ICONS Imperial edition

[Lotrek]

Any sneak peaks for those lucky people who got the reversed, black tuck decks?

I'll try to post photos tomorrow. I'm a bit terrified by the amount of work I have to do in the next days (Grotesk Macabre ending, ICONS final touches and fulfillment) but you guys are worth every drop of sweat!

[Lotrek]

The third and by far the best take on ICONS back foiling. You've been waiting for an insanely long period of time but I think this foil was worth waiting. ICONS is soon to be fulfilled and I hope I'll be able to get some sleep, at last!

[Mike Ratledge]

Baked! Crossing fingers for slicing & dicing!

[sms69x]

Well worth the wait, now it's just a matter of waitting for the cut to be perfect and then just wait a few more weeks to get these beauties!!
Hopefully they will be here before Christmas!!

[chach]

Seriously, those are incredible.

[Bikefanatic]

I pray everything goes right so that Lotrek doesn't have to use pills. I wonder how the cases are doing.

[Lotrek]

The cases are ready. Patiently waiting for their content 5+ months now...

I really don't expect serious problems now. At least not of the kind that cannot be solved. I'm still working on the sheets before they go for cutting on Monday. I'm thinking to write a booklet with the deck's adventure. I'm just not sure that I'll remember all of the shit that happened. Seriously.

[Bruno]

Yes, Lotrek, you're Blood is Worth Bottling mate, bringing your project safely through all them recurring issues. A Medal in fact. You deserve an huge UC Medal.

[4.of.Clubs]

Wouldn't mind buying a DEMO deck at discounted price.

[SpecialK]

Best of luck on this Lotrek. I have patience, but a lot of this is due to the fact you don't sugar coat or hide issues, and you keep us in the loop!

One question: are the trial print decks from back in June shipping with the "Official Edition?" Or, if we end up getting a DEMO, could you ship the trial print deck with that?

[PrincessTrouble]

I wouldn't mind a demo deck to help Lotrek defray the cost of ANOTHER printing.

[Lotrek]

Best of luck on this Lotrek. I have patience, but a lot of this is due to the fact you don't sugar coat or hide issues, and you keep us in the loop!

One question: are the trial print decks from back in June shipping with the "Official Edition?" Or, if we end up getting a DEMO, could you ship the trial print deck with that?

Thank you SpecialK!

Exactly: As DEMO Edition is going to be widely announced, I'll have to send these decks to non KS backers soon since they're almost ready and these people won't justify waiting until the official edition is ready. In that case it would be unfair to KS backers not to get their Demo edition while others will have it. So, in case a KS backer who got the Trial print decides to get the DEMO edition as well, they'll get these together before the Official edition. If they stick to the Trial print they'll get it along with the Official edition.

Gosh, I hope I won't have to print these for 4th time because I've run out of names!

[shermjack]

Though it pains me to hear of another issue with the cards (more so for your sake and not mine ), I don't mind patiently waiting for the final printing of ICONS, especially since you have been nothing but forthcoming with us. Meanwhile, I would be very than interested in a Demo deck or two keep my Trial decks company!

Regardless, I would like to take this time to personally thank you, Lotrek, for your perserverence through all your hardships and your dedication to perfection! I am sure that all of your backers will be more than thrilled with the final outcome of your beautiful masterpiece!

[chach]

My heart sunk when I read the email a bit ago, this is probably the most anticipated deck of 2016 and to hear you're having to print it again is just depressing. I know I will still support you in this endeavor to the bitter end. Perhaps when selling this latest error deck you should create a tip jar as well to help out.

Also, for some reason I can't find my records on the test run, can you confirm who purchased them? I know I would have unless I was in a coma and missed it but I just can't find a trail of it.

Edit: N/M I saw the update from Jun 20th and found my paypal receipt, All is good.

[Bruno]

You will succeed Lotrek, but please don't make yourself ill doing it ....
Do take time for yourselves both to walk away occasionally.
Don't make this a Byzantine Tragedy, I beg you.

[Cbkimble]

I can't say I'm pleased at this information but I understand that things don't always go as planned. I wish you the best of luck on the next print run.

[Gareth]

I can't say I'm pleased at this information but I understand that things don't always go as planned. I wish you the best of luck on the next print run.

I have to admit I'm a little torn over this too. When I pledged, I *thought* I was pledging for 1 deck in 500 available from a maximum run of 555. That is what the Kickstarter promised. Since then, a lot had happened, mostly bad for Lotrek. (I don't want to minimise that....)

