Cotswold Responds to HASBRO wish list
Joe Shipley
Below is the response from Cotswold to our "wish list" .
Frankly, I think his tone is a little condescending and I'd have expected a
little more pleasantry from an outfit that I have sent so much money to in
the past few months.
Anyway, I think the acknowledgement of pieces produced or in production is
interesting.
--
FLY Navy!
Joe Shipley
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Hi Joe: I have put an ** beside pieces in production, and ## beside pieces
that have been produced. The list isn't useful to a manufactuer without
knowing how many they can sell. All of these items are ideas that are
readily available in any military reference book. Thanks,
Dick>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>Ms Lehman,
>
> Thank you for considering fan input in the future of GI Joe! There is
>a very dedicated (and creative) group of Joe collectors that frequent a
>Usenet Group called alt.toys.gi-joe. There has been a rumor on the news
>group that HASBRO has a "lurker" on the group. Let me tell you, if this is
>not true, then HASBRO is truly missing out on a GOLDEN opportunity.
> I have been collecting a "Wish List" from the members of this news
>group for about the last three weeks and in my opinion these are some
>fantastic ideas. The list is unexpurgated and includes some suggestions
>that would probably be impossible due to Copyrights, but I hope you will
>give this serious consideration. Each lettered category is from an
>individual. The order is only the order in which the ideas were received
>and implies no other "ranking".
>
>A)
>That is, return to the original concept for Joe, and have a handful of
>basic uniformed figures for perhaps $15 a pop. That's your RAZOR.
>Then there could be mission gear and uniform sets ranging from $7.99 to
>$19.99, ranging in detail and complexity. And those are your RAZOR
BLADES.
>
>B)
>1. Seabee
>2. Modern Fireman in turnout gear (civilian)
>3. Coastie (drug interdiction team or rescue swimmer).
>4. Biohazard containment suit (from movie Outbreak)
>5. Modern British Dress "Black Watch" in kilt
>6. US Naval Aviator in "Winter Working Greens"
>
>C)
>German want list:
>1.German Afrika Korps **
>2.Wehrmacht Soldier **
>3.Panzer Commander **
>4.Field Marshal **
>5.Waffen-SS with Pea-Pattern uniforms **
>6.U-boat commander
>
>Modern Day Soldiers of the World:
>1.Russian Spetnaz
>3.American SEAL team leader ##
>4.British SAS (better detail)
>5.US Submariner
>6.USMC Marine Drill Instructor ##
>
>SCI-Fi/Fantasy: (WE HAVE STAR WARS REPRO WEAPONS)
>1.Viking gods
>2.Star Wars: X-Wing Pilot, Stormtrooper, Snowtrooper, TIE Pilot, Imperial
>Officer.
>3.Star Trek Figures to include Klingons and Romulans
>4.Aliens figures
>5.Rocketeer
>6.2001: A Space Odyssey astronaut
>7.Planet of the Apes: Chareleton Heston Astronaut, Ape general
>8.Battlestar Galatica uniforms
>9.Excalibur: Knights of the Round Table
>10.The Terminator
>11.Indiana Jones
>
>Adventure Team stuff:
>1.Motorcycle police officer
>2.Secret Agent
>3.Superman
>4.Batman
>5.Spiderman
>6.Catwoman
>7.Batgirl
>8.EMT paramedic
>9.Mountain Climber
>10.Hiker
>11.Harley Davidson and rider
>12.Archaeologist
>
>Re-release the vintage stuff:
>1.Space Capsule
>2.Iron Knight tank
>3.Secret of the Mummy's Tomb
>4.AT Headquarters
>5.Mobile Support Vehicle
>6.Green Beret
>7.5 Star Jeep
>
>New vehicles for my CC Joes
>1.Jet for my FAO Pilot (WE CARRY COPY OF ORIGINAL)
>2.Mini-Space Shuttle for the Shuttle pilot that is due out this year.
