UC KS Watchdogs (A strategy for tracking delays)

[Strag]

[...]

Horsemen - Tony is once again MIA it seems. No update since Jan 13 and not replying to comments. Hopefully he's alright

[...]

He's okay. We spoke (messaged) yesterday and he has some photos of one of the tuck boxes to share with backers soon; they look gooood.

I really don't get this. How do creators think going dark for 6+ weeks is ok when you are already months past your promised date? It's always about communication, and yet it happens time and time again that creators go dark and think it's ok. I didn't back this (I have cut WAY back on KS and am super happy that I did) but it's just horrible that this seems to have become almost acceptable in the minds of some creators.

[Timmargh]

I really don't get this. How do creators think going dark for 6+ weeks is ok when you are already months past your promised date? It's always about communication, and yet it happens time and time again that creators go dark and think it's ok. I didn't back this (I have cut WAY back on KS and am super happy that I did) but it's just horrible that this seems to have become almost acceptable in the minds of some creators.

For the record, I think there are very few creators who "think it's okay."

I cannot speak to other creators, and I am not really speaking for Tony but I probably speak to him more often than most here and so I'm probably more up to speed, but he has had some serious issues to deal with including a death in the family and other personal issues that it is not my place to talk about here.

I can fully understand backers' frustrations, I am a backer myself and I am dying to get these cards in my hands*, but far too many people forget that creators are human too and that there is a whole world of pain to deal with putting something like this together.


(* Although I have the advantage of owning prototypes of both decks. Am I bragging by telling you this? Abso-f###ing-lutely.)

[Strag]

Have to differ here. Of course in this unique situation there certainly seems to be mitigating issues but I have seen plenty of creators who actually get aggressive about it and say tings like "I didn't say anything because there was no update, what's your problem" - well in that case just say so... just knowing you are still checking in is something, especially if late. Others have even gotten aggressive with updates like "We didn't update because we were busy so don't say anything rude to us" when they can even be over a year late.

I'mm sorry to hear that this creator has had personal issues and I wish that on no one at all. As I said I wasn't even a backer on this one and I do think there is a culture from a lot of creators that people should always be more considerate of them than they are of their backers.

I look at it this way, if I'm going to be late to work... I would still call in and update what my situation is. If I didn't I would expect my boss to be both worried and upset. After all, I have a contract and I'm expected to fulfill it. Some projects have raised well over $100K (Skymember as noted previously) and they think it's ok not to update backers. I personally don't find it accpetable and it's these types of creators who have ruined it for those who might have an actual legit reason.

[rousselle]

Welcome to April, you fools!

March was not a bad month at the ol' rousselle mailbox. In addition to the various decks I've ordered from existing supplies (like the Notorious Gambling Frog), Kickstarter arrivals included Jetsetters Lounge Edition in Hangar Orange after a slight delay (originally anticipated to ship in November '21) and TWI's Poison arrived right on time (March '22) alongside some Patreon goodies, while Pharmacy on Main arrived a couple weeks before their originally anticipated shipment (April '22). Woo-hoo!

So, with two falling off the list, one arriving just before it could be added to the list, and two new projects that originally had April as the anticipated month of fulfillment, the list holds steady at a total of 9.

• Stories (March '20) -- In mid-May of 2021, David posted an update regarding the status of the various items involved in this project. No word since then.
• The Tale of the Tempest (July '21) -- As mentioned last months, I've received almost all of my rewards; I'm just waiting for the remaining Wylentis decks.
• The Eye of the Ocean (November '21) -- Decks for US backers are *almost* to Gamblers Warehouse, and hopefully fulfillment will commence soonishly. Lorenzo continues to send updates to backers while we wait.
• ONE (December '21) -- I have been sent a tracking number.
• Rattler Gorge (January '22) -- Tuck box work continues, as of an update posted just a couple days ago.
• Round and New Pagan (January '22) -- In an update posted a week ago, it looks like fulfillment should commence within a few weeks.
• PS52 Odd Fellows (March '22) -- In a recent update, Lorenzo noted that there have been some unanticipated hiccups in getting the decks onto the slow boat, but that should be happening soon, and the hope is that fulfillment could begin in May.
• The Literary Tarot (April '22) -- Production continues and progress is being made, per regular updates from the project creators. In an update posted just today, they mentioned that Covid restrictions in China are impacting production at the moment.
• Graphic Cheatsheet Playing Cards V3 (April '22) -- The progress of progress is progressing. There was an update a few weeks ago regarding soft proofs and where things are at, in general. I'd expect another update within a week or so.

