That's my mantra. I remind myself to breathe, and repeat those words. "This is going to happen." Say it with me now. "This is going to happen."

I was dealt something of a blow yesterday. I mentioned in an earlier update that I had done an interview for the San Francisco Chronicle about my project and Kickstarter. They thought the article was going to come out early this week, but as luck would have it (or wouldn't, rather), it now looks like it'll be coming out on November 10th... four days after my fundraising deadline expires. This was a bitter pill to swallow, as I had a feeling that that exposure was going to push me over the edge. But, as the saying goes, "No use crying over spilled publicity."

It just means that I (we) have to work harder. If publicity is to be done, we have to do it ourselves... and we have to do it fast and large. We've come so far in this last few days, however, I know that it's possible. This is not a far-fetched dream anymore... it's just going to take work.

First order of business, and most important: thank you. Thank you so much to everyone who has pledged in the last couple of days (so many new names!). Thank you to those who actually sat down and wrote an email (and made phone calls) to their friends, family, and co-workers; IT HAS MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE (I'm starting to see donors pop up who bear the same last name as friends of mine). That grassroots effort is working! Thank you, too, to everyone who decided to double-their pledge in the last couple of days (or have said they intend to); that is an incredible gesture, and it's gone a long way. At this point in time, I have ONE-HUNDRED AND SIX BACKERS. That truly fills my heart.

Now. Onward. As of right now, I am within the 48 hour mark (45 hours, to be exact). Here's what must be done:

Will you please get on the phone and/or send an email to folks who you think will help. I have seen the results this generates! It may be awkward and uncomfortable, and I'm sorry to be asking you to do it (I've been doing it for six weeks now), but it WORKS, and I think it may be the only thing that WILL work. We all know people who love the arts and who are willing to support them. If they wanted to see a Broadway show, they would spend about $100 (give or take) and be (mildly) amused for about an hour and a half... 50in50 is a better deal! Not only will they get many MORE hours of entertainment, but the money they spend here won't go to line the pockets of fat-cat producers; it will go directly to the artist(s), and the project being created. You're not paying just to see something that someone else already paid to make. No, you have a direct part in the creation of the project itself. You are a producer. THAT is supporting the arts.

If you would make those calls and send those emails, you would be my heroes (even more than you already are).

Also, another strategy idea: I just dropped the reward price for the "I will preside over your wedding ceremony" option, so... know someone who's engaged? Talk to 'em. I've done several weddings, and they've all been extremely popular. I custom create the whole ceremony for the couple I'm wedding, and I've been told it's added a nice personal touch. There will be tears.

Thank you again, so much for your support. I'll write again soon.

Much love,

Brent "Please Spread The Word" Rose