just a thought, but maybe worth a try

[retired from gaming]

Hi guys,
it came just out of the blue sky, but why wouldnt we have something special for Blitzers, like a Blitz watch for example.
I know it is not a big deal to negotiate with some smaller producers to order a limited version of a watch (polish watch forum, I am a member of, has few limited versions from differnt brands).
As we are all military freaks here, my first thought was a pilot watch. It could be something reasonably cheap to start with. All details to e discussed if there is an interest among Blitzers.
Here are some examples from companies I know are willing to do so :

Russian Aviator manual winding

Swiss Steinhart automatic

Swiss Steinhart manual

German Stowa Flieger automatic

German Laco Flieger automatic

German Laco Flieger manual

I presented just a few examples, with Stowa and Laco being in top 5 historical brands (producers of original WW2 pilot watches).
For sure Stowa and Steinhart are willing to make limitations (50 pieces should be enough to make an order), Laco AFAIK has some financial problems at the moment, so I am not sure about them, Aviator shouldnt be a problem.

I am just throwing an idea, open for changes, ideas etc.
We could dd some surveys regarding models, price range (should be lower comparing to regular price) etc.
I personally would order one for sure if price is around 200 EUR, but would also consider more expensive model.

cheers
czerpak

[Epoletov [SPR].]

I search for awards for club SPR.
Watch the valuable variant, and can be something?
What it would be possible to carry with itself or to put houses in a prominent place?

[Vesku]

Good idea and nice pieces but I don't use a wrist watch. I would be interested if there is something useful for me. Trying to think what would be the article but drawing a blank, will get back when I figure something.

[Walrus]

Same as Vesku, don't use a watch.
Something else?
A cell phone? :-)

Nice idea though...but I think rather than spend $200 on a watch saying that I belong here, I would probably rather that money actually went to the site, to keep the bugger online!
For those that don't know, the reason why there are no adverts anywhere on the site (hurrah! What a rarity these days eh!) is because it runs on donations, of money to keep the server on line, and time by the officers, to keep the players in line :-)

Cheers

[Vesku]

Same as Vesku, don't use a watch.
Something else?
A cell phone? :-)

Nice idea though...but I think rather than spend $200 on a watch saying that I belong here, I would probably rather that money actually went to the site, to keep the bugger online!
For those that don't know, the reason why there are no adverts anywhere on the site (hurrah! What a rarity these days eh!) is because it runs on donations, of money to keep the server on line, and time by the officers, to keep the players in line :-)

Cheers

A baseball cap? Buy it for 200$ from which 180$ goes to Blitz? :)

[GUNSLNGR]

Wasn't there, or isn't there, some blitz paraphenallia available. T-shirts, hats, and the like. If not, it wouldn't be a bad idea. I don't know about $200 bucks for a hat...but if the Pentagon will pay $1 million for a hammer...

It would be a good way to generate a little revenue for the site. I, for one, would proudly wear my "I was in the Actung Panzer Tournament, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt" shirt or my "Got SP:MBT?" boxer shorts.

Nick S.

[Dog Soldier]

Nice ideas, but......

Considering the blitz is a volunteer organization that is more of a hobby for the owners than a business. Certain US tax laws etc. mean we do not really want to get into the business of selling merchandise.

Dog Soldier

[Vesku]

Nice ideas, but......

Considering the blitz is a volunteer organization that is more of a hobby for the owners than a business. Certain US tax laws etc. mean we do not really want to get into the business of selling merchandise.

Dog Soldier

There's that of course. Thanks for pointing it out.

[retired from gaming]

Nice idea though...but I think rather than spend $200 on a watch saying that I belong here, I would probably rather that money actually went to the site, to keep the bugger online!
For those that don't know, the reason why there are no adverts anywhere on the site (hurrah! What a rarity these days eh!) is because it runs on donations, of money to keep the server on line, and time by the officers, to keep the players in line :-)

Cheers

Hi Jason,
I can't agree with your point of view, for a few reasons :
primo, up till now none of Blitzers has never spent a dime on a club watch, cap, t-shirt etc. simply because such items do not exist. How many players made a donation instead ? Don't get me wrong, I am not saying (nor thinking) anyone is obliged to do so.
secundo, the way this site is run is independent decission of the owner(s). I assume he(them) treat it as a hobby and probably spends some money on it, as for any other hobbies one may have. If donations cover 100% of a cost, well, better for him. If not, it is his own problem, as long as he decides different and starts to put some adds or take member fees. I have great respect for all the people making this place alive, owners, custodians, IT guys, tourney masters, donators etc., but that's their own choice to spend money/time this way.
tertio, my idea was just ...idea. Could be right or wrong, I don't have a problem if there is no interest nor if site owners forbidd me to use Blitz logo on a back of a watch, but it was pure private initiative. If people are interested, I could organise such project, negotiate the terms, but after that, everyone interested would have to make a payment to a supplier, not to me nor to the Blitz and collect his item from them. However, there is an option for a site to get some money out of it. Such orders usually get certain discounts, so I would personally make a donation to the Blitz for amount equal to a discount and encuorage everyone else to do the same.

Hope it is more clear now,
regards
maciej

[Walrus]

Hi Maciej

Sorry mate, I think perhaps I didn't explain myself very well...I was writing in haste.

I think your idea is very good, whether it's a watch, or whatever. If you get a few interested people and can get a Blitz related item happening...then bloody hurrah!
My problem is that I really do not wear a watch these days, and even if I did, 200 euro (285 AUD) is a lot of money for me to spend on a non-essential.

I then went on a bit of a tangent in my head, thinking that if I had that much money to spend on the Blitz (sort of) I would be better to donate it so that the place can continue to operate.

I didn't mean to cut down your idea bro...I think it's a good one for sure.
I hope you can generate some interest. Perhaps a wider call-out to the general membership...or were you after an exclusive Steel panther Blitz item? :)

On a separate note, I have happily donated both time as an officer and money to this club because I really like having this place around. Without everyone doing their bit (or at least a few of us) this place would not exist at all...and frankly, that would suck balls. Anything that positively contributes to this place is a worthy thing IMO...so if you are going to flick them some money if you get a discount, that is excellent form :-)
I see you already have the Order of the Dragon ( I think I pinned that one on you from the comment ;)) so IMO, you have the right feel a bit of ownership and I respect your efforts to come up with something like that Blitz watch.

I think the fact that I can DL MBT or WW2 for free (thanks SPCAMO) and then come here to find both opponents and comrades, again for free, and not be advertised to/at, is a really rare thing in this world we live in today.
I actually quite treasure it...sounds kinds limp, but in writing this I remind myself again what a rare place this is in the on-line world.
Totally free.

BTW...do you realise that it's just gone 7 years since we first played Steel Panthers PBEM?
12/April/2003 was our first game...cool eh :-)

Cheers bro