Kickstarter

Creator Giddyup 1 day ago

@Kouture - and that's what makes me so upset. Not at you. I understand completely. Upset that others probably aren't backing it for the same reason. Very, very, very aggravating.

Creator Kouture Crochet 1 day ago

I wanted to back that project. The cards look really cool. But I learned my lesson here.

Creator Giddyup 1 day ago

I've been a backer of failed projects before. As long as the creator is honest, communicates, and makes a real effort, it doesn't really bother me that a project fails. But that's not what happened here. What really bugs me though is that other worthy projects like http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/79855980/voyager-bicycle-playing-cards might not make it because of projects like this one.

Creator Kouture Crochet 1 day ago

I was asked to post this by Luis Cordova:
"AT LAST ADAM!!!!!!

First of all I am grateful that you showed up, and share this pain with us.

I apologize for being rude, but you didn't give us too many choices, did you?

I share Kouture thougts, i am really sad that projects like this will receive a downfall just because of your lack of communication.

Please... learn

That being said, I will look forward at this refund process be fulfilled as expected."

Creator Kouture Crochet 1 day ago

Yes. And because that's how kickstarter works it is up to backers to police creators and hold them to the fire as much as possible. Because otherwise it won't exist. If we don't complain loudly when we see a scam or scammer and call them out, guess what, everyone will create projects and never deliver.

I call them all like I see them. If I back a project and they deliver, I am vocal in my thanks, so that others can see these people are honest and they deliver. If I back a project and they used the money to pay for their own bills and when the time came to deliver the project they there was not enough left and then the created a scheme to prevent backers from getting a refund, I am going to be just as vocal as if they had made a great project. If not more so.

It's the way of the world. And it's a good thing too.

I didn't call the numbers posted and I didn't do anything but share the links to the FBI, and IN AG and file complaints there myself. :)

Creator bagheadinc 1 day ago

When that explanation is, "sorry, spent your money on personal stuff and now I won't make enough of a profit" I think people have every right to be upset.

Creator Matt R 1 day ago

No, that wasn't what I said at all. I'm saying that it's odd that on a project where people WERE scammed, people gave up on complaining, while on this project, where an apology and a refund were offered, there are folks like you going to an extreme and freaking out. I'm out money on both projects, but on this one, at least I got an explanation for what happened. I won't say how the money was handled was right, but I'd rather have an explanation rather than a blow-off. Now I've submitted my information for a refund, and whether or not I get it, I still won't feel "scammed". Maybe I'm just more patient and forgiving than some folks.

Just remember what Kickstarter is: You're not giving someone money for a product. You're giving them money for potential. Sometimes things just don't work out.

Creator Kouture Crochet 1 day ago

Matt R about 1 hour ago
I'm confused as to how this works. On the Vortex deck page, the creator shows disdain for the backers, no one gets cards despite them actually being made, and no one raises a fuss. Here, Adam runs into issues that prevent him from making the deck, offers an apology and a refund, and everyone loses their minds. Yeah, you guys lost me on this one.
---------
wait wat? so what you are saying here is that "well they got scammed and they didnt complain so why should you?" I watch a show called "american greed" and it shocks me that someone can scam people for YEARS and just go on. its mind blowing to me, well i guess i see why now, because SOME people make those who want to see it end feel like they are in wrong and not everyone can cope with that so they would rather just not say anything. but that only helps the scammer.

and its not settled until all the refunds are actually issued. he promised to deliver cards and we saw how that ended. so i will wait (loudly) for my refund and without any shame for being one of those loud loud horrible people who had the nerve to complain.

Creator Kouture Crochet 1 day ago

see how easy that was adam!

but i would like to know how in this green earth you expect to:

-missapporiate $16,253 or a large portion thereof (a federal crime)

-be insanely rude to the persons you stole money from

-show no remorse

-ask US to help defer the costs of issuing refunds

-create a scheme to prevent international backers from getting refunds

-still show no remorse

and then expect US, the people, you wronged to handle you with kid gloves or treat you like YOU are the wronged party?

this "witch hunt" (yes i complained to the Indiana attorney general, FBI and kickstarter) is what SHOULD happen whenever ANYONE acts as you did.

lastly have you any idea what harm you have done? not just to us in the sense that you stole our money, but in the sense of other projects card and game projects worthy interesting projects from people who actually would deliver that will now never be funded? all because you saw that money in your account and got greedy.

Creator David Briel 1 day ago

Me? I have made absolutely zero phone calls to you or anyone with a similar name as you. If you think otherwise, I'd like to know.

Creator David Briel 1 day ago

My main beef is not that the project won't occur (although I was really hopeful that it would. The cards looked great). It's not that that Adam offered a refund (although his initial method was severely flawed and he has since (today) taken steps to correct that). It sucks for him that he ran into legal issues, whatever they may be. My biggest complaint and really the root of the problem is he used the funds as a personal loan to pay off school loan debt /before/ making good on the project. That, for me anyway, is the most outrageous part of this whole thing.