>3.Humvee jeep WE WILL BE CARRYING THESE
>4.M1A1 Abrams Tank
>5.P-51 Mustang fighter
>6.Me-109 German fighter
>7.Kubelwagen (a WWII German jeep...it looks like a modern day VW Thing)
>8.Missile Base with working Estes Rocket launcher
>9.US Marines LAV (very cool APC)
>10.Star Wars X-Wing
>11.Battlestar Galactica Viper
>12.Mars Lander Spacecraft
>13.MechWarrior
>14.VietNam River Patrol Boat with working R/C motor
>
>D)
>1.Modern Bundeswehr with Flecktarn camo
>2.British with desert or standard DPM camo
>3.Soviet paratrooper (modern)
>4.USAF Combat Controller
>5.USAF Pararescue
>6.USAF Security Police
>7.Dress uniforms for all service branches - uniforms should come with
>officer, warrant, and enlisted ranks for the buyer to configure. **
>8.Scuba kit - would include Draeger rebreather rig, fins, mask, dive
board,
>etc.
>9.3-color Desert BDU uniform
>10. Weapons packs like the 3.75" Joes had.
>
>
>
>
>
>E)
>1.Marines in full combat dress ##
>2.American combat troops with a Battle of the Bulge theme **
>3.Allied Generals
>4.British Combat Troops **
>5.German Combat Troops **
>6.German SS Commanders ##
>7.German Generals
>8.Jeeps
>9.accessories in historical detail ##
>10.Put out action figures for the various branches of service. &
>accessories to support that branch.
>11.Limited Edition Civil War figures, Ancient Rome, World War I etc. **
>
>F)
>1.Space Above and Beyond
>2.Aliens / Predator
>3.Masterpiece: the 7536 Action Soldier Green Beret, with the Bazooka.
>4.Green Beret Machine Gun Outpost
>5.Navy, Marine, Air Force, Adventure Team and Classic Soldiers of the
>World.
>6. A quick change head for changing features and hair color, 5 heads to a
>card ##
>7.Tools - Fire axe, jackhammer, transit, etc.
>8.Support equipment - radios, MG tripods, maps and cases, e tools...
>9.Heavy weapons - M1919A4 Machine Gun with tripod, .50 Browning, Barrett
>Light .50 Sniper Rifle
>10.Modern US Headgear - Woodland BDU cap **, USMC Utility cover, D I Hat
>##, T C
>Helmet, HALO Ranger Helmet with O2 Mask.
>11.Weapons pacs: Modern US weapons, US WW II weapons, etc ##
>12.Dress Uniform Set –
>13."Forces" sets. - A box with one figure, two heads and two uniforms /
>equip sets - for example the Army Infantryman (CC) and Army Helicopter
>Pilot
>14.basic trooper with both a utility and a dress uniform, and we get some
>equipment that is appropriate.
>15. "Opposing Forces" sets. A French Resistance Fighter and the German
>Stormtrooper two
>pack.
>15. "Team Ups" A really accurate British SAS and a US Special Forces **
>16. 35th Anniversary Services Special. One Joe, all 5 services equipment
>as carded sets inside
>17. Nisei Regimental Combat Team
>18. Boxed set with a Harley Road Hog (Police FX80 motorcycle with fairing)
>and a Joe to fit
>
>G)
>1.Test Pilot pressure suit & helmet
>2.Word War I (One) aviators -- one Allied, one Axis... "Knights of the
Sky"
>
>
>H)
>1.more ACCESSORY PACKS for the current crop of figures.
>
>I)
>1- Male or Female Medic WE HAVE ACTION TEAM'S MALE MEDIC
>2.Special Forces or Army Ranger in night recon gear **
>3.Police or Military in full body armor
>4.a different head style **, variations other than hair color
>
>
>
>
>J)
>1. Deep Sea Diver
>2. WWI Ground Pounder **
>3. Vietnam Police Action Era Naval Aviator
>4. German WWII Afrika Corps, **
>5. RR Engineer
>
>K)
>1.a Delta Force Commando,
>2.Civil War Soldier, ** 4 DIFFERENT ONES
>3.29th Division National Guardsman,
>4.Colonial Soldier **
>5.soldier in NBC gear.
>6. Ranger (with a black beret) **
>
>L)
>Viet Nam Era
>1. Tunnel Rat stripped down for biz
>2. Medic w/ bags & stretcher
>3. Huey side-door Gunner w/ M60 ##
>4. River Patrol boat & Amphib Assault Craft
>5. Flak Jacket/Vest ** 3 COLOR VARIATIONS
>6. 'Thumper' w/ loadable breach (M79 40mm grenade launcher)
>7. Shotgun w/ bandoleer strap ** W/FOLDING STOCK
>
>M)
>1. Japanese-American soldier from WWII
>2. Classic Jeep
>3. Apollo Astronaut
>4. Firing mortar (like the vintage one)
>5. SWAT officer
>6. Woodland Camo Infantry **
>7. Full web gear Accessory pack for the Woodland Camo Infantry **
>8. WWI Doughboy
>9. Functional Parachute Accessory Pack
>10. Asian-Americans added to the standard releases
>11. All black SAS gear Accessory Pack
>12. More complete accessories with the figures.
