Teggimaniacs!

I challenged the G4 Interactive audience to write up lyrics for my unofficial (read: non-existent) fan club called Teggimaniacs. The totally awesome Mr. Paisley made me this video:



Okay, so he spelled Teggimaniacs wrong; but in all fairness, I never put it in writing.

We can haz price drop? Does it even matter?

The PlayStation 3 launched in November of 2006. Nearly three years later, sales still kind of suck, and Sony has been unable to turn a profit on the device. If I recall correctly, Sony was actually losing money on PS3 sales at first because the cost to manufacture them was higher than the MSRP.

Over the years, production costs have ebbed to the point where Sony could just about break even. Then today, I saw a news post by G4tv.com's Jake Gaskill which noted that Sony CEO Nobuyuki Oneda told TVG that manufacturing costs are down by 70%. Insert mathematical guesstimation....

Assuming that TVG is correct, the current manufacturing costs are well under $100 the sale price. The raving fanbys and girls (like me) who have been waiting for a significant price cut (like me) may be quick to assume that this is a sign of a price cut.


Why a price cut might happen:

• Sony needs to start turning a profit on the PS3. Sales wise, the console has been a bit of an emberassment. A price cut, especially in the fall, would likely be enough incentive to get consumers to pounce. If the number of increased sales could make up for the money lost, this would be a good move.
• Major publishers including Activision and Square Enix have commented that they want Sony to get their act together, cut the price, or they may consider drastic action (dun dun duuuuuun!) such as ceasing to make games for the PS3 entirely. Think of it this way: If consumers don't own PS3s, they're not going to buy games for them. If they're not buying the games, then the publishers and developers lose money. Not making money by not making games is still better than investing in games and losing it. Some may argue that the lack of game selection is at fault for lack of sales. I suppose it is a bit of a catch-22.

Why a price cut might not happen:

• Jake brought up a very good point that Sony needs to recover the losses they've suffered over the last two and a half years. By not cutting the price, every dollar difference between manufacturing cost and sales is pure profit. The wider the margin, the more Sony stands to make...if they can sell the product.
• Sony CEOs have stated on multiple occasions that the company has no intention of dropping the price, no matter what publishers and analysts say (or threaten). SCEA president Jack Tretton called Activision's threat to pull out "a lot of noise."

Untill I see a press release, I assume nothing. Personally, I think that in this economy, it would be a wise choice for Sony to cut the MSRP by $75-$100 in order to stimulate interest in consumers. 2009 is a frugal year. People are much more motivated to spend a buck when they think they're saving one.

The Scents of Sachs and Violens

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab releases limited edition scents based on Peter David and George Pérez’s “Sachs and Violens” Comic Book Series

Los Angeles, CA – Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) is proud to present limited edition scents based on the groundbreaking comic book series Sachs and Violens, written by Peter David with art by George Pérez. The series is currently available in graphic novel form from DC Comics.

These two scents, based on characters J.J. Sachs and Ernie “Violens” Schulz, will debut at the Chicago Comic-Con, August 6-9, at the Hero Initiative booth. They will be available concurrently at http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com.

Proceeds from every bottle sold go to the Hero Initiative, the first federally recognized not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping comic book writers and artists in need. The 501©(3) charity aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance.

George Pérez will be on hand at the Chicago Comic-Con, and is one of the most popular and influential comic book artists currently working. He is best known for his work on Crisis on Infinite Earths, New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, and Avengers.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is a cult perfume house that crafts hand-blended body and household scents. They have over two decades of experience in the field, and specialize in eliciting emotional responses through perfume while creating unique scent environments that capture legends and folklore, poetry, and the stuff of dreams and nightmares.

A special kickoff party with a speed dating theme will be held Thursday night, August 6, to launch the perfume oils. For a mere $35, participants will get either Sachs or Violens perfume oil (a $25 value!), a velveteen bag, a postcard with exclusive George Pérez art, and one complimentary drink, along with the chance to meet 20 like-minded fans in a fun speed-dating event. Tickets are available at: http://qurls.com?i=47916

“My career has taken me to some amazing places, but I’ve never had a scent based on characters I’ve had a hand in creating, nor have I ever played host to a massive speed dating party,” said George Pérez. “I’m looking forward to both. It should be a great weekend in Chicago!”

Chicago Comic-Con will be held August 6 – 9th, 2009 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemount, IL. The Hero Initiative can be found at booth #1340-#1342. For more information, please go to: http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html