Creator Joseph Bridges 1 day ago

I think everyone needs to calm down. By using Kickstarter, you accepted the terms that you just might never get your product. If you put hundreds of dollars into this or any project, you are foolish with your money. With ANY project where you cannot physically see the product you are buying, never pay more than you can afford to lose. This mantra should extend even to mostly trustworthy websites like Amazon.

Creator Matt R 1 day ago

I'm confused as to how this works. On the Vortex deck page, the creator shows disdain for the backers, no one gets cards despite them actually being made, and no one raises a fuss. Here, Adam runs into issues that prevent him from making the deck, offers an apology and a refund, and everyone loses their minds. Yeah, you guys lost me on this one.

Creator David Briel 1 day ago

What I find most interesting is that KS presents itself firmly against charitable projects and yet, original intention or not, that is exactly what this turned out to be under the apparent guise of making playing cards

"Kickstarter cannot be used to raise money for causes, whether it's the Red Cross or a scholarship, or for "fund my life" projects, like tuition or bills."

Creator alan Daniels 1 day ago

https://indianaattorneygeneral.secure.force.com/ConsumerComplaintForm

Creator alan Daniels 1 day ago

Re: File No. 13-CP-55843
Alan Daniels vs. Adam Clarkson
Dear Mr. Daniels
The Consumer Protection Division received your complaint against Adam Clarkson and has
assigned it to a Deputy Attorney General for possible litigation. Please note that Attorney General’s
Office represents the State of Indiana in its interest in enforcing the consumer protection laws and
does not represent you as an individual citizen. You may have your own private cause of action
against Adam Clarkson, and we encourage you to seek out your own attorney if you choose to bring
a private action.
If you have additional information that you feel may be helpful to us, please send it to us and
include the above-referenced file number. You may be contacted by our staff in order to obtain
additional or clarifying information to assist the State in a possible action or to request your
assistance as a witness.
Upon completion of our internal review of this case, you will be notified if we intend to take any
further action. There is no guarantee that you will receive any money or other relief related to your
complaint. We do endeavor to enforce the consumer protection laws and protect consumers in this
state against illegal and deceptive business practices.
Thank you for filing a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division. We rely on concerned
individuals to bring problems to our attention. We look forward to working with you to bring this
matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
Sincerely,
Mark Snodgrass
Deputy Attorney General

Creator John Shingara 2 days ago

I find it ironic that Kickstarter is blocking users and posts but has not responded to any of the several complaints about this project. I suggest sending notes to tech blogs like Cnet, This week in tech, Gizmodo, etc. maybe if they get some bad press they might take protecting backers from scammers a bit more seriously.

Creator Kouture Crochet 2 days ago

Update, kickstarter is not just deleting posts, they are also blocking users who provided this service and threatening to close accounts. Thanks kickstarter. Great way to have your priorities in order.

Creator Kouture Crochet 2 days ago

Kickstarter cares more about his phone number than our money. So don't post his phone number. But they are ok with stealing $16k apparently.

I did get a letter back from the IN Attorney General. So please file your complaints there.

Creator David Briel 2 days ago

I looks like Kickstarter stepped in and deleted the posted address(es) for Mr. Clarkson. While I don't really have a problem with that it was probably at the prodding of Adam. So we know he's around (last login was 5/22). Come out, come out, wherever you are.

I sent another email to him directly asking to meet somewhere locally (we live just a few miles apart) as a token of goodwill toward this mess. I said that I'd be more than glad to post on here about how he had made a gesture in the right direction to "making this right" but it has all fallen on deaf ears so far.

Creator Isabel 4 days ago

I agree with that sentiment Luis! I'm only in for $12 but it is the principle.

Creator Luis Cordova 4 days ago

Well, I think I read a post from a lawyer, I think we should act to stop this guy from scamming other people.

I don't care if I receive $0.20 in return, I won't let people like him to think that they can earn 16 thousands in a month for nothing and keep smiling at us.

Creator Jay Jones 5 days ago

Bravo guys that is some great investigating hopefully something will come from all this :)

Creator Kouture Crochet 5 days ago

wow what a scammer!! what i dont get is those around him, like no one, not his wife, no one to tell him dude, stealing $16,250 for your own gain is wrong?!

i also complained to kickstarter and all they said is "we are aware of the project and update in question" but thats it.

Creator David Briel 5 days ago

@Daniel Lynch - For what it's worth, I was a backer on his Revision 1 deck and did receive the cards I ordered. It seems like some people did not and that's unfortunate that he's left them out to dry as well. I have emailed Adam directly (apparently we have a mutual friend on Facebook) to no reply.

