ROUND #3 ANNOUNCEMENT -THE LAST HURRAH - BACK STORY FORETOLD

[drmirage]

Now that the prizes are in the hands of the participants, here is the long promised backstory for round #3. There were an amazing number of moving parts to this as you will see below, but we wouldn't have wanted it any other way because we think it was a huge win for the fans. So....

BACKSTORY FOR ROUND #3:

The start of round #3 goes all the way back to early 2013 at the end of round #1. At the end of that, we were thinking what we could do as a prize for the upcoming round #2, and came up with the idea of resurrecting the VVSS books, but do it with a Gold book which had never been done originally. We talked with Dinesh who loved the idea and he got the writer's signature on two different gold books for us. We were not able to get the artist, but since the VVSS books in the past had at least two signatures, we asked Fred to sign them which he graciously did. Thus, the big reward for round #2 was born. However, once the prizes for round #2 were distributed, the fans made the comment several times that they wished both the writer AND artist signed the VFVSS books, so we wanted to make that happen for round #3.

Our original plan was for round #3 to coincide with the start of VEI's third year in May 2014, so in late 2013 we started working with VEI on obtaining what the fans asked for: A dual signature VFVSS Gold book. Many discussions were held back and forth, but despite everyone's best effort, it just didn't happen, so Elery and I decided to simply drop it and not do a round #3 if we couldn't give the fans what they had said would be super special to them.

Elery talks with Ramses818 (John Rucker) often, and in the spring of 2014, Ramses818 felt very strongly that Elery and I should do a round #3 as we had wanted to (and for VEI to get more reviews), so he personally contacted Clayton Crain to try and arrange for him to sign Rai #1 Gold books. At the same time, betterthanezra (Brian Wells) contacted Matt Kindt to ask him also about signing the same book. Both guys were only too happy to graciously make this happen for the fans. So, after months of delay, round #3 was on again.

Since round #2 had two VFVSS books, we couldn't do less than that, so we asked VEI not only for a supply of Rai Golds, but also Unity golds which they gladly provided, continuing their great support of such promos. Betterthanezra again contacted Matt Kindt to ask if he would also sign the Unity Golds and again Matt came through for the fans.

There were the usual mechanics of what TPBS to review, plan the promo, announce it, keep up the database to monitor such reviews for everyone, and work with VEI to make the prize package the vest it could be since Elery and I had always agreed that round #3 would be the final of these promos we would do. VEI was tremendously generous for the fans on every front. Not only did they supply the books for the VFVSS gold gooks, but they also sent enough copies of con exclusive books such that each qualified participant would get 3 different con exclusive books. And that wasn't the end of it. Elery and I asked Dinesh for something unique that would be "one of a kind" for each winner and he made the great offer to have the office staff do sketches on sketch cover books. PLUS, since the "way back at the start" original goal of the rounds was to get the fans access to con exlusives, VEI agreed that the two con exclusives for NYCC of the X O Manowar #0 con exclusive book AND the X O Manowar newly announced figure would be make available to the fully qualified participants. Fantastic to say the least.

So, gold Rai books arrived in Vermont. They got embossed, bagged, boarded, and sent off to Clayton for his signature, with the request that once done he would forward them to Matt for his signature, with them ultimately being returned to Vermont. The Unity gold books were likewise embossed, bagged, boarded and sent to Matt for his signature with the request to also return them to Vermont for placing in the prize package. So we had books going all over the country, hoping all the time they with the "expert handling" of the USPS, that they would make the entire journey undamaged.

Meanwhile, VEI shipped me the con exclusive books which had to be bagged and boarded. Then, we contacted Greg Holland to once again ask him to create the COAs for both VFVSS books which he graciously agreed to do. Once Greg did that and signed each one, he had to ship these to NYC for Dinesh's signature, at which point they also had to be sent up to Vermont for inclusion.

Over in Cali, Elery was busy producing the appreciation letter which has accompanied each of the round for the qualified participants. So he had to produce them (once he knew who the winners were so he could personalize each one) sign them, ship those as well to NYC for Dinesh's signature, and then those ALSO had to be sent up to Vermont. A tremendous amount of shipping and signing going on all over the country, with everything destined for Vermont and again relying on the USPS to make this all happen without damage

Fans did their reviews, got fully qualified, placed their orders and sent payments for what con exclusives they wanted, then payment was sent to VEI. Lots of back and forth emails were sent to coordinate this, but it was all coming together.

