Hi Everyone,
First off, the great news -- we've met our goal of 300 sponsors already. In fact, we're currently at 515. Thank you all for the support and for keeping our doors open through 2017!
Of course, if you haven't renewed yet, it is never too late. Additional sponsorship income goes into the bank and, if all goes well, will be the kernel of the down payment for a building to house the store when our lease expires in 2021. And, of course, if you renew you'll continue to get all the lovely sponsor perks like getting to read my deathless prose every month. You can sign up on-line <https://borderlands-books.com/buysponsorship17.html>, in person at the store, by phone with a credit card (toll free 888 893-4008), or with a check by physical mail.
But, if you've decided to let your sponsorship lapse, I understand completely and I appreciate beyond words your support over the last year. Just so you know, if you do not renew your sponsorship by March 31st, you will stop getting these emails. In case you'd like to come back later, we will hold your number for you until March 31st of 2019. After that, if you return, you'll get a new, higher number (we're over sponsor number 1000 now, so you onesies, twosies, and threesies should be proud). Even if you have not renewed your sponsorship yet, you are welcome to come to the party on February 11th (that might even be a good time to renew, if you like).
Regardless of whether you renew or not, you've allowed me and my friends to keep doing the thing we love. I owe you and, if there is ever something I can do to repay that, please let me know.
Last thing -- I've a favor to ask. At our quarterly sponsor parties I like to have a pair of local guests, one a retailer and the other a beverage maker. If you know anyone who runs a local business that you think would be neat to feature at our parties, please let me know because we're always looking for guests. There isn't any strict standard that I use to choose them, it just needs to be local and something neat that I think our sponsors would enjoy.
Thanks a million,
Alan
Abbreviated
1) The first sponsor social of 2017 will be on Saturday, February 11th from 7 pm to 11 pm. Our quarterly parties are usually well-attended and a lot of fun (not to mention a great place to meet new friends). Our special guests this quarter will be the folks from Bernal Cutlery <http://bernalcutlery.com>.
2) UC Berkeley Diversity In Comics Event - Sunday, February 26th at 2pm - come check out comics and graphic novels from around the world. Exhibit is free and you are welcome to bring a guest.
3) Our annual Sponsors' General Meeting will be on Friday, March 31st at 7 pm in the Cafe. A chance to talk about how we're doing, where we're going, and to give us your advice.
