IVR meeting NEXT WEEK in Chicago

[CHICAGOTOM]

Hi Gang...on Thursday November 18 about a dozen IVRs will be meeting to discuss how our businesses are doing in these tough economic times. The meeting will start with lunch at 11:30 followed by a 4-5 hour meeting. If anyone would like to join us contact me at

VideoQuestTom@aol.com

There are some very interesting things happening that could have an impact on our future:

1. The Supreme Court is reviewing The First Sale Doctrine.
2. Congress my NOT extend unemployment benefits.
3. BlockBusted is rumored to be raising prices SOON.
4. BlockBusted is expected to be closing many stores in early 2011.

Besides these things our meeting will include discussions on current marketing ideas as well as other successful things we are doing in order to be The Last Man Standing in this industry that was started by IVRs

We have 5 retailers coming from neighboring  states so this will be a great opportunity to meet with some that we don't get to on a regular basis 

I hope to see some of you there
Tom

[moviesgamesetc]

As usual, I can't make it that far away but please keep us posted on the "goings on" especially about the First Sale Doctrine. Is there anything we can do to sway thinking in our favor?

[paladin]

Wish I could make it but I can't either. I don't really see the Supreme Court ever reversing the First Sale Doctrine (although chipping away at it has already begun), but the fact that MPAA saw fit to stick their noses in Costco v Omega raises a BIG red flag with me. While they probably will never get their way through a direct legal ruling, they will find back door routes to bleed IVRs. I half expect someone to try the software argument; you're not buying the movie you're buying a limited license to view the movie in your home (no "first sale"). They've already got their hooks in the cable industry, kiosks and mail service, un-rest assured we ARE on their to do list. They've been fuming since "Betamax" and they refuse to say uncle.

[videoport]

Visited my local Blockbusted today to pick up some used "exclusives". Almost s$^* myself when I saw the rental pricing. $9 !!! to rent a game, any game for 5 nights. $5 to rent a movie for 5 nights. How do they stay open with these prices? My store was steady when I left, the blue was dead.