Round three was over by now and we "simply" had to assemble all the components upon arrival in Vermont. The con exclusive books which members had purchased arrived, and even we were shocked when we opened the box and found that VEI had added yet ANOTHER con exclusive book for the fans, this time with three signatures This demonstrated yet again (as if there was ever any question) just how much VEI thinks of their fans and appreciates their support

The last two components of this huge puzzle were the purchased X O Manowar figures and the sketch books. The shipping cost for the X O figures was calculated exacly, and then each member was emailed with their shipping bill which they paid by Paypal. The figures got shipped out and fans were told that to save on shipping costs, the X O #0 con exclusive books they purchased would be included with the prize package.

33 sketch books arrived and each was unique. It turns out that the coffee stained ones were in truth the most unique of them all, with each having a personal message written on the. Thus, VEI TOTALLY cam through with their promised unique prize for each winner

The Affinity mailer which I had recently discovered, had been chosen as the safest way to ship the packages and we laid in a supply of those to pack everything up. Eight of the packages went out of the US to qualified participants, so custom forms had to be filled out for those as well as packing them up. Everything got pulled together and triple checked that it was all as it should be, and finally I trundled off to the Jericho, Vermont Post Office to ship these all to the eagerly awaiting fans. You know the rest of the story from there.

Many, many people had a hand in making this incredible package come together for the fans: Elery, Ramses81, betterthanezra, Clayton Crain, Matt Kindt, Greg Holland, and most importantly, Dinesh himself and the Valiant team. It was our goal right from the start when we envisioned three rounds of TPB reviews, that each prize package would be better than the last and thanks to the personal effort of each of these individuals, this absolutely happened. Do these rounds take time to do? You get. Better than 100 man hours per round each for Elery and me, but I can tell you that we both feel it was more than worth it when we read the fans reactions each time. VEI is so fortunate to have such unique fans who bond together and do everything they can to support the company's efforts. Huge Kudos to Dinesh and his team, because they are REALLY aware and appreciative of those fans constantly. I know of NO other comic company that works as closely with their fans and Dinesh is to be applauded for making this all happen for the fans (being the ultimate fan himself who bought the company and brought it back)

I would ask that if you were pleased with VEI's efforts in this, that you drop a quick "Thank You" to Dinesh and let him know how you feel. While I know that he's acutely aware of how everyone feels, a personal "Thank You" always goes a long way

On a personal note, please know that Elery and I have been very thankful to have the continued support of the fans here, as well as the incredible backing of Dinesh and the VEI staff to make this all happen for three rounds and all the other promos we have done. It has been a wonderful opportunity for which we are genuinely appreciative. Thank you all

1

ROUND #3 ANNOUNCEMENT

Given the past success of Rounds #1 & #2, Bruce and I are extremely excited to inform everyone of an opportunity to qualify for Round #3. This will be the biggest yet most challenging round we are presenting.

This offer is available to only 50 Valiant Fan Members. 31 participants from Round #2 have already signed up. There are only 19 spots remaining.

There will be a waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis after we reach 50 participants.


===========================

HOW TO QUALIFY:

1. Amazon reviews need a minimum of 100 words for the following 30 Trade Paperbacks completed by by October 6th 2014 (The participants of Round #2, have already completed 10/30 Reviews)

X-O MANOWAR VOLUMES 1-5
HARBINGER VOLUMES 1-4
BLOODSHOT VOLUMES 1-5
ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOLUMES 1-5
SHADOWMAN VOLUMES 1-4
HARBINGER WARS VOLUME 1
QUANTUM & WOODY VOLUMES 1-2
ETERNAL WARRIOR VOLUMES 1-2
UNITY VOLUMES 1-2

(Video reviews can be a substituted for written reviews.)

2. In addition to that, the same exact review needs to be added to:
http://www.amazon.ca/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Amazon Canada)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Amazon UK)

===========================


HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Send a private message to brucehartshorn or post on this topic to let us know that you want to participate, along with your mailing information and your name that you are posting reviews under on Amazon.

Once qualified, members will be given the special opportunity to acquire VEI Con Exclusives from NYCC:

X-O Manowar #0 NYCC Exclusive and the brand new Super Limited (150 for NYCC) X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure from CRKT Labs

If you have interest in participating in Round 3 please let us know of your interest. There are a couple of great NYCC con exclusives which will be made available to fully qualified participants. And, while there is NO PROMISE of anything else, I would remind everyone of the sincere appreciation and generosity which VEI showed after the fact to fully qualified members from Rounds 1 & 2. So if history is any indication.......

Bruce and I have a STRONG SUSPICION that this will be the best yet.

Thanks!

