I am in the wrong business

TL;DR - wherein the Fortnite fiasco teaches me how much my marketing sucks.

That whole Fortnite black hole experience was a bit disheartening.

I felt bad for the people like Rowan, Adrian, and Shae that were waiting for the new season and having to sit through all of that, of course. However, I'm not that into the game, so that was not what was on my mind during a lot of it.

We were all sitting there in the living room, watching the black hole on the PS4/television, or playing the mini-game that came up with the use of the Konami code. Meanwhile, during a large part of the outage, Shae and Rowan were on their phones, trying to get more information about what was going on and following the streams of various YouTubers.

Holy Crap. I'm mostly following the ones that Shae is watching because I'm sitting by her on the love seat and massaging her feet. This one that she is watching is getting many hundreds of thousands of views, a quarter-million likes, and a metric shit-ton of new subscribers - all things that that particular YouTuber said was totally unusual, and that he normally got a few hundred to a few thousand viewers during his streams.

All of this for, in essence, nothing. He was streaming the exact same thing that was on our TV, with a four to five-second delay to boot. No new information, no details of what was going on. He was passing on some miscellaneous information that people chatting on his channel were saying, but that was about it. There was a small skit or two. He was also updating the info on his screen for newcomers to his channel, so that was nice.

Yet there he was having almost constant donations of $4, $10, and $25 streaming across his feed. There was even one for $500. All for basically giving

us the same available information that we were getting by having the PS4 turned on in our living room. Just to be clear, this isn't a dig at him. He was very entertaining, did the best that he could with the information that was available, and toughed things out for many hours.

It did, however; make me realize how much I suck at marketing. Shae and I both have stores where various things that we have personally designed are available. Tee shirts, mugs, hoodies, leggings, wall art, pillows, etc.

We have my fixed income from the military disability to rely on for our monthly expenses. With the bankruptcy, there is pretty much no discretionary income. This is bad in most months, but even worse the last two months, where due to broken air-conditioning and extremely hot weather here in South Texas, our power bill has totaled more than $800 over the two month period.

So we have these stores, and even though I get hundreds of likes, favorites, pins, and comments or whatnot per month, we struggle to come up with one sale per month. Considering the fact that I only make about $4-$6 in profit per sale, that doesn't even pay for the cost of keeping my store open, which is $30 per month for the website.

Ah well. It's been like this for years, and I don't see it changing in the future. I just wanted to rant for a little bit after watching someone bringing in many thousands of dollars streaming something I was watching on my own television.

Using a coupon at the online store

Using coupons at the online store

Using a coupon at http://thewitsend.aliboom.com for the first time can be confusing.

What is the problem?

You find an item that you like and decide to purchase it, so you put it in the cart and enter your shiny new coupon code that is supposed to give you 20% off on your entire purchase. However; once you hit return, you find out that it didn't work.  What's up with that, are we lying to you?

Actually, no, we're not messing with you

We're not lying, promise.  The store is actually quite capable when it comes to coupons, when compared to our Etsy shop. The thing is though, you have to manually tell the system that you want to use the coupon (just the first time, it stays for your entire visit).

Here is the 'trick'

Selecting a coupon

Instead of using Return/Enter, you have to click on the "+" next to the coupon code that you've entered.

Deselecting a coupon

If you decide afterwards that you don't actually want to use a coupon, you remove it with the "x" to the right of it.

Thanks!

Your purchase at The Wits End helps provide feminine hygiene products to homeless women

We don't talk about it on the store site, but a portion of each sale is set aside to help purchase feminine hygiene products for the local (Corpus Christi, TX) homeless and women's shelters.

Tampons and sanitary pads are pretty expensive, and people don't normally think of them when they're donating items to shelters. Not thinking about them doesn't stop the need of course. I'm a guy, so I have never experienced menstruation firsthand.  However; I still have an imagination.  Just the thought of being out on the street, desperate about so many other things and then having to deal with your period, has to be very stressful.

Of course, being a small company with just a small number sales per month, we can't do a lot - but every little bit helps.

Curious about our stores?
http://thewitsend.aliboom.com
https://thewitsend.etsy.com

New: When Gamers Were Made of Iron, and Consoles Were Made Of Wood - Atari VCS tee

This shirt is 20% off for a limited time.

OK, made of plastic meant to resemble wood - but really - stop being so technical , it was meant as a humorous comment on the ancientnousositiness (that's an official caveperson word) of the Atari Video Computer System. You can get it here.

The design; however, is apparently made of stone and wood.

A little bit about the shirts

All shirts are hand screened and are printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three business days of your order.

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees for the heavyweight 100% cotton ones; however, we will also use heavy weight 100% cotton Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. You can also request Hanes Comfortsoft cotton/poly blend tees (the hues will sometimes be slightly different on these).

