Some Important, Preliminary Details
In July of 2016, Robert Anton celebrated his 70th birthday; he is not, however, expected to live forever. But this website is. The site is solely owned and operated by Bob and his wife, Madeline Marie Anton. In the event of Anton's death, his wife would proceed to contact friends accordingly, and ownership of the site -- plus all its contents -- would then be signed over to such person(s) on a first-right-of-refusal basis.
But is DRAGONOPOLIS itself, and all its contents both on and off-site, something that could be purchased by a total stranger and operated as a profitable enterprise?
For all intents and purposes as relate to a foreseeable albeit unpredictable future, it must be assumed that Robert Anton will live another twenty years, maybe more, God have mercy. An interesting question is therefore raised as to the possibility of selling the website to an interested party prior to Anton's tragic, nearly unbearable passing. How might such a sale be executed and what would that sale look like? How much would it sell for, if anything? And why would someone want it?
If the DRAGONOPOLIS website went onto the chopping block, in a manner of speaking, a lot of issues would first need to be addressed. Or at least considered. The transfer of a site of this size, content, and magnitude, between relative strangers, has rarely if ever been done before. To some extent, a bit of new territory might need to be blazed, whereby all possible complications, expenses, and distribution of earned monies would need a binding contract that was simultaneously both simple and complex.
At this stage, the entire concept should be excogitated (yes, that's a real word) in a spirit of fun only, but whereby friendly deliberations could turn earnest and serious at a moment's notice. Therefore while DRAGONOPOLIS is for sale, sort of, but not really for sale, strictly speaking, the right buyer(s) could make for a pleasant discussion over coffee, a latte, or a glass (or two) of wine. It's all just a friendly chat, right?
Thus what follows is an off-the-cuff presentation of how I would graphically portray a page which offered the DRAGONOPOLIS website as being up-for-grabs, as they say. Not that it is, or ever would be. But if it were, it might well look and read similar to the following:
But is DRAGONOPOLIS itself, and all its contents both on and off-site, something that could be purchased by a total stranger and operated as a profitable enterprise?
For all intents and purposes as relate to a foreseeable albeit unpredictable future, it must be assumed that Robert Anton will live another twenty years, maybe more, God have mercy. An interesting question is therefore raised as to the possibility of selling the website to an interested party prior to Anton's tragic, nearly unbearable passing. How might such a sale be executed and what would that sale look like? How much would it sell for, if anything? And why would someone want it?
If the DRAGONOPOLIS website went onto the chopping block, in a manner of speaking, a lot of issues would first need to be addressed. Or at least considered. The transfer of a site of this size, content, and magnitude, between relative strangers, has rarely if ever been done before. To some extent, a bit of new territory might need to be blazed, whereby all possible complications, expenses, and distribution of earned monies would need a binding contract that was simultaneously both simple and complex.
At this stage, the entire concept should be excogitated (yes, that's a real word) in a spirit of fun only, but whereby friendly deliberations could turn earnest and serious at a moment's notice. Therefore while DRAGONOPOLIS is for sale, sort of, but not really for sale, strictly speaking, the right buyer(s) could make for a pleasant discussion over coffee, a latte, or a glass (or two) of wine. It's all just a friendly chat, right?
Thus what follows is an off-the-cuff presentation of how I would graphically portray a page which offered the DRAGONOPOLIS website as being up-for-grabs, as they say. Not that it is, or ever would be. But if it were, it might well look and read similar to the following:
A Half-Century of Creativity for Sale.
The DRAGONOPOLIS Website is Available for Purchase.
Acquisition includes complete inventories of all artworks and writings.
Similar to a reverse mortgage, I plan on living here, and working here, until illness or death prevent me from continuing. At such time that either occurs, the new owner(s) shall assume 100% proprietorship over all website operations including sales, possession, and disposition of any and all merchandise and other assets, whether in the form of artworks or literary writings. Physical assets also include, but are not limited to, all digital files as stored on optical discs, hard drives, and/or other storage devices regardless of location.
The total of reproducible, high-resolution graphics files, including literary works, currently numbers in the thousands and reside in hundreds of folders.
The total of reproducible, high-resolution graphics files, including literary works, currently numbers in the thousands and reside in hundreds of folders.
Rationale
Above all else, DRAGONOPOLIS was originally designed and envisioned as a profit-making venture. Only secondarily was the website intended to both entertain and showcase the various talents of owner, builder, artist and writer, Robert Anton. While many of the desired goals for the site were met, even exceeded as originally planned, the primary object of generating monies well beyond the basic costs of maintenance and overhead, never materialized.
