And So it Goes... (Or: Where Do We Go from Here?)
Update #20
- For backers only
·
Aug 14, 2012
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Down to the Wire
We've got around 36 hours left in this campaign and it's traditional for me to write an update extolling you all to help us reach our goal, to make our dream come true etc etc.
BUT we all know that we're not going to reach our goal, we all know that miracles happen and anything can happen but we also know that it doesn't usually.
As I've said many many times, all backers will be rewarded for believing in this project, with free membership and discounted prices on the rewards they selected. So I still think it's to people's benefit to back, since there are so many benefits to membership but that's up to them, I guess.
Over the next month we'll be contacted backers about getting their reward and working on rolling out our website.
Depending on the success of the site, we will be opening the REAL physical shop somewhere between 3-6 months from now.
I want to thank everyone who has retweeted, backed or just had nice things to say about this project, you have all been a great encouragement in a trying time. Really, thank you.
far from the last time you'll hear from me,
Menachem
The Home Stretch
Update #18
- For backers only
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Jul 31, 2012
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This Week's Misadventures and Some New Rewards.
Last week, the day after my last update, Bleeding Cool did a small piece on our Kickstarter that brought some new backers in. Rich Johnston was even nice enough to put the article in their header for a few days to draw even more attention to it. The article and attention it got gave me a real lift and I was looking forward to just using that momentum to push us forward THIS week. But things didn't exactly go as planned.
It's been a very long week for me...
On Sunday, a friend commissioned a piece of work as her Kickstarter reward and pumped $1,000 into the campaign, putting us over the line of 4%.
On Monday morning I received a call from my sister that my grandmother, aged 94, had passed away. She (my grandmother, not my sister) hadn't been doing well for a few years and had really been struggling the last few months, so it wasn't much of a shock, but it still knocked me for a loop.
Tuesday was spent going upstate to Catskills for the funeral. I know this is going to sound crass, but having that long a drive with my wife and no kids meant that we got to talk a lot about where Escape Pod is going and I think some of you are going to be really happy with where this company is heading after the Kickstarter, even if some of the plans were finalized during the ride up to a solemn event.
When I got home, I found that thanks to another VERY generous backer the campaign had flown all the way up to the 10% mark. Now let's realize something, ten percent of this project is $18,000! I can think of dozens of Kickstarter campaigns that would be thrilled to end with that kind of dough. But this is no ordinary Kickstarter- what I envision for Escape Pod NEEDS hefty backing and I refuse to dilute my vision by taking on money-centric partners. IF we don't reach our funding, as many of you already know, there are LOTS of other plans on the works to raise the capital. Yet we should all be proud of how far we've come and how far we all know we are going to go.
Tomorrow I am meeting with the "BERNDT Toast Gang" which is the Long Island chapter of The National Cartoonists Society and we're going to see if I can get them excited about our store or if they just call me a wise-ass whippersnapper and send me home crying. Either way, expect an update about that on Friday.
New rewards I said?
Yes, yes I did.
First up is the very different take on our logo by the very talented Reginald Thomas of Thomas Creative Studios:
It's now available at the $20 level (includes membership) and will only be offered on the Kickstarter.
Speaking of things only offered on the Kickstarter, some of you may recall that Neil Gaiman helped get the word out that I was looking for input as to what people were looking for as rewards. One of the more bizarre (to me) answers that I got was "capes." Now, while I have no interest in selling capes at our brick-and-mortar store, the novelty of the idea of it as a reward here just tickled me, and I went looking for something to offer, something special, something awesome
What I found was the fantastic work of Cape & Cowl Creations. Some of you may recognize their Deadman from this year's San Deigo Comic Con, as he's shown up in almost every "cosplay round-up" from that event:
Sadly, I wasn't able to work on this DURING SDCC because they were busy sewing, adjusting and selling their vision there. Luckily, we finally worked it out and we are proud to offer, for the first time to the public on a mass scale, CAPES by Cape and Cowl Creations!
The capes we are offering come in two designs: "Dark Detective" is black and has a sort of zig-zag "bat" design at the hem and "Superguy" is long, red and majestic. (Other colors are available, so please feel free to ask!) Each cape will be made from Peachskin Fabric, which is heavy and thick enough to look good in any light and to any touch while still being light enough to billow out majestically or ominously while you run over rooftops or pretend to fly. pictures to come just as soon as we can get them.
