Does anyone else remember when journal entries used to be mostly about the actual books we collected or read? Lately it seems like every other journal is a vent, rant, or rave about turn around times.

Do you think users venting on the message boards is really the way to incite change in CGCs operation? Personally, I don't think so. As a small private business owner myself I believe that the best way to gauge customer satisfaction is to monitor the rate of cash flow and gross profit (GP). One can kill themselves trying to please everyone, but if cash flow and GP is steadily increasing than at least one of two things is happening (both good): Customer base is growing and/or existing customer base is spending more. Unless cash flow and GP plateau or decline for an extended period of time then there is absolutely no reason for CGC to change their business practices from a business minded point of view.

As with any company in the world there is one motto that always holds true... "money talks". I think if there is to be any real change then the consumers would have to band together to significantly damage CGCs bottom line. For example, a mass boycott that includes several heavy hitters the likes of major dealers, distributors, and major players in the collecting world. However, I don't think this is ever going to happen as, oddly enough, most of the people who post on here about being unhappy with the turn around times are still actively using the service. Income from a few dis-satisfied customers spends the same as the rest and I think it is a safe assumption that there are more happy customers than unhappy ones.

In fact, I say someone needs to give CGC a trophy for figuring out how to get people who are not fully satisfied with their services to still hand over fists full of cash on a regular basis. CGC must have learned this at a class taught by my wireless phone service provider! I for one am a satisfied customer and will just continue to be patient for my slabs.

Now onto what I miss most about the journals... COMIC BOOKS!

I'm sure it's no secret anymore, but if you are looking for a great read and some beautiful art then you need to check out Lady Mechanika by Joe Benitez from publisher Aspen. Top notch stuff and I'm not just saying that because I've been a long time fan of Aspen comics and I dig the steam punk movement. Michael Turner's Fathom and Soulfire series are quality books too and the TPBs can be found pretty cheap online and at conventions.

Thanks for reading!

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