So, that's a total of 9 non-retail playing card-related projects anticipated to be fulfilled at some point up through this month (April '22). It's not entirely unrealistic to think that at least two and possibly more of these projects will be removed from the list this time next month. Remember, being on this list isn't a bad thing. It just means that the project is nearing (or has passed) the originally anticipated fulfillment month, and we're keeping an eye on how things are going.

What other projects have *you* backed that you are expecting soon or would have expected by now?

[TheGentlemanWake]

[*]The Tale of the Tempest (July '21) -- As mentioned last months, I've received almost all of my rewards; I'm just waiting for the remaining Wylentis decks.

I have been on Lotrek's butt about this for months. I sent him $1000 to cover the cost of shipping the remaining 105 decks to 64 backers. The last thing he reported to me was that the Hellenistic postal service had been hacked. I'd be lying if I said that I suppressed an eyeroll. But then I verified it online. The postal services in greece were in fact hacked and international shipping taken offline until the system could be restored. Last I heard (the last time he replied to me) all the decks were packed and ready to ship as soon as shipping services were restored. I hate that my project is on this list. Hate it. Just to recap... the delays included misprints, scrapping an entire run of the dynastinae, paper shortages, customs delays, lost packages, covid infections and the hacking of a foreign postal service. I wouldn't believe it if you told me it was the plot of a movie.

[GandalfPC]

Should it become a movie, I would like if the The Rock could play Lotrek

[Harvonsgard]

The Rock with Lotrék's long flowing hair playing the flute? I'd pay top dollar to watch that movie!

[hsbc]

I always forget that this thread exists I'm way too active on KS so I can add a bit

• Adventure Cat Transparent Tarot - In December 2021 these were supposedly all printed, and shipping was said to have started in January. No contact since then. I'll consider this blacklisted soon...
• The Alleyman's Tarot by Publishing Goblin - Shipping should begin in a few weeks, aside from signed decks and that sort of thing
• Cartes Moreau Playing Cards by Santiago Cards - GW should start shipping these out soon
• Cyberware by Excelsior - In production at USPCC, should be completed April - May.
• Dark Continent by Gakondo - Last update was about a month ago. They were thinking of moving from Cartamundi to WJPC due to price increases - no word since then. I wonder if it would still be cheaper with higher shipping costs now?
• Dark Patina by Bob Crum - These should be shipping imminently, maybe it's already started? GW got the decks on March 29.
• Diffractor Frozen Metal / Cube - last update Oct. 2021; the creator posted a comment promising an update just a few days ago, and the other Diffractor project had a recent update too. VXD has had trouble making the "block of ice" from what I understand
• False Anchors V4 - Should begin fulfillment this month
• Forbidden Forest by Humble Raja - Last update March 2022. Shipping should happen in June.
• Four Clans by Doc's - Last update was... today! Shipping in about a week after delays.
• Golden Eclipse Tarot by Marie Satori - Last update Feb. 2022. There have been lots of production issues, as these are gilded round cards. I imagine they got temporarily shut down again recently during COVID lockdowns in China. The creator seems to be active in the comments
• Horsemen by Just Play Cards - Production at Cartamundi and WJPC are both wrapping up this month
• Inkromancy 3: Skull Tarot - Scheduled to ship at the end of this month.
• The Living Thread Tarot - As of April 2022, delayed by Print Ninja...
• Lore by Native Tongue - Still waiting on half-brick boxes and gilding as of a couple days ago.
• Lost in the Shuffle deck - Should begin shipping this month
• Monte Carlo Diffractor by VXD - Updated a few days ago. Production is switching from Vrijdag to Expert. Aluminum prices have skyrocketed. Expected delivery second half of 2022.
• Mystical Pirates by Prestige - In January 2022 these were said to be arriving at GW in a week or two. No update since... people have started reporting this project as a scam.
• The New World by Pierre Huetter - NPCC is printing these and the creator says he's had trouble getting in touch recently as NPCC is in Ukraine
• Neon Reapers - BLACKLIST, no update since October 2021
• Ogg Cards - Stuck in the Port of Shenzhen as of March 2022
• Passport-inspired Playing Cards by Droll Monkeys - BLACKLISTED, no update since September 2021, no actual update since January 2021, multiple comments complaining of a scam, no reply from creator, etc.
• Professional Japanese Hanafuda Deck by Karuta - Last update January 2022. Shipping problems. No update since then - giving them the benefit of the doubt, the decks are stuck on a boat or in a port somewhere. They posted pictures of the decks.
• Resurrected V2 by Abraxas - BLACKLISTED, probably. This one is weird because I guess some people actually got their rewards in May 2021. Since then the creator posted about multiple family issues, COVID, etc. in updates on missing orders and slow shipping in October 2021 and again in January. Radio silence for two months now.
• Sefirot Tarot - Manufacturing scheduled through July, shipping expected in August and September
• Sensu by Jack Brutus Penny - These probably finished printing recently, or maybe they got caught up in China's COVID lockdowns? The creator is active in the comments and I wouldn't be surprised to see an update soon. Last one was February 2022
• S.W. Erdnase by Doc's - The side-loading tuck had manufacturing problems. Shipping should (finally) start in a week or two it seems?
• Tales of the Uncursed Kingdom by Plan52 - Another victim of Chinese COVID lockdowns, still in production, no current ETA
• Tiles by KB Projects - Last update in February 2022, saying they signed the USPCC contact. Printing should be happening now-ish.
• Vivid Kingdoms by Ten Hundred - Scheduled for printing this month at USPCC
• WONDR: The Pyramids - A month ago I would have blacklisted this, but the creator actually posted an update a week or two ago claiming they'll ship this month. We'll see I guess?
• Zeke's Arcana - Printing should begin soon. Shipping expected in May.
• 78 Tarot Animal - Delayed like everything else. Shipping expected to start around August 2022.

