WELCOME TO REC.ARTS.SF.STARWARS.COLLECTING.MISC! This FAQ is intended to help facilitate introduction to the rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.misc newsgroup. This newsgroup, coupled with rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.vintage, has replaced the now defunct rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting newsgroup. Because traffic on rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting was so vast and varied, this FAQ should help direct you to the proper new groups for your areas of interest. This document was compiled by Chris Maybury (cmaybury@bgnet.bgsu.edu) and is posted weekly. Feel free to direct any questions or comments regarding this document to me. Assistance was provided by Paul Levesque (paulleve@map.com), who distributed the original FAQ for rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting, from which excerpts of this FAQ were taken. This document was last updated on 9/19/97. Contents of this FAQ: 1. What topics belong on this newsgroup? What topics do not? 2. Is this the correct newsgroup for POTF2 marketplace posts? 3. What does (unknown abbreviation) mean? 4. How can I get a B'omarr Monk action figure? 5. How can I get a Pop-up Cantina Diorama? 6. What are the next POTF2 toys to start shipping? 7. What are the current variations for the POTF2 line? 8. What are my new POTF2 toys worth? 9. How should I act towards fellow collectors on this newsgroup? ***************************************************************************** 1. What topics belong on this newsgroup? What topics do not? This newsgroup is intended for the discussion, buying, selling, and trading of Star Wars collectibles produced after 1990. You will find that the bulk of activity on this newsgroup focuses on Kenner's new line of "Power of the Force" action figures. While this is undoubtedly the most popular line of collectibles produced since 1990, there are other lines which warrant inclusion on this newsgroup, such as Micro Machines, Bend-ums, and Action Masters. This is the newsgroup where you can discuss, speculate on, complain about, buy, sell, and trade any Star Wars collectibles produced after 1990. The discussion and dealing of Star Wars collectibles produced before 1990 (especially Kenner's original line of Star Wars toys) belongs on rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.vintage. Crossposting between these groups should be kept at a minimum unless the subject clearly warrants inclusion on more than one rassc* newsgroup. 2. Is this the correct newsgroup for POTF2 marketplace posts? Yes, marketplace posts with regards to POTF2 belong here. You may find, however, that the readers of this newsgroup may be less than receptive to certain "for sale" ads, particularly if the items being advertised are ones that should be widely available at local toy stores. "Scalpers", or people selling current-issue merchandise for prices several times higher than retail, are not typically embraced by this newsgroup's readership. Selling figures that are no longer available (ie. figures with long lightsabers) usually does not bring a hostile response, unlike the outright vicious responses you're likely to receive if you advertise figures that you've just swept off the shelves at your local toy store. There's nothing stopping you from posting such ads, but don't be surprised if you receive a negative reaction from the readers of this newsgroup. In addition, citing references to the "free-market economy", "capitalism", "supply and demand", and "First Amendment rights" usually does nothing to reduce the amount of negative feedback you'll receive. Buying, selling, and trading in POTF2 and other post- 1990 collectibles is appropriate for this newsgroup, but you should not be at all surprised if you receive a negative response to your ads. Marketplace posts with regards to original Star Wars toys and other pre-1990 collectibles belong on rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.vintage. 3. What does (unknown abbreviation) mean? The following is a list of common abbreviations you will likely encounter on this newsgroup: POTF2: Power of the Force (the line produced in 1995); POTF (or POTF85) usually refers to Kenner's short-lived line of toys in 1985, but since discussion of said line belongs on rassc.vintage, POTF on this newsgroup would imply Kenner's current line of toys. CS12: "Collector Series", the line of 12" figures produced by Kenner SOTE: Shadows of the Empire TRU: Toys R Us MIB: mint in box; this says nothing about the condition of the box MMB and MIMB: mint in mint box; toy is mint and so is the box MOC: mint on card; this says nothing about the condition of the card MMC and MOMC: mint on mint card; mint toy on mint card MISB: mint in sealed box; boxed