Each cape will be cut to your specific size and will be mailed directly to you.
Kids capes are on the $40 reward level and adult capes are at the $100 one, both include membership and a membership card.
Keep in mind, these are not satin or cotton halloween-quality stuff we are talking about but durable, professional costume design level work. For more details on Cape & Cowl, check out their Facebook page, especially the photos!
Just to clarify, when it comes to the capes I'm not making a CENT on these- those are the DIRECT prices Cape & Cowl asked for- I'm just passing it along.
Right, so. I'm exhausted and I need to be on my A-game tomorrow to try and impress some living legends...
G'night all and, as always, thank you so much for backing this project and believing in us,
Menachem
What's Been Going On
First, a welcome to all our new backers. I thank you for answering the cry to help boost our numbers but clearly we didn't make it to our desired 200. In my book, though, 20 devoted new backers is almost as good. For anyone new, I recommend you go to the site when you have time and look through all the previous updates and any of the reward levels you might have missed while pledging a few dollars; not to pledge more yourself but to find things that may interest friends of yours into backing the project.
I know many of you have been curious as to exactly what comics we're going to have in our back issues- but 10,000 comics is a lot to catalogue and we're not there yet. For now, I'm throwing out a little taste of the first THOUSAND that we've gotten done. Now, keep in mind, these all come from random boxes and are in no way an indication of everything we have with one character, creator or title.
You can check that out HERE .
A few week's ago the folks at Tavern's Vault did an interview with me. Sadly that's still not up, but the 2nd half of the exchange, in which they test out my ability to recommend comics for people based on their tastes (something which I'm sure will interest all of you getting COMIC STARTER KITS) went up earlier today on their site. Let me know what you think and point it out to anyone you know who might be on the fence about getting the starter kits.
I know I promised you capes as a reward level- I am STILL working on that and I promise people are going to flip if I can get everything together as I planned.
Now on to the serious stuff- with only 3 weeks left to this campaign and not even 4% reached, there is definitely a funereal air about this campaign. Don't fear, though, I have a lot of stuff in the works just in case we DON'T make it and anyone who pledged here and now will be greatly rewarded, to say the least.
In very simple, anything-can-happen, terms the plan is this: If we don't reach our funding the website will launch with everything currently on here for sale, but at different prices (most significantly cheaper, since they will only be one item not packages with logo prints and buttons and membership, some for a bit more) those of you who backed this campaign will have first dibs on the items you have selected here and EVERYONE who backs now will get membership and the discounts it affords.
After using the website to garner funds and spread the word farther, we will launch ANOTHER Kickstarter Campaign either in conjunction with the physical store opening or to facilitate that.
Anyway, I haven't given up hope on the project OR on this Kickstarter. If anyone knows Marc Maron, Kevin Smith or anyone else with a huge nerd following who would want me on their podcasts in the next 2 or 3 weeks, let me know. :D
Thankful to all of you, as I always am,
Menachem
184
Backers
$19,530
pledged of $180,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on August 11, 2012.
Funding period
Jun 12, 2012 -
Aug 11, 2012
(60 days)
- First created · 47 backed
- Menachem Luchins 288 friends
- Website: funnyshortscomic.com
Pledge $1 or more
18 backers
Your name on the Thank You page in the back of "Our Comic Year", a 24 page comic book by co-owner and cartoonist Sarah Luchins about the creation of the store. Weekly updates on our progress, special for backers only. See the nitty gritty details that go into creating a new kind of comic shop. PLUS: Access to a Live stream of the store's grand opening in November.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $5 or more
13 backers
The $1 rewards + Digital copy (PDF) of "Our Comic Year" , a 24 page comic book by co-owner and cartoonist Sarah Luchins about the creation of the store.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $8 or more
6 backers
MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL- All the $5 rewards + store membership! Membership includes regular discounts on pre-ordered comics, early announcements of special events and classes before the general public and access to our LIVE and archived Streaming classes and workshops plus, a nifty membership card.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $10 or more
9 backers
All the $5 rewards + An exclusive Escape Pod Comics Logo pin designed and hand-pressed by Brooklyn artist Chloe Kasnett.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $15 or more
2 backers
All the $5 rewards + 8 1/2 by 11 print of co-owner Sarah Luchins's "Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex" comic.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $16 or more
4 backers
MEMBERSHIP PLUS- Everything in the $8 membership level (regular discounts on pre-ordered comics, early announcements of special events and classes before the general public and access to our LIVE and archived Streaming classes and workshops plus, a nifty membership card.) PLUS a custom Black and watch artist sketch card of your favorite character, drawn by store co-owner and webcomic creator Sarah Luchins. Don Draper, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Superman, Phone Bone. ANYONE YOU WANT penciled and inked on a standard sized trading card. (See update #10 for examples)
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $20 or more
0 backers
ALTERNATIVE ESCAPE POD PRINT- designed by Reginald Thomas, this slick, futuristic logo/design is a totally different take on our name and brand. (Includes Membership and Membership card.)
