prefer making them for a living. I could compare inflatable suits to video games; everyone loves to play them, but how many actually want to sit at a desk all day and code them for a living?

Oz should follow his dream, whatever that may be (I doubt the first thing he ever dreamt of was sweatshops in China). For example, Oz does not merely attend furry conventions. Yes, I've already joked about his frequency to attend, but his resume is no laughing matter. To my understanding, Oz has also been involved in the organization, and even creation of one in Queensland. Namely "Furry Down Under" or "FurDU". That alone is impressive, and surely required passion from a proactive person to achieve. He's also been a professional performer. Oz started and ran a business called "Critter Country", before Squeak Latex, which offered mascot services, besides normal fursuits. If Oz would prefer an occupation more pursuant of that experience then, by all means, I would wish him well in that venture. I wish Oz would do what he truly loves, because he'd likely succeed and not disappoint. If Oz wants to succeed as a retail establishment, he must be willing to sleep at his desk to make it work. He's got to love his own business, enough that it's obvious, because I can tell his heart's not in it anymore.

Perhaps he's just bored with it. After pumping product out of China for years, it's probably killed the magic of these suits for him. Their not as special to him as they once where; inflatable suits are just a business to Oz now. I can understand he's been exposed to inflatable suits more than most anyone ells, and he's probably numb to them by now. Yet I hope he realizes, his disinterest has gotten so bad that he's killing the magic for others too. If I had ordered my Big Blowup Suit from Latex Catfish, and found all the problems that I did, I would have accepted it. I would have said "Yeah, alright. I got what I payed for. Fair enough.". I ordered my suit from Squeak Latex to avoid all that. For the price, I should have. For $1,870, I hoped there was at least one decent holdout left for inflatable suits in Squeak Latex. Instead, I looked inside that box and said "Oh no... it's hopeless... there's nowhere left to turn... inflatable suits are dead". Oz did not fulfill my dream, he crushed my dream. And he's the one who inspired that dream! Oz did not make my dream come true. Not by showing me he doesn't give a shit anymore. As far as I can tell, Oz reopened Squeak Latex because he was short on money. Not because he wants to make the suits.

Though, perhaps it's not the internal aspect of business which most ails him. No matter what now, I'm sure Squeak Latex was conceived with enormous enthusiasm. That Oz thought it would be paradise on Earth for him to turn his own hobby and skills into a service he could live off of, and help others obtain such rare and special enjoyment as few others besides himself only knew. Yet when he opened his doors and took control of every aspect, I bet he found retail was not all to his liking, as there are other responsibilities besides producing the suits...

I have a confession to make; I am a misanthrope. I detest people, and certainly hate dealing with them also. The public, specifically; I have no faith in their kindness, nor patience for their stupidity. That's why I would never start a business such as Oz did. I would hate my job, my life would be miserable, and I'd eventually be treating my customers as the cash-cattle they only are to me. Such being his current dilemma, I don't mind suggesting here that Oz need's to hire a customer service rep, RIGHT NOW, or sell his company. Yet even after that, could Oz ever break his other habits? He's taken so many wrong turns up to now. I ask earnestly, as others already have; can he be trusted? Honestly, I don't think he can. He'd have to prove me wrong.

He's tardy, he's careless, he procrastinates and lies. He's known to all, but in a skewed light. He'd rather play the part of a mascot than run his own business. He'd rather cut corners than solve problems. He put's a happy face on a service he no longer believes in. He sweeps misconduct under the rug to promote confidence in outrageous prices. He's loosing trust from without, while motivation from within. He promises a good time, to make dreams come true, but the experience is no longer what it used to be... Oz Kangaroo really has become the Micky Mouse of the inflation community.

While some in the community may get a kick out of Oz as their fun and good humored figurehead, that's not why I like him at all. I don't like Oz because one can't even see him anymore atop the inflatable Mount Olympus he now presides upon. I don't like him because he'd rather use Squeak Latex as a source of income, and extension of his intrigue, then to help others make their wish come true. And I don't like him because of "what he can do for me". I like Oz because of our mutual interests. I like him because his work really impresses me, whether I own it or not. I like him, because of skill, promise and passion such as this...

