Greetings Bot builders,

It's been a long time since our last announcement, and we apologize for the lack of communication. We are still being sued (have you read that Gearheads book yet?), and that has distracted us while we've been busy working behind the scenes trying to get BattleBots back on the air. Up until this time we've had nothing firm to report, and knowing how this community dislikes false promises we decided to shut up and get to work so we could have good news for you.

Well, good news is here and it's time to bring you up-to-date:

TELEVISION
We'll cut to the chase. We've just returned from our first round of network pitches and we already have offers on the table for the new BattleBots TV show! One (very cool) network went as far to say that they have been kicking themselves since BattleBots first went on the air, expressing that they should be the home for the series.

This is great for the community because television is the exposure vehicle that drives everything. With it, people are more inclined to buy tickets for a live show; corporate sponsors are more interested in sponsoring robots and the sport at large; licensors are more attracted to creating products and merchandise that put money back into builder's pockets. BattleBots and all the other great robot tournaments will benefit greatly from BattleBots being back on TV.

The TV show we're pitching is quite different from what was on Comedy Central. We all know how Comedy Central didn't "get it", so we've hooked up with new agents and a new production company (even new attorneys) that do get it; that understand our sport; that grasp the passion of the builders, that can reveal their real stories and know how to present to a mass audience.

For business reasons we can't disclose what this new TV format is. Things have to remain confidential while we're in negotiations. But rest assured you have to be, and will be, the first to know when the time is right. You'll be proud to participate, and don't worry; we'll give you ample time to get ready for what will be the most exciting and compelling robot combat show that has ever been brought to television.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Although we've received a great response so far, there is still more of this mountain to climb. In the coming weeks we'll continue to pitch the show, follow up with networks that have made offers, and negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. With continued hard work we'll be back on TV in 2004.

LIVE EVENT TOUR
Our live tour event plans are moving full steam ahead. Yes, we've been quiet, but that is because we are in deep negotiations with a large touring company. This company owns stadiums across the country and is able to promote and market to such a degree that tens of thousands of people buy tickets for their sports events. They have been talking to us about doing the same for BattleBots.

Any apparent delays have been due to nothing more than a business decision to align our TV goals with our Tour goals. In short, we want to break out full court press with a TV deal and national touring event simultaneously. Our business partners see that as the best win-win situation.

Format-wise, the Live Tour will be similar to past BattleBots shows, only smaller, more manageable, double-elimination, and no seeding advantage for high-ranked veteran robots; the slate will be wiped clean.

Again, we'll release all the fine details as soon as we can, and there will be ample time to get ready.

BATTLEBOTS EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
Since third parties (like Comedy Central) unfortunately still have rights to the name and likeness of each robot subject to the BattleBots Player Agreement, our hands are tied, and the Player Agreement remains in effect. This is simply the cost of doing business with television and merchandising entities that require exclusive rights. Rights that are exercised will generate a royalty and builders will be paid accordingly. That being said, it was never our intention to tie anyone down, and it is certainly NOT our intention to sue any builders. We will endeavor to minimize these exclusivities in the future as much as possible.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS
Okay, we know we're not the best at keeping you up-to-date. But it's simply a matter of playing our cards close to our chest for business (and legal) reasons, and not wanting to announce unconfirmed information. We'll blast out future emails when the time is right, and in the meantime do not hesitate to contact us personally.

Best Regards,
Trey and Greg BattleBots Inc.