Well, whadaya know? Today is the one year anniversary of Weirdo Toys (or first Birthday or whatever).
I started Weirdo Toys, because there were no good sites were I could easily find weird toy collections or information. Before starting the blog, I knew I didn’t want it to become another corpse in the ever-growing blog graveyard (you know the blogs that have a life span of one or two months). To avoid this, I set a rule for myself: one blog entry per week. I’ve more or less stuck to that schedule, so I’m pleased.
Some funny things started happening when I started the blog. The first thing was the initial panic that I wouldn’t find enough fun stuff to post weekly. I did have weird toys lying around, but I soon discovered that I didn’t have enough to sustain this site. This lead to my second dilemma. I became obsessed with searching for and buying toys. I used to be pretty casual about buying toys, but having a blog that’s supposed to be updated weekly definitely increased my trips to flea markets, toy shows, eBay, etc. Now I’m always on the lookout. My wallet’s crying, but over the year, I’ve found tons of cool junk and have actually expanded my dorky toy knowledge (which is nothing to be proud of). It’s not my fault. I did it for you all.
One of the best things that’s happened over the year is my hearing from and corresponding with you all – my fellow toy lovers. It is always a joy to receive questions, comments, photos and other stuff from you guys. It reminds me that I’m not just writing this stuff for my own entertainment. Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
I’m curious to know who else is out there and what do you actually think of my weekly toy rants. I’ve never directly asked you all what you think of the blog, its content, etc., so now’s your chance to speak up. Is there anything you like or don’t like about the site? You know stuff like hearing the origins of a toy or the reader mail… you know, crap like that. Let it all out. I’d love to hear it – good or bad.
To encourage your feedback, I’ve decided to do an Annual Weirdo Toy giveaway. That’s right. Of all the folks who leave a comment on this entry (just to say “hi” or to leave some constructive criticism), your names will be pulled at random (be sure to leave an e-mail address when leaving your comments), and one lucky winner will be the new proud owner of the toy I featured yesterday (that He-Man figure, Hoove). Next week sometime, I will announce the winner, and I will send along everything you see on yesterday’s post (basically an open toy package, a figure and its accessories).
Just know that this toy is from my collection, and I’m actually sacrificing it. It pains me greatly to lose such a goofy/cool figure, but if I sacrificed anything less, it wouldn’t illustrate my gratitude for your loyal readership.
Thanks again guys. I hope to hear from you soon.
Justin
I just wanted to say I love the entries, I don’t think there is really anything wrong with the set up!
When I was little I’d love car boot sales and toy fares, and I’d ALWAYS look for the creepiest things, there was something about the fact of not knowing what it was or where it was from that had a lot of appeal, and the site brings back a lot of fond memories.
Dude I love the site!!! I’m a big fan of when you post the old school youtube videos. It really takes me back!
Now, keep the toy in the family and pass it over our fabric divider, you don’t even need my email address, it’s the easiest way 😉
Keep rocking the blog and congrats on your anniversary!
Is Hoove auditioning for the Rockettes? I think so.
i can’t wait to see this guy in a toy box between a baby doll and a purple, stuffed giraffe…
I usually don’t care about old toys at all but you write about them with such enthusiasm that I giggle every time I see there’s a new entry – your personality really shows in your writing and that’s addictive. The format’s great, just keep writing!
I love this site. I never really had an appreciation for old toys other than nostalgia, but you’ve really shown how great they are in their own right. Thanks!
Thanks everyone for the encouraging words.
And Matt, writing “keep it in the family” and “pass it over the fabric divider” sounds kinda kinky to the readers. Just so you all know, he sits close to me at work. That’s all.
It’s good to see so many people enjoy this Blog site.
I’m not wanting a toy. But I’ve spent a ton of money
on them during my life time. Keep up the fact filled and
fun site for many more years. I hope you get a lot more
fans during your next 52 weeks ahead.
