The GR Army grows

The last week has been an interesting one. Since putting up the Giant Robot Needs You video and site describing our situation and asking for help, we've received all sorts of responses. Friends, people I haven't talked to in a while, and even my mom have asked me if we're going to be okay. What I usually say is that we are in a tough situation--or else we wouldn't have put out the awkward and humbling message. However, it is good that we are taking care of things proactively with a long-term perspective rather than after it's too late, and we have a lot more going for us than many troubled businesses. Namely, in 15+ years we have built a large following of people who value and respect what we do, and want to help us lay a foundation for the next 15 years.

Some of the most amazing gestures have come from readers and followers that I've never even met, including these four:

* Scott Green from Ain't It Cool News has posted a nice essay about us, urging the site's huge number of followers to consider our situation.

* Los Angeles Times blogger (and ex-zine maker!) Carolyn Kellogg wrote up our call for assistance, too.

* Polaroid photographer and blogger Hi Hi Caro put up for auction a very nice piece by artist Junko Mizuno (above) from her personal collection up for auction, and is donating a percentage to GR.

* The band Lizards From Afar has even offered a totally ripping original song as a show of support. ("Go Giant Robot, go!")

Yes, we still have a long way to go, but the ongoing support makes me feel hopeful and very fortunate to have been part of GR since the beginning. It also keeps me focused on the current deadline. In the midst of righting our ship, every issue still has to come out better than ever...