Sure, LPJ is trying to generate traffic and dialogue on this blog. Maybe he is a little bitter about his offer being rebuffed, or maybe he doesn't care.
But the general question was (paraphrasing): "how important is it that products come out 'on time', and what other factors (prepayment, expectations of quality, etc...) determine the point at which you, the customer, feels justified in saying 'I've waited far too long for this'?"
And that's a legitimate question. The issues with RC are illustrative, even if using them as example might cast LPJ unfavorably in some people's eyes. From what I've seen, that's not something he's ever shied away from.
I believe good communication is key, and paramount when things are behind schedule. Most people are understanding when it comes to life getting in the way of things. Of course, at some point, if nothing is forthcoming, even good communication rings hollow. My guess is LPJ is also asking when that point may be, for you?
I also think the tiny RPG industry is very much 'for-profit', if you treat it as such, like any business. Many RPG companies are profitable. If you want to treat it as a labor of love, and give your work away charitably to your friends, that is your prerogative, but don't expect everyone else to feel the same way.
Nick apologized and offered to refund any preorders which I've heard have all been fulfilled. Many people don't want Nick to give back their money because they would rather one day have Razor Coast and support Nick through difficult times.
I have no issue with questions like: "how important is it that products come out on time" or "how much does it take till you feel burned". All great questions. It's one of the reasons I read this blog!
My issue is that Louis has history with Nick and with this project. He offered to buy it and Nick declined. To Louis' credit, he is open and honest about these background details. But there is bias and basis for a conflict of interest here.
Also, the original blog post title wasn't...
"how important is it that products come out on time" or "how much does it take till you feel burned"
it was... "Did Nick Logue burn people with pre-orders and kill his repution with Razor Coast fiasco?"
As already mentioned, Nick has apologized and offered to refund preorders and done so where requested. Nick didn't burn people with preorders (which is right in the blog posts title). Nor does the original blog post mention Nick refunding preorders. As Nick himself has said multiple times, despite tragedy in his life, there is no excuse for missing his deadline so many times. No one is stating otherwise. But "burning people with preorders"? It paints an inaccurate picture from a biased party.
It's also problematic that now when Nick's future employers do a Google search, they may find this subject title which doesn't paint an accurate picture. It's a sensationalized title for a subject that isn't necessarily even about Nick that misses crucial information like Nick refunding preorders.
I think it would be much less of an issue if the title was different and the full story was presented. That said, I also give credit to Louis for allowing these comments on his blog. My hope, and he is certainly under no requirement to do so, is that he will edit his original posts while retaining the spirit of his question (which I think are good and I have no issue with).
While the title of the post may also be a dig at Mr. Logue, as you say, the spirit of the question is valid.
And while a refund may be well enough for some people, I'd wager even some of those who got their money back may still feel 'burned' enough not to prepay again, with Sinister, or anyone else. RC's being the example doesn't make the general issue any less food for thought.
If you can't deliver, own up fast and get out in front of it. Stuff happens and the patronage concept makes stuff happening into a bigger deal because they already have the money.
Always communicate.
ReplyDeleteSure, LPJ is trying to generate traffic and dialogue on this blog. Maybe he is a little bitter about his offer being rebuffed, or maybe he doesn't care.
But the general question was (paraphrasing): "how important is it that products come out 'on time', and what other factors (prepayment, expectations of quality, etc...) determine the point at which you, the customer, feels justified in saying 'I've waited far too long for this'?"
And that's a legitimate question. The issues with RC are illustrative, even if using them as example might cast LPJ unfavorably in some people's eyes. From what I've seen, that's not something he's ever shied away from.
I believe good communication is key, and paramount when things are behind schedule. Most people are understanding when it comes to life getting in the way of things. Of course, at some point, if nothing is forthcoming, even good communication rings hollow. My guess is LPJ is also asking when that point may be, for you?
I also think the tiny RPG industry is very much 'for-profit', if you treat it as such, like any business. Many RPG companies are profitable. If you want to treat it as a labor of love, and give your work away charitably to your friends, that is your prerogative, but don't expect everyone else to feel the same way.
Nick apologized and offered to refund any preorders which I've heard have all been fulfilled. Many people don't want Nick to give back their money because they would rather one day have Razor Coast and support Nick through difficult times.
ReplyDeleteI have no issue with questions like: "how important is it that products come out on time" or "how much does it take till you feel burned". All great questions. It's one of the reasons I read this blog!
My issue is that Louis has history with Nick and with this project. He offered to buy it and Nick declined. To Louis' credit, he is open and honest about these background details. But there is bias and basis for a conflict of interest here.
Also, the original blog post title wasn't...
"how important is it that products come out on time" or "how much does it take till you feel burned"
it was... "Did Nick Logue burn people with pre-orders and kill his repution with Razor Coast fiasco?"
As already mentioned, Nick has apologized and offered to refund preorders and done so where requested. Nick didn't burn people with preorders (which is right in the blog posts title). Nor does the original blog post mention Nick refunding preorders. As Nick himself has said multiple times, despite tragedy in his life, there is no excuse for missing his deadline so many times. No one is stating otherwise. But "burning people with preorders"? It paints an inaccurate picture from a biased party.
It's also problematic that now when Nick's future employers do a Google search, they may find this subject title which doesn't paint an accurate picture. It's a sensationalized title for a subject that isn't necessarily even about Nick that misses crucial information like Nick refunding preorders.
I think it would be much less of an issue if the title was different and the full story was presented. That said, I also give credit to Louis for allowing these comments on his blog. My hope, and he is certainly under no requirement to do so, is that he will edit his original posts while retaining the spirit of his question (which I think are good and I have no issue with).
While the title of the post may also be a dig at Mr. Logue, as you say, the spirit of the question is valid.
ReplyDeleteAnd while a refund may be well enough for some people, I'd wager even some of those who got their money back may still feel 'burned' enough not to prepay again, with Sinister, or anyone else. RC's being the example doesn't make the general issue any less food for thought.
If you can't deliver, own up fast and get out in front of it. Stuff happens and the patronage concept makes stuff happening into a bigger deal because they already have the money.
ReplyDelete