NYCC 2009 News?
Moderators: Daniel Jackson, greg
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Rufusharley
- donkey-shorts!..uhh i mean..danke schön!
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well said.Ryan wrote:I don't think those of us urging patience are being apologists, just realists. The reality of the comic book industry is that even the top dogs with established franchises and top creators have trouble making profit from comic books alone. They depend on licensing of everything from cartoons to underoos to actually stay in business.
To think that VEI should rush into publishing a line of comics just because we're getting impatient is overstating our importance a bit. For them to succeed they need a strong multimedia plan that is well thought out and executed.
They only get one chance at a strong launch to change the perception of Valiant for the average comic reader. I don't think selling 2,000 copies an issue is going to cut it. [side note: even Virgin Comics only lasted 2 years with massive funding from Virgin Group and the Deepak Chopra empire, and that was before the economic collapse]
I started reading Valiant comics in 1991, so I've been waiting as long as anybody for these characters to come back. I've also been through numerous failed relaunches, so I've seen that it's not as easy as just putting some comics out to achieve lasting success.
As hardcore fans we do deserve updates on what's going on, and up until about 6 months ago we were getting that. The fact that we aren't getting updates anymore is because for whatever reason the timing isn't right to come out with what's going on behind the scenes, and I respect that.
I trust Dino and give him the benefit of the doubt because he is one of us, and he wants the same thing we all want.
I think we're lucky Dino and crew got the characters instead of some corporation gobbling them into obscurity, so we should give them the time to do it right and not badger them.
It's hard to give support to silence, but after the troubles getting A&A out and considering the economy, at this point I think no news is good news. Here's to hoping they weather the storm and we get to the other side soon
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comicsyte95
- It's Porktastic!!!
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VEI (probably)are using this time well considering where to start their vision-either to continue on from where VALIANT ended,or ACCLAIM ended.Where that will lead on future storylines and **gulp** which vision will be the most profitable.The devil is in the details.It would be unwise to announce anything at this point if they are doing that.In this economy right now alot of companies are taking a hard look and just hoping they will survive and keep a job ,do it well and still send their kids to college.I'd imagine they are thinking the same.To get a great story i'm willing to wait.Patience is a virtue,that is often rewarded.Im betting this philosophy will pay off. 
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MoonChild
- I HAVE NO INTENT ON BEING PATIENT!
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- Valiant fan since: 1992
- Favorite character: BloodShot
- Favorite title: Harbinger
- Favorite writer: Dysart
Yea, that's alotta weight on the shoulders for anyone. You gotta give it up to them for really doing their best with each project they release, no matter how long the wait. I actually like the sound of some sort of collaboration deal with a big gun like DH if it means we get new books soon, either way, make mine Valiant 
Click the Sig, Hear Something Different!
http://www.reverbnation.com/lexmoon
Also, Check my reverbnation page^
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iggy101us
- I bought my first comics at Kwik-E-Mart
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I don't think VEI should announce if there’s nothing to announce. But at the same time, there can be little things that they can be doing in conjunction with the HC releases with minimal to no risks.
Like how about selling VEI apparel? They can be selling T-shirts with the new VEI logo and art from the new HCs. Most of us here would be interested and a smaller percentage of people outside of VF.com who bought the books would be interested. VEI can partner up with someone (like Jay Jay/Freddy as an example) so no resources (money or headcount) is required from VEI. VEI can have a revenue-sharing arrangement with the shirt-maker and the shirt-maker like make really small orders (like what Jay Jay did with the Solar shirts) so there’s minimal risk to the shirt-maker.
Little things like that will keep the momentum and interest going until VEI is ready to make more major announcements.
Like how about selling VEI apparel? They can be selling T-shirts with the new VEI logo and art from the new HCs. Most of us here would be interested and a smaller percentage of people outside of VF.com who bought the books would be interested. VEI can partner up with someone (like Jay Jay/Freddy as an example) so no resources (money or headcount) is required from VEI. VEI can have a revenue-sharing arrangement with the shirt-maker and the shirt-maker like make really small orders (like what Jay Jay did with the Solar shirts) so there’s minimal risk to the shirt-maker.