To some extent, the website itself outgrew the ability to finance its own potential. As more and more items, both literary and artistic, were added to the site, the addition of a shopping cart capable of handling the accumulated pieces grew less and less feasible or affordable. What soon became apparent was the realization that DRAGONOPOLIS stood more as a living memoir to my ongoing production of work, than any kind of store or commercial outlet for that work.
As it presently exists, and in order to function in the future as a profitable enterprise, the website must undergo a fundamental upgrade in terms of the implementation of a formal shopping cart. The means and methods by which the site and its contents could be advertised and promoted would also require the investment of monies necessary to achieve the desired results. One possible and practical solution imagines the creation of a separate website whose sole purpose is the commercialization of the bulk of material presented in DRAGONOPOLIS. In essence, the site could remain much as it is, that being a gallery of sorts, but where a direct connection exists to an elaborate shopping cart which may, or may not, be located on a different site altogether.
In the meantime, I quite simply no longer have the time, resources, money, or interested family members necessary to carry-on, and do the remaining work necessary to convert the site into the money-making machine it was always intended to be. The dream is still very real, no one is complaining, least of all me, but before I get any older, I'd first like to see if selling the idea of DRAGONOPOLIS itself is an option worth looking into. If it's even possible to do so, and whether or not someone else might see all that's here and share the dream. Plus make a few bucks, or a bunch of bucks, while they're at it.
To some extent, the website itself outgrew the ability to finance its own potential. As more and more items, both literary and artistic, were added to the site, the addition of a shopping cart capable of handling the accumulated pieces grew less and less feasible or affordable. What soon became apparent was the realization that DRAGONOPOLIS stood more as a living memoir to my ongoing production of work, than any kind of store or commercial outlet for that work.
As it presently exists, and in order to function in the future as a profitable enterprise, the website must undergo a fundamental upgrade in terms of the implementation of a formal shopping cart. The means and methods by which the site and its contents could be advertised and promoted would also require the investment of monies necessary to achieve the desired results. One possible and practical solution imagines the creation of a separate website whose sole purpose is the commercialization of the bulk of material presented in DRAGONOPOLIS. In essence, the site could remain much as it is, that being a gallery of sorts, but where a direct connection exists to an elaborate shopping cart which may, or may not, be located on a different site altogether.
In the meantime, I quite simply no longer have the time, resources, money, or interested family members necessary to carry-on, and do the remaining work necessary to convert the site into the money-making machine it was always intended to be. The dream is still very real, no one is complaining, least of all me, but before I get any older, I'd first like to see if selling the idea of DRAGONOPOLIS itself is an option worth looking into. If it's even possible to do so, and whether or not someone else might see all that's here and share the dream. Plus make a few bucks, or a bunch of bucks, while they're at it.
Recognizing the Obvious
As the current owner of DRAGONOPOLIS, it's understood that the ultimate purchase of this site and all its contents therein and thereout, would necessitate the expenditure of additional funds in order to convert the site into a profit-generating business. Part and parcel to this fact, however, is the understanding that DRAGONOPOLIS was always intended, from the very beginning, to sell its wares to children and adults alike. The exact means by which this could be accomplished was always envisioned as a process of popularization and sales of both artwork and literature.
To this end, the false impression is possibly made that these many pages of categorized pieces, whether artistic or literary, exist as noncommercial items. Whereas in reality, virtually nothing exists on the site that is not, in theory, for sale as a signed, dated, numbered, or otherwise collectible work of art, literature, or both.
To this end, the false impression is possibly made that these many pages of categorized pieces, whether artistic or literary, exist as noncommercial items. Whereas in reality, virtually nothing exists on the site that is not, in theory, for sale as a signed, dated, numbered, or otherwise collectible work of art, literature, or both.
In the realm of ready-made, business-oriented websites which are available for purchase, including inventories of merchandise to one extent or another, DRAGONOPOLIS is likely a rare bird, as they say. And one of mixed blessings. As the artist and writer at center stage, most of my work is now done. Although in the event that the website is sold, my intention is to stay involved as long as time and circumstances permit. This would be especially true as regards the replenishment of certain inventory items, the hand-signing of limited edition prints and books, the creation of whole new works, plus the ability to repair, revise, and augment all existing stocks. Whether artistic, literary, or both combined.
