Bob Cosner of Bob's Baseball Cards, Comics & Gaming in Des Moines, Iowa saw the comments by the representatives of Topps (see 'Ira Friedman from Topps on 'The Dozens'') and Score (see 'Jason Taitano of Score Entertainment on CCG Retailer Exclusives') and shares his thoughts:

Mr. Taitano explained why Blockbuster and CCGs don't mix, I quote, 'The demographic for Blockbuster customers is different from that of a hobby retail store.  Their customers are not the traditional game enthusiast and are apt to not be a part of a trading card game community.'

So what you are trying to do is to sell live swimming fish at a car dealership.  When the people buy the fish you give them a piece of paper telling them to go online to a web site, type in their zip code to find the nearest pet store to buy fish food!  Plus you are assuming that every fish owner and car buyer has access to the Internet.

In the Blockbuster example, Blockbuster makes money selling the cards, I get to baby-sit for tournaments and hand out $72.50 (a 'discounted price') worth of prizes and I get zero dollars for it!  Which dealer, card, gaming, comic or otherwise is excited about this program?  Somebody, besides Mr. Taitano tell me I'm wrong.

The point we are making is that we really don't care that you are selling the same product that we carry to Blockbuster, Wal*Mart, Target, gas stations or the pawn shop down the street.  Just don't shut us out!!!  The game will die before we are allowed to carry it in our stores!  Your theories are all wrong!

Successful businesses have a game plan and a firm distribution base.  You don't see GM giving Wal*Mart a 30 day exclusive on their new Corvette!

One more comment by Mr. Taitano, 'Score Entertainment acknowledges that is up to each individual hobby retail store to carry the products that cater to its customer base.'  Wrong again, because you have decided to allow Blockbuster to carry this game to its death in 30 days, see Shaman King.

I wish you luck with Epic Battle!