Wow, I think its time that some of us sit back, take off our E, T11 and other brand stickers and take a breath of fresh air directly from the USPCC.  Its getting crazy and tense and overall overwhelming with all things considered.  E has tons of people bend out of shape with the leaks and the sales tactics.  T11 is on the same path but is also just pissing in everyone front yard with the same marketing routine every month "MOST ASTONISHING DECK OF CARDS EVER".  Dan and Dave, well while there taking a road less traveled, I think we can accept there terms easier.  Blue Crown, Little Giants on the move following a similar path as E & T11.  Then pure animosity with the drama due to there recent endeavors to personally connect with each community.  But then we have the founders, the real reason good cards are possible.  The United States Playing Card Company.  They keep it fresh, true and don't go out of there way to gain an extra buck by creating strange marketing events that require you to dump your wallet to get something nice.  The Dragon Backs have been very nice and easy to pick up when you choose to buy them.  They have a gold version on the rise that  O BY THE WAY you can purchase for the going rate for one of there decks with custom art.  Now I'm not taking anything away from the growing market as it is evolving and will endure change both good and bad.  Kickstarter is a new era for cards but I think its time is coming to an end.  The cat is out of the bag and people are all beginning to realize " hey I can make the deck and fund it and BAM! I'm in the business.  This was nice when it was first being utilized by passionate artists such as Lance T. Miller.  I cant actually think of anything bad to say about the guy and apart from being a good friend to the guy I think he really is doing good things for the future market.  Don't think so?  Consider that he is looking to make almost nothing for the Actuators and is simply making them to make a movement for quality, honesty, integrity and all by keeping us, the community, in mind.  Lets step back for a moment and withdraw from this chaos and remember that you can buy a good deck of cards from genuine entities without having to deal with these tricky dealings.  We have a choice and we have the power to influence.  Go out in the next few days and buy a Bike or a Bee.  Play with the cards and remember the days when those were special to us.  Remember the days when the Watermelon Bee's were a real treasure and a nice collectable.  When your done return to the current market and recognize honesty, talent, and integrity and ask, how will you be spending your money.  Are you going to spend it on a trend or something that truly connects with you and moves you as an artists.  Don't make it about them, make it about you. 

Robert Butler


SIDE NOTE FOR AETHER & ALEX: I don't consider your work a burden or a loss in today's market.  Just remember your roots and who you are.  You'll do great things.