A Rolls-Royce Taxicab for $10,000.00*
Imagine being able to buy a virtually brand-new Rolls-Royce automobile, in perfect running condition, for a measly ten-large and change. Some would consider such a purchase as a real bargain. Others might think it was a steal at that price. Few would argue that the buy was a poor deal. And most would assume that the acquisition surely involved a "catch" of some kind. And they would be right. There's definitely a string attached. And one that's not cheap by any stretch. So what's the one drawback to what is otherwise a great investment?
The car is missing its transmission.
The Rolls is complete in every detail, it's all there, all except the transmission. Whoever buys the thing, will have to find, spend the money necessary, and finally install the appropriate gear box. Once in place, however, the auto should be worth considerably more than the original purchase price.
The car does come with an added feature that not only adds to its unique qualities, but endows the machine with an ability to pay for itself.
It's also a taxi.
Complete with the latest digital metering devices and other equipment which make it ideal for generating revenue from services provided, the website, referred to here symbolically as a taxi, is complete and ready to roll, awaiting only the installation of its single missing part.
While the foregoing is intended as a colorful metaphor for how DRAGONOPOLIS is potentially a very profitable business venture, solely in need of a shopping cart--plus some amount of advertising and promotion--the fanciful comparison makes a good case, I believe, for a wise, entrepreneurial investment. One that is well worth considering, given the sheer magnitude of what is being offered. And let alone the possibilities of what might be accomplished.
* Or best offer.
The car is missing its transmission.
The Rolls is complete in every detail, it's all there, all except the transmission. Whoever buys the thing, will have to find, spend the money necessary, and finally install the appropriate gear box. Once in place, however, the auto should be worth considerably more than the original purchase price.
The car does come with an added feature that not only adds to its unique qualities, but endows the machine with an ability to pay for itself.
It's also a taxi.
Complete with the latest digital metering devices and other equipment which make it ideal for generating revenue from services provided, the website, referred to here symbolically as a taxi, is complete and ready to roll, awaiting only the installation of its single missing part.
While the foregoing is intended as a colorful metaphor for how DRAGONOPOLIS is potentially a very profitable business venture, solely in need of a shopping cart--plus some amount of advertising and promotion--the fanciful comparison makes a good case, I believe, for a wise, entrepreneurial investment. One that is well worth considering, given the sheer magnitude of what is being offered. And let alone the possibilities of what might be accomplished.
* Or best offer.
What I Get and Why I Want It
So what's in it for me? Why so cheap, so to speak? Relatively speaking, that is.
While I like the contrast between my website and a Rolls Royce taxicab, the actual sale of an unknown website is far different, of course, from the selling of an expensive car. Or any other "hard" piece of tangible merchandise. DRAGONOPOLIS represents a "soft" intangible whose profitability is dubious both in the short and long term. Regardless of my own and friendly others' appraisal and assessment of the high value of my creative works, both aesthetically and monetarily, this is not a time or place for greed to play any role whatsoever. Instead, it's a time to be realistic, practical, and realize that my asking price signifies but a fraction of the actual investment necessary to make the taxicab roll under its own power, figuratively speaking.
Thus an acknowledgment is required on my part, that although $10,000 might seem a small price to pay for an artist's lifetime of accomplishments, the amount involved, whether $1.00 or $10,000, represents "risk capital" plain and simple. The only real question concerns the degree to which the risk factor plays its role; whether it's relatively small or a deal-breaker in and of itself.
While I like the contrast between my website and a Rolls Royce taxicab, the actual sale of an unknown website is far different, of course, from the selling of an expensive car. Or any other "hard" piece of tangible merchandise. DRAGONOPOLIS represents a "soft" intangible whose profitability is dubious both in the short and long term. Regardless of my own and friendly others' appraisal and assessment of the high value of my creative works, both aesthetically and monetarily, this is not a time or place for greed to play any role whatsoever. Instead, it's a time to be realistic, practical, and realize that my asking price signifies but a fraction of the actual investment necessary to make the taxicab roll under its own power, figuratively speaking.
Thus an acknowledgment is required on my part, that although $10,000 might seem a small price to pay for an artist's lifetime of accomplishments, the amount involved, whether $1.00 or $10,000, represents "risk capital" plain and simple. The only real question concerns the degree to which the risk factor plays its role; whether it's relatively small or a deal-breaker in and of itself.
The Fine Print
Last but not least are the legalistic ramifications that would unavoidably concern issues of copyright, copyright infringements, intellectual property rights, obligations, liabilities, royalties, responsibilities, and a host of other aspects and factors for which a formal, no-nonsense contract would be necessary. And this, too, would represent an additional expense for which the purchaser would take charge in the event of a sale.
