Petition, public drop, or ready-to-ship?
Imagine finding the same character three times: first as an idea people are discussing, then as a limited release gathering orders, and later as available stock. The image may look similar, but your decision is different at every stage.
A petition asks whether an idea deserves a next step
A petition is an early product proposal. It gives a community a place to discover the idea and express a signal around it. It is not an order and does not guarantee that the proposal will become a product.
Useful community participation is specific: which expression is recognizable, which object suits the character, what detail must not be lost, and what would make someone use or display the result?
A public drop presents an actual offer
If a proposal advances, a public drop can open as a limited presale or sale. At that point the product page should state the current offer, price, timing, and relevant terms. Readers should check that page rather than relying on an older article.
Ready-to-ship describes available inventory
Ready-to-ship is used for finished goods presented as available inventory rather than an early proposal. It still does not replace the shipping and refund policies or the current product-page details.
Idea, offer, inventory
Use three words to orient yourself: a petition is an idea, a public drop is an offer, and ready-to-ship is inventory. When a story links to one of these stages, its action should match the stage.
- 01Petition: understand the proposal and provide a meaningful signal.
- 02Public drop: review the offer and decide whether to place an order.
- 03Ready-to-ship: verify current stock and fulfillment details before buying.