Elery / Bruce


Credit to Valiant Fan member kjjohanson for these links below:


USA
A&A
http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Armstrong- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Armstrong- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Armstrong- ... QZA5SQQVR7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Armstrong- ... 8NVWX362PV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Armstrong- ... 1CXKAKN740" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bloodshot
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodshot-Volume- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodshot-Volume- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodshot-Volume- ... DK2G21CDFK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodshot-Volume- ... GQ7EQE1TAR" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Bloodshot-Volume- ... ZZN5PNFRDH" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eternal Warrior
http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Warrior-V ... M3M7Y48Z2S" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Warrior-V ... ZM25GZ4NBS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger
http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Volume- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Volume- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Volume- ... FH1D593487" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Volume- ... QK8G8TCR65" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger Wars
http://www.amazon.com/Harbinger-Wars-Vo ... CARGP03P9Q" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quantum & Woody
http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Woody-Vol ... 8NVWX362PV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Woody-Vol ... J3Y8674EGQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Shadowman
http://www.amazon.com/Shadowman-Volume- ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Shadowman-Volume- ... gy_b_img_y" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Shadowman-Deadsid ... =shadowman" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Shadowman-Fear-Bl ... =shadowman" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unity
http://www.amazon.com/Unity-Volume-To-K ... 1CXKAKN740" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/Unity-Volume-Trap ... XF2DGFM3P8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

X-O
http://www.amazon.com/X-O-Manowar-Volum ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/X-O-Manowar-Volum ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/X-O-Manowar-Volum ... r-mr-title" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/X-O-Manowar-Volum ... 2CNCJT11BJ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.com/X-O-Manowar-Volum ... QZA5SQQVR7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Canada
A&A
http://www.amazon.ca/Archer-Armstrong-V ... CYKQ5G5PWV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Archer-Armstrong-V ... BNM7JCX9XG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Archer-Armstrong-V ... NZW8TGS4PD" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Archer-Armstrong-V ... WQGXT0N987" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Archer-Armstrong-V ... 4A26MZHMEV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bloodshot
http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodshot-Volume-S ... CYKQ5G5PWV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodshot-Volume-T ... S4AWARP664" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodshot-Volume-H ... WMFC83QM3M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodshot-Volume-4 ... J8MY68EQ67" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Bloodshot-Volume-S ... KHHNP2V0FD" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eternal Warrior
http://www.amazon.ca/Eternal-Warrior-Vo ... 640805MAX6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Eternal-Warrior-Vo ... 5G70JDPRAS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger
http://www.amazon.ca/Harbinger-Volume-O ... 62APBVV5B8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Harbinger-Volume-2 ... H322J0RFKV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Harbinger-Volume-W ... 4EWKKM0MF0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Harbinger-Volume-P ... 62APBVV5B8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger Wars
http://www.amazon.ca/Harbinger-Wars-Vol ... WPESDHTM76" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quantum & Woody
http://www.amazon.ca/Quantum-Woody-Volu ... B01Z4JR90W" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Quantum-Woody-Volu ... SWSBSNB9Y4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Shadowman
http://www.amazon.ca/Shadowman-Volume-B ... CYKQ5G5PWV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Shadowman-Volume-D ... BE52GY9MT5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Shadowman-Volume-3 ... C00945WSBM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Shadowman-Volume-F ... RN7Q5VEK34" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unity
http://www.amazon.ca/Unity-Volume-To-Ki ... 1K42A2PFTS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/Unity-Volume-Trapp ... WKTCAQ2CV2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

X-O
http://www.amazon.ca/X-O-Manowar-1-Swor ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/X-O-Manowar-Volume ... CYKQ5G5PWV" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/X-O-Manowar-Volume ... 0K4E9RTHEW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/X-O-Manowar-Volume ... FYFJHWAAJC" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.ca/X-O-Manowar-Volume ... 2TJN26Z20N" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UK
A&A
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Archer-Armstron ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Archer-Armstron ... 3QQKZ23Z1H" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Archer-Armstron ... SPMJQN7DJS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Archer-Armstron ... H9WAGW6M6M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Archer-Armstron ... ZGCH70MY66" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bloodshot
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodshot-Volum ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodshot-Volum ... QRX1ZMD73W" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodshot-Volum ... WBE84HGG5K" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodshot-Volum ... A44VCNAT8S" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodshot-Get-S ... =bloodshot" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eternal Warrior
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eternal-Warrior ... MDXJSXY2B6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eternal-Warrior ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harbinger-Volum ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harbinger-Volum ... CPWMK9QJFR" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harbinger-Volum ... GDVZAB7RNY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harbinger-Volum ... K1R4VBS53C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Harbinger Wars
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harbinger-Wars- ... K1R4VBS53C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quantum & Woody
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Woody-V ... MDXJSXY2B6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Woody-V ... 29JGVDTYT7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Shadowman
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadowman-Volum ... CPWMK9QJFR" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadowman-Volum ... YRW1C6WCYE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadowman-Volum ... CAY50B2ZW1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadowman-Volum ... VQGQH6GR3G" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unity
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unity-Volume-To ... 1CGJZFBK50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unity-2-Trapped ... ty+valiant" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

X-O
http://www.amazon.co.uk/X-O-Manowar-Vol ... ant+comics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/X-O-Manowar-Vol ... Z9P376N63X" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/X-O-Manowar-Vol ... JC04SJ87XJ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/X-O-Manowar-Vol ... G43WTWRCZ2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/X-O-Manowar-Vol ... JWMG8T1GNK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[depluto]

[fury143]

[jeremycoe]

I would like to participate. PM sent!

