A Split-Decision That Took What Could Have Been Happiness - Or Is It?

Here’s the story of the moment when I told myself I should have NEVER thought twice about clicking the Buy button at the Checkout Page…

Last week, I found myself eyeing SB19's Mystery Box set.

[Side Note: I saw myself becoming a fan of SB19 in October 2023, just in time for their 5th anniversary. In the last few months, I saw myself being “unloyal” to the Backstreet Boys, appreciating Original Pilipino Music once again, and having a new set of happy pills. I was welcomed by my A’TIN - that’s what the fandom is called - friends. Anyway, you may read the gist on this blog. End Side Note.]

I knew it’s going to sell out in a few minutes. So I made sure I got the site in one of my tabs 30 minutes before the product launch.

But here's the twist: when I was at the checkout, I asked myself if I really wanted to buy the box.

By the time I decided to click the Buy button, it was already gone! 

In just five minutes, that box of goodies vanished into thin air!

Talk about exclusivity and the allure of belonging.

I again remembered how Perry Belcher, on his Pin To Top Podcast interview, explained how merchandise can be powerful. 

Beyond just products, merchandise - a cap, shirt, tumbler, sticker, or a photo card - are symbols of community and connection. 

When you've built a strong tribe, even a simple cap can become a coveted treasure.

I might have missed out on the coolest thing ever. 

But I got the lesson right.

This is the last call for you to join me in my new email home. All you have to do REPLY to this email with “Sama ako!”. I will export your name and email there; there’s no need for you to do anything.

Don’t close this email without doing so. Mas maraming magiging kwentuhan doon, promise. [Lord, tulungan mo ako, hihihi.]

To your E.P.I.C. business,

Ann Kristine

Nuclear Power Plant of Happiness