Dear Blackspotters,
A great big thanks to everyone who sent in their comments and suggestions following the last Blackspot newsletter. While we weren't able to respond to every message individually, your design and production ideas, campaign wishlists, offers to act as retail reps, and even the occasional complaint have given us plenty to weigh in the coming weeks.
Speaking of what's happening in the coming weeks, Blackspot Shoes is quickly approaching a major milestone: we've nearly sold 20 000 pairs. It's a significant accomplishment that never would have come to pass without all of the support and feedback from our shareholders. The Blackspot Unswoosher boot is gaining a reputation as one of the most Earth-friendly shoes around, and the original Blackspot Sneaker has become a classic in its own right.
With that in mind, we're currently reviewing all of your suggestions (from email and from the forums) to determine how we should expand the line of shoes. New colors? New sizes? Whole new styles? Stay tuned for more info and for your opportunity to vote.
BLACKSPOTS IN THE NEWS
You may have seen the article in which Forbes slagged us off. If not, check it out: http://adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/blog/index.php?id=233
Despite Forbes' distinct lack of enthusiasm, the article netted us another new retailer (Humanitaire in Costa Mesa, CA) and many, many web sales, one of which was accompanied by the following message:
"I'd like you to know that I'm purchasing these kick-ass Blackspot shoes in direct response to that nasty little article that appeared in Forbes. People and organizations consumed by greed, $$ gleaming in their eyes, will never understand your vision, nor why it's slowly taking root across the nation. Keep on fighting the good fight! And tell those suits at Forbes that you've sold 20,000 and ONE pairs!" --- Holly Hendrix, Riverton WY
Thanks, Forbes!
Recent press coverage in Aftenpostens scored us two new Norwegian retailers (Odyssey and Jarbeaux Sport) and dozens of web sales. Hemp House in Oslo may also sign up soon -- we'll keep you posted.
NEW EXCHANGE POLICY
We know that our old return policy was a little clunky and probably discouraged some people from taking the plunge to become a shareholder. Fortunately, our distribution system has reached the point that we can now offer direct exchanges for shoes that don't fit or have any quality issues (now rare since the first production runs). The exchange info is available in the Blackspot ordering FAQ in the Culture Shop:
https://secure.adbusters.org/orders/blackspot.v2/
For the time being, we'll be keeping the sneaker exchange forums going as an alternative for those who want to use it, but they will eventually be phased out completely. To those who purchased before we could offer direct exchanges: thank you for your trailblazing bravery!
SHAREHOLDER ZONE IMPROVEMENTS
We're in the process of improving the Shareholder Forums to make the experience of using them a little more pleasurable and a little less confusing. Already, new categories have been introduced, and we've done some spring cleaning to clear out a few of the cobwebs. If you haven't stopped by in a while, be sure to check them out:
http://adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/members.php
While you're there, don't be shy about letting us know how they can be further improved.
See you in the forums!
Cheers!
Sharon and the Blackspot Team.