The business is starting!! (With pics)

Hey fellow FTR community. I am not sure who all saw the post I made on July 4, 2006 "Have to withdraw my bankroll......" But I basically explained that my business was just getting started and we (me and 2 friends) plan on selling an invention which aims at gamers and ergonomics. Well, it's been a long time coming, has gone through many different versions, had 5 different prototypes, invested a lot of time (and some money), but everything is starting to launch! We just started taking sales on Monday 1/7/07, and it's been going good so far.

Well what is it? We have 2 products, something called the Wrizz and a mousepad designed for gamers called the Wrizz Pad. There are a lot of pictures on our website (http://www.wrizz.com) but here is one that basically shows what it looks like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...izz/wrizz1.jpg

If you're interested in learning more on what it does and how it can help you, the design page on the website shows a lot of detail.

The greatest thing about this adventure is the friendship between me and my business partners. When we first got started we didn't know what the word "polyurethane " meant, nor did we know anything about making molds and pouring liquid plastics/foams. We have learned and experience so much and even if this is never takes off nothing can replace that. I strongly urge you to go and try something and not be afraid of the consequences. Once everything starts flowing, it feels great! We still have a long way to go but we just reached a new milestone.

Basically these things are made in a spare room in my house. We have a basic "sweat shop" which contains so many chemicals and is definetly not up to OSHA standards. Here are some random pics from the sweat shop:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0604.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0605.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0606.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0607.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0608.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0609.jpg

Here are the people involved making the product, involved in the business Macardam LLP:

givememyleg:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0611.jpg
adam johnson:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0610.jpg
matt ricketts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0612.jpg

If anyone is interested in giving any feedback at all or has any ideas to where we can improve ANYTHING, I greatly appreciate it. I know this really doesn't have anything to do with poker persay, but I have grown a lot since joining FTR and a lot of that has to do with the great people here. Thank you all and I'm glad to be a part of this community!

[Oh mods - I talked to X prior to posting this and he said it was fine.]

It looks great, best of luck.

well done mate!!!!

Great stuff leg. I imagine a lot of FTR's have business ideas or small businesses on the side.

Seeing someone actually doing it will be a shot in the arm for everyone.

The website looks great too. Simple yet stylish, clean and easy to use (I'm a web designer/developer).

Is it wrong that I kept expecting to see a pic of some hostage being tortured in that room?

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Originally Posted by biondino

Is it wrong that I kept expecting to see a pic of some hostage being tortured in that room?

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i think leg is the victim!!! looks like he hasnt eaten anything in 3 years.

will it work for my balla mouse?

Good luck with it! I really admire people who take a shot at their own business, good on ya.

nh sir!

Congrats and GL!

looks awesome leg. I might have to pick one of these up and try it out.

any type of shipping policy for us europeans?? i almost feel obliged to buy one.

ALMOST

I wish I had your balls, GL. Come back to poker when you get time

Wow, good idea leg. This actually looks like a product I would use. I think I'll be ordering one in the near future.

You sure that's not a a meth lab?

Good luck with the business...something I've always talked about doing but never had the balls.

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Originally Posted by Da GOAT

any type of shipping policy for us europeans?? i almost feel obliged to buy one.

ALMOST

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it looks a lot like my meth lab

Wow, that thing is cool. Best of Luck!!

Looks awesome leg. Best of luck.

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Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

it looks a lot like my meth lab

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except they all have teeth.

Does your product intefere with mouse movement at all?

I think the marbled look is a good idea because dirt/grime that accumulates will be less noticeable. Personally I don't find the look all that attractive though. Do you have the materials to make them in solid colors? I can't tell for sure from the pics, but it looks like the one in your right hand is black and the one on the desk in the last pic is red? I think think solid black would be pretty hot and would buy one.

i looked on the order page on the website and you can get them in solid colors. black would be pretty sexy.

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

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Originally Posted by Triptan3s

will it work for my balla mouse?

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To be honest I am not sure because we didn't test that one. I've never even seen that mouse before, might have to pick it up. We've tried somewhere arond 40 different ones in different sizes and they all seemed to fit. I have an MX1000 and it works.

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Originally Posted by Da GOAT

any type of shipping policy for us europeans?? i almost feel obliged to buy one.

ALMOST

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Well we don't have a set rate right now for you crazy people who live across a body of water. However, if you ever do feel obliged just order one and put in the comment who you are and all will be well! :D

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Originally Posted by DaNutsInYoEye

Does your product intefere with mouse movement at all?

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It actually makes the mouse movement smoother. It attaches to the mouse from your grip and has a plastic bottom with mouse feet that work very well with our mousing surface.