Little things like that will keep the momentum and interest going until VEI is ready to make more major announcements.
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xodacia81
- Here I am, happy as a clam
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I fully understand and support the legal and business end of saying nothing if there is nothing. All I am saying is there are things that can be done to keep "the faith". Seeing a post once in a while saying "still kicking"-especially if it's on the VEI site-would do wonders. And the attitude that the fans DESERVE nothing?
I agree they don't have to know the ins and outs, but I do think the fans deserve to at least know that the company is alive. Now, the argument could be made that that could "tip their hand" and there could be other reasons-such as legal-for the long silence. My personal guess is that, as with any new company, particularly in rough financial times in a medium with more than it's share of troubles, those in charge want to play it safe and may even be hurting from the current financial crises. And if that is the case, that's fine. I think the thing that bothered most was the idea that there would be SOME SORT of info on SOMETHING, before 2008 was over. It is now 2009 and there have been no new announcements since the A&A hardcover.
I see a lot of dismay, some disgust and even a loss of patience. Having been published, myself, I understand precisely how long a process it is to work out a deal and get things going. I understand how people can feel abandoned by not getting any information. It IS frustrating. But nobody is making any sort of "threats" or "demands". These are honest complaints by people who CARE about what is going on. In a way, it is a form of support, because they fear the worst, hope for the best and just want to know if everything will be ok. The waiting is what is killing people. I think that playing it safe, as a small and new company, is wise. But I do empathize with those who want more. Nobody is saying they deserve it-at least, I don't think they are. I'm looking at it that nothing is written in stone. I think the only "mistake" made by VEI, up to this point, was announcing that there would be an announcment by the end of the year, although to be completely honest, the missive stated "generating", which doesn't mean the same thing. In fact, it means they could be busy right now making books-meaning planning them, ect-and that what Dino said a month or so ago, about a "coming announcement" is vague enough to give them whatever time is needed to do this right. And I do want to see this done right.
I think that once you make promises, you should try to stick to them, but this IS a business and promises are like toilet paper. Did VEI break any promises? The more I look at it, the more I'm convinced that promises were read into what was said, rather than being implicitly stated. I do think a new business in this medium needs to do something for the general public to be aware, but the point JT made about miniscule marketing, is very true. Go into just about any LCS and ask about companies beyond the top 4. In fact, ask about titles beyond the top 20 on the market. Even among the "lower" top 20, you'll find a lack of awareness that product is on the market. This is not a business I would invest in now, or maybe even ever. I see a sickness, starting with the DIAMOND monopoly, and stretching forth from there. It encompasses aged fanboys who run the shops they own as if it were a private collection, ordering nearly exclusively from DC and Marvel, making sure to under order on everything else and refusing to give anything a shot, thereby stunting the market's potential for growth through sheer personal stubborness and arrogance. The 1990's offered a breakthrough and burned a LOT of people, good and bad alike. We will never see those times again. I just hope VEI can find it's own niche, whatever it is. When, or if, the day comes that there are new books on the shelf, either from or licensed by, VEI, I will check them out and support the initial run. But it couldn't have been worse timing for Dino and his group, given global economic problems. I just hope it isn't over before it began.
I agree they don't have to know the ins and outs, but I do think the fans deserve to at least know that the company is alive. Now, the argument could be made that that could "tip their hand" and there could be other reasons-such as legal-for the long silence. My personal guess is that, as with any new company, particularly in rough financial times in a medium with more than it's share of troubles, those in charge want to play it safe and may even be hurting from the current financial crises. And if that is the case, that's fine. I think the thing that bothered most was the idea that there would be SOME SORT of info on SOMETHING, before 2008 was over. It is now 2009 and there have been no new announcements since the A&A hardcover.
