It Only Seems Like a Long Time Ago...

Skip Cohen

​This might seem strange for a Throwback Thursday post, but the pandemic created a time not too much different than the 7:1 comparison to a dog's life. So while I'm only turning back the clock to January 2020, it sure feels like it was a lot longer.

As many of you know, one of the hats I wear is CMO for Platypod, a wonderful little "Mom and Pop" company started by Larry Tiefenbrunn. Along with the entire Platypod line, Larry had a vision a few years back to design a very different kind of ball head. So in January 2020, we launched Platyball on Scott Kelby's show, The Grid.

The response was incredible, and our Kickstarter program took off with remarkable growth. Here's the original intro video, which has become one of my favorites in the product line.

​Over 2000 photographers backed the project, despite the challenges with the pandemic landing on our doorstep in the middle of the campaign. The pandemic, product improvements, another Covid lockdown in Taiwan, global shipping challenges - the list goes on and on. The project hit more than its fair share of bumps in the road. But that didn't slow down the company's commitment to deliver an outstanding product.

Deliveries finally started in December and are now coming through more regularly as manufacturing continues to ramp up. We anticipate shipping all our backers by the end of March/early April. We recently launched a limited inventory pre-order program just before the IUSA show two weeks ago. The pre-order program will be shipped on a first-come, first-serve basis, with approximitely 60% of the units already reserved. Interested in more information -  It's just a click away.

There's been a lot of great buzz about the new ball head. We recently shared Moose Peterson's experience with his own test drive. Moose's comment..."Bloody Brilliant!"

​Whether you usually shoot with a ball head or not, check out both of these short videos so you at least know what the buzz is about. You'll also understand the fun and efficiency of leveling your camera from the top and not worrying about your tripod - not to mention the ease of use with a two-button system versus all the dials and buttons on other ball heads.

But here's the bottom line - the pandemic has changed our lives, and those throwbacks from the last few years have become even more special. And it really has felt like 7:1 in a dog's life! So if you participate in sharing throwbacks, find something that's just 2-4 years old in your life and then try and tell me it doesn't feel like a whole lot longer!

Happy Throwback Thursday!