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $20 or more
19 backers
All the $5 rewards + PRINT copy of "Our Comic Year", a 24 page comic book by co-owner and cartoonist Sarah Luchins about the creation of the store. ALSO: Store membership, which entitles you to special announcements about sales. Members also receive a nifty Membership card and an exclusive membership number as well as pre-order for special events and announcements before the general public.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $24 or more
5 backers Limited (495 of 500 left)
TECHNICOLOR MEMBERSHIP- Everything in the $8 membership level (regular discounts on pre-ordered comics, early announcements of special events and classes before the general public and access to our LIVE and archived Streaming classes and workshops plus, a nifty membership card.) PLUS a custom, hand-colored artist sketch card of your favorite character, drawn by store co-owner and webcomic creator Sarah Luchins. Don Draper, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Superman, Phone Bone. ANYONE YOU WANT penciled, inked and colored on a standard sized trading card. (See update #10 for examples)
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $25 or more
9 backers Limited (191 of 200 left)
All the $5 rewards + COMIC BOOK GRAB BAG! A selection of random comics from our vaults with a price guide total of Thirty Dollars. Just like those plastic sealed bundles you used to get at your local corner store. NOTE: THIS LEVEL DOES NOT INCLUDE STORE MEMBERSHIP.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $30 or more
37 backers Limited (963 of 1000 left)
All the $20 rewards+ A COMIC STARTER KIT! Interested in comics but not sure what you'd like? Well, choose this reward and after you take a brief survey about likes and dislikes we'll send you out $25 worth of comics custom-selected for your tastes!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $35 or more
4 backers
All the $20 rewards+ 6 x 6 print of our Black and White store logo designed by co-owner Sarah Luchins. NOTE: B&W LOGO IS DIFFERENT FROM COLOR. VERY DIFFERENT.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $40 or more
2 backers
KIDS' SUPER-HERO CAPE! Custom made by Cape & Cowl productions, THE premiere cosplay coutre creators, this special last0ditch effort reward is a full-sized cape made of Peackskin fabric, hefty enough to stay close and look real while still being light enough to billow out behind you in a breeze. We are offering these capes in both Dark Crusader Black (which comes with a batwing style cut at the bottom) and Superguy Red. (Includes Membership and Membership card.) We also have them in adult sizes at the $100 level
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $50 or more
0 backers Limited (95 of 95 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Exclusive 8 1/2 x11 Comics for All "Humour" print by Footloose Webcomic creator Emily Brady featuring characters from the acclaimed comic.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
1 backer Limited (94 of 95 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Exclusive 8 1/2 x11 Comics for All "Fantasy" print by Chicago artist Hilary Jirka.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
0 backers Limited (95 of 95 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Exclusive 8 1/2 x11 Comics for All "Experimental" print by Brooklyn artist Chloe Kasnett.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (92 of 95 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Exclusive 8 1/2 x11 Comics for All "Horror" print by NYC designer and webcomic creator Kelly Kotulak.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (997 of 1000 left)
All the $20 rewards+ 6 x 6 print of our store logo designed by co-owner Sarah Luchins, in color AND a Escape Pod tote bag, perfect for holding your comics on the go.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (92 of 95 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Exclusive 8 1/2 x11 Comics for All "Science Fiction" print by NYC artist Yao Xiao.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $75 or more
4 backers Limited (146 of 150 left)
All the $50 rewards+ Escape Pod Pin in Brass, hand-crafted by Junior Partner Simcha Schoenbrun of Helios Jewelry.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $75 or more
4 backers Limited (71 of 75 left)
All the $20 rewards+ Take a quick dive in our back-issue boxes! Select Seventy-Five Dollars worth of comics (Price Guide Prices) before they go on sale in our store! You will be choosing from over 10,000 monthly comics (floppies) and hundreds of Graphic Novels/Collections. Reward will be given on a first come, first serve basis, based on order of backing.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $80 or more
7 backers Limited (93 of 100 left)