I see a lot of dismay, some disgust and even a loss of patience. Having been published, myself, I understand precisely how long a process it is to work out a deal and get things going. I understand how people can feel abandoned by not getting any information. It IS frustrating. But nobody is making any sort of "threats" or "demands". These are honest complaints by people who CARE about what is going on. In a way, it is a form of support, because they fear the worst, hope for the best and just want to know if everything will be ok. The waiting is what is killing people. I think that playing it safe, as a small and new company, is wise. But I do empathize with those who want more. Nobody is saying they deserve it-at least, I don't think they are. I'm looking at it that nothing is written in stone. I think the only "mistake" made by VEI, up to this point, was announcing that there would be an announcment by the end of the year, although to be completely honest, the missive stated "generating", which doesn't mean the same thing. In fact, it means they could be busy right now making books-meaning planning them, ect-and that what Dino said a month or so ago, about a "coming announcement" is vague enough to give them whatever time is needed to do this right. And I do want to see this done right.
I think that once you make promises, you should try to stick to them, but this IS a business and promises are like toilet paper. Did VEI break any promises? The more I look at it, the more I'm convinced that promises were read into what was said, rather than being implicitly stated. I do think a new business in this medium needs to do something for the general public to be aware, but the point JT made about miniscule marketing, is very true. Go into just about any LCS and ask about companies beyond the top 4. In fact, ask about titles beyond the top 20 on the market. Even among the "lower" top 20, you'll find a lack of awareness that product is on the market. This is not a business I would invest in now, or maybe even ever. I see a sickness, starting with the DIAMOND monopoly, and stretching forth from there. It encompasses aged fanboys who run the shops they own as if it were a private collection, ordering nearly exclusively from DC and Marvel, making sure to under order on everything else and refusing to give anything a shot, thereby stunting the market's potential for growth through sheer personal stubborness and arrogance. The 1990's offered a breakthrough and burned a LOT of people, good and bad alike. We will never see those times again. I just hope VEI can find it's own niche, whatever it is. When, or if, the day comes that there are new books on the shelf, either from or licensed by, VEI, I will check them out and support the initial run. But it couldn't have been worse timing for Dino and his group, given global economic problems. I just hope it isn't over before it began.
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MoonChild
- I HAVE NO INTENT ON BEING PATIENT!
- Posts: 4351
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:14 am
- Valiant fan since: 1992
- Favorite character: BloodShot
- Favorite title: Harbinger
- Favorite writer: Dysart
well put.
iggy101us wrote:I don't think VEI should announce if there’s nothing to announce. But at the same time, there can be little things that they can be doing in conjunction with the HC releases with minimal to no risks.
Like how about selling VEI apparel? They can be selling T-shirts with the new VEI logo and art from the new HCs. Most of us here would be interested and a smaller percentage of people outside of VF.com who bought the books would be interested. VEI can partner up with someone (like Jay Jay/Freddy as an example) so no resources (money or headcount) is required from VEI. VEI can have a revenue-sharing arrangement with the shirt-maker and the shirt-maker like make really small orders (like what Jay Jay did with the Solar shirts) so there’s minimal risk to the shirt-maker.
Little things like that will keep the momentum and interest going until VEI is ready to make more major announcements.
Click the Sig, Hear Something Different!
http://www.reverbnation.com/lexmoon
Also, Check my reverbnation page^
Well said.xodacia81 wrote:I fully understand and support the legal and business end of saying nothing if there is nothing. All I am saying is there are things that can be done to keep "the faith". Seeing a post once in a while saying "still kicking"-especially if it's on the VEI site-would do wonders. And the attitude that the fans DESERVE nothing?
I agree they don't have to know the ins and outs, but I do think the fans deserve to at least know that the company is alive. Now, the argument could be made that that could "tip their hand" and there could be other reasons-such as legal-for the long silence. My personal guess is that, as with any new company, particularly in rough financial times in a medium with more than it's share of troubles, those in charge want to play it safe and may even be hurting from the current financial crises. And if that is the case, that's fine. I think the thing that bothered most was the idea that there would be SOME SORT of info on SOMETHING, before 2008 was over. It is now 2009 and there have been no new announcements since the A&A hardcover.