We can accept special requests; if you want a different color or type of shirt or ink, if you'd like the graphic (when applicable) to be a different color than the text, we'll be happy to work with you, just send us a note and let us know.

For special orders, please understand that since we currently source our tees locally, we can't guarantee the availability of a particular color in all sizes. This is normally only a problem in sizes larger than XL. In addition, for the women's fitted shirts, we currently have no control over whether the shirt will be scoop neck or v-neck. Contact us and we'll do everything we can to get you the shirt you actually desire.

Bulk Buying Options

single $12.79
2 up to 3 $12.39 per item
4 up to 6 $11.99 per item
7 up to 10 $11.59 per item
11 up to 20 $10.39 per item

http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/When_Gamers_Were_Made_of_Iron_-_Atari_VCS_tee/p3224001_14232941.aspx

New: IVF/LGBTQ onesie: Mommy+Mommy+Test Tube=Me!

Our Test Tube baby onesie is now available for babies with two mommies. 

Just a minor change, but a big one all the same. It is available immediately.

Available in various colors, and you can make special requests.

About the onesies

Screen printed on Carter's infant body suits. All body suits are printed on demand. You may request other ink colors. You may also request other body suit colors; however, they will be hand dyed and the hue may vary. Let me know what you would like in the Notes to Seller section or via a Convo and I will let you know if I can fulfill the request.

Note that in general, any special colors will have to be dyed by hand. I use Dharma Procion fiber reactive dye. Procion actually dyes the fiber, rather than laying a coat of color on the outside of it. This makes it color fast and safe, if your child decides that the clothes look yummy. 

One point to note about it though is that it only dyes natural fibers; therefore, if there are (for example) polyester threads in the garment, they won't be dyed. This actually leads to quite a nice looking effect when it happens. 

Another thing to note is that I might have to order the color that you desire, and that could add a few days to the time.

Bulk Buying Options
single		$15.99
2 up to 3		$15.49	per item
4 up to 5		$14.99	per item
6 up to 10		$14.49	per item
11 up to 20		$12.99	per item

http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/Mommy_+_Mommy_+_Test_Tube_=_Me_ivf_lgbtq_onesie/p3224001_14203778.aspx

New in the store: My Governor is an idiot and/or a pandering liar - Jade Helm tee

My Governor is an idiot and/or a pandering liar

He knows that Jade Helm 15 is just a regular military training exercise, or at least he should.

Get this shirt for an introductory price of 20% off for a limited time. Note that this shirt has no specific mention of Jade Helm 15, since the sentiment is certain to apply  a myriad of times during his term.

Available in an assortment of colors

About the shirts

All shirts are hand screened and printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three business days of your order. 

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees for the heavyweight 100% cotton ones; however, we will also use heavy weight Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. You can also request Hanes Comfortsoft cotton/poly blend tees (the hues will sometimes be slightly different on these).

We can accept special requests; if you want a different color or type of shirt or ink, if you'd like the graphic (when applicable) to be a different color than the text, we'll be happy to work with you, just send us a note and let us know. 

For special orders, please understand that since we currently source our tees locally, we can't guarantee the availability of a particular color in all sizes.  This is normally only a problem in sizes larger than XL.  In addition, for the women's fitted shirts, we currently have no control over whether the shirt will be scoop neck or v-neck. Contact us and we'll do everything we can to get you the shirt you actually desire.

Bulk discounts are also available

single		$12.79
2 up to 3		$12.39	per item
4 up to 6		$11.99	per item
7 up to 10		$11.59	per item
11 up to 20		$10.39	per item

http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/My_Governor_is_an_idiot_Jade_Helm_tee/p3224001_14101973.aspx

New: I still remember my first! (with heart) Atari tees Colleen/Candy/Stella/Pam

Are you an Atari fan?  What was your first experience with Atari hardware?  If it was the Atari 400, Atari 800, Atari VCS or the Atari 5200, we have a shirt for you.

So what is this all about?

For those that aren't aware, these were the project code names for these products.  The names were derived from certain well endowed Atari employees (yeah, we won't get in to that whole bicycle thing).

Stella was the Atari VCS

The video computer system would later be redesigned and marketed as the 2600.

Pam was the Atari 5200

The 5200 was Atari's next generation console, following up on the VCS.

Candy was the Atari 400 computer

Colleen was the Atari 800 computer

Some information on the shirts

All shirts are hand screened and are printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three business days of your order. 

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees for the heavyweight 100% cotton ones; however, we will also use heavy weight 100% cotton Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. You can also request Hanes Comfortsoft cotton/poly blend tees (the hues will sometimes be slightly different on these).  

