We received the note below from Andrew Lis of Marvel, who saw the Talk Back comment from Sara Grey (see 'Sara Grey of Mira Mesa Comic Gallery on FCBD Promotion'), and wanted to make sure that we knew how Marvel's order cycle works and how it might help with the problem she described.  Lis agreed to allow us to reprint his note here to inform our readers.  Thanks also to Bev Kranz of Collector's Ink who also wrote in to let us know that the orders could still be changed:

Because of Marvel's aggressive, unique FOC policy, this retailer can adjust her marketing plan and orders for this project until 5/20/04.  We've widened the window for her to order product and be guaranteed receipt appreciably by working on our FOC system.

The one unresolved issue: Marvel's continued attempts to market products beyond solicitation.  It's disappointing to see retailers complain that we're 'screwing' them when we're in fact doing our best to give them new programs and information.  Sometimes they fall after the Previews date, but rarely after the FOC, if we can help it.  When that happens, it's because we're trying to make it happen for them, with the faith they'll believe we're doing our best to support the industry and both of our businesses.  Unfortunately, life doesn't subscribe to Diamond's solicitation schedule.

But when we can help it, we're announcing this information while retailers can still adjust orders for the amount of product to be provided for sampling purposes.

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.