[bdawg923]

The origin by skymember presents: no update since October. Can they get blacklisted yet?

[GandalfPC]

The Rock with Lotrék's long flowing hair playing the flute? I'd pay top dollar to watch that movie!

“The Last Letterpress”

This is actually one of the darker moments of the movie, Lotrek, attempting to reprint Demask Blue, is attacked by his most loyal followers, left to defend the last letterpress alone…

I hear a sequel is on the way as well - “The Taming of the Varnish”

[Harvonsgard]

[Strag]

Moroccan playing cards deck by CardsbyAmani has said now that he plans to refund backers from Jan-Apr '22, we shall see if it happens. Very low funding goal from a first time creator should have been a better warning sign to me.

Hasn't logged in since November. Conisder it a theft at this point.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Moroccan playing cards deck by CardsbyAmani has said now that he plans to refund backers from Jan-Apr '22, we shall see if it happens. Very low funding goal from a first time creator should have been a better warning sign to me.

Hasn't logged in since November. Consider it a theft at this point.

After KS and stripe takes there percentages, Creators are already in the RED. Why not cancel the project if you can't afford production and fulfillment?

[BaconWise]

Thank you to Rousselle and HSBC for the exhaustive lists! One more project I would add:

Shadows & Dust by Agitcom (Nov 2021) - Last update is that cards are done and en route to Gambler's Warehouse. KS comment on the 24th states GW has the decks and will begin fulfillment the next week. If I know GW, it will be a couple of weeks at least before they begin but it's nice to know they decks have landed and will be soon on the way!

[rousselle]

I've obviously been throttling back my KS projects, whereas hsbc is clearly asking me to hold his beer.

[Eric Lee]

The origin by skymember presents: no update since October. Can they get blacklisted yet?

This falls into a grey area as those of us with the basic orders have gotten our decks already. (1 collector, 1 special ed for me) It's the deluxe editions and other orders that still have yet to be fulfilled. From the decks I got, I can see why there's so many delays as there's so many parts which can go wrong if something screws up.

[bdawg923]

The origin by skymember presents: no update since October. Can they get blacklisted yet?

This falls into a grey area as those of us with the basic orders have gotten our decks already. (1 collector, 1 special ed for me) It's the deluxe editions and other orders that still have yet to be fulfilled. From the decks I got, I can see why there's so many delays as there's so many parts which can go wrong if something screws up.

The delay isn't the issue. The issue is they haven't updated in 6 months and are ignoring emails messages and comments. I honestly think they ran out of funds and just don't care enough to tell us. Would love to be proven wrong

[Eric Lee]

Yeah, I'm also of the same thought. Just hoping it's the China/HK lockdowns that's causing the delays as it did for other projects. But that's still no excuse to not leave a comment or update.

