Blog @ Canadian Geek

Behind The Counter #200 - A Column in Review

Posted on 2008 under Behind the Counter

So, I think this is my 200th post but the automated system says otherwise. I tried to be careful when I began numbering but something happened and I’ve been too busy (lazy) to go back and find out what went wrong. Maybe someday…

For my 200th post, I had intended to go through all the posts and do a recap, if for nothing else, for reference to see what tidbits of knowledge this column has produced. While I personally believe that very little has come out of here other than some insights to my messed up mentality and my dislike (”hate is a strong word”) for a certian marvelous company, I have been told that people have read these things and, occasionally, taken something away from it.

That’s good to hear as that was the point, for the most part. In February of 2001 I decided, from our tiny shop in the mountain town of Jasper, that the best way to stay connected with the handful of customers in Edmonton was to “Rant” about the industry. The people who followed me upon my departure from my employment at a previous comic store was largely due to the personal connection we shared; the discussions, the griping, the debates. This needed to be maintained (or so I told myself, to feel important…) and thus it began.

Sometimes it was about silly things but relevant to our shared hobby. Sometimes it was a peek behind the curtain which is what the column has become, hence the name change from “The Rant” to “Behind The Counter”.

There’s a lot of bloggers out there and a lot of opinions. Many retailers talk about the industry but often in forums populated mostly by other retailers. I wanted to talk to you about what it is that I do. But why?

Well, primarily to keep us connected, a notion I feel is very important in this business. There’s the added benefit of helping to build an understanding of how things work which can help avoid complications down the road (You - “I ordered an item but decided I don’t want any more.” Us - “Sorry, not an option.”). This insight can also inspire. Maybe you want to open your own shop and now you have a better idea of things work and what to expect. Maybe you want to enter into the talent pool and now you have some better insights. Maybe you want to get into publishing and now know what you need to do to make me (the retailer) happy.

And I hope I have. Now, is there anything I haven’t covered in these 200 posts from the last 8 years? Maybe. I guess I better get on that review list…

If you have any burning questions, see a doctor. If you have questions about comics, drop me a line. Thanks for sticking around and here’s to 200 more!

1 Comment

Sketch said

September 26 2008 @ 5:01 pm

Well put. I look forward to reading another 2000 of these, so keep ‘em coming.

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Behind The Counter #200 - A Column in Review

1 Comment

Sketch said

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