It looks like the end is near.
Over the past 24 years I've written and hosted a website,
blog and print publication that contain reviews of pop culture collectibles.
During the last ten years I've watched my supply of review
material dwindle to practically nothing.
At one time I could count on a plethora of toys, model kits,
trading cards, comic books, anime, manga, games, video games, sports
memorabilia, magazines, books, DVDs, diecast and other assorted items arriving
on a regular basis.
As it stand snow I'm lucky if some books, DVDs, toys, model
kits and occasional magazines show up sporadically.
Needless to say, the lack of material has seriously
curtailed my amount of reviews.
I've been expecting it.
With the advent of the internet, the proliferation of social
media sites and the cutback on sending out review samples by manufacturers and
publishers it makes sense that the glory days of writing reviews from samples
has almost come to an end.
Nowadays many businesses want to supply PDFs or photos of
their products and expect reviews. Many
require huge numbers of readers to even qualify for samples and yet others only
want video reviews.
I hate to see the decline in review samples. Truthfully I don't have the kind of money it
takes to buy a lot of items. And even
if I did, why should I give companies free advertisement for their products and
not expect anything in return?
Times are changing and like it or not I have to change with
them. I don't know how much longer my
website will hold out. I'll continue
doing my blog as I can always write editorials.
Whatever the outcome, I put it all in God's hands. After all, if it wasn't for him I never
would have received anything anyway.
I look at it this way: if God wants me to proceed, then it's
up to him to provide what I need. He's
never let me down before and he won't now.
Whatever happens, I know it's for the best. It's been a good run. God willing the race
isn't over yet.