We can accept special requests; if you want a different color or type of shirt or ink, if you'd like the graphic (when applicable) to be a different color than the text, we'll be happy to work with you, just send us a note and let us know. 

For special orders, please understand that since we currently source our tees locally, we can't guarantee the availability of a particular color in all sizes. This is normally only a problem in sizes larger than XL. In addition, for the women's fitted shirts, we currently have no control over whether the shirt will be scoop neck or v-neck. Contact us and we'll do everything we can to get you the shirt you actually desire.

Bulk Buying Options

single $15.99

2 up to 3 $15.49 per item

4 up to 6 $14.99 per item

7 up to 10 $14.49 per item

11 up to 20 $12.99 per item

http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/I_Still_Remember_My_First_-_Atari_tee_-_ColleenCandyStellaPam/p3224001_14196762.aspx

New items: Liberal Veteran tees, all five US service branches

Available for all five branches.
Get them at Military Tees at The Wits End

The Wit's End has liberal veteran tee shirts available. Many people are under the mistaken impression that the military is one giant block of conservatives.  That is not true at all.  Admittedly, the ratio is in favor of the conservative elements, but there are a significant number of progressive military servicemembers and veterans. Part of the problem is that the conservative members are more vocal, and get most of the attention.  This leads to the more liberal elements keeping their mouths shut because they believe that they are hopelessly outnumbered. These tees help get the word out that they are not alone, there are other liberal veterans and one of them is standing right in front of them as they read the shirt.

Each shirt has three variations (Army only has two) you can choose from (using the USMC one as an example ):

Abbreviation (Not available for the Army)

Without U.S.

With U.S. (this is the default)

Are you a liberal veteran?  Do you know one? Consider getting one (or even many - bulk discounts are available) of these tees. They are currently on sale, 20% off the normal price. That makes them $12.79 for a limited time - or as low as $10.39 each for bulk orders.

The shirts are hand screened on demand.  They are available in a variety of colors and shirt types.  You can also special order your own color combinations at no additional charge (note; however, that it may add a little time to the order while I find the shirt color you desire.)

Are you looking for shirts for active duty members?  Progressive military members? Atheist military members?  We'll have those available soon - they are on our Etsy shop and we are in the process of transferring them to our online store.

Tease the Jade Helm Tin Foil Hatters with this new tee

New in the shop:I Invaded Texas With Jade Helm 15 and All I Got Was This Lousy Tee Shirt!

Currently on sale for 20% off.

Just in time for Jade Helm 15, you or your military friends can tease the Jade Helm Tin Foil Hatters. 

All shirts are hand screend and printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three business days of your order. 

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees for the heavyweight 100% cotton ones; however, we will also use heavy weight Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. You can also request Hanes Comfortsoft cotton/poly blend tees (the hues will sometimes be slightly different on these).

Visit http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/I_Invaded_TX___All_I_Got_Was_This_Lousy_T-Shirt/p3224001_14101973.aspx  for additional details, and to order.

White on Gray

Black on Gray

Blue on Gray

Blue on White

Custom colors available upon request.

The Etsy shop is back up

Visit us at https://thewitsend.etsy.com or at our online store at http://thewitsend.aliboom.com - there are slightly different selections at the two stores.

Dyeing some infant bodysuits today, how I do it.

You may not be aware of it, but The Wits End is a small, family owned business. We operate out of our house and do not maintain any stock of tee and onesie blanks, for both financial and logistical reasons. To be honest, that's not entirely accurate since I will sometimes buy a few common colors in a couple of sizes if the local craft stores are having a sale. In addition, the onesies are sold in groups of five. However; in general, if someone needs a particular color and size of shirt or infant bodysuit,I have to go in to town and buy it for the order.

Today I needed a black 9 month onesie for a Starstuff order:

I Am Made of Starstuff infant bodysuit, yellow on black.

You can't find bodysuits in a solid color here in Corpus Christi. There is one craft store that sells them in pink, blue, and black - but we don't get those because they shrink quite a lot and have a strange shape in general; plus, to be honest, we don't agree with their politics and don't shop there. Besides, we just prefer the quality of Carter's infant bodysuits.

I checked the storage area in the garage to see if I had any black 9 month onesies; I didn't, so that meant that I was going to have to dye one. I use Dharma Procion fiber reactive dyes. Procion dyes dye the fabric strands themselves, rather than just laying a coat of dye over the outside of the strand. This makes them very colorfast, and also safe, if someone's child decides that their clothing looks particularly tasty on any individual day. One issue with the Procion dyes is that they only dye natural fibers. If the item has polyester threads, the threads will not dye. This isn't necessarily bad, because it tends to give a nice look, like the onesie has a trim.