Control and Management
While it's true that the exact details would require the legal expertise of a contract lawyer, anyone with an earnest interest in the idea of taking over this website, lock, stock, and barrel, as they say, deserves to know what I, the seller, envisage as an ongoing working relationship between or among those who might ultimately become involved. That's a long-winded way of stating who, exactly, I imagine would play what specific roles with respect to governing the day-to-day operations of DRAGONOPOLIS. Especially once it boasted a functional shopping cart and became fully operational. Not unlike the Death Star in Star Wars.
Any reasonable person, in this case a potential investor(s), would be expected to be cautious if not wary of a new and untried business relationship with one or more persons who themselves possess no track record of successfully operating a profit-making concern. For this reason, among several others, it is acknowledged that certain concessions and agreements will be necessary in order to ensure the smoothest possible transition of ownership.
For the record and lest there be no misunderstanding, the primary and remaining financial interests, on the part of the original owners, subsequent the consummation of sale of the website and all its holdings, would be in the form of royalties, the amounts, frequencies, and purposes of which would be determined by mutual agreement of all parties concerned.
If so desired, and there is every reason to believe that it would be, the artist/author would be responsible for hand-signing all limited edition prints, plus contribute additional artworks and literary writings as was mutually agreeable to new and previous owners alike.
In all other respects, control and management of website operations would be at the sole discretion of the site's new proprietors. Likewise it is anticipated that the previous owners and operators of DRAGONOPOLIS, unless specifically requested, will retain little or no decision-making authority regarding the disposition of all inventory items, including the physical nature, appearance, and operations of the website itself. In other words, the original owners will remain peripheral to the process, both voluntarily and by legal obligation, such that they not hinder or interfere with all ongoing procedures as established under the new management.
Any reasonable person, in this case a potential investor(s), would be expected to be cautious if not wary of a new and untried business relationship with one or more persons who themselves possess no track record of successfully operating a profit-making concern. For this reason, among several others, it is acknowledged that certain concessions and agreements will be necessary in order to ensure the smoothest possible transition of ownership.
For the record and lest there be no misunderstanding, the primary and remaining financial interests, on the part of the original owners, subsequent the consummation of sale of the website and all its holdings, would be in the form of royalties, the amounts, frequencies, and purposes of which would be determined by mutual agreement of all parties concerned.
If so desired, and there is every reason to believe that it would be, the artist/author would be responsible for hand-signing all limited edition prints, plus contribute additional artworks and literary writings as was mutually agreeable to new and previous owners alike.
In all other respects, control and management of website operations would be at the sole discretion of the site's new proprietors. Likewise it is anticipated that the previous owners and operators of DRAGONOPOLIS, unless specifically requested, will retain little or no decision-making authority regarding the disposition of all inventory items, including the physical nature, appearance, and operations of the website itself. In other words, the original owners will remain peripheral to the process, both voluntarily and by legal obligation, such that they not hinder or interfere with all ongoing procedures as established under the new management.
My official card. Hey, what do you expect for ten-G's?
In summation, I believe it's crucial to make the aforementioned points and resolve as many reservations as possible, ahead of time. Artists, writers, and others in so-called creative fields have well-earned reputations for being ornery, obstinate and above all else, having a very inflated notion of their own worth. In order to partially alleviate and curtail many such concerns beforehand, I felt it was important to be as forthright and straightforward as possible.
No strings, no hidden agendas, no if's, and's, or but's. The site and its contents are what they are. And more importantly, are poised to be a great deal more. Thank you for your time and attention. Please make your check payable to...well, maybe that's getting ahead of myself.
We're here, if you're out there. Just have your people get hold of my people, we'll do lunch, tell a few jokes, and go from there.
No strings, no hidden agendas, no if's, and's, or but's. The site and its contents are what they are. And more importantly, are poised to be a great deal more. Thank you for your time and attention. Please make your check payable to...well, maybe that's getting ahead of myself.
We're here, if you're out there. Just have your people get hold of my people, we'll do lunch, tell a few jokes, and go from there.
The Extra Fine Print: A Disclaimer
This page represents an approximation only. It is intended as a facsimile of how a potential sale of the DRAGONOPOLIS website might appear and read. And why such an arrangement could prove beneficial for all parties concerned. Until such time, however, that a serious interest is expressed in acquiring the website and most or all of its contents, a change of ownership is purely hypothetical. As are the specific details that would be included in any such transaction.
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