>13. Vietnam era grunt **
>14. More female figures
>15. Modern Shuttle Spacewalk suit with propulsion pack.
>16. Adjustable elastic rifle straps on the weapons, since the loops are
##
>already there.
>17. More variety in pistols ##, and make them fit in the CC hands.
>18. Improve the CC body with more bend in the neck and waist, more range
of
>motion in the elbows and knees, and bring back the swivel bicep.
>19. "Aliens" Colonial Marine (and a Vasquez).
>20. Bring the best of Action Man to the US. Like Snowboard Raider, the
>Sky Diver, Crimebuster, Natalie, and the Heligun
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>N)
>1. Blue Angels
>2. Thunderbirds
>3. Submarine Commander
>4. USAF Missleer
>5. Army Dress Blues **
>6. Frogman
>7. Arctic Camo
>
>O)
>1. Honor Guard. (Tomb of the Unknowns)
>
>P)
>"Bad Guys"
>1. Terrorist
>2. Iraqi soldier
>3. NVA
>4. VC Sapper
>5. Japanese Pilot
>6. German WWII Afrika Corps **
>7. WWI soldier set
>8. Italian Soldier
>9. Iranian Soldier
>10. Drug lord
>11. Bank robber/mask
>12. Soldiers of the US war of Independence **
>13. US 7th Cav. **
>14. Brit 8th Army
>15. US WWII tank crew
>
>New Figures:
>1. Arab
>2. North American Indian **
>3. Hispanic
>4. Japanese **
>5. Asian
>
--
FLY Navy!
Joe Shipley
Operations
Buddycakes wrote:
>
> Joe Shipley wrote:
>
> >Below is the response from Cotswold to our "wish list" .
>
> >Frankly, I think his tone is a little condescending and I'd have expected
> a
> >little more pleasantry from an outfit that I have sent so much money to
> >inthe past few months.
>
> I say we summon up the posse and storm the castle.
>
> Angelo-I have no byline-Sargentini
I didn't see the "condescending" tone... guess I missed it! You gotta
realize that Cotswolds does not know who we are. For all they know we
could be a bunch of juveniles... hummmm, maybe they're right!
Rob
(op...@worldnet.att.net)
Karl Clapp
Joe Shipley <mid...@pen.net> wrote in article
<01bc3a6b$5039acc0$1a54cccf@JoeShipley>...
> Below is the response from Cotswold to our "wish list" .
>
> Frankly, I think his tone is a little condescending and I'd have expected
a
> little more pleasantry from an outfit that I have sent so much money to
in
> the past few months.
>
> Anyway, I think the acknowledgement of pieces produced or in production
is
> interesting.
>
At least they responded Joe. My guess is Hasbro/Kenner will blow you off.
Again, sorry for the sarcasm folks, but I'm not impressed with this
organization. They (Hasbro/Kenner) talk a lot of sh*t in the Club
newsletter and on their web site and don't back it up.
Karl
Robert E. Bratcher
Hey Group and Joe,
I kinda expected a less than favorable reply from the wish list
from the beginning. It kinda went to the extream boarding on silly,
that's the reason I didn't reply in the first place. That's just my
oppinion, not trying to be offensive or start another sandbox roit, but
with all the strange request that are not even GI Joe or Adventure Team
related what do we expect. True I wouldn't mind seeing some of the off
beat stuff, but for anyone to take us seriously, we need to be more
realistic. Maybe we could try this aging with a little more thought on
the subject, like more Joe related request! Again just my thoughts on
the subject. An hey Joe thanks for the cool idea and all the effort.
aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooo Wolfman
SgnalCorps
Well, Cotswold is in it to make money. As for them producing new things
when Hasbro won't, consider that they really haven't *created* anything
with their Elite line. They've bought, copied, or sometimes even stolen
existing production models of Hasbro, Palitoy, Takara, and private
customizer goods. Far as I can see, all they've succeeded in doing is
mass producing stuff with slightly lesser quality to offset the slightly
lower price tag. Cotswold provides a service to collectors, but I
certainly wouldn't look to them to fulfill wish lists; they're
business-people, and they're already making tons of money without
branching into original designs.