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Originally Posted by DaNutsInYoEye

I think the marbled look is a good idea because dirt/grime that accumulates will be less noticeable. Personally I don't find the look all that attractive though. Do you have the materials to make them in solid colors? I can't tell for sure from the pics, but it looks like the one in your right hand is black and the one on the desk in the last pic is red? I think think solid black would be pretty hot and would buy one.

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Yeah we've really got to get some new pics on there showing solid colors as well. You can get any of the colors either solid or marbled in anyway. And yes, black on black is pretty sexy.

Here is a quick pic of a black/black:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...izz/wrizz2.jpg

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Originally Posted by Da GOAT

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Originally Posted by biondino

Is it wrong that I kept expecting to see a pic of some hostage being tortured in that room?

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i think leg is the victim!!! looks like he hasnt eaten anything in 3 years.

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Hey I just noticed this! We can't all be 7'5"!

cool, glglgl

I have a similar one with the carpal tunnel hump or whatever combined with the mouse pad, I like it. I don't play any games on the PC so I'm good with my current level of mouse accruacy but I'll buy one next big cash I get just for the fun of it, writing myself a note.

Here is what the bottom looks like off of one I have to send out today:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/IMG_0614.jpg

The part where your hand lays is made out of comfortable foam. The foam is attached to a hard plastic base giving it the shape. The feet that are built in to the plastic base are very smooth and glide on almost any surface. Also, if you guys have never tried a "higher tech" mouse pad other than the foam ones you get for $2, you would be suprised how much better this one is. The mouse pad is basically aimed at gamers who want a slick slick surface for their mousing movements, but it works great with the Wrizz.

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Originally Posted by drmcboy

cool, glglgl

I have a similar one with the carpal tunnel hump or whatever combined with the mouse pad, I like it. I don't play any games on the PC so I'm good with my current level of mouse accruacy but I'll buy one next big cash I get just for the fun of it, writing myself a note.

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Ty ty ty. Yeah this is kind of where the idea came from aiming at ergonomics. People have told us they like the hump on a foam pad, but they don't like that it doesn't move. Your hand is basically stationary in one spot, so we wanted to design something that moved with your hand without actually having to attach to the mouse.

That sweat shop could use some ventilation. You'd better hope OSHA doesn't read this.

Looks great, leg. Good luck!

GIVEMEMYWRIZZ

good luck



do you have something for single hand browsing and whacking
i hate putting my drink down
right handed please :wink:

Dude that's a great idea. If it will fit my MX518 I'm gonna get one. But you don't list pokersite transfers or NETeller as payment option? :D

btw:

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Gaming (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Quake, THE LIST GOES ON AN ON!)

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Typo, plus you really don't need to list the games ;).

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Originally Posted by HalvSame

Dude that's a great idea. If it will fit my MX518 I'm gonna get one. But you don't list pokersite transfers or NETeller as payment option? :D

btw:

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Gaming (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Quake, THE LIST GOES ON AN ON!)

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Typo, plus you really don't need to list the games ;).

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Doh! Thanks. The writing does need some revamping and I think we are going to trim it down... just too much text. I don't see why it wouldn't fit your mx518, it's actually designed around the mx series. The foam flaps adjust to pretty much any mouse.

Maybe I'll put my pokerstars account for an option for all the poker players. :lol:

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Originally Posted by flomo

good luck



do you have something for single hand browsing and whacking
i hate putting my drink down
right handed please :wink:

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Hmm, I think you're on to something....

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

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Originally Posted by flomo

good luck



do you have something for single hand browsing and whacking
i hate putting my drink down
right handed please :wink:

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Hmm, I think you're on to something....

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Could be your next line, code-named the JIZZ. :wink:

gl sir. If you ever get international shipping set up (and payments through neteller/poker sites) I'll buy one

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HalvSame

Dude that's a great idea. If it will fit my MX518 I'm gonna get one. But you don't list pokersite transfers or NETeller as payment option? :D

btw:

Quote:

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Gaming (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Day of Defeat, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Quake, THE LIST GOES ON AN ON!)

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Typo, plus you really don't need to list the games ;).

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Doh! Thanks. The writing does need some revamping and I think we are going to trim it down... just too much text. I don't see why it wouldn't fit your mx518, it's actually designed around the mx series. The foam flaps adjust to pretty much any mouse.

Maybe I'll put my pokerstars account for an option for all the poker players. :lol:

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Also

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The Longue

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in the forum

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

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Originally Posted by Da GOAT

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Originally Posted by biondino

Is it wrong that I kept expecting to see a pic of some hostage being tortured in that room?

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i think leg is the victim!!! looks like he hasnt eaten anything in 3 years.

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Hey I just noticed this! We can't all be 7'5"!