Creator Jeff V Stein 5 days ago

These are the various related entities that I was able to find:

atcindus.com
agri-tronix.com
tournamentscales.com
bluetubeaudio.com
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1969365167/bluetube-audio-vacuum-tube-amplifier-with-built-in/

Creator Daniel Lynch 6 days ago

Guys,
I'm sad to say but he won't be giving our money back. Adam is a scammer and needs to be caught. Check out his last campaign in 2011 which was funded - most the comments say that they never received the cards (ones that did say could be fake). http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/onefreehour/revision-1-drafting-themed-playing-cards/comments

Okay so I've done some investigating. I logged into my amazon payments and found the email which the payments were sent to "onefreehour@gmail.com" and after some quick googling I think I've found his work Agri-Tronix Corp http://in.bizdirlib.com/m/taxonomy/term/2197/0

I suggest someone make a call to the company and ask what Adam is doing (if that is his real name). http://www.agri-tronix.com/

I feel bad for all people who he has scammed. Let's try and get this sorted?

Creator Luis Cordova 7 days ago

That's the point. He won't answer because he is hiding, so all the solutions we offer and all the good disposition is meaningless. We are just fooling ourselves.

ISN'IT RIGHT ADAM?
PLEASE PROOFME WRONG

Creator Jean Clyburn on May 18

That should be honeyfund website Adam and lindsey

Creator Jean Clyburn on May 18

Look on the houeyfund website for wedding details

Creator Jean Clyburn on May 18

I. Agree with Luis, but he won't answer messages, I've tried

Creator Luis Cordova on May 18

I would like to know Adam's opinion about Paypal (or whatever electronic way) refund, because we can be talking all day between us and nothing will happen, so:

ADAM, I REQUEST YOU TO ANSWER THIS POST.

Please give us your concerns about this way of refund.
I (we) are trying to work this problem together. If that really doesn't work for you, we can try to find other solutions, but please TALK TO US! we can help.

If you don't answer I will assume you are trying to get rid of us and hide. Please don't bury yourself deeper.

What do you think guys? does it make sense?

Creator John Shingara on May 16

Perhaps we should post our succeses / failures in obtaining refunds so we as a group can keep track of progress? I sent the SASE yesterday from Pennsylvania requesting my $65 refund. I'll post when / if I recieve it. Hopefully we will see refunds forthcoming.

Creator David Sancho on May 16

What do we international backers need to do next? Can we file a complaint with the FBI or any other entity? I know I can't send a SASE to the guy...

Creator Kouture Crochet on May 16

also for your needs. remember its not about $5 or $7, its about $16,253.
when you file your complaints dont forget to mention that total number because thats whats missing at this point.

http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx?

Creator Kouture Crochet on May 15

https://indianaattorneygeneral.secure.force.com/ConsumerComplaintForm

for your complaining needs.

Creator Michael Morfeld on May 15

http://www.inc.com/eric-markowitz/when-kickstarter-investors-want-their-money-back.html

Creator Michael Morfeld on May 15

Is a creator legally obligated to fulfill the promises of their project?

Yes. Kickstarter's Terms of Use require creators to fulfill all rewards of their project or refund any backer whose reward they do not or cannot fulfill. (This is what creators see before they launch.) We crafted these terms to create a legal requirement for creators to follow through on their projects, and to give backers a recourse if they don't. We hope that backers will consider using this provision only in cases where they feel that a creator has not made a good faith effort to complete the project and fulfill.

Can Kickstarter refund the money if a project is unable to fulfill?

No. Kickstarter doesn't issue refunds, as transactions are between backers and the creator. In fact, Kickstarter never has the funds at all. When a project is successfully funded, money is transferred directly from backers' credit cards to the project creator's Amazon Payments account. It's up to the creator to issue a refund, which they can do through their Amazon Payments account. (Like PayPal, Amazon Payments allows refunds for 60 days from the date of charge. After 60 days, creators cannot reverse the same charge to backers' credit cards, so to issue refunds they'll need to initiate a new transaction to send money via Amazon Payments or PayPal, send backers a check, or use another method. Our support team has guided creators in how to issue refunds like these before.)

Creator Michael Morfeld on May 15

http://www.kickstarter.com/blog/accountability-on-kickstarter

Creator Giddyup on May 15

This is why Kickstarter went through the whole thing about "Kickstarter is not a store, you are not buying anything, you are investing...." Although they have internal Terms of Service that state a creator must offer refunds, I doubt there's anything Kickstarter can do other than ban him from creating future projects.

For Adam's part, what a tremendous lack of character. I imagine him taking the SASEs and steaming off the stamps to reuse for personal mail. "Sorry, your refund must have gotten lost in the mail...report it to the post office...hehehe...suckers". As that thought may have run through his mind, I'll suggest he look up "mail fraud" and think twice about adding another government agency looking into this.

Creator Jean Clyburn on May 15

Kick starter should sort this out, I,m international as well

Creator Jay Jones on May 15

@Brit masters

You are using a mobile click on the projects main page scroll right to the bottom click "full site" once that has loaded scroll right down and there should be a button under the faq tha says something like "report project" hope that helps.

@kouture

Cheers