Colin Epstein
I kinda have to agree with Wolfman, here. The list was all over the
place, and the letter didn't do quite enough to present it in a
meaningful context. The exuberance was great, and the ideas were too
cool, but a little editing would have helped.
Unfortunately, when dealing with a big business like H/K, (or even a
smaller one like Cotswold, it seems) presentation is everything. If we
come off as a bunch of fanatics who want all sorts of oddball stuff, we
won't be taken very seriously by the button-down minds that think in
terms of demographics and other MBA jargon. Now I'm not calling
anybody's choices "oddball." There were tons of neat ideas that would
make great figures, even if they stray out of the military and into
fantasy and science fiction. But we're trying to talk to folks who
specialize in focus groups, niche markets, etc. To their tunnel vision,
almost any straying from the strictly military line they've obviously
planned for the CC's is gonna seem weird and maybe even irrelevent.
I would have focused more tightly on the more conventional military
stuff, with more commentary on why certain themes seemed popular among
the group, etc. Then an adventure team section for all that stuff that
fell into that sort of category, also with commentary as to why we
wanted that sort of thing even though it wasn't strictly military.
The Vintage repro stuff should probably have its own section as well,
purely for more clarity. The request for Vintage re-issues would be
bolstered with the warm reception of the Masterpiece sets, the money
Mattel's making off of Barbie re-issues, etc. This is the only only
place I'd dangle Collector Dollars in front of their eyes. Let's face
it, there's no way they're gonna bring stuff like that back on top of
the CC line unless there's extra moolah there.
At the end, I would have made a passing reference to some of the more
outlandish stuff, mentioning how a lot of Joe fans were also comic and
movie fans. I would stress the potential in crossovers like Aliens,
since the Marines in that film tied in nicely with the military Joe
theme, H/K has the license, and the sci-fi fans who usually ignore Joe
might get hooked in with a few such releases. A comic hero crossover
might do the same for the rabid comic action figure collctors (such as
myself :oD ).
I'm not saying I have all the answers, of course. Nor am I putting down
our good Mr. Shipley's efforts. I just think we'd be better off if we
spoke in their language and supported our exuberant wish list with less
exuberant facts. The best way to get a message across isn't always
banners and brass bands. Sometimes tucking it into something the other
folks are more familiar with is far more effective. The fact that
Cotswold (who've made a pretty penny off us Joe fans) gave such a terse
reply is a sad sign that our enthusiasm isn't necessarily shared by
those who are making this stuff. So it might need to be tempered with a
little practicality. We hand them the well structured, carefully stated
letter of items we'd like to see added to their product line at the
following price point to appeal to this and that market, yadda-yadda,
then we all get together and blab about how cool it'd be if they
listened and made all those neat toys!
Shutting up, now...
--
Colin
W. Tracy
Who did they rip off with their new vietnam era camouflage uniform? Who did
they rip off with their H-harness?
Sure they make reproductions. What is wrong with doing that. Hasbro has
not made that body style since the mid '70's and there is obviously a market.
You can destinguish all Cotswold items easily from the originals, they are
clearly marked CC (for cotswold collectibles) so what damage are they doing?
You say they have lesser quality. I have not been disappointed with any
of their items and feel that some are better than the original.
I will agree that their heads need to be worked on a little, and it would
be nice if they could lower the price of their figures a little more. ( they
want $28 for their nude figure while you can get the original for $50 to $60)
W. Tracy
Joe Shipley
You know, Wolfman,
I do, in fact agree. A lot of people sent me silly bullshit (THOR) but
who am I to delete somebody's wish. In all honesty, I considered this
little project of mine a labor of love. if HASBRO & Cotswold don't care
what their consumers are interested in, (ok all you kids on the NG, cover
your eyes) fuck 'em.
FLY Navy!!
Joe Shipley
Robert E. Bratcher <bbra...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
<333AA2...@ix.netcom.com>...
Operations
Joe Shipley wrote:
>
> You know, Wolfman,
>
> I do, in fact agree. A lot of people sent me silly bullshit (THOR) but
> who am I to delete somebody's wish. In all honesty, I considered this
> little project of mine a labor of love. if HASBRO & Cotswold don't care
> what their consumers are interested in, (ok all you kids on the NG, cover
>
> FLY Navy!!