[Strag]

Another one in a similar vein that I am now considering blacklisted: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/61 ... co-creates

They delivered some of the reguar decks (I got some) but the very limited and most expensive decks that never delivered and most of the US backers received nothing at all. The creator made lots of excuses and promises (sometimes quite aggressive towards backers) and then has disappearing, not logging in since January 31st. Was originally supposed to be delivered in July 2020.

[TheGentlemanWake]

Tempest is completely fulfilled. Phew. Ready to do it all over again. Lol

[rousselle]

Well, here in the great Northwest of the United States, April showers have given way to May... showers.

As I am writing this a week into May, I'll be including projects that have arrived this week in the batch that falls of the list... even though, in all fairness, only ONE of these actually arrived in April: ONE (originally anticipated for fulfillment in December '21) arrived at the ol' rousselle mailbox in April. That said, The Tale of the Tempest (July '21) drops off the list as the last two Wylenti decks crossed the finish line accompanied by a "thank you for your patience" gift, which was very kind of the Gentleman Wake. Very classy. Uusi's Round and New Pagan (January '22) decks are on a UPS truck that is expected at my front door TODAY, so I'm taking that off the list assuming that the shipment contains everything (and, if it doesn't, I'll put it back on the list tonight while you're not looking.) Oh! The cards from the LOST IN THE SHUFFLE documentary project arrived, too, long before they would have been added to the list, so that's cool.

So, with three falling off the list, one arriving long before it could be added to the list, and two new projects that originally had May as the anticipated month of fulfillment, *my* list drops down to a total of 8. (hsbc's list, I'm sure, includes much more.) Here's where we stand:

• Stories (March '20) -- This month marks the one-year anniversary since the last posted update on this project. In mid-May of 2021, David posted an update regarding the status of the various items involved in this project. No word since then.
• The Eye of the Ocean (November '21) -- I received my tracking number a little over a week ago, and although there hasn't been any movement on it yet, others in the US are posting in the comments section that they've just received theirs, so it shouldn't be long now!
• Rattler Gorge (January '22) -- In an update a couple weeks ago, production on the new tuck boxes is nearing completion and shipping out to the fulfillment centers is not far behind. Fingers crossed for a May delivery!
• PS52 Odd Fellows (March '22) -- Lorenzo recently posted a link to track the container ship that is holding our decks, and it looks like it's currently expected to arrive at Los Angeles on May 11th. Add time to be unloaded, go through customs, and be transported to GW in Texas, and then for GW to turn these around, Lorenzo posted a hopeful note that fulfillment might start by the end of May.
• The Literary Tarot (April '22) -- Per a recent update and recent comment, renewed Covid restrictions in China plus the Chinese New Year celebration earlier has meant that their printing facility "has only been open 3 weeks out of the last 15 and is still currently closed." Meanwhile, the project creators remain in contact and are engaging with backers, so hopefully we'll know more once those restrictions are lifted again.
• Graphic Cheatsheet Playing Cards V3 (April '22) -- As of mid-April, digital proofs revealed the necessity for a couple minor corrections, which have been turned in and now we wait to hear back from USPCC on their status amidst a current backlog.
• Little Visions Tarot & Oracle (May '22) -- As of yesterday, they report that they are half-way through shipping out rewards, and are "flying" through the rest. So, high hopes that I'll have a tracking number soon, with the decks shortly thereafter!
• Red Rising (May '22) -- Randy has posted a recent update giving detailed information regarding the status of each part of the project. As with the Literary Tarot project listed above, this project is being impacted by the renewed shutdowns in China over a resurgence of Covid, so we may be a couple months out yet. Nonetheless, Randy's on top of things (natch) and the project continues to move forward.

So, that's a total of 8 non-retail playing card-related projects anticipated to be fulfilled at some point up through this month (May '22)... for me, at least. I realize I'm not backing as much as I used to, so my list is likely a bit smaller than some others. What are you all seeing? Please add the projects you are tracking to the watch list below.

It's seems highly likely that at least two of these projects will be removed from the list this time next month, with one or two others in the "hopefully" camp. Remember, being on this list isn't a bad thing. It just means that the project is nearing (or has passed) the originally anticipated fulfillment month, and we're keeping an eye on how things are going.

Of all of the projects above, only one is currently in the watchdog "doghouse," and that's because he's fallen silent. I have long suspected that he will come back to the fold as soon as some issues in his personal life get sorted out, but as time goes on... I don't know.

Here's to another month of cards. May your mailboxes be happily full, and your collections overflow with playing card goodness!

