Danger, Will Robinson!

Since the launch, we've kept tabs on the backer count, usually a couple of times per day, and we've conveniently graphed it here. The blue (Jedi) line represents the total number of backers, over time. The red (Sith) line represents the average of 111.11 backers needed per day over the course of the 45 day campaign to reach the goal of 5000. Obviously, we got off to a strong start, but then the numbers slowed down, almost to a crawl, actually. There was a very slight bump after the announcement that the campaign would be open to Canada. Then, inexplicably to us, there was a loss of approximately 30 orders this morning between 1:00AM ET and 7:30AM ET. We've reached out to Litzky PR in hopes of a simple explanation that is not conspiratorial in nature, but until then, we have no knowledge of what transpired.





As of 5pm today, we were at 2334, less than halfway there. The halfway mark of the campaign is Sunday, March 11th. Once the Jedi line crosses the Sith line, there will be a flash of white light accompanied by a loud crackling sound. At that point, we will have lost all of the early gains, and will then be in a deficit situation, needing over 111 per day to meet the goal. Considering we've been at 30-40 per day after the "Canadian Bump" (also the name of a common lumberjack dance from the early 19th century), and then after experiencing the "Death Drop" last night, we're in tremendous trouble. We'll be lucky to reach the halfway point by Sunday.


No, we're not crying wolf. No, we're not panicking. The fact is, there is nothing here that indicates this is going to end well. We're not holding our collective breath for a savior to swoop in at the end and buy 2000 units (by placing 400 separate max 5 orders). Sure, there are many collectors that intend to buy in, and are just biding their time while they overcome obstacles. At this rate, opening it up to the global community might not be enough. Unless Hasbro introduces a few gamechangers like adding an exclusive repro Canadian Carded Yak Face figure, numbering each unit, having Mark Boudreax sign the carton, etc., the goal may stay far out of reach.





If the Sail Barge campaign fails, what's the worst that can happen? Hasbro decides that the hardcore collector fan base isn't as large or dedicated as we all purport it to be, and then decide that catering to such a small group is not worth the effort by such a big company. Then what? More 5POA! Do you want more 5POA? I don't want more 5POA. Nobody should want more 5POA.


This is a call to arms!


As a community interested in this item, the most important thing to do, if you are able, is buy one. More is better, but that might be unreasonable. But even if you have reasons for not purchasing this particular Sail Barge offering, you should be rooting for its success, because success opens the door to so much more. Tell EVERYONE you know...and everyone you don't know. If we assume that all collectors know, then we have to tell non-collectors. Share it with your followers on YouTwit, InstaTube, ChatBook, CandyGram, and SnapFace. Share it with celebrities on social media. Submit the story to your local newspaper. Tell your friends to share it with their followers. The next time you are in the toy aisle at your favorite store, tell anyone you see in the toy aisle. Get pulled over for speeding? Mention it to the cop! Filling your car with gas? Tell it to the station attendant! Driving up to the In-N-Out drive thru? Share the joy with the person at the window! Call Warren Buffet, and tell him it's a great investment! Call your congressional representatives and tell them to give you a tax break on Sail Barges, because if we don't get the Sail Barge, then ISIS wins! Don't run from your responsibilities as a collector!

Run and you'll live -- at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell those Sixers that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our collector grade 3.75" super-articulated figures and toys!!!

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