>
> Joe Shipley
>
Joe,
Perhaps we should have taken a census of the NG members and sent them
our demographics along with the wish list. Hasbro/Cotswolds may get
lots of wish lists and they probably don't realize the level of
dedication this NG has.
Rob
(op...@worldnet.att.net)
The Arthur Family
Operations <nob...@nowhere.com> wrote in article
<333BB5...@nowhere.com>...
I like the Census idea. Maybe we should open a thread with our name,
e-mail address and could even state number of purchases in last 12 months
although that last part may only open us up to people hitting on us but it
could also show the powers that be how big a group of
collectors/consumers/fans we are.
We could collect the names and e-addresses, submit it as sort of a petition
along with a redone list of our suggestions that is cut down and
prioritized. We could even vote on the items in the list and say send in
the top 10?
What do ya think?
Curt.
Joe Shipley
Thanks for the backup, T!
I was about to get my boxers in a wad.
All these suggestions are just great a week after I sent the letter. Where
were all the MBA's while I was writing.
If anybody wants to take a census, go for it. After spearheading 2 threads
and collecting a lot of data this past month, I can tell you its not as
easy as it sounds. I won't be doing it.
Yea, the list was a shotgun effect, sorry. My 12 hour a day job is teaching
22 year-old Student Naval Aviators not to kill themselves in YOUR taxpayer
funded $24 million training devices. NOT writing to HASBRO and flexing an
MBA (which I don't have).
Joe Shipley
(who is buckling his belt back up after nearly telling some people to kiss
my bare ass)
T <ter...@serv.net> wrote in article <333C02...@serv.net>...
> Colin Epstein wrote:
> > I kinda have to agree with Wolfman, here. The list was all over the
> > place, and the letter didn't do quite enough to present it in a
> > meaningful context. The exuberance was great, and the ideas were too
> > cool, but a little editing would have helped.
> <<seriously snipped>>
>
> Well, now, hold on. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the
> purpose of the letter was to show the diversity and enthusiasm of this
> particular Joe collecting community, that would give Hasbro/Kenner &
> Cotswold a feel for what people are looking for. Our Joe<g> called for
> comments before the letter was sent.
>
> I don't think either Cotswold or H/K is going to enthusiastically
> embrace our suggestions, although they may go ahead with many of them.
> Should they show us any encouragement they may think we'll expect some
> sort of credit.
>
> ~T
>
Mark Threadgill
Joe Shipley wrote:
>
> Below is the response from Cotswold to our "wish list" .
>
> Frankly, I think his tone is a little condescending and I'd have expected a
> little more pleasantry from an outfit that I have sent so much money to in
> the past few months.
>
> Anyway, I think the acknowledgement of pieces produced or in production is
> interesting.
>
I have had several of the Cotswold employees (not Tina or Dick) be sorta
rude at times. People talk about their great customer service, and I do
recieve my package correctly, but customer service also includes
courtesy.
Mark
Robert Sorrels
Joe Shipley wrote:
>
> Thanks for the backup, T!
>
> I was about to get my boxers in a wad.
> All these suggestions are just great a week after I sent the letter. Where
> were all the MBA's while I was writing.
>
> If anybody wants to take a census, go for it. After spearheading 2 threads
> and collecting a lot of data this past month, I can tell you its not as
> easy as it sounds. I won't be doing it.
>
> Yea, the list was a shotgun effect, sorry. My 12 hour a day job is teaching
> 22 year-old Student Naval Aviators not to kill themselves in YOUR taxpayer
> funded $24 million training devices. NOT writing to HASBRO and flexing an
> MBA (which I don't have).
>
>
> Joe Shipley
> (who is buckling his belt back up after nearly telling some people to kiss
> my bare ass)
>
> Mid...@pen.net
Joe,
Hope you didn't take my idea of sending a census as criticism. I thought
your idea was excellent. You are the only person I know who has taken
the initiative to actually let Hasbro (& Cotswold) know what this group
has been wishing/bitching for. My additional idea only came because of
the response you received on your effort. Hind sight is always 20-20 and
Monday morning quarterbacks have the easiest job in the world. My idea
was only to add additional "firepower" to your initial assault! Thanks
Squid, you done good...
