VEI Vs. The Recession

[etos45]

I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts are about how the recession might possibly affect VEI's chances of success or if it might change plans they have for a launch. I'm just thinking with the economy coming to a halt, or at least a major slowdown, people may not have the disposable income to throw at a new comic company. I know I have personally trimmed down what I buy because my disposable income is getting smaller and the price of comics just keep going up and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Any thoughts?

[Cyberstrike]

It's probably not the best time to start a company especially in an industry that hasn't done well (even in a healthy economy) in over a decade.

[superman-prime]

its a bad time to add anything to the budget of peaple who dont have money are they ganna buy a comic or food and gas

[IanAlexavier]

WIll it have an efect? Sure..

But I think it also depnds on the quality of the product. Quality products will always ise to the top.

I think that VEI has invested a ton of money and that if they start production slow and not try to be a top seller then they will be fine. There are other companies out there putting out quality books with relatively lower print numbers and its working fine.


But yes, the economy provides a disadvantage...

[iggy101us]

It is difficult time now to start a new business. Maybe VEI should delay new comics for while longer and just reprint in HC format for now. That way they don't need to add too much personnel costs. I want Valiant to be around long-term so if it means delaying new comics until the market conditions are better, I am all for that.

[VEI Reborn]

I think this will all pass pretty quickly despite what the experts say. I own a business that supplies nothing more than a luxury and I can honestly say we have not been effected what so ever by the economy. Actually we have had the best year we have ever had [granted thats mostly from increased exposure].

If some of you havent noticed, gas prices continue to fall. If there is one way to jump start our economy its to drop gas prices. I feel thats the major reason we took such a stumble in the first place. Gas prices were so high people had trouble paying other bills and costs of shipping raised house hold good prices. This in turn destroyed the housing market.

Anyhow, to answer your question I feel that if VEI starts slow and doesnt make massive print runs of new material, they are destined to do good

[dave]

i agree with the statement about quality. when valiant was first formed, the comic market wasn't that strong-but people jumped on board because the stories were so good. a lot of times entertainment gets a boost in hard times, because people want to think about something else.

[VEI Reborn]

i agree with the statement about quality. when valiant was first formed, the comic market wasn't that strong-but people jumped on board because the stories were so good. a lot of times entertainment gets a boost in hard times, because people want to think about something else.

This is true.

[Daniel Jackson]

With the economy in a tailspin, it's definitely not the best time to start up a new line of comics. With books being around 3 bucks a shot right now I can see people being extremely picky about what titles they buy in the near future (if any).

They are going to have to be extremely smart about how they proceed to be successful.

And don't forget the fact that VEI had to fight a nearly two year battle for what was rightfully theirs anyhow. So they have been fighting an uphill battle even before the economy turned sour.

[xodacia81]

i agree with the statement about quality. when valiant was first formed, the comic market wasn't that strong-but people jumped on board because the stories were so good. a lot of times entertainment gets a boost in hard times, because people want to think about something else.

This is true.

I agree with this sentiment, to a degree. Look at films and television, books and short stories. Entertainment is often a reflection of the mood of the society within which they are released. Especially during times of crisis, this is true. After the Second World War, for instance, there was a sense of accomplishment but also a sense of loss. The films of the immediate post-war period reflect this. Look at a movie like The Best Years of Our Lives or a movie like M.A.S.H. These were movies which reflected current feelings and trends within society of the audience. I think that people want something that doesn't lie to them, which accounts for tough times often having rather bleak stories. But, people also want an escape, which is why you get a nearly equal amount of lighthearted fare. There's no exact formula. But, VEI is in the biz of making $ through entertainment. I don't know what the answer is. I agree, if it means they survive-by taking it slow-that's fine. But, who knows. Maybe they can come in an offer something different, giving people what they want and gain enough of an audience NOW in order to survive into the future. It will be interesting to watch what develops.

[Chiclo]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

[cjv]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

Not to derail the conversation, and this is just an opinion, but many people whose opinion I respect regard this as potentially the worst economic downturn since the great depression.

Are they inflating the severity? Maybe. But my hunch is that this is going to be more than just a small blip.

Chris

[dave]

is gas really below $3 out in TX?

[Chiclo]

is gas really below $3 out in TX?

It is in Amarillo but they tell us on the radio that it's the lowest in the state.

Nice change from most of 2007 when we were the highest.

It can be frustrating, there's multiple refineries in the area but there's only one importer of gasoline into the city (it is rumoured he greases the palm of the city council and crooked she-mayor to keep that going) and over 2/3 of the gas stations are owned by one guy (brother of the she-mayor). Oligopoly on top of a monopoly.

[MoonChild]

agreed, I work for a luxury company and we have also been unaffected by the dismal view of our economy yet, we have done better than 2 years ago so people still have money, they just want to spend it wisely and I see nothing wrong with that. Once we have a new president in office things should cool down

I think this will all pass pretty quickly despite what the experts say. I own a business that supplies nothing more than a luxury and I can honestly say we have not been effected what so ever by the economy. Actually we have had the best year we have ever had [granted thats mostly from increased exposure].

If some of you havent noticed, gas prices continue to fall. If there is one way to jump start our economy its to drop gas prices. I feel thats the major reason we took such a stumble in the first place. Gas prices were so high people had trouble paying other bills and costs of shipping raised house hold good prices. This in turn destroyed the housing market.

Anyhow, to answer your question I feel that if VEI starts slow and doesnt make massive print runs of new material, they are destined to do good

[BloodOfHeroes]

Oligopoly on top of a monopoly.

Oligopoly was my favorite Mel Gibson movie, ever.

[xodacia81]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

We have a winner

[VEI Reborn]

is gas really below $3 out in TX?