Oz dose have great talent, and great potential still; certainly enough to take the next step if he cared. There was a time when one could actually see it; Oz sharpening his skills or experimenting with new designs. One might have expected by now that he would have transitioned out of the roles of artist and actor, and into the roles of leader and producer. One would have at least anticipated improvements in his company's selection by now. Not the stagnation we see today. It's uncomfortable for me to point out, but some of Oz's designs could stand an update. If Oz would disagree, then I would ask him to resume wearing his original Oz fursuit from the late 2000s; the one with the red cap and the khaki shorts.

Perhaps there was even a time when Oz enjoyed practicing this profession, to create custom inflatable suits for others. Impressing them, as well as himself, with his own work. I don't think that talent of his has been lost but, rather, it's being suppressed. He could have come up with a design for that new Michelin Suit I described to him "for the right price, of course". I believe he could have done it. Yet if Oz tries to do anything like that, for anyone, he has to forward the design to his "production team" in China. To which, they respond...

"No, we can't do that. No, we can't understand that. No, it's too difficult for us. Haha, we fucked it up! What are you gonna do about it?"

Therein lies Oz's second biggest problem; HE is the one getting what he pays for. How confident Oz must be by now, after years of enjoying cheep, inexhaustible labor to produce his suits for him; providing optimal profit and more free time than he knows what to do with. How comfortable Oz must be. He thinks China is his best friend, yet behind his back, they will continue to steal his designs, sell them for less, prevent him from offering anything better and eventually drive him out of business. As an affordable option, Oz will never be able to compete with manufacturers in China. Not unless he cares to learn mandarin, take up a bull whip, and move to Shanghai himself. I wouldn't be surprised if the spike in his prices where a last desperate act to compensate for plummeting sales, because people are finally fed up and taking their chances elsewhere. Even the suits Oz dose still sell; sabotaged by his own production team. Forget about the problems with my suit. Look on the nightmare of Zaros's order; only because the suit was produced with an incorrect color scheme. This is the production team Oz trusts with his livelihood. They can't even get the colors right!

It's such a stupid, avoidable, costly mistake that Oz has to swallow, because there's nothing he can do to a production team who's on the other side of the Earth and, apparently, wouldn't understand him anyway if he tried to rip them a new ass hole. They are the only thing keeping Squeak Latex from collapse, but there are always other businesses, around the world, ready to hire them at a moment's notice. They don't need Oz, but Oz needs them. So what dose Oz do? Like a bully, he takes his frustration out on his client, who just wants the suit. Who has nothing to do with the problems Oz's production team are creating for him. Who is rightfully upset for those problems, as well as the advantage Oz takes; pursuing compensation for himself, at their expense. Here's the tragedy of it all...

Oz offered to do it in the first place. Inflatable suits have become a pleasure which even he is now denied...

When I look at Squeak Latex as a whole, I see a unique, skillful, majestic animal, come from afar. Who wants to leap bounds, who likes to impress, but who means to give joy, as the good spirit this creature truly is at heart. His purpose is to grant wishes; not only because it's his talent, but because he wants to make others so happy as well. The local fauna look on with fascination when this amazing, beautiful, exotic beast appears in their drab, mundane midst. Exited and curious, they all attract toward this enchanting new addition to their environment; from the mighty wolf whom all others heed, to the little weasel who goes unseen. The newcomer himself is delighted at their approach, and eager to entertain. Yet on closer inspection, the woodland ones are startled to see something terribly wrong with this creature.

Some thing of a great heavy burden is chained to it's leg, weighing him down to the ground. By his smile, so frank, the creature does not appear outwardly troubled or ashamed, but makes a furtive effort to hide this unsightly thing from the others. Though he stands before it with his large, tall frame, the bundle he bears is too big, too obvious, and alarming to overlook. The others harbor no discontent for this affliction but are worried for their new special friend. When the concerned animals point out this terrible problem, and ask "why" with troubled voices, the creature assures them not to worry. He brushes off their concern for him, as though it's an insult. The tall animal then explains of his burden that "for whatever reason", he likes it, he wants it, he needs it to perform. It's not a burden, he says. It's an important tool; an extension of his skill. Not a weakness, but a powerful weapon; an addition to his strength. It's not unsightly, he scoffs; it's made of gold, and enhances his worth. And it does not "weigh him down", the creature argues; rather, it keeps him safe, from tacking too many risks.