Rob
Joe Shipley
Well,
I decided to burn a bridge! This was my response to Cotswold. After
they receive it I expect one of two responses...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Gee DICK,
I'd have sure never thought of the fact that these were all available
in a military reference book. In the future, I won't bother you with
collected fan input from the patrons of the alt.toys.gi-joe. Sorry to waste
your time with a useless list.
Despite the fact that I consider your response to my letter to be
pretty condescending, I'll probably personally continue to spend about $150
per month with Cotswold because I think you make a good, quality product
and you fill a niche in the market that I appreciate, even if your customer
relations are a bit rough edged.
Sincerely,
Joe Shipley
Mid...@pen.net
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
They'll either realize their response WAS condescending and shower me with
free merchandise (yea, right) or they'll ignore all future input from this
group.
Don't Piss Me Off!
Joe Shipley
T
SgnalCorps
Anyone who's familiar with some of the higher profile private customizers
out there these days knows where Cotswold is getting their ideas and
designs from. As for the quality question, I encourage you to check out
some of those same private customizers -- there's definitely a quality
difference between their work and Cotswold's Chinese connection.
AHaertle
Dick and Tina can only make positive changes only if you let them know!
cots...@whidbey.net (Cheryl answers the email and she has always be
great).
W. Tracy
In defense of Cotswold, much of their gear is not meant to be exact repro's of
real military gear. It is intended to be more in keeping with the 'toy'
aspect of the vintage joes. They do a fine job without charging $70 for a
field radio, etc.
W. Tracy
W. Tracy
In article <333C87...@worldnet.att.net>, Robert Sorrels <op...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>Joe Shipley wrote:
>>
>> Thanks for the backup, T!
>>
>Joe,
>Hope you didn't take my idea of sending a census as criticism. I thought
>your idea was excellent. You are the only person I know who has taken
>the initiative to actually let Hasbro (& Cotswold) know what this group
>has been wishing/bitching for. My additional idea only came because of
>the response you received on your effort. Hind sight is always 20-20 and
>Monday morning quarterbacks have the easiest job in the world. My idea
>was only to add additional "firepower" to your initial assault! Thanks
>Squid, you done good...
>Rob
I'll second that. Joe, even though I didn't respond to your wish list you did
a great job.
W. Tracy
Joe Shipley
Thanks, if you're paying attention, I did. and BTW it was Dick that
responded via email to my original letter.
--
FLY Navy!
Joe Shipley
AHaertle <ahae...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19970329050...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...
Joe Shipley
Sorry, "AHaertle",
I reread this post and it appears you were on a different half of the
thread. I didn't mean to fire an unsolicited shot across your bow, It's
just that I'm not real happy w/ CW right now (and here 5 days ago, I was
singing their praises), whatayagunnado?
--
FLY Navy!
Joe Shipley
Joe Shipley <mid...@pen.net> wrote in article
<01bc3c3f$d3674d20$1954cccf@JoeShipley>...
wesley r daniels
"Joe Shipley" <mid...@pen.net> wrote:
>Sincerely,
>Joe Shipley
>Joe Shipley
Uh, that's showin' em L.T. " I'll spend my money on you whether you
like it or not."
Don't piss you off ?
Why not ? You gonna give me a 150 bucks ?
Just kiddin' L.T. I feel the same way and will likely go about my
sheeplike way and spend money too.
Go Navy!!!!!!! Spend the big bucks!!!!!!!!
Jersbears
<<The list isn't useful to a manufactuer without
knowing how many they can sell. All of these items are ideas that are
readily available in any military reference book. Thanks,
Dick>>
Somebody ought to ask Dick when the heck he is going to start reading
those books, and sweating the little details. More reasons to spend my
money with customizers instead of Cotswold. The only things I buy from
them any more are their new boots, and the odd small accessory.
regards, Jerry
The Arthur Family
Joe Shipley <mid...@pen.net> wrote in article
<01bc3bce$f6412ee0$2154cccf@JoeShipley>...
Joe:
I think you did a great job on this and as T said everyone had input for a
couple of weeks before you sent it in.
I was only thinking that if we were to look at a census it would point out
to some MBA type that hey, these people spend thousands maybe we should
listen to them. Then again, I did not have the whole thread until today
and now I see the useful reply they sent back in the first place.
I always thought a company was in business to kiss our asses. We handed
them a list of what 80 + suggestions? And thousands of dollars a year in
easy no effort sales. Someone is probably looking at the list saying hey,
some cool ideas here but if we acknowledge it then they will want some kind
of finders fee...
