FCBD survey results: ICv2.com has the results from Diamond Comic Distributors' Free Comic Book Day 2004 retailer survey:

"54.8% of the storeowners promoted FCBD more aggressively than in 2003, with almost 90% of the respondents using signage to promote the event, while 72% used bag stuffers, 54% emails, and nearly 50% managed to get newspaper coverage. Actual purchased promotion in the form of newspaper ads (28%), radio spots (14.2%) and TV commercials (7.4%) were utilized at lower rates. At least one third of the respondents highlighted the event in store newsletters."

This part is of particular interest, considering the date chosen for next year's event:

"A large percentage of retailers (37.7%) cross-promoted FCBD with other retailers in their vicinity, while an equal number cross-promoted the event with movie theaters showing Spider-Man 2. The theatrical cross-promotions appeared to have been more effective, with 47% of respondents singling it out as the most effective promotional tool they used, while 40% of those who cross-promoted with other local businesses cited it as their most effective or second most effective tool. If the survey results had been available before retailers voted on the date for FCBD, would the effectiveness of the theatrical cross-promotions swayed more voters toward linking FCBD 2005 to the release of Batman Begins?"