I see a lot of dismay, some disgust and even a loss of patience. Having been published, myself, I understand precisely how long a process it is to work out a deal and get things going. I understand how people can feel abandoned by not getting any information. It IS frustrating. But nobody is making any sort of "threats" or "demands". These are honest complaints by people who CARE about what is going on. In a way, it is a form of support, because they fear the worst, hope for the best and just want to know if everything will be ok. The waiting is what is killing people. I think that playing it safe, as a small and new company, is wise. But I do empathize with those who want more. Nobody is saying they deserve it-at least, I don't think they are. I'm looking at it that nothing is written in stone. I think the only "mistake" made by VEI, up to this point, was announcing that there would be an announcment by the end of the year, although to be completely honest, the missive stated "generating", which doesn't mean the same thing. In fact, it means they could be busy right now making books-meaning planning them, ect-and that what Dino said a month or so ago, about a "coming announcement" is vague enough to give them whatever time is needed to do this right. And I do want to see this done right.
I think that once you make promises, you should try to stick to them, but this IS a business and promises are like toilet paper. Did VEI break any promises? The more I look at it, the more I'm convinced that promises were read into what was said, rather than being implicitly stated. I do think a new business in this medium needs to do something for the general public to be aware, but the point JT made about miniscule marketing, is very true. Go into just about any LCS and ask about companies beyond the top 4. In fact, ask about titles beyond the top 20 on the market. Even among the "lower" top 20, you'll find a lack of awareness that product is on the market. This is not a business I would invest in now, or maybe even ever. I see a sickness, starting with the DIAMOND monopoly, and stretching forth from there. It encompasses aged fanboys who run the shops they own as if it were a private collection, ordering nearly exclusively from DC and Marvel, making sure to under order on everything else and refusing to give anything a shot, thereby stunting the market's potential for growth through sheer personal stubborness and arrogance. The 1990's offered a breakthrough and burned a LOT of people, good and bad alike. We will never see those times again. I just hope VEI can find it's own niche, whatever it is. When, or if, the day comes that there are new books on the shelf, either from or licensed by, VEI, I will check them out and support the initial run. But it couldn't have been worse timing for Dino and his group, given global economic problems. I just hope it isn't over before it began.
I don't think VEI has broken any promises.
The only promise I can recall is that we will like what they come up with. Even that is less of a promise than it was asking to trust them.
Personally, I can't do that because I don't know what their goal is - as I mentioned earlier. If its a line of ongoing comic book series or TPBs told in the early VALIANT style with the early VALIANT characters, then I will be there.
But to my knowledge - that has not happened. So perhaps, like many fellow VALIANT fans, i keep checking in hoping for something - and then wondering if perhaps it would be better to simply slip into apathy and forget about it all unless and until some substantive news breaks.
simply saying there will be ongoing comic book series or TPBs means nothing. Saying the original characters will be appearing in other media means nothing.
Its new material + format + storytelling style.
Some kind of log or journal chronicling bits and pieces of what it takes to get a new comic book company off the ground would make for interesting reading until things get started. As would some on info on who is already onboard, what they liked about VALIANT, etc. Those are just some ideas off the top of my head to try and keep the fanbase energized.