All the $50 rewards+ A COMIC STARTER KIT! Interested in comics but not sure what you'd like? Well, choose this reward and after you take a brief survey about likes and dislikes we'll send you out $75 worth of comics custom-selected for your tastes!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Spawn #12 (with chromium trading card) signed by Todd McFarlane.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! PBBZ Con 2006 Reprint of TMNT #1 signed by Peter Laird.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Black Panther (Vol. 3) #1 signed by Mark Texeria.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Spawn #18 signed by Greg Capullo.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Batman: Odyssey #2 signed by Neal Adams.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Superman #317 signed by Neal Adams.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $85 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + a Signed comic! Spawn #16 signed by Greg Capullo.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $100 or more
0 backers
SUPER-HERO CAPE! Custom made by Cape & Cowl productions, THE premiere cosplay coutre creators, this special last0ditch effort reward is a full-sized cape made of Peackskin fabric, hefty enough to stay close and look real while still being light enough to billow out behind you in a breeze. We are offering these capes in both Dark Crusader Black (which comes with a batwing style cut at the bottom) and Superguy Red. (Includes Membership and Membership card.) We also have them in kid sizes at the $40 level
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $115 or more
2 backers Limited (73 of 75 left)
All the $50 rewards+ A COMIC STARTER KIT! Interested in comics but not sure what you'd like? Well, choose this reward and after you take a brief survey about likes and dislikes we'll send you out $100 worth of comics custom-selected for your tastes!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $125 or more
0 backers Limited (150 of 150 left)
All the $50 rewards + Escape Pod Pendant in brass hand-crafted by Junior Partner Simcha Schoenbrun of Helios Jewelry.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (99 of 100 left)
All the $50 rewards + Exclusive First printing (12 1/2 x19) of Molly Crabapple's portrait of Stoya which hung in the "Beautiful People" show at Cabinet des Curieux in Paris and is now in the hands of a private collector.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (29 of 30 left)
FOR CREATORS AND PUBLISHERS- Buy featured shelf space at our store! This reward entitles you to a prime spot on our "featured" table for ONE WEEK of your choosing. Compete with the BIG GUNS or just get a project you love noticed. Longer amounts of time on the "featured" table available at higher levels ($500 for a month, $5000 for the year). Very Limited reward, act fast before they're gone! [Includes all the $50 Color Logo rewards as well]
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
All the $50 rewards + Signed, numbered and matted prints by SteamCrunk virtuoso Walter Sickert from his UK gallery show, never sold before!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $175 or more
2 backers Limited (1 of 3 left)
All the $50 rewards + Original pages from Webcomic pioneer Jennie Breeden's Devil's Panties comic, who not only self-publishes her own comics but also worked in a comic shop for years, giving her a unique insight into what we're trying to do here. Each comic is signed and comes with a print of the finished, colored comic as it appeared on the web, also signed.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $200 or more
1 backer Limited (199 of 200 left)
All the $50 rewards+ A COMIC STARTER KIT! Interested in comics but not sure what you'd like? Well, choose this reward and after you take a brief survey about likes and dislikes we'll send you out $200 worth of comics custom-selected for your tastes!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $200 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + Justice League International, Volume #1, signed and donated by writer J.M. Dematties for Escape Pod Comics.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $200 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
All the $50 rewards + All five of the "Comics for All" prints.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $250 or more
1 backer Limited (49 of 50 left)
All the $50 rewards + Orignal pencils from the Amanda Palmer, Jason Webley and Cynthia von Buhler's "Evelyn Evelyn" Graphic Novel, donated by the artist.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $300 or more
2 backers Limited (48 of 50 left)
All the $50 rewards + SILVER membership, which entitles you to special announcements about sales and a $250 shopping spree in the store, any time after our grand opening- Members also receive a unique Membership card available only at the silver level and an exclusive membership number as well as pre-order for special events and announcements before the general public.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $350 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + Annotated Sandman, Volume #1, signed and donated by writer Neil Gaiman for Escape Pod Comics.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $450 or more