Despite the obvious flaws of this proud creature, the other animals are still too impressed to turn him away, so they give him a chance to prove himself. The new one is pleased at the opportunity, but demands a sizable trade for his favor. He asks for a share of their nests, their dens, their food and their water. The others are reluctant at first, but are no less in kindness. They do admire this extraordinary creature "so rare to these parts", and anticipate the joy of the favor no one ells can give. They decide to trust him, for the fair and amazing trade he promises in return. As time goes by, the local animals become better acquainted with their new companion. They find him of pleasant company and great personality. He shares their interests, their arguments, and is very entertaining to socialize with. Such a creature mustn't dawdle, yet the burden he carries makes him languid, and erodes his natural drive. When it comes to his interests, it's so much easier to talk about it, than actually do it. Those animals most enthusiastic, who sought his offerings, do not forget however, and grow impatient. When they ask why he takes so long, the creature is startled. It takes humility to admit he procrastinated, so this proud animal instead resorts to lies and excuses. The others give more time, while the creature does finally commit to the task. Though no matter how great an effort he puts towards that end, the creature is always thwarted by the heavy chain, tugging at his ankle.

When at the end of his strength, and unable to trudge any further, the creature is too stubborn to blame the awful burden to which he is confined. Too proud to blame himself, for ever closing the shackle on his own ankle in the first place. Instead, he blames the other animals for asking too much of him. Yet it's what he promised, it's what he owes, and so has failed them all. He's afraid of criticism, and hates to displease, but fears also to change, and give up his other pleasures. When those who trusted him, and admired him, now tired and disappointed, accuse him of slacking, compromising, and all his other guilt, the creature turns vicious. His fears realized turns to anger, so he becomes irascible, deceitful and unsympathetic. He blames them for all his problems, says he hates them, curses them, and threatens to fight back. At last, in their disgust, the others take back everything they gave (their hospitality, their admiration, their belongings they worked so hard for), and abandon the creature to his chosen existence. Now despised and shunned in this strange new forest, the creature hasn't even the strength to help himself. It's a long journey back to wherever he came from. He can't even crawl fast enough to escape the thicket before sunset... This particular animal is meant to glide across fields upon it's swift, jubilant feet. Not drag itself along the turf, until it's claws break off, and it's belly is scraped raw.

Succumbing to such painful existence in the lonely dead of night, the creature clasps it's paws over it's face and cries into the dirt. He's not without his faults, as none of us are, but this poor, beautiful creature can't even succeed if he tries. He once meant to make others happy, as no one ells could. Yet he was lazy, careless, possessive, manipulative, egotistical, and so thought he could get away with anything. Now, no matter how much effort he expends, it's all for managing his terrible mistake. Even if this creature knows and accepts the truth, that the burden he chose is the root of all his problems, he cries bitterly for it still. He anguishes to consider the impossible task it would be, to finally break the chain off his leg. It would require adjustment, discipline, 100% commitment. I don't know if this animal can free itself without help, but I do know it's the right choice, and must be done immediately. This creature will not survive much longer in such a critical condition. The pain of hunger will soon set in also, but even that, the creature cannot help. It sickens me to see it suffer; tearful and trembling for utter despair. I wish it would be alright, but in all likelihood, I dread to see the end of this story.

Imagine where Oz would be today, if not for the cheap and easy shortcuts he's been taking all these years. Think what Oz could still do, if he would give up the time in portraying his fursonas, and committed more effort to his business. I can only imagine how important all that is to Oz; that it's his other half, and I'm asking he give it up. I don't feel entirely correct to even suggest it. If it's not what he truly loves, then he should give up the company. It would only do him harm from within. No man can serve two masters, so they say. Yet if Oz presided over the service we all expected of him, I know it would do him no harm from without. Everyone in this community already pretends to be an inflatable character or fursona on social media, but few are actually making it happen. Sure, we would see less of Oz, but we wouldn't love him any less for it. After all, Robert Miller; I've neither seen a picture of the man, nor read a word of what he's said or written. Yet I won't soon forget what he did, with Pretty Pervy.

