An American Inventor contestant blog
of the ABC show The American Inventor

All Rights Reserved c 3/17/06

April 13, 2006 show five, The American Inventor.

The Gauntlet
After really throwing down the gauntlet to Simon Cowell et al with blog four, this true American inventor has not heard a peep from anyone in Hollywood. Does this mean Simon Cowell has no balls re backing up the integrity or should I say lack of integrity for the show? Simon’s, the producer’s no answers, speaks volumes. I could have guessed as much. After obviously and wrongly removing us from the show, hiding one’s head in the sand appears to be the only thing the show can do to save face. However while Simon and the shows producer’s have their heads in the sand, I will be kicking the heck out of everything I can find remaining above ground.

Ratings Rise
The show did pick up a little ground in the TV ratings coming back at thirty five this week from forty two in the last ratings. Maybe it was my more positive approach to last weeks show? We will see and hope the picking of the final twelve inventors will breath badly needed fresh air into the production.

Show us the Best
In the following shows, I will continue looking for inventions we have seen little of so far in the show. We certainly want and expect to see the cream rising to the surface.

We are also going to see plenty of prior inventors who made it through on a prayer and the judges sympathy last round, now get their hearts chopped up by the judges and sent home crying, dreams in a body bag. There are no salvage yards for broken dreams.

Lunch is Now Being Served
Whatever production elements possessed the judges to let the early inventions through will now be forgotten and become fodder for our TV entertainment. Look for a tougher line from all the judges because now there is real money involved for the final twelve and ideally for the producers as they begin to market the products they have picked and now contractually control to market with the shows prime time exposure.
We are watching what the advertisers are watching. Whose reality of invention?

Inventors, please note the producers are not necessarily, producing the show for inventors or invention. They are doing it for advertising revenue and for additional money to be made from marketing the final twelve inventions, which they now basically own.
It’s called Intellectual Property (IP). Wealth from ideas.

Novice Contestants Sign Away Valuable Rights
As I noted earlier I will be talking more re what an inventor had to sign away to beg for further participation in the show and the illusive shot at the one million dollar prize. First let’s talk about the million prize. It is not really a million dollars solely, but really defined in the contract as an advance against future royalties. That means when the product starts selling, the inventor will only begin to receive additional money as royalties after the equivalent of one million dollars in royalties has been expensed from sales. Future royalties were not discussed in the contract nor the amount of royalties to be negotiated. This is a big deal and I hope all the inventors have had their attorneys go over the contract details with a fine tooth comb.

The Final Twelve
It is my strong opinion and prayer that this very important ongoing royalty issue was seriously dealt with in the additional paper work the final twelve would have so sign to collect their $ 50k and continue on for the grand prize.

The Losing Eleven Finalist’s
Beyond the one million dollar winner, the remaining eleven inventors have to give the producers a one year exclusive on the rights to market their product, with no mention of any compensation. That means even if an inventor doesn’t win the million dollar prize, he or she still has to give up the exclusive world wide rights to their invention for a year. Inventors will not be able to do anything or gain any additional monies from their inventions except without absolute approval of the producers. Does this sound a little leveraged an unfair to you, it sure does for me. Having all that exposure and then forced to literally sit on the invention for year in actuality means that the producers control all twelve finalist’s, for a million dollars. A pretty clever deal for the producers wouldn’t you say?

The Worldwide Exclusive
Perhaps the biggest and fact for the one million dollar winner is that the inventor must give up his worldwide exclusive rights to the invention in pertuity, and that means forever. In essence this means that an inventor has given his or her invention away for a million dollars plus royalties that have not been determined. In the real life an inventor can sell or license invention rights to the USA to Europe anywhere in the world, with negotiated royalties the inventor can negotiate. Not so with the contestants for The American Inventor.

How Much is a Million Dollars?
True a million dollars is a million dollars but the products that make it through the show to the finals, coupled with all the TV marketing exposure from the show puts them in an invention and royalty earning class by themselves. As the pet rock can have sales over thirty million dollars in it’s day, how much do you think a good product with six weeks of prime time exposure would be worth in today’s global markets?
The answer, it’s a lot more than a million dollars.

So, Why Did We Agree to Go on the Show
So by now you are asking, if the show is so unfair to inventors, entrepreneurs, why did we want to be on the show? The short answer and our history will support, we participated as support for invention and for badly needed exposure. To those following these blogs you will note that for the last eighteen years, we have been fighting a marathon battle within the footwear industry re getting DAMPS Technology to the market place. I cannot tell you the entire story at this time, however you will understand more as the show and the blogs play out. This story will be told.

Suffice to say, the fact that DAMPS didn’t make it on the show, under questionable circumstances, adds further fuel to our conspiracy fire. From my experience no one in the footwear industry wanted to see DAMPS Technology on prime time TV, or anywhere else and that’s for certain, based on our history, even though our history is making history.