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lol i dont know if your product would fit my HANDS tho, they are like a foot long.

i dont PC game so much that id actually need it but i do need a mat (i dont have one). i may tho have to upgrade from my cheap skate mouse tho :cry:

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Originally Posted by koolmoe

Could be your next line, code-named the JIZZ. :wink:

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rofl, now THAT would sell.

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Originally Posted by midas06

gl sir. If you ever get international shipping set up (and payments through neteller/poker sites) I'll buy one

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Yeah we're working on getting our own shopping cart system/payment options. I don't really like Paypal either (nor do I like their 2.9% + $.30 fees) but it was the quickest and easiest way to get setup off the bat. You can still pay with a credit/debit card through Paypal without even having to setup an account.

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Originally Posted by midas06

Also

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The Longue

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in the forum

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Doh! ty.

BTW legs, im 6 ft 7 in tall monster

I also fart thunder and spit fire.

if anyone needs me for public appearances please call me at 1800-lefreak

Leg, do you have yourself an Ebay store yet? It might help get you some more business

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Originally Posted by mrhappy333

Leg, do you have yourself an Ebay store yet? It might help get you some more business

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Great idea!

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Originally Posted by mrhappy333

Leg, do you have yourself an Ebay store yet? It might help get you some more business

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We actually thought of this like 2 months ago but I forgot. This is a great idea and I think I'm gonna set this up in the next couple days. Thanks for the idea!

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Originally Posted by Da GOAT

BTW legs, im 6 ft 7 in tall monster

I also fart thunder and spit fire.

if anyone needs me for public appearances please call me at 1800-lefreak

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Do you do birthdays?

Have you looked into Google Checkout? I don't really know anything about it from a merchant's point of view.

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Originally Posted by Harry

Have you looked into Google Checkout? I don't really know anything about it from a merchant's point of view.

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No I have not, but since you mentioned it I looked into it just now. Man this looks great! Plus, many people HATE Paypal (I've already had a few e-mails from people asking if they can pay anyway other than Paypal) and most people like Google. On top of that, "From November 8, 2006 through December 31, 2007, Google Checkout merchants can process their Google Checkout sales for free," is pretty appealing. We're paying 3% + $.30 on every damn order which adds up fast. Plus they have a built in program called AdWords for advertising...

I <3 all you smart FTRers. I really really appreciate all the input I'm getting you everyone in this thread. It's helping us out immensely, thanks!

Does the Wrizz help to combat the RSI you get from overusing a mouse? Currently suffering from this and still need my mouse all the time.

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Originally Posted by biondino

Is it wrong that I kept expecting to see a pic of some hostage being tortured in that room?

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That's strange. I was expecting semtex, wires, etc.

Nice one givememyleg, that business should do well. And your business partners look like ballas!

If I were to go into business I would certainly pick chin-fuzzed, indoor-beanie-wearing college boys as my ideal partners :)

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Originally Posted by gingerwizard

Does the Wrizz help to combat the RSI you get from overusing a mouse? Currently suffering from this and still need my mouse all the time.

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We haven't submitted the Wrizz to an ergonomic expert/agency yet for review. However, (I know my opinion may be biased) everyone we have given them to has said their wrist feels much more comfortable. So technically I do not have a positive answer about combating RSI or carpal tunnel. But truthfully, I will never use the mouse agian without it.

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Originally Posted by biondino

If I were to go into business I would certainly pick chin-fuzzed, indoor-beanie-wearing college boys as my ideal partners :)

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Markelby is so funnnnnnnnnnny.

:D

All the mouses in the pictures seem big and cool etc, but would it fit over a crappy, small, 10p from a charity shop-type mouse?

Really interested, especially with my freakin wrist problems, i spend like 11 hours a day with the bloody thing!

(BTW awesome idea. Gotta respect anyone who invents, respect even more balls and belief to go into business with it.)

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Originally Posted by gingerwizard

All the mouses in the pictures seem big and cool etc, but would it fit over a crappy, small, 10p from a charity shop-type mouse?

Really interested, especially with my freakin wrist problems, i spend like 11 hours a day with the bloody thing!

(BTW awesome idea. Gotta respect anyone who invents, respect even more balls and belief to go into business with it.)

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Here is a pic someone sent me after they received their Wrizz:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...z/PICT0030.jpg

He uses one of those "10p from a charity shop-type mouse" you were talking about. :D Really old and totally non-balla! He said it took some while to get use to, but eventually he didn't notice it was there. He also said to us that when he doesn't use it, his actually notices his wrist becoming sore when he didn't before. Using the Wrizz makes that soreness go away.

We have tested a lot of different mice, and even though it was designed around the mx series (and fits in snug with it) it really does fit nicely over any mouse. Plus if you try it and it doesn't work for you, we have a money back guarantee - just to let you know!

