Monte Carlo Diffractor (OATH x VXD)

[hsbc]

this seemed like a weird way of doing things. ... Not to mention having to manually go through the backers and passing out the 499 normal and 299 steel cases.
Sounds real messy.

Before KS added its own add-ons functionality this was just how things worked

[PrincessTrouble]

Before KS added its own add-ons functionality this was just how things worked

Yeah, but they have add-on capability now. So choosing to do it the old way seems like a hassle.

[Bradius]

If you have added the decks onto your order you should be fine. The minimum runnout number is around $100,000+. The campaign was over $80,000 and if you look at 39 Euro times 499 available decks, you get $103K plus. Given there will be a number of Metal case orders in that, we are still fine. I try to watch the numbers as it can yield some good information a lot of times.

[Strag]

Doing it old school....I'll be honest, I don't know how to get that function....does one have to apply (so I read somewhere)? Is it a BackerKit thing (we don't use BackerKit)?

This functionality has been available for a long time on Kickstarter (at least a year). You have created a lot more manual work for yourself and confusion for your backers. Not sure why you aren't responding to any of the multitude of confused people either who are leaving comments either.

As always with Kickstarters, communication goes a LONG way in the success of a project.

[Harvonsgard]

Who needs communication if the contemporary card scene is all about features and rarity hype anyways .

[Strag]

Without communication how else would we have sarcasm and hypocrisy?

[Harvonsgard]

Who needs sarcasm or hypocrisy if all you need is ?

[GandalfPC]

Instructions from Kickstarter on setting up add-ons are on this page, updated just 1 day ago so its current:

https://help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/a ... e-rewards-

[Cardamon]

Instructions from Kickstarter on setting up add-ons are on this page, updated just 1 day ago so its current:

https://help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/a ... e-rewards-

Sounds like a lot less work then the current move. Ah well for your next Kickstarter

[PrincessTrouble]

Still waiting for my confirmation (my KS message was sent on Oct 9th).

[Bradius]

Not sure what happened to your message. I think Andrew is still working on responding to everyone. I did get a response to message noting my additions, so hopefully you will get one soon. You can also send a follow up message just in case.

I am sure you have seen it, but this was posted in the comments two days ago:

Just to reiterate - The 'Zero Hour' decks have sold very well, but are not sold out.....so ANYONE WHO HAS ADDED FUNDS AND REQUESTED DECKS WILL GET WHAT THEY WANT. Still working through messages here as a confirmation formality though and to give our backers a personal experience. Please bear with us. Thank you to all.

I hope that helps a little.

[hsbc]

[shkorc]

Here we go again, like with the previous campaign. After doing nothing for 5 months an update filled with excuses and no concrete delivery estimate.

And switching from Vrijdag Premium Printing (the only company in the world able to print their demanding patented process) to EPCC.

Oh and switching fulfilment company, hoping it's not to China.

This will be my last Diffractor deck.

[HFMJ]

I backed only their second campaign, but the printer change seems to be like a big change.
The whole thing with the diffractoe technology was that it was their and their printer's patented technology.
I hope they deliver to their backers, if not, I think they will have a hard time making other decks.

[Eric Lee]

Lotrek was the only reason I backed it. Nice to know he's not the cause of the delay, he did get unfairly blamed this time! At least there was an update eventually. Managing expectations with timely and regular communication is extremely important, especially when money is involved.

I know some of you will be dissappointed and annoyed with the delay, but I also just want to please point out that Lotrek has nothing to do with production at all, so it would be unfair / pointless directing any concerns about delays in his direction....production is all on us at VXD Gaming.

[gacktvam]

At least he has an update for this project.
The Frozen Metal & the Cube is drawn to the black hole

[Harvonsgard]

Almost like the project is frozen...

Badum tsss

[Strag]

Lotrek was the only reason I backed it. Nice to know he's not the cause of the delay, he did get unfairly blamed this time! At least there was an update eventually. Managing expectations with timely and regular communication is extremely important, especially when money is involved.