However, it now appears that I pledged for a deck in a run of perhaps 1,500 - hoping that the next run works. This changes the value proposition as a collector somewhat.

Lotrek; I don't know how much you're planning on charging for these 'Demo' decks, and obviously it has to at least be enough to allow the hopefully final print run to occur, but may I suggest that the people who have already committed to this project get first dibs at the 'Demo' decks. I will most likely be in the queue for one.

EDIT: Misread Lotrek's comments...

[Lotrek]

I can't say I'm pleased at this information but I understand that things don't always go as planned. I wish you the best of luck on the next print run.

I have to admit I'm a little torn over this too. When I pledged, I *thought* I was pledging for 1 deck in 500 available from a maximum run of 555. That is what the Kickstarter promised. Since then, a lot had happened, mostly bad for Lotrek. (I don't want to minimise that....)

However, it now appears that I pledged for a deck in a run of perhaps 1,500 - hoping that the next run works. This changes the value proposition as a collector somewhat.

Lotrek; I don't know how much you're planning on charging for these 'Demo' decks, and obviously it has to at least be enough to allow the hopefully final print run to occur, but may I suggest that the people who have already committed to this project get first dibs at the 'Demo' decks. I will most likely be in the queue for one.

EDIT: Misread Lotrek's comments...

Regarding price, I'm working on it.

Regarding the "rarity" issue, you may have a point there. However, the "Official" will be the only one to have all the "Bells and whistles" (velvet embossed tuck) PLUS a third Joker and a double backer in full gold and silver foil on both sides. Demo Edition has full bleed foil while Trial print has white borders and a small difference in the design. I mean that all editions have distinct differences and the total of decks of all editions will still be well under 1000.

[Gareth]

Regarding price, I'm working on it.

Regarding the "rarity" issue, you may have a point there. However, the "Official" will be the only one to have all the "Bells and whistles" (velvet embossed tuck) PLUS a third Joker and a double backer in full gold and silver foil on both sides. Demo Edition has full bleed foil while Trial print has white borders and a small difference in the design. I mean that all editions have distinct differences and the total of decks of all editions will still be well under 1000.

I'm sure we all are looking forward to the "Official" decks, and nobody can fault your effort and drive for perfection. I guess we're all hoping that "next time" will be the figurative charm.

At the end of the day, the end (the "Official" decks) will be worth it on their own (I'm sure), it's just how much angst (and neverending work for you) happens in the middle.

[UtterFool]

I am going to have to jump over the fence and play devils advocate with Gareth here.

One option Lotrek keeps mentioning in his emails as a reason to have a perfect deck is that it is "an investment".

With 1000 other very similar decks out there the value of this investment has dropped considerably.
Sure there will be less than 1000 of the "true" edition, but for those that just want to get there hands on this deck there are over 1000 cheaper options to go for that will be close to the final version. Close enough for enough people to devalue the final version.

Now I will say I didn't purchase this deck as an investment. So maybe I don't have two legs to stand on with the argument.
I am sure Lotrek has received some nasty emails over all this and I don't exactly like adding to his stress with my thoughts.

I have stayed rather quiet and patient over this project because I know I will eventually get an unbelievably awesome deck. And that is all I wanted.
However for those that took this as an investment (and Lotrek is probably lucky that the "Mega Backer" did not) I think he needs to remove that piece of rhetoric from his emails and understand that this isn't the investment it started out being.

For those who try to make money on cards , I suppose thems the breaks.

Either way I went in for 2 of the trial decks, I will be buying 2 of the Demo decks, will gladly pay for 2 of the test decks, a pair of the pilot decks , and a couple of the exploratory decks, as long as it eventually leads to the final "perfect" Icons deck.

[rousselle]

Speaking only for myself:

I paid a pretty penny to have an amazing piece of artwork made by an artist whose work I truly appreciate; a rare and special piece of art. I don't care how many attempts he makes en route to preparing that exquisite piece of art for me; it doesn't bother me how many sketches he drew/draws, how many rough drafts or experiments he needs to go through. To the extent that he is selling some of his rough drafts, so be it. I've even paid for some, and will likely pay for some more. I am certainly bummed that this most recent attempt didn't make the cut, but I'm not planning on going anywhere; I plan to still be here when the decks finally arrive.

While I am eager to hold this piece of art in my hands, the quality of that experience, when it happens, will not be diminished for me by knowing that there are some prototype efforts out there in some other collectors' hands. It's all good, as far as I'm concerned.

