Hello,
I wanted to start this thread because FUNimation does tend to listen to fans. So I wanted to poll and make it public what steps FUNi should take that may increase sales.
Personally, I think movies are the way to go and releasing movie 8 was a bad choice, because it is a crap movie and requires some prior knowlege. Those that want to get into the series will most likely see a movie instead of a random episode. It is one thing that has a beginning and an end. One Piece is a very long series and picking a random episode kind of loses impact due to loss of build-up. Movie 9 would be perfect due to the short introduction at the beginning and how it does indeed give the feel that the series usually has. Also, if I want to get someone into a series, I would lend them something. It is a lot easier to a lend a (good) movie than going, "Here are the first 13 episodes… Go!" The movie has more of a chance of being watched from start to finish because it is one thing.
So what do you think FUNi should do next? Please take the time to write a reply and justify your vote instead of just voting, because you never know who may read this thread.
If you have your own idea, choose other and write what. Please also take into account what is possible and wouldn't cost them a lot.
Also, if anyone from FUNimation is reading this… I urge you to join and post your comments as to why such and such can't happen. We all want to make One Piece successful in the states because we want to be able to continue buying the series.
(BTW, to those voting and posting who haven't bought the DVDs... unless you are in a financial bind … you should buy them because believe it or not, that helps.)