SYSOP's Journal. December 12th, 2008.
Broken Long box in alley this morning, Edge van tire tread burst seams. This clientele is afraid of me. I have seen its true face. The comic racks are extended gutters and the gutters are full of ink and when the racks finally tip over, all the Edgeguys will drown. The accumulated sloth of their sandwiches and bacon fills up about their waste line and all the geeks and wannabes will look up and shout “Save us!” And I'll look down and whisper “no.” They had a choice, all of them. They could have followed in the footsteps of good Edgeguys like Parker or The Owner-man. Decent Edgeguys, who believed in a days filing for a days free food. Instead they followed the leavings of speculators and card traders and didn't realize that the trail led over to a variant cover until it was too late. Don't tell me they didn't have a choice. Now the whole Edge stands on the brink, staring down into a messy basement, all those suits and trivia-masters and eBayers, and all of sudden nobody can think of which back issues to buy.

SYSOP's Journal. December 16th, 2008.
Next to me, this artful clientele, it giggles like a basement full of muted fanboys. Somebody knows when, out there somebody knows when the sale happens. The dank smells of underground comics and multiple covers. I believe I shall read my comics.

SYSOP's Journal. December 30th, 2008.
Heard joke once: Man goes to comic conventioneer. Says he's depressed. Says comics seem harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening comic shop where what lies ahead is badly written and grossly drawn. Comic conventioneer says, "Answer is simple. Great comic shop owner Steve is in having sale soon. Go and shop with him. That should fix you up.” Man bursts into tears. Says "But comic conventioneer... I am comic shop owner Steve."

SYSOP's Journal. January 2nd, 2009.
Checked maildrop. Perhaps returned invite from customer. Next went to retrieve chilidog from across alley. Edgeguys restrained a package customer turning in last month Previews. Was shouting something about Owner-man and cheap trades. We don’t trade. Walked back with spots on shirt from chilidog. Approached disturbance - an attempted back issue alley selling. Cleared throat. The fanboy turned and there was something rewarding in his eyes. Sometimes the night is generous to me. Burp.

SYSOP's Journal. January 3rd, 2009.
Final Entry? Left Edge office well after midnight. West Manager, convinced Owner-man is behind everything, is serious about visiting 24 hour pizza place. Edgevan is running, but are we? I am cold tonight. The Owner-man is taller than West Manager, maybe taller than me. This last entry will shortly post to those I trust. I have done my best to make this sale affordable. Believe it paints a busy picture. Appreciate your patience and hope the sale lasts long enough for you to shop here, but cars are in parking lot and sale signs are on the wall. For my own part, regret nothing. Have worked here free from compromise… and step into the sale now without complaint.

SYSOP, January 3rd, 2009.