The Truth Check
The true check will be when the show gets down to the final twelve inventors. At that time I will put this to the public. Did the DAMPS Technology and our eighteen year development story truly deserve to be a final contestant?

Based solely on the inventions we have seen so far, the answer is a resounding and unequivocal Hell Yes!!!

Shoe Grit, the Movie
A lot of people ask us why it has taken us so long to develop DAMPS Technology? That is the caption the producers aired with me in show three, “Seventeen years.”
The answer, I am working on a movie treatment with script detailing the real to life dirt on our now eighteen year development story for DAMPS Technology. How we got here. Who haven’t we fought. Our working title is “Shoe Grit.”c You won’t want to miss this. Expect more invention diligence and controversy as we continue to name blame in our quest to continue as an American inventor, not the show, real life.

As background I have two WGA registered scripts.
Easy Rider II N.T.S. c (Not the Sequel)
The Last Writer c

Show Five
Disparity;
“The difference between the price of real estate and the cost of dreams.” c JB

Two Hour Special
I had hoped the two hour special would bring a nice rewarding change of pace.
Bring on what I see as competing inventions in our ongoing challenge to Simon Cowell, Simon Fuller and the show producers. Does the show have any real inventions that can compare with DAMPS Technology? Let’s see.

We Could Have Been a Contender
I was wrong about getting a change of pace. The first half the show was a rerun of all the inventors who did not make the final fifty. It looks like the producers simply reedited old footage. Been there seen that. What a waste of prime time exposure.
Excuse me while I kiss the sky.

Thank you American Inventors
As an American inventor I must say congratulations to all the American inventors who auditioned. No matter what anyone says, your friends, your family, the judges, inventors must follow their hearts and as we have seen that following your heart can make for a very rocky road. No matter, continue on with your dreams. America was built and will always have brave young men and women around the world fighting and dieing for our right to follow our dreams. The very least we can do is not give up. Keep showing up my friends.

Top Fifty to the Final Twelve
Host Matt Gallant keeps threatening to bring everyone to the next level, but when?
Finally we watch F Chuck (Doug Hall) give the final fifty inventors his inspirational pitch as the million dollar pimp. The other judges added their two cents worth as well. The inventors now have one minute to pitch before the judges and their fellow inventors.

Morning Sickness
The judges are very worried after hearing the morning pitches. “What were we thinking,” the judges lament. About now they are thinking, we should have let those guys in with the magnetic DAMPS Footwear. Now there’s something we can stand on!

Afternoon Delight
After more pep talks from the judges, the remaining inventors take it up a notch in their presentations. The judges dangle, then beat the inventors over the head with the promise of the million prize. F Chuck says sell me your soul, I mean the soul of your invention. “You’ve got to want it.” “Let’s pick it up a notch.” Why the big push?
The judges will have a percentage of the final twelve inventions so they have to go to the whip now. As Jim Morrison says, “You can always whip the horses eyes.”

Chopping Block
On the way from fifty inventors to twenty four and as we predicted, the judges made Thanksgiving mince meat out of many of the inventions that were sympathetically passed on in previous rounds. Some judges wanted to take back their previous yes back.

Houston we have a problem! We are not going to make it to the moon however we can still see Uranus.

Down to Twenty Four
The judges lump the remaining inventors into inventor groups as they learn their final fate with the parade of doom. Of coarse the judges have to play with the wording re staying or leaving just to mess with the inventors minds one more time. Yes it may be cruel but it’s so cute for TV.

The Final Twenty Four
Second day of elimination moving towards the final twelve. Crying time is back. Inventors now are asked to give their most passionate personal plea to date.
How are your begging skills?
After saying no in early rounds, Simon Bowells (Peter Jones) now feels the compassionate journey for the Wig Liner inventor.
The EZ-X portable Gym inventor makes good use of his military experience and knows who and when to salute. Simon Bowells comments that he wishes this inventor was pitching another product. F Chuck comments, some inventors are rising, others are falling.
The Baking Kit inventor Kathy Jacobs lost her thoughts and then her dough when she couldn’t answer Simon Bowells question re why should I give you $ 50k.
The Flush Pure inventor blew it when he said he was taking the $ 50k and going to Mexico. Doesn’t honesty account for anything?
The Toner Belt inventor keeps himself alive with front flips and a machine gun style the judges like.
The Quad Flosser a two year invention veteran, has trouble with his presentation and even with support from judge Ed Evangelista, nothing seems to help.
The Character Building Buddies inventor gets a lesson although I am not sure what kind of lesson from F Chuck when he compares her product’s appeal to junk food? Simon Bowells says he is not convinced. This from a man who still sleeps in pajamas with feet in them.
The Spiracle Child’s Safety Seat has an impassioned pitch that no one can ignore. We don’t see the judges crying because there is no money in tears.
The Double Traction Bike is a young inventor that everyone can love.

