Well, whadaya know? Today is the one year anniversary of Weirdo Toys (or first Birthday or whatever).
I started Weirdo Toys, because there were no good sites were I could easily find weird toy collections or information. Before starting the blog, I knew I didn’t want it to become another corpse in the ever-growing blog graveyard (you know the blogs that have a life span of one or two months). To avoid this, I set a rule for myself: one blog entry per week. I’ve more or less stuck to that schedule, so I’m pleased.
Some funny things started happening when I started the blog. The first thing was the initial panic that I wouldn’t find enough fun stuff to post weekly. I did have weird toys lying around, but I soon discovered that I didn’t have enough to sustain this site. This lead to my second dilemma. I became obsessed with searching for and buying toys. I used to be pretty casual about buying toys, but having a blog that’s supposed to be updated weekly definitely increased my trips to flea markets, toy shows, eBay, etc. Now I’m always on the lookout. My wallet’s crying, but over the year, I’ve found tons of cool junk and have actually expanded my dorky toy knowledge (which is nothing to be proud of). It’s not my fault. I did it for you all.
One of the best things that’s happened over the year is my hearing from and corresponding with you all – my fellow toy lovers. It is always a joy to receive questions, comments, photos and other stuff from you guys. It reminds me that I’m not just writing this stuff for my own entertainment. Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
I’m curious to know who else is out there and what do you actually think of my weekly toy rants. I’ve never directly asked you all what you think of the blog, its content, etc., so now’s your chance to speak up. Is there anything you like or don’t like about the site? You know stuff like hearing the origins of a toy or the reader mail… you know, crap like that. Let it all out. I’d love to hear it – good or bad.
To encourage your feedback, I’ve decided to do an Annual Weirdo Toy giveaway. That’s right. Of all the folks who leave a comment on this entry (just to say “hi” or to leave some constructive criticism), your names will be pulled at random (be sure to leave an e-mail address when leaving your comments), and one lucky winner will be the new proud owner of the toy I featured yesterday (that He-Man figure, Hoove). Next week sometime, I will announce the winner, and I will send along everything you see on yesterday’s post (basically an open toy package, a figure and its accessories).
Just know that this toy is from my collection, and I’m actually sacrificing it. It pains me greatly to lose such a goofy/cool figure, but if I sacrificed anything less, it wouldn’t illustrate my gratitude for your loyal readership.
Thanks again guys. I hope to hear from you soon.
Justin