It is too bad that a love of a hobby has us almost trapped - they are just
about the only game in town and no matter what our opinion of them becomes
we may still be stuck.
I would love to say lets keep our money on this side of the ocean and only
support the independants who manufacture in USA/Canada but I can't afford
them and gotta have that joe stuff.
I don't want to ramble on any more here but you had a great idea, worked
your ass off and should be congratulated.
Thanks Joe.
Curt.
Joe Shipley
Ya know,
You're right, I basically did threaten them with more money...
duh!?
Basically it's true though. I like their products and their prices. I
just think Dick needs to realize the customer is always right. I realize
that threatening to stop spending my whopping $150 (and its probably not
nearly that high over the average, just the last couple months) doesn't
mean shit to them.
How about this, anybody who thinks Dick was a jerk, write and tell
'em. Maybe if enough people who contributed to the list email him, he'll
get an idea of how many they can sell and this kind of list will "have
some value to a manufacturer."
reach them at:
Maybe I just had a shitty week and he rubbed me the wrong way or maybe
I've got tissue paper feelings but this wasn't MY wish list, it was OUR
wish list and I feel snubbed by somebody I had a little more faith in.
--
Boo Hoo!
Joe Shipley
AHaertle
not to worry. You can say what you like on the net. When I got back into
this hobby, Dick was a dealer that made the hobby fun and has been able to
help me avoid buying high prices for parts and equipment.
I never took your statements as shots over my bow. Nonetheless, we need
to stay in contact with Cotswold and H/K, so, hopefully, they'll produce
what we want. I think H/K continue to segment the 12" market (HOFA, ME,
CC, AM, SW). What they need to consider is improving distribution (TRU
comes to mind) and whether or not to change pricing (they're leaving a lot
of money on the table to scalpers).
What Cotswold needs to consider if they want to create a partnership with
H/K, but putting the scar on Joe's face maybe to expensive for them. In
addition, H/K would not likely endorse the production of German SS
uniforms with their name attached.
enough already!
Hman
wesley r daniels
"Joe Shipley" <mid...@pen.net> wrote:
> How about this, anybody who thinks Dick was a jerk, write and tell
>'em. Maybe if enough people who contributed to the list email him, he'll
>get an idea of how many they can sell and this kind of list will "have
>some value to a manufacturer."
>reach them at:
> Maybe I just had a shitty week and he rubbed me the wrong way or maybe
>I've got tissue paper feelings but this wasn't MY wish list, it was OUR
>wish list and I feel snubbed by somebody I had a little more faith in.
>--
>Boo Hoo!
>Joe Shipley
>Mid...@pen.net
>
>
Aye AYE ! L.T. I'll begin the op now.
Go Navy!!!! BOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!! WessD
Colin Epstein
Joe Shipley wrote:
>
> Thanks for the backup, T!
>
> All these suggestions are just great a week after I sent the letter. Where
> were all the MBA's while I was writing.
>
> If anybody wants to take a census, go for it. After spearheading 2 threads
> and collecting a lot of data this past month, I can tell you its not as
> easy as it sounds. I won't be doing it.
>
> Yea, the list was a shotgun effect, sorry. My 12 hour a day job is teaching
> 22 year-old Student Naval Aviators not to kill themselves in YOUR taxpayer
> funded $24 million training devices. NOT writing to HASBRO and flexing an
> MBA (which I don't have).
>
>
> Joe Shipley
> (who is buckling his belt back up after nearly telling some people to kiss
> my bare ass)
>
Hey, Joe,
Since I was undoubtedly one of the folks that pissed you off, let me
apologise. I wasn't meaning to come down on you hard. I really only
meant to suggest how such letters might be structured in the future if
we wanted to make a better impression. I thought the list was really
cool, from the really great ideas to the ideas that were so out there
they were funny. I'm really glad you took the time to put it together
and send it out. It's more than this blabbermouth did. I also never
meant to imply I had anything resembling an MBA. It's just that I've
dealt with some folks with hard core bean-counter mentality, and a lot
of them are so submerged into their marketing jargon and what not, that
plain ol' English often soars right over their heads. Heck, there are
undoubtedly folks at Hasbro that never refer to what they make as
"toys", 'cause it's all "product" to them (Cheez Whiz is a product. GI
Joe is a toy!). That mentality exists in every business, unfortunately.
