Sorry in advance for the negativity, but this sort of thing just bums me out. To me, it just seems like an updated, cash-driven version of the "cool kids' table" in high school. When I came to this board two years ago, what I liked was the fact that it seemed like a level playing field - everyone respected each others' opinions (for the most part) and the "seniority" aspect was downplayed, unless someone new said something egregiously stupid. I realise the S7 fan club has been around for a while, but this just seems aggressively exclusive. If you want to build a community, "secret societies" and "hidden forums" are not the most welcoming ways to go about it. Lest you think I don't "get it", I realize it's tongue-in-cheek to an extent, but that doesn't make it seem any less juvenile. I love S7, I love the board, and I think I've made some good friends here. However, I also think that this is an opinion that bears some merit, whether you agree or not. Feel free to bash away, or PM, if you prefer.

I got 2 cats, can we join

You think that's juvenile? I collect toys.

I understand where you're coming from in a way, but you'd feel differently on the other side of the fence. And, I think it's gonna be easier to get in than you think...
Or you may decide it's not your thing- like some others who opted out.

I never saw the S7 fan club as being exclusive or some private community. In reality, it was quite slow and quiet. Except for a few toy releases, there wasn't much discussion or activity on the fan club board.

I also don't see it as the "cool kids table". The cool kids are the silent ones (usually vintage) with deep collections who laugh at all of the Fresh Meat drama and gaffes on this board.

next thing you know it'll be the super super seven secret society...spend $1000 and get a gold stomp or some crap..not a fan of stuff like this..the secret forum part ..the deals ok for a shirt and 2 toys..but this forums already pretty secret from the rest of the world

I really hope that didn't come off as a sour grapes type of thing; I have no intention of joining, but I certainly don't condemn anyone who does either (or S7 for sponsoring it). I just think that it seems a bit too cliquey for a board made up of mature people. I also realize (as 'moto pointed out) that we're all more in touch with our inner kids than the average guy or gal on the street, but I suppose this just struck a bit of a nerve with me.

Did you notice my sig line before you wrote this?

Nah.
I've had plenty of experience with cliquey boards. Don't wanna go there.
So I totally see your point.
But, I don't think this will change the dynamics here. The fan club is already here. Just a few new members now I guess.

Is this just an effort to re-market the sluggish S7 Fan Club?

"Sluggish S7 Fan Club"? care to expand on that one a bit?

it looks like i have no chance, a) being in australia and b) having no access to a computer during the day. bummer.

Do tell.

He's right, you know.....last year, there were a whole 10 of us, and all we got was a Brian Flynn cocktail napkin doodle and a used white tee with "S7" in Sharpie on the front. I hear we get actual toys this year!

Heh heh... SSSSoundssss like SSSSour grapessss...

yeah sour grapes alright. i just woke up to all these news I missed and also rxh. As LS said "In reality, it was quite slow and quiet." Please don't single me out. Bah bah black sheep...

Really?This many people are bitching about the S4?The FC has been going on for a year, just count your lucky stars they are opening up more slots than they had last year to let new people in.What do you people want?S7 to send you an email every time they get something new in , and then hold it for you until you can sell a kidney or a bad custom so you can pay them?The S4 adds a little more excitement to the game, its supposed to be fun, if your pulling your hair out over this, I hear they post the case ratios of D u n n y s on the box, and theyre easier to get.

Well... yeah...

You used the D word.

I want in.

more cats here,
a european run board be cool!
...now with "americans" bashing the EU.

sad to see board going wrong direction.
two class board, not very punk rock.

SSS = REAL BULL SHIT ONLY ???

I think Brian, Josh, Hiro, Joe, Alex, Karen, and Wilson do a great job taking care of all the S7 customers. I am last to the party so hopefully I can add my name to that list next year. I think this crew has created amazing products and made even more amazing products available to everyone on this board. If they don't deserve a fan club I am not sure who does.

The Super Seven Secret Society is for fans of Super7. This seems like a simple harmless concept to me. The fan club is a way for us to experiment with unproven ideas and share information we deem not ready for public consumption. To some degree we use the fan club as a way to do market research. Members do get a few (limited) perks along the way for allowing us this indulgence.

In the end the entire S7 staff spends most of their time trying to keep this hobby interesting, fun and fair for all of our customers. The staff has never schemed against anyone or tried to make collecting harder than it already is. I think it is important for some of you to understand that the constant drone of complaints and conspiracy's theories can become so overwhelming it seems like the prevailing view.

At 100 members the SSSS is not terribly exclusive. Just to put it into perspective if we sell 100 pieces of just about any toy we consider it a huge success. We added 30 additional spots this year since the fan base for these products has grown over the last year. We have about 20 spots left to fill. I know everyone that wants to join won't be able to just like I know everyone who wanted a mini red rxh evil didn't get one today. This is the nature of collecting. If you could get everything you wanted it would just be shopping and most of you wouldn't be interested (nor would I).

The "secret forum" on Skullbrain replaced the S7 fanclub bbs about 4 months ago. I don't think a hidden forum is any different than a private message board aside from the fact it is easier to use. This forum is primarily used for making announcements to our members. We aren't posting links to cheap vintage Barom-1 monsters nor are we offering clear purple evils or orange and pink kaiju spray bees for sale.

Before you complain or get paranoid about the SSSS take a minute and ask yourself if the S7 staff and Mr. Flynn have earned this privilege and honor. If you don't think they have post away and I will try to address your concerns.

3 members already . . . we're on a roll!



Only 'verbally' . . . financially were kicking their ass!

Sunday spots open:

http://super7store.com/store/detail.php?item_id=9494

go get it!

Thank you Glenn! At last, a chance at something without staying up at 3 am!