Updated on 31 Mar 2008
1. Who developed SMUGGLE?
Answer: I'm Charlie Inman and I'm a retired U.S. Customs Special Agent/Criminal Investigator. My wife, Barbara and I now live in Texas. She's a saint, because she put up with moving all over the country, teaching in 15 different schools, while I chased smugglers in Arizona, California, Florida, and Virginia.
2. Why do you believe SMUGGLE is better than the other board games?
Answer: I have seen any number of mindless board games which have been based on some TV show or other fleeting popular theme. SMUGGLE is based on a atimeless theme of exotic treasures and foreign travel, with the excitement of smuggling thrown in. I have watched people play SMUGGLE and have played a few games, myself. I can tell you, the ingredients are there for having a great time. SMUGGLE is family fare, which both youngsters and adults can play. In fact, the best "chemistry" I have seen is when youngsters team up to take on adults. They really get into the game and the adults don't want to be beaten!
3. Why is the SMUGGLE age group "8 to adult?"
Answer: Eight was chosen because a sharp 8 year-old would have no difficulty in playing. On the other hand, there is nothing in the game that would make an adult think it was "juvenile," any more than Monopoly or Risk would be considered juvenile.
4. Can you play SMUGGLE using just the Quick Start Rules?
Answer: No. Quick Start Rules serve the purpose of "setting up" and starting play without first studying the rules; however, you will have to transition to the regular Rules of Play for situations that arise when you get into the game.
5. How many games have you developed over the years?
Answer: One. I don't believe that I have another one in me. Thomas Edison reportedly said "...invention is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent persperation." I agree. Coming up with the idea and making "all the pieces fit" was a lengthy process. Maybe a second one wouldn't take so long...
6. Are you satisfied with your e-commerce approach to marketing?
Answer: There is nothing like e-commerce and I'm just learning. I am a bit behind schedule because I was involved in an auto accident about two years ago when a Lincoln Navigator rear-ended me doing about 40 mph, while I was stopped behind a left-turning vehicle. After the injury I was unable to operate a computer and only recently had surgery which removed that obstacle. I am on the mend now and trying to catch up. I am looking forward to marketing on the net, as well as planning for some of the national toy shows. I'll keep you posted. In addition to the e-mail address below, you can contact me at cinman@smugglegame.com/
7. On your "What You Get" page, you mentioned typographical errors. How many and where are they?
Answer: I'm not going to tell you, but one has to do with the spelling of a Major Foreign City. Another has to do with one of the "Twelve Mile Limits." If you can find those - and any more, let me know and I will post them - giving you credit.
If you have a question -or if you can give us some feedback after playing Smuggle, please contact us at contactus@smugglegame.com. We would appreciate your comments. If you really like SMUGGLE as we do, we would be like to post your comments on our web-site.