[rousselle]

Tempest is completely fulfilled. Phew. Ready to do it all over again. Lol

You, kind sir, are a glutton for punishment!

Nonetheless, the test of a person's character is not in executing a project with no challenges, but in how they handle any challenges that DO arise, and you have demonstrated a sterling character, indeed.

Best of success on your forthcoming campaign, and may you enjoy having fewer opportunities to build your character even more!

[GandalfPC]

As for Jack Brutus Penny’s Sensu project - latest update:

May 1st: “This is a quick update - no beating around the bush. I’ve just been informed that, assuming all goes well, the cards will finally be with me on the 9th (a week from now). When they arrive, the journey continues. I’ll take photos, show you some things I’ve been preparing for you and start getting them ready to head your way!”

May 2nd: “ Soon the packages will be flying away home to you. This is another very short update because it needs your attention. Please check your address and shipping information. ”

As I have become so deeply enamored lately with Hanafuda I am more excited than ever to get there - when I went in on the kickstarter they were just beautiful cards

I wonder if he could be talked into doing a full on hanafuda deck…

[BaconWise]

I wanted to add a couple

Four Clans (Sep 2021) - Cards and tucks were delivered to Doc's for assembly/fulfillment on April 12th. No word on timeframe and Doc's is currently running the Ludus campaign so I imagine attention is being spread out a bit.

Horsemen (Nov 2021) - Last update was at the end of March. Cartamundi is printing the cards on 4/13, then the pieces should be sent to fulfillment partners shortly thereafter. I imagine we are a few weeks from fulfillment.

Vivid Kingdoms (Dec 2021) - Last update was about a week ago. Tucks are arriving at USPCC by 5/3 and assembly should take place by next week.

Dark Continent (Feb 2022) - No specific timeframe but fulfillment is likely just around the corner. They posted the finished deck on IG and it looks fantastic.

Forbidden Forest (Feb 2022) - Last update was a week ago. Card printing is finished and they shared a fantastic set of images of the completed deck. It looks amazing. Last call for addresses was today so fulfillment is imminent.

[bdawg923]

The Origin is holding decks hostage and extorting people for more money to cover shipping because they horribly mismanaged people's funds. Their new target date is end of May or sometime in June.

Annihilation is also in progress. Cartamundi assembling decks in tucks.

[GandalfPC]

The Origin is holding decks hostage and extorting people for more money to cover shipping because they horribly mismanaged people's funds. Their new target date is end of May or sometime in June.

They have also neglected to ship my deck, which I ordered off their website at twice the price of the campaign if I remember the campaign pricing correctly - which means they hardly have an excuse for that - they just suck at business.

Screw them - told them to ignore my previous emails - that early next week I would be contacting my credit card company, getting my money back, and letting them know of their shenanigans - if they manage to send me a tracking number before that happens I will stand down. Not going to put up with it, not going to be patient, not going to go quietly into the night.

If it weren’t Friday night I would have already cancelled the payment.

I did give them a poke on instagram to see if they replied to messages there - and they did - I gave them a sliver of my mind, they said I “pre-ordered” even if not via kickstarter and that they only dealt with such issues via email - I said they had the chance to email me to inform me of any issue for two months and that Visa was unlikely to agree with their position - they assured me they would work it out before Tuesday passed - I will take them at their word, but will not cut them further slack.

My heart goes out to all those who did purchase through kickstarter - and I hope they sort out everyone’s issues soon…

I will get mine sorted, one way or another.

End result: They replied via email today and will be shipping my deck.

[bdawg923]

The Origin is holding decks hostage and extorting people for more money to cover shipping because they horribly mismanaged people's funds. Their new target date is end of May or sometime in June.

Annihilation is also in progress. Cartamundi assembling decks in tucks.

Now they are telling people they will start fulfilment again mid-June, plus 10+ weeks to bulk ship to the USA. They will just keep pushing the date back until everyone gets tired of them and pays for DHL

[GandalfPC]

Sensu decks have reached Jack Brutus' door - soon on the way to all

(Pics moved to new decks thread)

[steampunk52]

Sensu decks have reached Jack Brutus' door - soon on the way to all

I didn't pull the trigger on these because I am trying to cut back, but these look beautiful!

[hsbc]

Sensu decks have reached Jack Brutus' door - soon on the way to all

In general, I've been putting substantial KS updates like this into the New Decks thread for the corresponding deck(s) - would people prefer updates here in this thread? Thoughts?