toy has never been opened C-10: a perfect-condition specimen; the scale from 1 to 10 is used subjectively, but a C-10 implies perfect condition, C-9 near-perfect, etc. FS: For Sale FT: For Trade WTB: Want to Buy WTD: Wanted (to Buy) WTS: Want to Sell WTT: Want to Trade 4. How can I get a B'omarr Monk action figure? Hasbro, Inc. is offering an exclusive action figure through their web site (http://www.starwars.hasbro.com/): the B'omarr Monk, the spider droid which startles C-3P0 upon entering Jabba's palace. A copy of the order form can be obtained through Hasbro's web site. Each B'omarr Monk costs $7.98 with shipping. California residents must add sales tax. There are no purchase limits on how many figures can be ordered. Send your completed order form and a check or money order (made out to "Hasbro Promotions & Direct, Inc." to: The Special Internet B'omarr Monk Figure Offer P.O. Box 5502 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003-5502 Several people received coupons with their "Spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi" figures that allowed them to order this figure, but the coupon is not the only means to obtain this figure. There is a separate order form on Hasbro's web site for Canadian customers. The B'omarr Monk is currently not available to customers outside of Canada and the United States. 5. How can I get a Pop-up Cantina Diorama? Several people received coupons with their "Spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi" figures that allowed them to order a Pop-up Cantina Diorama. While the coupon is currently the only source for this diorama, Hasbro, Inc. has stated that the diorama will be available through the official Star Wars fan club. Unless you have to have the diorama now, paying extra for the coupon will not be necessary. 6. What are the next POTF2 toys to start shipping? The newest POTF2 figures to ship include Han Solo in Bespin Gear, Leia Organa as Jabba's Prisoner (in Collection 1), Saelt-Marae "Yak Face", Malakili the Rancor Keeper, Nien Nunb, Gamorrean Guard, EV-9D9 (in Collection 2), Emperor's Royal Guard, and Snowtrooper (in Collection 3). Also currently shipping are the new "Deluxe" Hoth Rebel Soldier with Anti-Vehicle Laser Cannon, "Deluxe" Snowtrooper with E- Web Heavy Repeating Blaster, "Electronic Power F/X" Emperor Palpatine, "Electronic Power F/X" Luke Skywalker, A-Wing Fighter with Pilot, Ronto with Jawa, Dewback with Sandtrooper, Jabba the Hutt with Han Solo, Hoth Snow Battle and Endor Ambush playsets, Millennium Falcon carrying case with Wedge Antilles figure, Speeder Bike with Leia in Endor Gear, CS12 Princess Leia, Boba Fett, Stormtrooper, Luke as X-Wing Pilot, Luke and Han in Stormtrooper Disguise 2-Pack (exclusive to KayBee Toys), Greedo (exclusive to JCPenney), Sandtrooper (exclusive to Diamond), the "Cantina Showdown" 3-Pack (exclusive to Walmart), and the "Death Star Escape" 3-Pack (exclusive to TRU). The next figures confirmed by Kenner should include Luke in Ceremonial Outfit, Luke in Bespin Fatigues, Leia in Ewok Village Dress, Lando as General Pilot, and Endor Rebel Soldier (in Collection 1), as well as special "Princess Leia" 2-Packs (Leia Organa/R2-D2, Bespin Leia/Han Solo, Ceremonial Leia/Luke Skywalker, Ewok Village Leia/Ewok). Also due out in the near future are the new AT-AT with Driver and Commander, Tauntaun with Luke in Hoth Gear, CS12 Chewbacca, TIE Fighter Pilot, C-3P0, and Admiral Ackbar, Han in Hoth Gear with Tauntaun (exclusive to Toys R Us), Luke in Hoth Gear with Wampa (exclusive to Target), AT-AT Driver (exclusive to Service Merchandise), electronic Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader 2-Pack (exclusive to JCPenney), Bib Fortuna and Luke as Jedi Knight 2-Pack (exclusive to FAO Schwartz), Grand Moff Tarkin and Death Star Gunner 2-Pack (also exclusive to FAO Schwartz), and Cantina Musician (exclusive to Walmart). For pictures of a lot of upcoming merchandise, visit SirSteve's web site at http://www.jedinet.com/sirsteve/. 7. What are the current variations for the POTF2 line? There are a *lot* of variations in Kenner's new line of figures. Adam Pawlus maintains a comprehensive list of POTF2 variations at http://www.jedinet.com/collecting/variations/. Some of the most notable variations that you will undoubtedly see discussed include: a) long lightsabers; Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke as X-Wing Pilot and Luke in Dagobah Fatigues were originally packaged with lightsabers approximately 9.5cm long. In early summer of 1996, the lightsaber size was reduced to approximately 7cm. b) orange cardback vs. green cardback; the first four waves of figures were inititially released on cardbacks with an orange gradient stripe. The fourth wave of figures (containing Death Star