From Comic Book Resources and Rich Johnston's 'Lying in the Gutters':

A HANDFUL OF DUST
I understand that, to celebrate Sandman's 20th Anniversary, Neil Gaiman was to write a "Sandman" mini-series. However, recently the project was pulled.

When asked, Neil told me, "We couldn't come to an agreement that would allow me to do a new six issue Sandman story for DC, and many people at DC and my agent tried hard to make it happen. Pity."

I understand that certain people at DC are quite upset - though not with Neil or his agent. Given the performance of the "Endless" hardcover volume, this could have been expected to be a No.1 best seller in the direct market for all six months and the No.1 in the bookstore bestseller lists.

here's the link if you want:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=13

From what Ive gathered the mini was supposed to be a prequel of sorts leading right into Sandman 1...Explaining why Morpheus had traveled halfway across the galaxy, was weakened, and able to be captured...If anyone needs me I'll be curled in a fetal position in the corner...Crying over what could have been...

That's too bad. I'm dissapointed, but having not known it was coming out in the first place, not terribly surprised (or attached).
It would be great for Gaiman to reinforce one of the weaker volumes with that one. Of course, Preludes and Nocturnes is entertaining, and definitely readable, but, as stated by Neil himself, not as confident as some of the later volumes.

Well, it depends slightly on neil and his agents. If Neil wanted to write a story they were not happy with, eg sandman visits superman's dreams or desire finally gets what she/he deserves. If Neil + his agents couldnt find a middle point, that would end talks.

Isn't that just typical. I guess it will get filed in the 'Best Things that Never got Made' warehouse.

"Isn't that just typical. I guess it will get filed in the 'Best Things that Never got Made' warehouse."

Or in Lucien's library...On the shelf right next to Miracleman-The Silver Age...

I agree, and so does Michael Z. Just now he's shouting from another room. Oh my, he wants to add a word... I turn this over to Mr. Zulli ;
Michael here. One hopes that you have your asbestos face mask on. IMHO, TIME WARNER IS RUN BY A BUNCH OF SOPRANO'S KNUCKLE DRAGGING, BOTTOM FEEDING, SLACK JAWED, MOUTH BREATHING, INBRED, CONGENTAL IDIOTS. That's why I refuse now, and in all forseeable future to work there.
TWICE BITTEN, TWICE SHY. Thank you and have a lovely day - Michael Zulli xoxo

Me again - erm, cough, well I guess that he agrees with you too, jrodrigue77

Fhionn