Sorry this has taken so long.  Everytime I think I have a handle on what I want to say, more stuff seems to happen.

 

OK, the big stuff.

Retro Lovely has gone from an idea to a viable product in just over 4 months time.

 

In less than a month since it first started shipping it has won a very respectable following and regard from anyone who has seen it, held it or bought a copy.  I can actually say it's even come onto the radar of some who have not yet laid eyes on one.

 

OK some points.

 

The first printing of Issue #1 is going to run out.

I am even now talking to some of you about putting some aside so they are available to you so that you might have them for shows or events you have planned.  For everyone else, think about this and let me know if you have need for more copies. Where I hoped to have a nice reserve that I could accomodate every request for consignment copies I now find the quantity remaining to be such that I'm going to shift to asking that if you need them, you can get them at wholesale at $6 shipped.  I would note that I am going to raise the price on the store to $15.  First to slow down sales a bit. Second so that any of you working at selling some on your own can point to this fact.  That we moved so many so fast we are have actually on the store raised the price based on the remaining few becoming ever more scarce and all of them as a result collectible.  Even a reprint will state Second Printing.  There will never again be this first run.  And if we continue to grow this, they should prove more desireable to some.  SO, anyone who thinks they want to get a few, let me know.  Additionally when I no longer have any, I would refer people to those that do, or offer to buy them back for more money than you bought them at.  YES when I run out, and find people willing to pay $15 or better, I will put a call out to buy back copies.  I'm offering this to the advertisers as well, mentioned it to  few and initial response from a few was pretty astonished.  One part told me they sold what they got from the ad and was about to see about getting more to sell...  and while on this topic, I am pleased to say most of the advertisers in issue #1 have asked to return for issue #2, and I did no soliciting at all.  They contacted me.  There are also new advertisers on deck for issue #2 and I do believe several more will come along as well.

 

Next up, haven't talked a lot on this as I was waiting for more people to finally get copies, some of our International partners have still not gotten theirs for that matter  (though they have been mailed) but anyway...  I wanted to remark that we are finally at the point where I get to comment on my being pleased we are, in our working relationship at that point where after weeks and months of emails and chatting and you all trusting me with your work that we have turned a corner where you can all rest knowing it was not for nothing, that I was not a con artist, or a dreamer who would not follow through on what was promised.   Along the way I've done what I could outside the magazine to help some of you in a variety of different ways and I hope the road we've traveld has been easy and more rewarding that you cou have imagined.  And based on what we did, which really is quite remarkable  (ask Joe from JFA about legendary rock and celeb photog Mark Weiss taking to the issue AND the business model.... there are a number of people taking notice of what we've done here) I see even more potential than I originally even guessed at.  This is an invitation to ping me if there has been anything about tihs that you aren't thrilled with, and I'm not saying it is something that could be made better, but I'd sure like to be aware of it and see if we couldn't improve on things here and there.  I have a laundry list myself.  I wish I was 2 people for one, or didn't need another job apart from Retro Lovely....  but I will not take anything negative personally.  But do know, with regard to the art that became issue #1.  Some of it is not everyones cup of tea.  My tastes and likes are very varied, broad.... the good news is, it seems, those who bought copies also loved the variety, and or that it's so image heavy, there was still enough of what they liked to still make it very worthwhile vs that in the issue they might not like so much.  But when I ask you to critique working with me I am most certainly NOT asking you to critique the art in the issue you did not like personally and I'd like to state it here clearly, so far it's been great working with you all, but do know I am the type of person who does not have the time, and not as much patience to deal with those who tend towards ignorance, arrogance and might see fit to denigrate the work of others.

 

I am also thrilled to report that I've hear from advertisers who noticed new business as a result of partnering with us.  Thrilled that some of you have enjoyed gaining new clients as a result of being in issue #1. Very pleased we've had an instance or two of atracting new advertisers as a result of listing some companies on a page's credits  (this is important). Some of you have expressed to me the added "ease" having work in the issue and the copies to back it up have made with regards to networking for places to shoot, events to gain access to and for helping to cement your value in the minds of clients, be it models or businesses.

 

THIS IS WHY WE ARE DOING THIS.  And I think there is a lot more potential.  The magazine in physical form is not yet 1 month old. Think about that.  Think about being able to talk to selling it out. Think about a follow up by the end of June. 

 

This is already long.

Another note will follow regarding more specifics on staging for issue #2.  You all know how to reach me.

 

Cheers

 

M