For a couple of years ago my mom gave away my old toys to the kids at the school where she works, and when I recently saw Toxic Avenger in a DVDstore, I went home and asked her if she gave my old Toxie and Bonehead away aswell.
Unfortunately she did, and I could barely remember what they looked like, until about a week ago. She came home and said that she had a surprise for me, and damn! She had found my old Toxic Crusader toy, and it touched me to see those creepy guys. It must have been 15 years or something since I saw them, and to see them again was absolutely amazing!
I was curious so I searched the net for info, and found your site, red all the entries and thought, man this was one cool blog. I think you are doing a great work, and you made me dig up more of my old toys.
Besides your blog is interesting and funny as hell.
Keep on with the good work.
Best regards.
Jacob – from Denmark
Hey. Like you, i’ve been a fan of goofy/ weird toys for a while. I love seeing your collection. It’s inspirational and also depressing. It helps me keep track of all the goofiness i wish i had/ want/ need in my collection.
I also just want to say that i love your commentary on all this stuff. It feels like you are there showing me all the goofy details that i would want to know about if i owned the toy.
Congrats on 1 year. Let’s hope it keeps going for a while.
PS. Maybe give us some desktop wallpapers of some of these guys? Just a thought.
I don’t actually want to be included in the drawing… I just want to wish you a very HAPPY BLOGDAY!!! Congrats!
Love Weirdo Toys! I wasn’t too much of an action figure guy, but seeing the disgusting and neglected community of plastic on this site is great!
I’ve been a fan and have followed your site ever since I discovered it a couple months ago. My only gripe is that you only update it once a week!
I got a sickness and the only cure is more weirdo toys! 😉
Happy birthday or anniversary or whatever you wanna call it, and keep up the weirdness!
Keep it up, kay? Didn’t realise you updated weekly, there always seems to be something new whenever I visit.
Thanks again guys. It’s really great hearing from you all.
@ Jacob – Wow. I love the Toxie story. Glad I could help bring back some childhood memories
@ Jason – Thanks for the kind words. I’ve thought about providing downloads and stuff on the site. I will one of these days.
@ Bubba – Sorry I can’t cure your toy sickness with my one post a week. It’s hard enough for me to find time to do that. Thanks for the support.
i love your site! i flipped my wig about the Weird Ball entry, and the Super Juniors!!
Justin, I just discovered your blog through today’s post on Super Punch. You’ve already been added to the exclusive ranks of my subscribed RSS feeds.
I always enjoy coming to this site, because I’m in the same boat as you, compulsively buying grotesque toys even though I have way too many. One of the things I like most about your site is your willingness to search out and typically find all the obscure manufacturer and sales info about the toys you find. It’s pretty cool to see some wierd little toy and all the possible info anyone could find on it. keep up the good work. I’ll keep reading!
Congratulations on your one year anniversary. I’m not a toy fan, but I love that you are and I’m glad that it brings you so much joy. I look forward to looking for more toys over the next year. Love you.
Hey, just wandered in from Fanmode, and looks like you’ve got a ton of stuff I’ve never even seen before! Bravo, and keep up the good work!
I just found your site a little while ago and it is scratching me where I itch. Keep up the fine posting!
you’re doing a fine job.
great site! very thorough and interesting!
Wow “Partner” you really have come a long way. I remember taking you to your first toy show and you didn’t buy anything. Or you bought a hot dog or maybe a Simpson’s figure. I would have bet money that you would never be this into older toys. Man-o-man I would have lost even more money betting on you.
I’ve always liked weird toys, but Duane and John were the ones who really loved them. It’s great to see such passion has spread to you and this awesome Weirdo website. I’ve enjoyed watching the site grow and read as you find a unique voice and approach to spotlighting the weirdness of all kinds of toys.
My favorite has to be the stop motion animation showing the special features that each toy has. Very cool idea.
Thanks for all the greatness and keep up the great work!