Your mileage may vary.

(Of course, if I have these in my hands before another year is up, that would be nice. )

[Lotrek]

@ Utterfool:

I agree and disagree: There are people who are willing to pay a lot more in order to get a Signature deck which usually has just a fancy tuck case added to the "normal" deck and this is still considered a collector's item. In ICONS, ALL editions are different, with the final attempt by far the best and most embellished. And not only because I take the opportunity to improve things as I go but also because I don't want the slightest shade of "monkey business". So, when "Official" edition decks eventually come to those who bought them, they'll be 555. Period.

But of course there is also a limit in how many attempts will be eventually sold as "Trial", "Demos" or whatever. I don't want to flood the market with ICONS' versions although I know I could sell them. And this is exactly the reason why I sent to the garbage a WHOLE print run. 600 decks were hardheartedly recycled although many people messaged me that they'd be interested in buying them. Not to mention other trials I made and I could sell as Tests. 1 ton of paper was scrapped in total. It's a lot. It's a shame just to watch it being destroyed.

I'm not saying that all is great with 3 versions of the deck. I just try to keep a balance between delivering what I promised and being financially ruined.

[Bikefanatic]

I can't wait to have the final versions in my hands in 2016. I have no problem waiting for them. To sell the not so good decks in order to help with cost because of problems, nothing wrong with that. You laid out how they'll be put out so that's great.

[4.of.Clubs]

Hey Lotrek, sent you a PM. Thanks!

[chach]

So how / where do we purchase the demo decks then? I got the update saying when they'll be made available but not how to purchase them.

[Mike Ratledge]

So how / where do we purchase the demo decks then? I got the update saying when they'll be made available but not how to purchase them.

UC members will get a special offer here. I can't give specific prices (yet), but stay tuned. Soon, like maybe Wednesday, I will post details. I do know that I expect to have about 100 to sell here. It's possible that so many sell it might be fewer, but I don't think so.

Description and what's different and also what is new in the final edition is in the latest update on KS (for ICONS, sent earlier today). I had to ration that 100 into 1, 2, 4 & 6-packs, and I can juggle them around if necessary). I do expect to go live (sales) Friday.

Watch the "Promotions & Offers" forum. I've already said more than I should have, all will be revealed Wednesday. Another "Members only" offer...

[ryansworld4]

I was also wondering when these will be available for purchase, just don't want to miss out, looking to pick up 1 demo deck , cant wait to see all three decks in person once there finished, It would be cool to get same number on all 3 decks, I don't mind waiting till the others are finished if that would be an option

[SpecialK]

So how / where do we purchase the demo decks then? I got the update saying when they'll be made available but not how to purchase them.

UC members will get a special offer here. I can't give specific prices (yet), but stay tuned. Soon, like maybe Wednesday, I will post details. I do know that I expect to have about 100 to sell here. It's possible that so many sell it might be fewer, but I don't think so.

Description and what's different and also what is new in the final edition is in the latest update on KS (for ICONS, sent earlier today). I had to ration that 100 into 1, 2, 4 & 6-packs, and I can juggle them around if necessary). I do expect to go live (sales) Friday.

Watch the "Promotions & Offers" forum. I've already said more than I should have, all will be revealed Wednesday. Another "Members only" offer...

Mike - Lotrek said in his update the decks would go on sale here Wednesday. Is that not correct? He also put out pricing already ($35/65/125/190) - are you saying we will get a better price than what Lotrek said?

Sorry, your info. conflicts with his and is a bit confusing (Friday sale vs Wednesday, differing prices).

Regardless, at the $65 level, put me down for 2!! And a low #

[Cbkimble]

I scrolled through this thread but I never found a comment about the shipping of the trial decks. Did that happen? Will they ship with the Demo decks?

[SpecialK]

I scrolled through this thread but I never found a comment about the shipping of the trial decks. Did that happen? Will they ship with the Demo decks?

Lotrek's comment from earlier. Should be higher up on this page:

"Exactly: As DEMO Edition is going to be widely announced, I'll have to send these decks to non KS backers soon since they're almost ready and these people won't justify waiting until the official edition is ready. In that case it would be unfair to KS backers not to get their Demo edition while others will have it. So, in case a KS backer who got the Trial print decides to get the DEMO edition as well, they'll get these together before the Official edition. If they stick to the Trial print they'll get it along with the Official edition."