Squeak Latex does not even have to be so ambitious. Nor was Pretty Pervy some sort of zenith example that all successors must live by. Yes, Oz should strive for such quality. Yet as for style, Oz can be himself. His suits do not have to be "80 chambered, pattern sculpted, and with a built in air compressor". That was PP's style. It was nice while it lasted, but it was a wild exception, not the standard. Also, some of us are not so difficult to please anyway. Harken back to my assessment of the suit Oz sent me, dear reader. Did I have nothing good to say? Did I only bitch and moan, that it was the worst thing I've ever waisted my money on? That every little possible aspect was corrupted or flawed? ...Of course not.

In case you skipped that entire section, dear reader, I had nothing but dorky praise for it's design. I really love Oz's ingenuity. Despite the quality and service, I still give credit where it's due. He can conceive some truly brilliant suit designs, like no one ells. I know some of them look simple on a glance, but they really are amazing. I appreciate the skill, the work, the trial and error that undoubtable produced them. Those designs deserves more credit than the raunchy FetLife posts. I mean, just look at it...

The design is beautiful. No matter what it's purpose, Oz has truly done something beautiful in many of his suit's designs. The majority of my criticism, I levied against the unworthy execution of that design, and Oz's lazy refusal to fix anything. I love the design. I just wish I could have that in a befitting quality. While some of his suits, I think Oz could stand to improve upon, others "like the Big Blowup Suit", I think are, and will prove to be, timeless. A flawless achievement by a master of structural design and functionality. Maybe Oz disagrees, by how aloof he was, every time I mentioned the suit to him. Maybe he'll hate the suit now, out of spite. Yet there's no hiding genius. No matter how many times Oz puts it through his Chinese wood chipper, I can still see it.

To be clear; I attempt no argument that the Big Blowup Suit is somehow the "greatest" inflatable suit ever created. It's only my favorite suit, of which I have done my best to explain the reasons why. I would expect anyone ells to be able to say as much for their own favorite suit. Especially if they intend to buy one. Just give me that suit, in a professional quality "and a thicker latex this time, please", and I'd pay $3000-$5000 for it. I would pay that if only I could have peace of mind in quality construction, and never have to take my chances from China again.

Also to be clear; I neither insinuate that all Oz's designs will go down as a classic. His inflatable fursuits are not aging well. They don't look as good as they once did. Particularly the designs of the hoods. Like the hood I received, some of them almost look distorted from what they once where. Diluted after years of being passed around from one manufacturer to another, and reduced in quality to cut the cost. They look wrinkled, old. You know how a balloon becomes saggy and wrinkled after a few a week? That's what's happening to Squeak's hoods. Functionality certainly suffers too. As better designs come about "and they already are", it will not be long before Squeak's hoods look as ugly and scary as the one off my first suit.

The time is nigh, when someone will take advantage of the great opportunity that exists in such a service. Oz "I think more than anyone ells", is poised to be the one. Squeak Latex should take the throne of Pretty Pervy, while it still can. Otherwise, if it continues to perpetuate the problem of a stagnant, untrustworthy market and overinflated prices, then Squeak Latex should take it's condign place next to Pretty Pervy, in the books. It's Oz's choice, and his legacy. One that I would be so proud of, had I taken his path, and had his bravery to do so. One that I would dare not dishonor, and live to uphold. Honestly, what is he doing? Oz is a self made legend. I bet he believes such achievement is permanent; impossible to throw away. If Oz continues down his present path of negligence and deception, then no matter how good Squeak Latex looks today, or how long it may last, it's existence will not read as well as it lived.

Despite how Oz has disenchanted me and disappointed others, it brings me no joy to see this incredible pioneer —who introduced me to this fun, amazing community, and who I've looked up to ever since— destroying himself and, in the proses, that same community he for so long helped to nurture and promote.