After doing a lot of research for a client who needed a way to email over 400 people at once, I found a really cool online bulk email service. It’s called MailChimp and if you can just get past the somewhat goofy name they really have some great features. First and foremost is if your list is under 500 people and you won’t be sending more than 3000 total email addresses per month then it’s totally free. Their email creation portion is by far the easiest to use even if you have zero HTML skills. This is great if you need to turn over the use of the website to non technical users. Mailchimp also has more editing capabilities of the email designs than any other service I tried. So now that I’ve gotten to know the service really well, I find myself seeing how it can be a great solution for lots of people I know. I guess I’m officially a desciple.

I just flipped on the virtual “open” sign on my virtual door to officially say that I’m open for business. And what could be better than opening day of your new company? The knock on your real door from the UPS guy whose come to deliver your brand new business cards.

So why have I started a design company specializing in websites? Because the Internet is the future. My past has been filled with memorable work I’ve done for many Fortune 500 companies. But all of it was for print or TV. The million dollar budgets that used to be spent to create those advertisements just aren’t there anymore and I believe that they aren’t coming back even after the economy gets back on it’s feet. Those reduced budgets are going to be moving to the world wide web and crispelements will be there ready to help bring our clients message to the people.

I was doing an advertising assignment for my client J.D. Edwards and I came up with the idea of using a robot as a metaphor for a process the client uses to examine their clients business model. So in my search for the perfect robot I came across the Mighty Zeroids. Zintar, Zemo, Zerak, Zobor and Zogg. In my mind they are the perfect representation of a 1950’s robot. Before Star Wars in 1977 changed everything. Want to know more about Zeroids? Then read on:

“Moving across the landscape, overrunning all obstacles as inexorably as the Future itself, these amazing, efficient and powerful automatons have but one purpose -- to serve their masters at work and play!” This was the sales pitch for Zeroids, released in 1967.

The initial release featured four different robots: Zerak, Zobor, and Zintar could be bought separately or packaged with either a Solar Cycle or in an Action Set. These three Zeroids came packaged in plastic containers which became a vehicle or mini-playset for use by the robot.

The fourth Zeroid, Zogg (the Commander-in-Chief) could initially be bought in an Action Set only (he could later be found carded or boxed. In 1970, Ideal added the Alien Zeroid with Exploding Chest. At this time Ideal changed packaging to a header card format (the new packaging featured updated “hip” graphics and colors, and many more could be shipped in a smaller case), and offered the accessories as separate boxed items: the Sensor Station and the Zeroid Missile Defense Pad. The Zem XXI Zeroid Explorer Module was also added as an accompanying vehicle to the Zeroid line. Shortly after this (probably when sales began to flag), Ideal marketed the separate Zeroids simply as “Robots” in small, white window boxes or as “Zerak Robots” (these were found in Kreske’s department stores).

At some point, Zogg was offered in the same boxed format as the original three robots (with the addition of the Lazer). Towards the end to the line, Ideal kit-bashed the three robots to produce the Zemo robot, now found in Red or Turquoise (the rarest of the Zeroids and not part of their initial development).

“Each Zeroid has a unique pair of special purpose hands, interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands, and a battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. In operation, Zeroids are capable of grabbing, pinching, carrying, clawing, attracting, throwing, pushing, pulling or hauling functions.”

From “turret to track” each Zeroid simulates a marvelous mechanic-electronic complex, molded in awesome detail, and the sparkling Zeroid packages double as functional play units!”

Zogg with Lazer Beam
At some point, Ideal released Zogg in his own tall-case packaging. This figure is perhaps the rarest of the Zeroid packaging variations (Zemo is usually found in the “Zeroid with w/Solar Cycle” packaging or in one of the plain “Robots” or “Zerak” boxes).

Zerak -- The Blue Destroyer
“Turn him on” while he’s still in his control station package and lookout! His brute strength unhinges the transparent plastic cover which drops to provide an exit ramp for Zerak. Employs unique hooks for hands plus magnetic and throwing hands.

Zobor -- The Bronze Transporter
A kindly carrier with special duty gripper claws. Like magic, his empty plastic package becomes a roomy Cosmobile for hauling loads. Also has magnetic and throwing hands.