** We had 195 main event teams in 2004 compared to 375 this year.
** We entered the last week of signups in 2004 with 148 teams compared to 363 this year.
** That last week of signups in 2004 was PURE HELL for yours truly. But convincing management to guarantee all of the prize money was the key and we gained some confidence from our original owners, thus resulting in a record last week of signups.
** My daughter was hospitalized on the Friday before the signup deadline and I spent three days running between the hospital and work, with my youngest kids playing on work computers while I continued to pursue potential participants on the phone. This year, everyone is healthy and home playing in 23 inches of snow (at least it's melting today).
** We had three full auction leagues in 2004. This year we have nine auction leagues among four cities.
** We had no Ultimate Leagues in 2004. Today we have 57 paid signups and the potential for 1-3 more teams.
** We didn't run any satellite leagues in 2004. This year we expanded our lineup before and after Draft Day and will finish with 34 or more satellite leagues this year. Tom has been working every night this week monitoring those, but they have gone very, very well. Thanks to MockDraftCentral.com for all their help there.
** I won't say how many credit cards we were chasing the last weekend of 2004, but as of today it looks like just about every single one has cleared for 2007. What a great feeling that is.
** Tom and I went out for a celebratory drink last night, while in 2004 we were so busy we barely had time to even talk to each other.
** In March of 2004, I didn't have any idea who Dave Cushard, Eddie Gillis, Shawn Childs, Mike O'Connor or any of our NFBC members were. Today it's great to know they are not only participants in my event but guys I can call friends. Guys like Eddie and Shawn have become great friends through the NFBC and NFFC and I know many other friendships have been formed through our competition. What a great feeling that is for Tom and I.
** In March of 2004, we scrambled as a group to be ready to run the three cities. This week we had meetings every day and all of our employees have been schooled for the drill next weekend. Operationally, we're more prepared than ever for this four-city event.
Well, I'm sure I could go on and on, but thanks to everyone for making this year relatively easy to close out. It's a two-way street on enjoyment as we enjoy running this competition as much as you guys enjoy competing in it. Now it's time to get it on and see who is the best player in our competition. NFBC IV is about to begin!!!