Looks like a meth lab..


Good job dude.. I am proud of yah.

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Originally Posted by fasin8ing

Looks like a meth lab..


Good job dude.. I am proud of yah.

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Well basically it's a meth/wrizz lab.

Thanks m8 :D , you've been gone for a while!

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

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Originally Posted by fasin8ing

Looks like a meth lab..


Good job dude.. I am proud of yah.

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Well basically it's a meth/wrizz lab.

Thanks m8 :D , you've been gone for a while!

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that chia-tard avatar is so wrong, but i laugh so hard everytime i see it.

congrats on starting a business. hope it works out.

couple of things i haven't seen mentioned here.....not necessarily suggestions, but maybe things to think about.

1. have you patented it?
2. have you ever thought about selling this idea to a large company that can mass produce it? your agreement as inventor could be to receive royalties from every unit sold. you'd never have to work again! :D
3. have you thought about getting a booth at a any combination of computer/gaming/toy fair?

naturally, these would all incur costs. #1 is very important, i think. #2 would allow the product to reach a huge audience. not necessary of course, but just wondering if you guys had thought about it. #3 is all marketing and getting the word out. i would bet that after one of these fairs you would have to hire people to help you meet demand.

good luck!

I'm calling the AHA and telling them your products are tested on mice.


But srsly, good luck with the biz. Looks cool.

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Originally Posted by nomofoshobro

congrats on starting a business. hope it works out.

couple of things i haven't seen mentioned here.....not necessarily suggestions, but maybe things to think about.

1. have you patented it?
2. have you ever thought about selling this idea to a large company that can mass produce it? your agreement as inventor could be to receive royalties from every unit sold. you'd never have to work again! :D
3. have you thought about getting a booth at a any combination of computer/gaming/toy fair?

naturally, these would all incur costs. #1 is very important, i think. #2 would allow the product to reach a huge audience. not necessary of course, but just wondering if you guys had thought about it. #3 is all marketing and getting the word out. i would bet that after one of these fairs you would have to hire people to help you meet demand.

good luck!

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1) No we have not patented it. It really isn't worth it in this day and age. The whole patenting system is really flawed, and it wouldn't be worth investing $8,000+. However, we are taking the provisional patent approach. What a provisional patent does, is basically gives you first rights to your idea if you do infact want to patent it. Say you want to see if your invention will even sell, you can file for a provisional patent (which costs somewhere around $80 - $150). This can not stop other people from creating your invention during this period, however once the year is over you are the only one that can file for an actual patent. It would make companies not want to invest time/money with your idea if they know they will never be able to have the rights. Plus, even if a big corporation did want to take over our idea, how could we stop them? Pay the hundreds of thousands (and in some case millions) of dollars in lawyer/legal fees to sue them? This is why many people believe that unless your idea can gain millions+, a patent isn't even a +ev investment.

2) Yes we have, and this is our ultimate goal. Anything that will create a passive flow of income so we do not have to be there to work, will be great. Currently we are a small business and want to someday venture into a big business. I've read stories of the guy that invented the super soaker. He did the royalties approach and thought "hey this might be a nice side income." That was until he had made over $1 mil and realized it was more than just that! We are currently looking into different manufacturers around the US (they're getting slimmer) and trying to work out deals with popular distributors around the world. Until we feel this can be reached, the sweat shop will live on!

3) Yes, we have a listing of the most popular gaming/computer conventions in the nation and we plan on attending 4-5 this year. Back before our product was set in stone we went to one in Texas back in August, without a booth. We were also suppose to attent the International CES in January, but as things came up and delays happened; we never went.

I really appreciate your interest and kind wishes! :D This post actually is just a little longer than I expected it to be. Just starting to become a little more excited as the orders are starting to come in!

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Originally Posted by Anosmic

I'm calling the AHA and telling them your products are tested on mice.


But srsly, good luck with the biz. Looks cool.

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We tried with our cats, but that just ended in tears.

Thanks man!

i tried going to the wrizz website but it appears to be gone.

anyone know the scoop?

the wrizz project has been terminated for a variety of reasons, but thanks for your interest!

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

the wrizz project has been terminated for a variety of reasons, but thanks for your interest!

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story please?

any chance of a comeback? chip and a chair?

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Originally Posted by bode

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Originally Posted by givememyleg

the wrizz project has been terminated for a variety of reasons, but thanks for your interest!

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story please?

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yeah what happened? it looked so promising, and your website was cool as hell too.

My wrist is killing me today, and I remembered this thread and came back here to order one.... :cry:

Busto!

I think we need to bump this every few months to bring back some painful memories for Sir Carl Carlson the Third.

I'm the fourth god damnit!