Hello patrons. Hi Wendy, here we are: Hockey season again! Like you, I am around, here in my dark corner.
I agree with Holger, Mithril is Mithril . . . no rhyme, no reason! We can get frustrated (and rightly so, Master Ent, when things are said and turn out to be inaccurate, even if unintentional). We can try to reason with the company, meaning Lars. As has been pointed out, Chris and Michael do not control decisions on releases. In the end Lars will do what he thinks is the best for him and his companies. Remember, Mithril is a very small part of Lars’ businesses, and Chris has many other commitments as well. Also, the employees of Mithril are PA employees, not dedicated to Mithril only. So Gildor, you have many good ideas (most of which I agree with completely, especially as many are just common sense) for Mithril. But perhaps these are not so good when looked at by Lars when considering his businesses and his personal time. Perhaps he doesn’t want to spend the time, or use capital and human resourses to expand this product line. But as long as we are willing to pay high rates per figure once a month, with maybe a M range once a year or so, he’ll keep it going because he makes money at these prices and Chris is willing to do it. This is my impression, although I may be wrong.
As I mentioned this summer, the Wilderland series prototypes have been made by Chris. This was to be released a year or more ago, but apparently Lars never approved full production and release. The reason wasn’t licensing, I know for a fact. So it can only be that Lars doesn’t think the figures can be sold profitably, or that it is more profitable to pursue other activities. Perhaps the uproar over the prices they tried to charge on the first Helm’s Deep release was enough that Lars decided to reduce the price of that release to appease us, but will not release any more M series. The cost of raw materials has skyrocketed in the past two years, and the global economy is weak right now. I am afraid that if we want more M series we may have to pay more for them than e6.99 each.
So let us not bash our heads against the wall. We have an excellent sculptor whose works we enjoy, and who knows how long Mithril, or even Chris, will continue in this area. At least through the Hobbit movies, I expect. But perhaps not much longer. As for MS figures being special, like many have said, every figure created is special to several GF members, or else it wouldn’t have won the votes. We can choose to buy the GF figures produced or not. We can’t force them to produce more M series figures, or sell them at unprofitable prices. I am going to enjoy these figures while they last. But like others here, I will do what I can to promote the continuation of Mithril.
Barli, I’ll come out of the dark corner to raise my glass in a toast to our Fellowship! Of course this round of drinks is on me. Old Winyards out of the Southfarthing, if you have it. I will pay you back by patrolling the Wilderness area around the Pony, keeping the ruffians away.
I’m around but don’t say much. The Ranger in the dark corner knows what project is occupying my time. Sometimes being a perfectionist has its drawbacks, especially when there are many, many little holes to be drilled.