So all I was trying to say is that to communicate with such folks, you
gotta come close to talking like they do, as unpleasant as that is. I'm
sorry if I sounded harsh or unappreciative of all your work. You did
good, and I chewed on my shoe leather.
Take care,
--
Colin
Ron Jack (Programming)
On Tue, 1 Apr 1997, Mark Threadgill wrote:
> The Arthur Family wrote:
> >
>
snip
>
> Lets face it, Cotswolds has us by the Ying Yang. We deal in a very
> small, but growing niche market. They are the largest supplier if
> affordable, quality merchandise. They have a customer base of
> thousands, and have constant requests for orders. Anyone else ever get
> a busy signal at Cotswolds. They have us right were they want us. We
> love this Joe shit, can't find it in alot of places and are addicted to
> it. We are junkies and Cotswolds is our supplier (dealer), and they can
> treat us any way they want to (like shit). They will be able to do so
> until this joe stuff is available at major retail outlets all over the
> country.
> Mark
>
> Ps. I cant wait to take more abuse from them later today.
Wow. Oh, man, it does sound like they've got hold of you pretty good.
But speaking for myself - and let's see, what's the best way to put this -
YAAAWWWWN ... (as in boring, boring, boring)
I mean, I've never paid their vintage prices, have placed one or
two small orders for Elite stuff that generally left me unimpressed,
and may very well never order from them again.
I don't know about anyone else, but I've never had a problem finding some
alternative to Cotswolds.
FWIW,
ron
Mark Threadgill
The Arthur Family wrote:
>
> Joe:
>
> It is too bad that a love of a hobby has us almost trapped - they are just
> about the only game in town and no matter what our opinion of them becomes
> we may still be stuck.
>
> I would love to say lets keep our money on this side of the ocean and only
> support the independants who manufacture in USA/Canada but I can't afford
> them and gotta have that joe stuff.
>
> I don't want to ramble on any more here but you had a great idea, worked
> your ass off and should be congratulated.
>
> Thanks Joe.
>
> Curt.
Lets face it, Cotswolds has us by the Ying Yang. We deal in a very
Nikdj
I've never had a problem with Cotswold but if I was ever disrespected by
them in anyway I don't care how much I love joes, I would never order from
them again. Have some damn pride about yourselves!
Joe Shipley
Who are you to preach to me about pride?
For future reference, if I want your opinion, I'll give it to you.
--
FLY Navy!
Joe Shipley
Nikdj <ni...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19970405145...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...
wesley r daniels
"Joe Shipley" <mid...@pen.net> wrote:
>Joe Shipley
Uh,Eltee ? You are the one who threatened cotswolds with more money
aren't you ? I mean, no knock off artist is gonna diss me and still
get my money.
I have met the enemy and he is mine. Horahhhhh!!!!! WessD
Joe Shipley
People, people, people,
I am pulling the plug on this Op. I forgot the most basic concept of
OpSec. The chances of a compromise are directly proportional to the # of
people that know about the Op.
A) You did not RTF thread. If you had, you'd have seen after my reply
to Cotswold, that this PsyOp was designed to make them feel guilty and
shower me with free stuff (or sufficiently piss them off enough to ignore
all further input from us).
2) All of you who pointed out how f*cked up I am and without pride etc
etc... don't know me very well. I'll freely admit they were a little rude
but my feelings are not made of tissue paper. Its not like they shot my
dog. The truth is I could give a shit less what they think, Hell they're
probably pissed that the letter was to HASBRO in the 1st place. Well, joke
'em if they can't take a f*ck.
III) Wess, I'm disappointed. I know I didn't brief you in on the Op,
but come on! Have a little faith, brother. The brass may not have a GOOD
plan, or one that actually works, but we ALWAYS have a plan.
lastly) While the TacOp was well conceived, it blew the cover on the
Strategic Plan. Think BIG guys!!!
cinco) I had fun with the original letter, and even some of the
responses, but this has ended up being a fun sponge. I won't be
spearheading any more projects. AMF
CHIEFMEX
Hey Joe,
Realizing that we all don't have time (a precious thing to all us) to
brainstorm and to put something done worthwhile on paper, no less in our
minds. I sincerely appreciate all your efforts in getting yours and ours
(newsgroup) thoughts out there. Cotswold, probably was upset. Deal with
it, PAL!!!!! We are the customer!!
Anyhow, I've always did like you airdales.
A Surface Warrior.
Chief Acosta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!