[Phoenix8008]

Already signed up and PMed with Bruce to verify. Done with all reviews across all sites.

[depluto]

Already signed up and PMed with Bruce to verify. Done with all reviews across all sites.

Nice!

[jaden_sai]

PM Sent

[jeremycoe]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

[Phoenix8008]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

I was wondering about that myself! I tried to google it and got nowhere. Inquiring minds want to know!

[brucehartshorn]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

Has not yet. Just told about it yesterday. Limited to only 150 so get posting those reviews so that you get qualified and let us know how many you want!

[depluto]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

Has not yet. Just told about it yesterday. Limited to only 150 so get posting those reviews so that you get qualified and let us know how many you want!

I would like 150 of these, please.

[Phoenix8008]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

Has not yet. Just told about it yesterday. Limited to only 150 so get posting those reviews so that you get qualified and let us know how many you want!

Depending on the price, I'm pretty sure I'd like to get at least one of the action figures (probaly just 1 for myself though). So I'd have to await more details to be sure I can afford it. I can go without the NYCC exclusive comic though.

[nscc]

yeah, I signed up earlier too!

All reviews are done, but I need to edit some as not all are 200 words and paste them all to the other sites.

Thanks again Bruce, Elery, and VEI.

[nscc]

Has this X-O Manowar Urban Vinyl Action Figure been announced? I can't find any info about it.

Has not yet. Just told about it yesterday. Limited to only 150 so get posting those reviews so that you get qualified and let us know how many you want!

I would like 150 of these, please.

[Keith]

Woo hoo!! I'm in! That X-O action figure will be mine.... actually, if it goes my way, 3 of them will be mine. One for work, one for home, one to stay nice and snug in his package.

[Ramses818]

Sooo cool. You have to admire and love these participation rounds! Amazing stuff you guys!

[drmirage]

[rkjock1]

I'm in for the action figure for sure.

[Peter]

Feverishly typing

[drmirage]

Thanks for all the enthusiasm.

5 more participants added. 15 spots left.

[lorddunlow]

Just making sure Bruce has me added!

[brucehartshorn]

Just making sure Bruce has me added!

You are for sure on the list of participants. Looking forward to your reviews

[brucehartshorn]

Thanks for all the enthusiasm.

5 more participants added. 15 spots left.

UPDATE: There are now only 15 spots available for anyone who wants to participate

[dmezynski]

I signed up already

I've been really busy lately, but I hope I can get a few done tomorrow to catch up.

[brucehartshorn]

One day into this and we have 35 members who have signed up for this challenge AND, PHOENIX8008 IS ALREADY FULLY QUALIFIED, having done all 30 reviews and posted those over in Amazon.ca and Amazon.co.uk AND another member, rkjock1, simply has to copy his Bloodshot 5 review and then HE will ALSO be fully qualified . We're off to a great start! Where do YOU stand?

If you have interest in participating in Round 3 and your name is not below, then please let us know of your interest. There are a couple of great NYCC con exclusives which will be made available to fully qualified participants. And, while there is NO PROMISE of anything else, I would remind everyone of the sincere appreciation and generosity which VEI showed after the fact to fully qualified members from Rounds 1 & 2. So if history is any indication.......

MEMBERS WHO HAVE SIGNED UP TO DATE (15 SLOTS REMAIN OPEN)

Dmezynski
NSCC
Ramses818
brucehartshorn
drmirage
MarkRoseHFX
Nycjadie
depluto
bobby97801
rkjock1
Kjjohanson
Hawkeyeps
Peter
AnthonyF
bygranddesign
MagnusR
Phantom
lorddunlow
cjv
Phoenix8008 - FULLY QUALIFIED
greg
String
Iwantvaliant
ncameron
fury143
mramsterdam
hulk181man
Jace
betterthanezra
KXXX
Keith
jeremycoe
Jaden_sai
X-OManOTallahassee
solarmanofawesome

Looking forward to reading all the reviews. Will post an update each Saturday to let people know where they stand. Admittedly, it's a lot of work, but it REALLY helps VEI and what better way to show Dinesh and crew how much we appreciate all the goodness they send our way each month?