1 backer Limited (24 of 25 left)
All the $50 rewards + Buy our back issues now! Take a rummage through our used books and back issues before we open and select $400 (Price Guide value) worth of material. Reward will be given on a first come, first serve basis, based on order of backing.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
FOR CREATORS AND PUBLISHERS- Buy featured shelf space at our store! This reward entitles you to a prime spot on our "featured" table for ONE MONTH of your choosing. Compete with the BIG GUNS or just get a project you love noticed. Other amounts of time on the "featured" table available at other levels ($150 for a week, $5000 for the year). Very Limited reward, act fast before they're gone! [Includes all the $50 Color Logo rewards as well]
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer All gone!
All the $50 rewards + The Complete run of Cerebus, One of the most seminal works in comics, in trade paper back form. Over 6000 pages! Includes first editions of the collections, some signed by writer/artist Dave Sim and background artist Gerhard.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $750 or more
0 backers Limited (50 of 50 left)
All the $50 rewards+ GOLD Store membership, which entitles you to special announcements about sales and surprise comic related gifts (rare prints,signed comics, first editions, etc) in the mail (5 over the course of a year) for a year!- Members also receive a Membership card unique to the gold level and an exclusive membership number as well as pre-order for special events and announcements before the general public.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + The Original of the Comics for All "Science Fiction" print by NYC artist Yao Xiao- Ink on paper. The lack of color on the original really lets the details that this stunning artist included shine through.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + The Original of the Comics for All "Experimental" art by Brooklyn artist Chloe Kasnett- Pencil and oils on wood. This unique blend of materials makes for a really eye-catching piece.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + The Original of the Comics for All "Humour" print by Footloose Webcomic creator Emily Brady- watercolor on paper. The vibrant colors of the original put the prints, nice as they are, to shame.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + The Original of the Comics for All "Fantasy" print by Chicago artist Hilary Jirka- 10" x 13.25", Ink on Paper. This intricate piece just begs to be studied over and over again.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + A stunning Alex Maleev Batman sketch, signed.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
All the $50 rewards + The Original of the Comics for All "Horror" art by NYC designer and webcomic creator Kelly Kotulak- Scratchboard and colored pencils. Let me tell you, this print is amazing but the original is KILLER, a must have.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
All the $50 rewards+ PLATINUM Store membership, which entitles you to special announcements about sales and surprise comic related gifts (rare prints,signed comics, first editions, etc) in the mail (10 over the course of a year) for a year! - Members also receive a super-rare Membership card unique to the platinum level and an exclusive membership number as well as pre-order for special events and announcements before the general public. Platinum members also get two FREE events a year- signings, classes, release parties, anything.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (5 of 5 left)
All the $50 rewards + Memorial plaque, dedicated to whomever you wish, on one of our genre bookshelves. Choose from: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Biography, Drama, Crime, Super-Hero, and more.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
FOR CREATORS AND PUBLISHERS- Buy featured shelf space at our store! This reward entitles you to a prime spot on our "featured" table for our ENTIRE FIRST YEAR . Compete with the BIG GUNS or just get a project you love noticed. Other amounts of time on the "featured" table available at other levels ($150 for a week, $500 for the month). Very Limited reward, act fast before they're gone! [Includes all the $50 Color Logo rewards as well]
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
COMIC PARTY!!! We will shut down the store for the day while you and up to 25 friends just hang out, read comics, drink coffee, listen to music, play music... WHATEVER. As long as it doesn't damage the books on the shelves. Imagine, your own comic store for a day! Do a photo-shoot or just spend a day on your own reading.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013