I know some of you will be dissappointed and annoyed with the delay, but I also just want to please point out that Lotrek has nothing to do with production at all, so it would be unfair / pointless directing any concerns about delays in his direction....production is all on us at VXD Gaming.

Same, only backed because Lotrek. First and last VXD project I will back.

[hsbc]

At least he has an update for this project.
The Frozen Metal & the Cube is drawn to the black hole

New update for Frozen Metal / Cube today! Delayed, but will probably ship with Monte Carlo... whenever that is......

There's a pic of a new sample "ice cube" display as well and it looks pretty awesome

[PiazzaDelivery]

Already sent an message asking for a refund. Printer switch without consulting the backers is absolutely unacceptable. Never would have backed in the first place had I known this was EPCC.

[Harvonsgard]

Good old switcheroo never gets old. That's why I never back project based on a designer but who runs the campaign.

[Strag]

Already sent an message asking for a refund. Printer switch without consulting the backers is absolutely unacceptable. Never would have backed in the first place had I known this was EPCC.

Let me know if you get a response. Haven't responded to comments or DMs for a week now.

[jerichoholic]

So what is Lotrek doing about all this I wonder? I mean many people backed this solely because of his name and now his name is being dragged through the dirt just a bit. He should do more imo.

[Bikefanatic]

I've completely forgot about this project, lol. I'm waiting on this, Odd Fellows and upcoming Successor from Kickstarter.

Ironically I quoted Lotrek in my signature. As long as the "new" printer can uphold the quality that was promised, I hope it's not bad.

[jerichoholic]

Yeah well good luck, from what I can tell their previous project Frozen from 2019 is also still in limbo. I would advise asking for refunds but currently the creators are MIA. They need to be added to the Kickstarter hall of shame as this point.

[Harvonsgard]

He should do more imo.

I completely disagree. VXD is on record for being somewhat... How to put it? Difficult might be a good term. I was sceptic why Lotrék even collaborated with them but all power to him and them.
Mileage of course may vary but I'd say backers should be more selective with what they support and why and not jump on projects like dogs chasing every bus on the street.

[jerichoholic]

I agree and I have indeed been more selective on what I back these days and I am glad I never backed these, though I nearly did.

[PiazzaDelivery]

Lotrék's involvement was made clear from the beginning; the design, nothing more. Basically an independent contractor, divorced from any other aspect of the campaign. I too was swayed by his name appearing on the Kickstarter page and I genuinely thought it lent more credibility to VXD, which UC taught me had a shaky reputation.

I thoroughly regret backing this campaign. I've sent innocuous messages to them on every social media page of theirs I can find only to be answered with silence. I left a much more stern one in the campaign comments. They know they've irreparably damaged their reputation to such a degree that it would not shock me if they made no attempt to remedy the situation and just ran off with their backers' money. They're in too deep. I second adding them to the hall of shame. They deserve all the negative press they continue to receive.

[VXD]

Greetings all

Ok, I would like to address a few things being said by a very small group of people.

1) The facts of our project delivery status' (in chronological order) are as follows:

Vertex Deck - late & then fully delivered
Vegas Diffractor - late & then fully delivered
London Diffractor - late & then fully delivered
Frozen Metal & The Cube - late, but with clear evidence of concrete progress shown via project updates
Monte Carlo Diffractor - late (now by 1 month over KS estimated delivery date) with updates explaining the delays and with promise of further updates, as usual

Those are the facts.

2) The 'switcheroo' accusation - We are creators / designers and we do not have our own machines to manufacture what we have designed. It is vital for any creator to be flexible and be able to choose the best possible option for the production. We aim to improve quality all the time and iron out the past issues that have been noted by us and by our customers. Over the course of our 5 projects listed above, we have used many different factories, in many different countries, for the various parts of our overall product (ie cards, metal cases, display boxes). On the card production front specifically, from day 1 with our Diffractors, we had been in contact with Bill from EPCC. Once we heard of the great new and more advanced printing facilities they had at their disposal, we knew the time was right. Bill is a great innovator and the match should be ideal. We are working on all the necessary testing to make sure the quality is improved on balance overall (board, cut, slip-coating, holo registration etc etc).

