The University of M.U.S.C.L.E. is always looking for ways to become more interactive for M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. A suitable message board is being explored, several contests are being prepared, and the addition of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts provide additional outlets for content and participation.
One of the most useful additions to the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. has been the polling option. It has provided an easy way for collectors to voice their opinions. Two interesting outcomes have already been yielded through polling.
The first was regarding the M.U.S.C.L.E. NES video game. The question, answer choices, and results can be seen below.
Which NES wrestling game was released the same year as the M.U.S.C.L.E. video game?
1. Pro Wrestling (50% of the votes)
2. Tag Team Wrestling (37.5% of the votes)
3. WWF WrestleMania (12.5% of the votes)
This is very interesting because it supports, even among M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors, that Pro Wrestling was one of the first NES wrestling games. The truth appears to be that Tag Team Wrestling was actually the other wrestling title released in the fourth quarter of 1986. This data will be useful for the upcoming M.U.S.C.L.E. NES video game write-up.
The second poll question was, “Would a “course” that examines contemporary figures, seemingly impacted by the success of M.U.S.C.L.E., be an appropriate and interesting topic for UofM?”
And the results were somewhat surprisingly:
1. Yes (73% of the votes)
2. Yes – it would be interesting, but it doesn’t seem to fit within UofM (27% of the votes)
3. No (0% of the votes)
It appears that collectors liked the idea, but rightfully had some reservations regarding the topic. In an effort to temper those reservations a review of other universities “modern history” courses were explored. It appears that some universities do offer a “modern history” course. Admittedly the courses focus on more recent history, instead of squarely on more current events.
It seems that any type of review of M.U.S.C.L.E. influenced figures would certainly focus on more modern compatriots, however there does seem to be a level of appropriateness looking back at other figures too (i.e., MUSCLEMANIA, Monsters In My Pocket, etc.).
Ultimately, the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. attempts to provide interesting content for M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. If this “course” is not seen as beneficial, then it can easily be discontinued. It also provides an opportunity for other M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors to add their expertise. The initial plan is to seek out input from learned collectors of other toys similar to M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. The final presentation style has not full been defined, but like the course itself can shift, change, and even end if needed.
Thank you to all M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors that shared their opinions. If you have other questions, concerns, or feedback please feel free to post it in the comment section below or email the University of M.U.S.C.L.E..