To be fair, now that I have my previous posts out of my system - perhaps others will help me build a timeline of VEI events to help put things in perspective:
2007, May 28 - Valiant Entertainment announces first hardcover edition, Harbinger: The Beginning to be released on July 5
viewtopic.php?t=15114
2007, Dec 28 - VALIANT IP fight concludes
viewtopic.php?t=18840
2008, Feb 14 - official Valiant Entertainment website goes live
viewtopic.php?t=19699
2008, Mar 07 - Valiant Entertainment announces second hardcover edition, X-O Manowar: Birth to be released on April 2
viewtopic.php?t=20086
2008, Mar 10 - announcement that Brett Ratner tapped for Valiant's 'Harbinger'
viewtopic.php?t=20168
2008, Jun 10 - Valiant Entertainment announces third hardcover edition, Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions to be released on September 24
viewtopic.php?t=22262
2007, May 28 - Valiant Entertainment announces first hardcover edition, Harbinger: The Beginning to be released on July 5
viewtopic.php?t=15114
2007, Dec 28 - VALIANT IP fight concludes
viewtopic.php?t=18840
2008, Feb 14 - official Valiant Entertainment website goes live
viewtopic.php?t=19699
2008, Mar 07 - Valiant Entertainment announces second hardcover edition, X-O Manowar: Birth to be released on April 2
viewtopic.php?t=20086
2008, Mar 10 - announcement that Brett Ratner tapped for Valiant's 'Harbinger'
viewtopic.php?t=20168
2008, Jun 10 - Valiant Entertainment announces third hardcover edition, Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions to be released on September 24
viewtopic.php?t=22262
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MoonChild
- I HAVE NO INTENT ON BEING PATIENT!
- Posts: 4351
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:14 am
- Valiant fan since: 1992
- Favorite character: BloodShot
- Favorite title: Harbinger
- Favorite writer: Dysart
Wow, when you put it all together with the timeline like that you have to give it up to them! They've got alot accomplished since purchasing Valiant.
Geomancer wrote:To be fair, now that I have my previous posts out of my system - perhaps others will help me build a timeline of VEI events to help put things in perspective:
2007, May 28 - Valiant Entertainment announces first hardcover edition, Harbinger: The Beginning to be released on July 5
viewtopic.php?t=15114
2007, Dec 28 - VALIANT IP fight concludes
viewtopic.php?t=18840
2008, Feb 14 - official Valiant Entertainment website goes live
viewtopic.php?t=19699
2008, Mar 07 - Valiant Entertainment announces second hardcover edition, X-O Manowar: Birth to be released on April 2
viewtopic.php?t=20086
2008, Mar 10 - announcement that Brett Ratner tapped for Valiant's 'Harbinger'
viewtopic.php?t=20168
2008, Jun 10 - Valiant Entertainment announces third hardcover edition, Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions to be released on September 24
viewtopic.php?t=22262
Click the Sig, Hear Something Different!
http://www.reverbnation.com/lexmoon
Also, Check my reverbnation page^
Thats what I get out of it too.
We are just about to hit the 1 year anniversary of their official establishment of their site.
The timeline just may seem distorted a bit because we are in a news lull right now.
I also did a look back through Dino's posts, and these stand out:
Sat Aug 02, 2008 3:48 pm
Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:21 pm
***clarified as being the new material within the hardcovers
Wed Aug 06, 2008 6:20 pm
Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:27 pm
So really - that answers new material & format & storytelling style. For the most part.
I think the combo of being forewarned we wouldn't be hearing any more news for a while combined with the announcement Ratner would be working on Youngblood plus no additiinal release date or indication of at least a fourth hardcover have perhaps resulted in a perception of a lack of momentum.
Add in the economic realities during this quiet period, and it seems understandable.
Though the question is - What is the best step at present to get people "talking and anticipating" -- and "raising awareness" of VALIANT.
We are just about to hit the 1 year anniversary of their official establishment of their site.
The timeline just may seem distorted a bit because we are in a news lull right now.
I also did a look back through Dino's posts, and these stand out:
Sat Aug 02, 2008 3:48 pm
viewtopic.php?t=23329&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0dino wrote:The goal is to bring the Valiant characters to prominence. Comics are part of that plan (as we stated very early on). Publishing comics alone is not feasible. Awareness and anticipation are key to successful comics. Buzz from a world renowned director about a major motion picture helps cast eyes on Valiant. The hardcovers get people talking and anticipating. The new comics contained in the hardcovers showcase our intentions to continue to tell Valiant stories in comics.
Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:21 pm
viewtopic.php?t=23329&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=50dino wrote:I'm a fan too. As a fan, I want new comics. We are going to do them right. To clarify the previously released statement, we will begin generating new comics by years end.