If you check the Kickstarter page it does not specify which factories will be used. So, there is no `switcheroo`.

3) Demanding refunds - This is absolutely contrary to the spirit of Kickstarter. Backers pledge money to support a creator to make something unique / innovative for them and to deliver it with a bonus (ie to be the first to receive it + at a reduced price than eventual MSRP). Pressuring creators for refunds, based on false assumptions and accusations (such as the two points above), is just not right at all. The estimated delivery time is an estimate for a reason...Kickstarter isn't a place where established manufacturers sell their products and can promise a delivery date, it is for small innovative companies who give their best estimate for a delivery date. But even before the end of the campaign a creator is committed, in time and money. Then as time goes on the creator is more and more committed and this becomes evident from work shown in the updates (designs, smaple images and videos etc). We once fully refunded all backers on an element we could not produce and deliver (the tuck decks for the Vertex Deck). In that case, a refund is 100% in order, but in the case of a few backers becoming irrational and impatient, it is not. We are heavily committed, in time, energy and money.

4) On a personal level - We are being told (via various media), by a select few, that we are intending to now do something contrary to that which our track record shows. We are apparently running away with peoples money, or have done already even. We are being told we have no morals and are scammers and we should be ashamed of ourselves. Trust me when I say that these messages are far from 'innocuous' - they are personal attacks on your ethics and moral fibre, based purely on false future assumptions. They actually amount to mental abuse, no question. Over the years doing this, I persoanlly have had to dial way back from any social media or forums with regards to Diffractor Playing Cards. Some say...``oh, you just have to have a thick skin``, but personally I've chosen to distance myself instead from the personal attacks, for the sake of my mental health. Hence why I post here a lot less than I did before. It's pretty much the same drill every time, every project....accusations are made, product then gets delivered, all is forgotten (by those making and supporting the accusations). I assume that these people accusing us of never intending to deliver again this time, will be back to admit they were wrong and apologise for the personal attacks, when that package turns up at your door? (If you even backed at all - that's the real kicker!). Of course not.

So, as I've been doing for the last few projects, I will not be answering these type of messages and will just post the updates, when concrete new info is available.

Leaving this on a more positive note, I do really appreciate our many repeat backers who always do give us that patience and support. Those people know that we would never ever leave them high and dry. These (along with many new great backers too) make up the vast majority.

Have a nice day all. I'm off for a walk around the lake on this sunny Sunday morning.

Regards

Andrew

[rousselle]

Hi, Andrew.

I'm glad you posted this here, and I hope you will continue to engage.

As a disinterested third party, I'm also going to strongly encourage you to continue posting updates to your Kickstarter campaign on something resembling a regular schedule even when there is nothing much to report. I'd say that once a month or so is an excellent way to reassure backers that the situation is still being worked, even if there has been no overt progress.

There are several playing card producers whose KS projects have hit a snag along the way and even though there was no discernable progress being made, they would post on some predictable interval something along the lines of, "Hey, all, our manufacturer's facilities are still shut down for Groundhog Month, but as soon as they resume operations we plan to find out how far at the back of the line we are for getting those reprints going." And, in so doing, they earned a great deal of good will from their backers and others in the community.

Even if you're simply reminding your backers of previous information, it instills confidence that the captain is still at the helm. If you really hate the idea of doing that, well, tell your backers a story while they wait! Tease interesting ideas for future projects! Ask backers for their feedback on a sketch or a proposed future color combination or deck theme or whatever. You don't have to have a firm ship date or a photo of a prototype in order to connect with your backers. Connect anyway.

You say that backers treating Kickstarter like a store (and therefore trying to get pledge money back after a project hasn't shipped by the anticipated fulfillment time) is contrary to the spirit of Kickstarter, and you are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

By the same token, don't treat your backers like customers. Treat them like the patrons of your art that they are, and involve them in the process. Give them a look behind the curtain. That's how you built your community of supporters in the first place!

That's just my suggestion, and you certainly don't owe me anything.

But I've been active in this community for quite a while and I'm absolutely certain that the best thing you can do is to remain engaged with the community you have built, or they will move on and spend their future playing card money elsewhere.