It is in Amarillo but they tell us on the radio that it's the lowest in the state.

Nice change from most of 2007 when we were the highest.

It can be frustrating, there's multiple refineries in the area but there's only one importer of gasoline into the city (it is rumoured he greases the palm of the city council and crooked she-mayor to keep that going) and over 2/3 of the gas stations are owned by one guy (brother of the she-mayor). Oligopoly on top of a monopoly.

Gas is under $3 all over the place here in Ohio. Im actually kind of salty about it. We have reward points for gas when shopping at Giant Eagle for food [as they have gas stations also]. I saved the points for a few months and got $1.40 off of gas. The prices were 3.70 at the time. 3 weeks later they are under $3. I got 30 gallons at $2.30 thnking it wouldnt go down much more than say $3.50 any time soon. dohh!

[Elveen]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

Not to derail the conversation, and this is just an opinion, but many people whose opinion I respect regard this as potentially the worst economic downturn since the great depression.

Are they inflating the severity? Maybe. But my hunch is that this is going to be more than just a small blip.

Chris

I think that historically, right now should not even be put in the same breath as the Great Depression. It is just a totally different situation. Back then, many, many people did not have the basic. necessities, like: food, shelter, and safety.

Now if a bunch of "hoovervilles" spring up around the Nation.... well then.... yes.

It's like bringing up the price of gas. When no one has cars..... then we will be close.


Yes it is tight..... very tight, and for some it is getting to or already at danger levels....... but the Great depression was so far reaching. It is nothing like that yet.


When ever I think of the Great Depression, I always think of Cinderella Man. One reporter asks him what he is fighting for.....

Braddock answers..... "Milk".

[xodacia81]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

Not to derail the conversation, and this is just an opinion, but many people whose opinion I respect regard this as potentially the worst economic downturn since the great depression.

Are they inflating the severity? Maybe. But my hunch is that this is going to be more than just a small blip.

Chris

I think that historically, right now should not even be put in the same breath as the Great Depression. It is just a totally different situation. Back then, many, many people did not have the basic. necessities, like: food, shelter, and safety.

Now if a bunch of "hoovervilles" spring up around the Nation.... well then.... yes.

It's like bringing up the price of gas. When no one has cars..... then we will be close.


Yes it is tight..... very tight, and for some it is getting to or already at danger levels....... but the Great depression was so far reaching. It is nothing like that yet.


When ever I think of the Great Depression, I always think of Cinderella Man. One reporter asks him what he is fighting for.....

Braddock answers..... "Milk".

That was an excellent answer. Both E and Braddock.

[cjv]

is gas really below $3 out in TX?

$2.84 over here by me.

Chris

[cjv]

First off, I have to agree with VEI Reborn. I don't think the economy is going as bad as they say, mostly because there's an election going on and the economy is always advertised as worse than it is during election years. I don't doubt there's quite a bit of contraction going on right now, but it's a natural part of the process. It's the American economy, it will come back, that's what it does. Also, gas is below $3 a gallon again out here at least.

The original Valiant came out during a slow spot in the economy. Remember the campaign of '92? It's the economy, stupid.

Not to derail the conversation, and this is just an opinion, but many people whose opinion I respect regard this as potentially the worst economic downturn since the great depression.

Are they inflating the severity? Maybe. But my hunch is that this is going to be more than just a small blip.

Chris

I think that historically, right now should not even be put in the same breath as the Great Depression. It is just a totally different situation. Back then, many, many people did not have the basic. necessities, like: food, shelter, and safety.

It's not so much as "right now" is the same as the great depression, but rather "right now" is 6 months before the great depression, and if things aren't done correctly, in 6 months it could be the great depression all over again. (The 6-month value was my own)

Again, they weren't saying it will happen, but given the economic situation, and it the efforts to correct the economy don't work, it could be almost as bad.

I am not an economist, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express, so I am simply relaying what they were saying. These people (two in particular) are economists, so I give their comments a little weight.


Chris

[etos45]

WIll it have an efect? Sure..

But I think it also depnds on the quality of the product. Quality products will always ise to the top.

I think that VEI has invested a ton of money and that if they start production slow and not try to be a top seller then they will be fine. There are other companies out there putting out quality books with relatively lower print numbers and its working fine.


But yes, the economy provides a disadvantage...

Okay... now this brings up another interesting question... do you think if VEI puts out some quality books that it will draw readers to them and actually hurt other companies? If someone only has $10 a week to spend on comics and they can only afford to buy Valiant now, then Marvel and DC could take a pretty big hit (assuming it was happen with a vast amount of people).

[etos45]

It is difficult time now to start a new business. Maybe VEI should delay new comics for while longer and just reprint in HC format for now. That way they don't need to add too much personnel costs. I want Valiant to be around long-term so if it means delaying new comics until the market conditions are better, I am all for that.

Do you think that HCs are really the best option? I'm thinking no. The reason is they are expensive and I don't think that the average reader is going to spend the little money they do have on one HC of mostly reprints when they could go out and buy about 8 comics of new material for around the same price. For that matter they could probably get the entire run of A&A for around $25.

This is all assuming a longer recession that starts to really put a strain on people's wallets. I agree with most people that it isn't hurting that bad yet. But, I can also feel it coming. I've had to at least trim out some of my luxuries and I'm still seeing cost exceeding income on some weeks (and I live REALLY low beneath my means). I also see the affect when it comes to board projects. I seem to remember them always selling out the same day (maybe hour) the signups were announced now it's taking quite a bit longer.

[IanAlexavier]

AND... you cannot sell ads in hardcovers.. doesnt that help lower the costs of comics? Including the ads?