Post# 228 - Hasbro Hungry Hungry Hippos and The Undersized Box

After buying this and putting it together for my kids, I realized that it doesn't go back in the box.  With tiny plastic marbles, why would anyone want that convenience?  I sent this on 12/26/2006:


To Whom It May Concern:

After Santa delivered us Hungry Hungry Hippos, I assembled it according to your instructions.

My daughter, Jill, son, Joe, wife, Holly, and I played all night. What fun!

At the game's conclusion, I went to put it back in the box you provided, and to my surpise and disappointment, the box was too small, or the game was too big to store. See photo.

Did I assemble incorrectly? What do you suggest that I do for storage?

Is this a ploy to get the little marbles to roll under the shelf in the game closet so I have to buy more? Was it a dollars and cents decision made by big-wig executives who are "out of touch" with the gameplaying populus that likes to place their games back in their original boxes without intensive disassembly to ensure dust-free play, neat storage, and no loss of or damage to pieces? The exhaustion that you feel after reading that run-on only touches the level of exhaustion that I feel after having tried to squeeze that game into that box.

I would suggest, as a courtesy to future customers, a disclaimer, maybe a coupon for raw materials at Lowes or Home Quarters to construct an ample storage unit.

I would appreciate an explanation, as I feel like I'm on the receiving end of the Milton Bradley Shaftola. Future generations may refer to it as "He got Milton Bradley-ed"

Lastly, is it true that the original game was played with real hippos? I read that somewhere.

Curious and a Little Disappointed,

Jerry

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From: Veronica at Hasbro, sent 12/27/2006:

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for contacting us. We appreciate your taking the time to share your opinion and feedback with us regarding our packaging.

Consumer satisfaction is very important to us. We will share your comments with our management team so that they are also aware of your views.

Since our ultimate goal is to bring happiness to the consumers who use our products, and certainly not disappointment, under separate cover we will be sending you some coupons for you to use when you purchase your next Hasbro products.

Also, the game Hungry Hungry Hippos was never played with real hippos.

We want to assure you that we are dedicated to maintaining quality products and service. We hope you and your family will enjoy our products for many years to come.

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My note to Veronica, sent 1/31/2007

Hello,

In your previou correspondence, you mentioned some coupons. We never received anything.

The thing that reminded me about this was, as we were packing for a family trip to Florida, we were deciding what games to take, and we had to leave Hungry Hungry Hippos home because it, sadly, does not fit in the box.

Sincerely,

Jerry
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Veronica's note, sent 2/1/2007

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for your email. I apologize you never received the coupons.

Please be assured I have ordered some more coupons for you. They are being sent to:

Jerry

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Post # 71 - Kudos to Parker Brothers for Glow-In-The-Dark-Ouija 11-18-2009

I've always been amused by the idea that the same company that makes Chutes and
Ladders, also makes Ouija. In my opinion, your chances of contacting your dearly departed granny in real life are the same as your chances of winding up in Molasses Swamp in real life.
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Dear Parker Brothers,

I love your games. My favorite is Ouija. I have had one for years. I use it to practice witchcraft. I put on white makeup and black eye-liner. I don a witch hat and eat black corn chips. Once a week I summon the departed spirit of Dan Haggerty (TV’s Grizzly Adams). My pals and I get together and cast spells on one another—it’s a hoot. Last week, my spell sent Timmy running to the restroom. I had to run to JC Penney and get him some new trousers, all in the name of fun.

I write to you for three reasons:

1)Can you settle a bet for us? I say your game is hand-crafted by witches, using materials gathered from sacred burial grounds, beneath the Parker Brothers corporate umbrella. My friend Timmy says that your Ouija Boards are mass produced on an assembly line by bright, cheerful, happy folks, right next to Candy Land and High Ho Cherry-O. Which of us is right? The one who is wrong shall rot inside a corpsy shell.

2) As I wandered the Toys R’ Us family board game isle, I saw a new product—your even better Glow-In-the-dark Ouija board. How fun and user-friendly! Does this enhance it’s powers of witchcraft? Will this facilitate the summoning of departed spirits from beyond? Because you should put that on the box. Something like:

“Now: Even more witchier!”

“Requires even less black candles!”

“Now, even easier to cast a spell on your most hated enemies!”

These are just some ideas—you get the idea: sell the sizzle!’


3) I am thinking that for Ouija 3.0, we need a more witchy font. Lots of people will tell you “Helvetica gives it a more homemade, timeless feel”. I say “Let’s go with 18 point Impact font. It screams “Yo! I’m a Witch!”.


These are just suggestions. Actually, one of these is settling a bet. Can you please get back to me promptly? I would like to provide an update to D-Hag (that’s what I call him because I know him well—you hadn’t better as it may offend him) later this week when we talk.

Sincerely,

Jerry
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