And we are currently ahead of that schedule.
***clarified as being the new material within the hardcovers
Wed Aug 06, 2008 6:20 pm
viewtopic.php?p=494098&highlight=#494098dino wrote:Need some help here guys. What are the rules, conventions, laws of the Valiant Universe? Both in story and for production. Below are some examples.
-The Valiant Universe takes place in real world
-Tight continuity
-Obey the laws of science
-Dead is dead
-Action doesn't break the panel border
-Books begin with a splash page
-Art is in service of the storytelling
-Everyone does not spend all day at the gym
-Superheroes don't have to wear costumes. Their attire should make sense.
-No thought balloons
-No sound effects
So what else do you want to see?
Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:27 pm
viewtopic.php?p=547946&highlight=#547946dino wrote:Hi guys, We're still here, and there's some really exciting news that we'll be announcing. The only reason I have refrained from posting anything is that it can often cause more harm than good. But everyone seemed especially restless today, so I thought I may as well jump in this time. I will continue to read, but not be active on these boards for the foreseeable future. Hope everyone had a great holiday. Dino
So really - that answers new material & format & storytelling style. For the most part.
I think the combo of being forewarned we wouldn't be hearing any more news for a while combined with the announcement Ratner would be working on Youngblood plus no additiinal release date or indication of at least a fourth hardcover have perhaps resulted in a perception of a lack of momentum.
Add in the economic realities during this quiet period, and it seems understandable.
Though the question is - What is the best step at present to get people "talking and anticipating" -- and "raising awareness" of VALIANT.
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t_inkster
- If you gave Aric hugs and kisses, would it be XOXO X-O?
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Thanks Geomancer, you've presented a helpful and reassuring perspective.
And Dino, I appreciate the Hardcovers VEI has released so far. Since I didn't collect Valiant in the 90's (although I was of course aware of it) the hardcovers have been my main source of the material. I hope one day I'll have a complete collection of Hardcovers chronicling, at least, the early stories of each book.
I look forward to future announcements.
And Dino, I appreciate the Hardcovers VEI has released so far. Since I didn't collect Valiant in the 90's (although I was of course aware of it) the hardcovers have been my main source of the material. I hope one day I'll have a complete collection of Hardcovers chronicling, at least, the early stories of each book.
I look forward to future announcements.
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IanAlexavier
- Valiant. Back to basics.
- Posts: 6370
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- Location: SE Michigan, 21 bound books done.. many more to go...
I know that we are inpatient lot, but lets try to relax a bit and let Dino and crew, (you know, those guys who have a LOT invested into making this work) do what they need to do.
Its not as if they are starting from scratch, as though if it doesnt work its not a big deal... for them, this MUST work.
If anything this still gives me time to grab those more dofficult to find issues
Have patience.
Its not as if they are starting from scratch, as though if it doesnt work its not a big deal... for them, this MUST work.
If anything this still gives me time to grab those more dofficult to find issues
Have patience.
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IanAlexavier
- Valiant. Back to basics.
- Posts: 6370
- Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 3:06 pm
- Location: SE Michigan, 21 bound books done.. many more to go...
Right.. it would be like opening a restaraunt without any food to serve.
Sure you can sit in the restaraunt and enjoy the atmosphere, much like we do at this website. And much like this website we are waiting, but to tall other people to come in anr get ready to eat.. well, thay may have to wait a while as well.
If anything, we are kind of like friends of the people who are going to open this restaraunt. We have a bit of an inside awareness... and we are salivating, waiting for whats to come next.
These guys are probably planning one year ahead and making adjustments as needed.
Sure you can sit in the restaraunt and enjoy the atmosphere, much like we do at this website. And much like this website we are waiting, but to tall other people to come in anr get ready to eat.. well, thay may have to wait a while as well.
If anything, we are kind of like friends of the people who are going to open this restaraunt. We have a bit of an inside awareness... and we are salivating, waiting for whats to come next.
These guys are probably planning one year ahead and making adjustments as needed.