
It came as a great surprise to me that the blog will be six years old this coming Tuesday. It's a surprise for a number of reasons, a) I never really had anything close to a plan when I began doing this and b) I figured out the anniversary a week before it happened.
It's been a feat in of itself, I never had the resources other sites do such as backing or a stream revenue, heck in six years I think I've been comped two DVDs but I'd still do it again if I had to.
So by way of celebration, I thought I'd create a post about all the things I'm most fond/proud of and hold a contest for free toys and swag. More after the jump.
Six years Later…Things I’m happy about
I can’t imagine going back to 2006 and visiting my thensleep deprived self and showing him what the future held. Normally I have theattention span of a two year old who’s had his first Mr Pibb but I’ve stuck tothis and that’s because of my favourite thing:
1) YouPeople!

I can honestly say the #1 thing about running this site hasbeen the incredible, generous outpouring of support I’ve received over theyears.
Whether it’s been funny comments, sharing photos orhumiliating stories via nerd therapy sessions, it’s just made it so damn easyto keep at this.
I’m probably jinxing myself here but the interweb is known forbeing a fountain of negative vibes, especially when it’s pop culture related,it’s nice to have a haven where that ain’t the case.
Creating the site has introduced me to so many wonderfullike minded folks who now are a part of my life that I can't list you all!
I sincerely thank all of you for this.
2) Imade an action figure and somebody actually bought one

I would have never imagined in 2006 that I would somehow bedoing something like having the Brick Mantooth doll made in China. My psyche certainly wouldn't allow the concept that anyone would care. While I’ll never get rich producing these figures, break even doesn’t lookimpossible and well, that’s amazing in of itself.
Plus I have my own vinyl playset thanks to my pal Scott at Didadisplays and my other pal Steve has been hammering out the crazy ” Man Mates” fashion line for Brick all thisyear. To have accomplices in to your crazy idea as much as you are is absolutelyintoxicating.
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) It caused me to write a book and created a life change
<div style="text-align: center;">

Folks I met while working on the site got me heavily interested in Rack Toys, which inspired me to write this book. In order to properly create it, I went back to college and got my accreditation. Now I’m forming my own publishing company, it’s scary and exciting at the same time. Above is the new cover design BTW, you saw it here first!
Looking like August release for this, I was hoping June but you know….
4) The discoveries AKA sharing is fun!

As much as I am a toy geek, I’m also an information junkie and that’s why I love some of the things I’ve been able to draw attention to. Highlights for me include Mall Appearances, vintage Toy store pictures, the previously mentioned Nerd Therapy sessions and stuff like finding the elusive Tomland Monsters and the Mattel Toyfair Showroom have made this journey all the more rewarding.
The Plaidstallions “Year Six” Contest
It’s been a while since I had a contest and it seems fitting that I utilize some fashion mockery in the process.

All you have to do it caption this picture in anyway you deem fit. Please take note of Mr.3's serious gaze. Send your submission (along with your address) to this email.
I'll draw the eleven winners on Saturday April 28th.

Grand Prize: A limited edition Brick Doll
One winner will receive their choice of either the next Man Mates fashion or the first in the Project:Mantooth series of figures courtesy of Odeon Toys.
Runner Up Prize: Plaid Stallions 70s Prize Packs!
It's a grab bag of 70s joy including classic toy trading cards, stickers and other fun stuff laying around my office/lair.
And that wraps up another year of 70s joy, I still plan to keep working on expanding the site for the next twelve months albeit at a slightly slower pace while I wrap up this book and a few other projects I can't mention right now
Look for more toy galleries, rack toys, Brick stuff and of course, fashion mockery from me in the next 12 months
Comment