Gunner, Greedo, Sandtrooper, Momaw Nadon, Jawas, Luke in Stormtrooper Disguise, R5-D4, and Tusken Raider) were first released on orange, before being switched over to a new cardback with a green gradient stripe. All figures since this wave have been released only on green cards. In addition, most of the earler figures have also been switched over to green. It is predicted that all figures will eventually switch to green. c) collection changes; beginning with the above-mentioned assortment, Kenner began placing figures into either Collection 1 or Collection 2, which identified Kenner's two figure assortments. Kenner has since gone to three collections, with each collection having a specific identity. Collection 1 is for heroes and Rebels, Collection 2 for droids and aliens, and Collection 3 for Imperials. The dust hasn't completely settled from this change, but several figures were moved from one collection to another. d) changes to the figures themselves; Boba Fett was painted with either circles or half-circles on his gloves. Luke as Jedi Knight was painted with either a tan or black vest. Han Solo in Hoth Gear was molded with either a right hand which was "open" (and could not easily hold the weapon) or a hand which was "closed" (and gripped easier). The Tusken Raider was molded with either a right hand which was sealed shut or open. 8. What are my new POTF2 toys worth? Kenner's new "Power of the Force" action figures have become widely available to most people all over the world. Action figure and toy collecting in today's society is not like it was when the original Star Wars toys were sold. There are now magazines, trade shows, and areas of the Internet dedicated to this one aspect of the toy hobby; something that was not very common during the vintage Star Wars line. People are trying desperately to make up for the fact that they did not save their old Star Wars figures fifteen years ago and believe, for some reason, that they are striking gold when they find new figures in the store. The truth is that Kenner is making hundreds of thousands of figures and the vast majority are being bought by people who will never remove them from the packaging or destroy them at play. It's because relatively few people did this back in 1980 that currently makes some of the original figures highly desirable and sell for large amounts of money. When you see a person paying 2-4 times retail for a new item, then you can be assured that they are probably just caught up in the heat of the moment. One must learn to be patient. Figures will continue to ship. Toy companies are out to make money and with a demand like Star Wars, they won't halt production on an item for which there is demand. In the long run (or perhaps even shorter than that) people will see that the values of most new toys will be the retail selling price. Not until something is out of production for a while does the value start to climb. Any sooner than that, and it's all just smoke and mirrors. Remember, if you see multitudes of people all selling the same thing, and it's still in the stores, then it can't possibly be rare and valuable. A manufactured collectible usually never ends up being a value-associated collectible. 9. How should I act towards fellow collectors on this newsgroup? One thing that we all must learn is that there are real people behind these messages on the group. These groups were created as a forum where Star Wars collecting could be discussed in its various forms. It is not specifically a marketplace group where things are only bought and sold. Running to the stores and buying up all the toys is not a very nice gesture, and "scalpers" often get "flamed" for their practices. There are only so many toys that people can buy before they realize that the opportunities to make quick profits on current-production toys are quite small as more and more toys are shipped. This quick shift of toys from the primary market to the secondary market can sometimes be undercut by networking with other collectors from all over the world. You will find that people are usually willing to help other collectors out by purchasing items for them that are widely available in their area. This is a fantastic way to avoid buying things for more than they are really worth. These favors go two ways and in the end both parties are usually glad that they made such useful contacts. Collecting should be about having fun and discussing the hobby with others. Personal attacks that are unfounded or unwarranted serve only to upset people and make tempers flare. Learning to obtain information from as many sources as possible can only help to make you a better collector. Thank you for reading this FAQ and I hope you enjoy your visit to rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.misc!