The Final Twelve Inventors
Big Red (Mary Lou Quinlan) admits she doesn’t know what they are going to do however she has enough common sense to tell F Chuck he doesn’t get to be the smartest person in the room. Put on some shoes F Chuck and start walking!
Somehow, I know it’s a miracle but all the judges come to terms with the final eleven inventors. It takes F Chuck putting his famous Antarctica ice hole reputation on the line to get his personal choice for the number twelve spot. When you see that type of dedication well it just goes to show that sometimes it takes an ice hole to get things done.

Contestants You are All Winners
Congratulations to all the twelve inventor finalists, you know who you are. Good luck in the next rounds of competition where you will be listening to experts telling you what you need to do and how best to spend your $ 50k. Going to Mexico is out.

Improved prototypes will be demanded. Some product names will have to be changed. Packaging, pricing, focus groups, marketing demographics will be your new road to navigate. Please remember when listening to all the experts that you too have an important voice, after all it is your invention. Don’t forget your history, your sacrifices and when in doubt follow your heart. Think about raising money to do it your way.
Use your prime time exposure or loose it. Make sure the product you ultimately offer is what you originally wanted to sell.

Jesus Christ and the Twelve Contenders
Happy Easter Everyone. Let’s not forget what’s important here.

Eric Thompson with The Receiver Training Pole
Eric has a pure love of the game and desire to help others learn and enjoy the game. I love football. He needs to translate this passion into the marketing, perhaps with a video instruction tape. Fathers will want this for their sons. Sporting good outlets Big Five, Wal-Mart as you dare.

Mark Martinez with The Sack Master 2000
Has a definite place for municipalities, as Katrina and other flood emergencies have taught us. Market approach and price will be important. Maybe as part of a flood plane home emergency kit. I hope he can make this in the USA.

Jerry Wesley with The EZ-X Portable Gym
This inventor has his work cut out for him in a tough saturated exercise equipment market. His impassioned selling skills are keeping him pumped up. Get ‘er done. Don’t forget the women’s market. Big Red where are you when we need you?

Janusz Liberowski with The Spiracle Safety Seat
We are all into saving children. This inventor will be entering a tough existing automobile safety market. Manufacturing and pricing, very important. The product needs a new name. We will need to see the crash testing data upfront.

Ed Hall with Word Ace
Inventor Ed Hall told a great story and his product defiantly has a strong place in education. Vocabulary need not be a lost art. We need new word smiths.
His prototype looked ready to go the next prototype level adding electronics.

Sharon Clemens with the Restroom Door Clip
I voted for this product first time I saw it. Remember this is the lady trying to retire her husband. This impulse item may have shelf challenges. May consider cross packaging with other travel items. Hotel give aways in bulk.

Darla Davenport with the Here Comes Niya the Multi-Cultural Doll
This inventor begins her twenty two year invention story by showing her last unemployment check. Way to hang in there. I thought I had the most years with eighteen years. Anything that can help children see people first, has my vote. She is entering a very competitive toy market. China here we come.

Franciso Pateno with the Double Traction Bike
I spend a lot of time on a bike since I have not had a car in over twenty years.
This young inventor is riding a novelty. There are crash safety issues for the front rider. Finding an existing bike manufacturer for a licensing partner should be explored. Where does Franciso want to manufacture this bike?

Robert Amore with The Toner Belt
Again a tough existing exercise market. Personality can move mountains. Front flips will only get you so far. So far so good. Home shopping or QVC bound.

Jodi Pliska with The Wig & Helmet Headline Liner
I know nothing about hair other than mine use to be red and I am glad I still have mine.
I hope she can help the victims of medical hair loss.

Sherry McDonald with The Un-brella
A clever idea the inventor saved for a rainy day. I am not sure of the market potential for rain gear. High end retailers, Sharper Image.

Joseph and Jenifer Safuto with the Flush Pure
We already have exhaust fans. Safety, price, manufacturing, distribution, big questions? Everyone has at least one toilet in the house. Are you looking at new construction or retrofits?

Still Blogging our American Inventor Challenge
Again, my invention heart and best wishes go out to all the twelve finalists. I hope you understand I have to do what I have to do. Great job, you did your righteous invention time and here you are. In my heart of hearts I know DAMPS Technology deserves to be up there with the best of you. It’s my competitive nature. My challenge is with the judges and the shows producers.

Fellow Inventor Paul Driscoll
In addition as I noted in our last blog a fellow inventor Paul Driscoll www.life-safer.com was going to comment on one of the show contestant’s that had an early and possible patent infringing prototype of a rescue disk that Paul has already invented. Here is the link to Paul’s letter.
Driscoll Letter

Truth Check
Again, with no slight to the finalists, are these final twelve inventions America’s best? After viewing the final twelve inventions and listening to my friends tell us we should have made the final twelve, producers, all I can say is it doesn’t take much heart or soul to grind a good man down, while it takes everything you’ve got to be an inventor.
To inspire or conspire, that is the question. Who picked up the check.