Dyeing properly is a very involved and time consuming process, therefore I never dye only one item. I'll usually select about a pound of tee shirts, onesies, and perhaps some personal items. Today I grabbed a pound of bodysuits, so that I would have some black ones ready for future orders.

The first step is to get some salt. Salt is necessary because both the fabric and the dye are negatively charged and repel each other. The salt alleviates this. Black dye, and in general any dye that contains red needs a lot of salt; about twice as much as other colors do. I needed six cups of salt for a pound of onesies. I use fifty pound bags of water softener pellets for salt. It isn't iodized, and it is simply salt, with no minerals or additives. You may have noticed that I said pellets. The salt needs to be dissolved in warm water, not an easy thing with rock hard pellets.  I keep a blender only used for crafts to chop the pellets up. Extremely noisy and hard on the blender (I've been through a couple now), but it works. For info, all of the items used in dyeing are only used for crafts.  I have them marked and kept separately. 

The next step is to paste up some dye. Basically, just adding some water to four tablespoons of black dye powder and mashing it up to create a paste. Since this is black, and black is notoriously hard to do properly, I add a tablespoon of urea. This is also why I used four tablespoons of dye, because it is black - normally, I would only need one tablespoon for a pound of fabric. Urea helps dissolve the dye, and is also a humectant, which helps attract the dye to the water in the fabric. You might be saying: "Ewwww, urea? Isn't that from urine?" Well, yes, it is, but the urea used in this process isn't made from urine, but is instead synthesized from natural gas.  The pasted up dye goes in to the urea, which has been dissolved in about a cup of warm water and is thoroughly mixed together. This mixture is then put into the tote that I use for dyeing, and then I add about three gallons of warm water and the dissolved salt.

Now it is time to add the onesies. The onesies have been pre-washed in some detergent especially made for dyeing, to get all of the sizing and oils out. I wet them thoroughly before adding them to the tote one at a time. Wetting them first keeps them from getting uneven splotches. The onesies get stirred gently for about twenty minutes, and then I add dissolved soda ash in small amounts over a fifteen minute period. The soda ash is a dye fixative and makes the dye job permanent. Following the addition of the soda ash, I'll continue to stir the onesies for an additional hour, since black is a deep color and needs more time.

The onesies then get rinsed until the water runs clear, and I follow this up by washing them and giving them an extra long rinse cycle, followed by a trip through the drier.  The onesie is now ready to be screened and heat set.

The Etsy shop is down for a week, but....

My Etsy shop is down for a week or so. However, the online store is available at http://thewitsend.aliboom.com - items are being transferred there; in addition, there are items there that aren't available on the Etsy shop.

New Atari computer shirt up in the shop

Many people are not aware of it, but Atari was a major player in the computer market for many years. Starting with the 400 and 800, on up through the ST, TT and the Falcon; they put out an impressive selection of quality gear.

I have been using Atari computers since 1979 (and I still use them to this day).  Invariably though, if I mention that I like Atari, people assume that I am talking about their gaming consoles (I never even owned one of those until the late 90's).

Today, I put a new Atari related shirt up in the shop.  It's a generic "I heart" tee.

I heart Atari Computers tee

You can get one at I heart Atari Computers tee at The Wits End.

First sale at the new online store. Yay me!

Just had my first sale at http://thewitsend.aliboom.com! Technically, it is the second sale; however, the other one was handled via email and phone call and doesn't register as a sale in the records on the site.

The sale is significant to me (thanks Herb!), because I'm actually paying for a storefront, and I want to make sure that I am at least getting that money back.  Being on a fixed income, I want to be able to show my wife that opening an actual store (as opposed to our shop on Etsy) was a good decision.

This is the item that was sold:

Atari 8-bit 'Ready' prompt tee

Like Monty Python and Venn Diagrams? Here's a shirt for you!

Expectations Venn Diagram - NOBODY Expects the Spanish Inquisition

NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition. Well, except possibly Cardinals Ximénez, Biggles and Fang. 


Want this shirt?  You can get it here.

These shirts are screen printed on heavy weight pre-shrunk 100% cotton. All shirts are printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three days of your order.

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees; however, we will also use heavy weight Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. We can accept special requests; if you want a different color or type of shirt or ink, if you'd like the graphic to be a different color than the text, we'll be happy to work with you, just send us a note and let us know. 

For special orders, please understand that since we currently source our tees locally, we can't guarantee the availability of a particular color in all sizes.  This is normally only a problem in sizes larger than XL.  In addition, for the women's fitted shirts, we currently have no control over whether the shirt will be scoop neck or v-neck.  Contact us and we'll do everything we can to get you the shirt you actually desire.

Visit us at http://thewitsend.aliboom.com