By Toy Story NSFW Buttons 0 Comments
"What kind of a twisted mind comes up with a Not Safe for Work button?!"
We've been hearing that question frequently since debuting the first ever NSFW button®. Honestly, we can't blame you for wondering.
The sounds that come flying out of our feisty red firecracker are – ahem – bold, to say the least. That's why we're going Behind the Button (new VH1 series, anyone?) today, giving you the juicy background details involved with its creation. Whether you're a toy collector, hobbyist, or just a curious consumer, this is the definitive history of the NSFW button!
The Dude Gets an Idea
The concept of an especially brash and naughty button was first thought up by the same toy designer who created the first ever WTF button. To keep his secrecy intact (and minimize the groupies swarming his house), we'll refer to him by his nickname, "The Dude," inspired by the lead character of the same name in the Cohen Brothers classic, The Big Lebowski.
Disclaimer: The image below has no relation to the NSFW button®, or NSFW buttons®. It's, of course, Jeff Bridges. We think he'd abide.
The Dude first thought of this toy design in 2009, and after coming up with the trademarked product line name, he was compelled to create a modern-day masterpiece.
Due to various reasons, the start was a slow one. First, The Dude was noticing the societal change in regards to crude humor. With sensitivities on the rise, the idea of rushing a raunchy button to market wasn't a smart one. Our designer knew an adult toy like the NSFW button would have a very select audience, and patience would be needed to "stick the landing," as they say in gymnastics (we think).
The Missing Voice
As years went by, the search for the perfect voice actor continued. The Dude knew he couldn't wait too long on the concept, though, as doing so would jeopardize his chances at being the first to bring such a toy to market.
Then one day, while working in a recording studio, The Dude crossed paths with an entertainer, who also was a longtime NFL mascot. After hearing his energy, it was like an epiphany. This was the missing piece to the puzzle! The Dude presented the charismatic comrade with the concept of the NSFW button, and it was a match made in heaven. The ball was quickly rolling, and a few gut-busting studio sessions later, the vocals were in place.
Determination and Success
While the content of the NSFW button was completed relatively quickly, the production portion was not as smooth. The detailed graphic designs and The Dude's insistence on 100% quality gave the production company headaches. The level of detail had to be perfect. Finally, after months of twerking tweaking, fine tuning, and perfecting, the looks matched the sounds. The NSFW button was born!
So, now you know how the NSFW button came to be. But what about the premium price tag?
That's an easy one. Because this button is only aimed at adults, it has a limited audience. That required us to produce it in very limited quantities, which, in turn, causes costs to triple. Plus, as you just learned, we – and The Dude – poured our hearts and souls into this button. With top-tier voice talent, an oversized profile, and top-notch build quality, we could only offer the NSFW button at this price point.
Just to set the record straight, none of the lines that come out of the NSFW button are intended to insult any person or group, or even be "mean."
The Dude's simple goal was to give us a steam-release valve; a big beautiful button we could all press and laugh hysterically over. By all means, get it out of your system. Laugh at the crazy, silly, raunchy humor that tickled you since your teenage days. You deserve it! Our only wish is that the NSFW button bring you laughs and smiles in the days ahead.
The Dude says "Thanks for reading!"