Back from the dead
Hey, everyone. I know Jason Aller has been posting some of what I had been saying on twitter, which I very much appreciate, but I obviously needed to pop in here myself to give an update.
The short version is that on June 21st I went to the emergency room at Cambridge Hospital where I was referred to a psychiatric care facility for a few days. I'm out, medicated and working on getting my life back together, this Kickstarter being a big part of that. A few of the grittier details have been posted to http://howis.schuylertowne.com where I am attempting to keep a public record of some of what has been going on with me.
I've been having conversations with a couple people and I believe the way forward is for me to relinquish control of the administrative functions of this project to a handful of trusted peers. I will still contribute my expertise to make sure the final product is of high quality and true to my original designs, but the fact is, I have failed at coordinating pick production, I have failed at communication and I have routinely failed to accept help that has been offered, so that changes today.
I wanted to get an update up here today to check back in and let all of you know what's been going on. However, I need to get the people who will be overseeing this project on the same page. At that point they will be introduced to all of you and we can get this thing moving forward again.
I'd also like to thank all of those who have reached out to offer optimism and support as I have begun to work toward getting well.
1,159
Backers
$87,407
pledged of $6,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Jul 15, 2010 -
Sep 24, 2010
- First created · 36 backed
- Schuyler Towne 796 friends
- Website: schuylertowne.com
Pledge $5 or more
33 backers
Anyone who donates will get templates of the tools in EPS, PDF, PNG, SVG, etc. formats (basically every format I can export, which will include CAD files) along with instructions for making these tools yourself. I'll offer material suggestions and finishing ideas too.
Pledge $20 or more
44 backers
Practice Makes Perfect! A practice kit with 3 locks progressively pinned, security pins, tweezers, plug follower and instructions for repinning your own locks. All packaged in a lovely tin. [+ Templates!]
Pledge $35 or more
269 backers
Hors d'Oeuvres! A set of 5 picks! There will be two options available, either 5 advanced picks or 5 starter picks. Your choice! This selection will come with a small case as well. [+ Templates + Practice Kit]
Pledge $50 or more
90 backers
First Course! A set of 10 picks! There will be two options available, either the 10 starter picks or the 10 advanced picks. This selection will come with a large case as well. [+ Templates + Practice Kit]
Pledge $75 or more
587 backers
Main Course! The full set of 20 picks! You will get every pick I have designed from the starters right through to the advanced designs. This selection will come with a large case as well. [+ Templates + Practice Kit]
Pledge $100 or more
103 backers
Save room for Dessert! A hand screened, 2 color "Open Locksport" t-shirt and a bunch of other Open Locksport shwag. Temporary Tattoos? Absolutely! Stickers? Heck yes! And more! [+ Templates + Practice Kit + 20 Picks]
Pledge $250 or more
10 backers All gone!
Custom Kit & Full access to me! My Mother, who did all of the prototyping for the pick cases, will make you a custom, hand made pick case to your specifications, including any illustration or dedication you may want. Additionally, you'll be given everything I've ever written or recorded on the subject of Locks & get 3 hours of Skype time with me to ask questions, discuss locks, run demos, whatever you want. [+ Templates + Practice Kit + 20 Picks + Shwag]
Pledge $500 or more
15 backers
Lock Library! 50 Locks of various types, including pin tumblers, wafers, levers, and dial & sesame combo locks. 30 individual picks and the full set of 20 in a case. You'll also get handcuffs and a cutaway pin tumbler to help explain how they work. You'll also get all of the shwag of the $100 level! Great for new clubs and hackerspaces.
Pledge $1,000 or more
2 backers
Uber Lock Library! Everything in the Lock Library times 2! 100 locks! 60 individual picks! 2 full sets of 20 in cases! 2 different sets of handcuffs and a 2 cutaways! One of a pin-tumbler lock, one of the locking mechanism in handcuffs! In addition to all of this I'll send you training materials. Nicely illustrated guides to lockpicking, impressioning, bumping, overlifting, etc. etc! I can guarantee 10 different reproducible worksheets and I'm hoping to do 20+!
Pledge $2,500 or more
2 backers All gone!
Physical classroom! I fly to you! I'll bring the picks, locks, handcuffs, combo locks, cutaways, high security locks, and, most importantly, the knowledge, to run 2 days of classes for as many people you like. You let me know how many people I can expect and your nearest airport and I'll do the rest. Great for Colleges & Universities, Hackerspaces w/large membership, offices or law enforcement! (This offer open to continental US only. If you are outside of the US & want to subsidize the airfare, we can talk!)
Comments
Creator Bronny C. on July 27, 2012
I want my money back. Anyone else? I'm willing to take this as far as a class action lawsuit if other's are interested.
Creator Threemoons on July 16, 2012
I have to say that at this point, in order to avoid a mass pullout and demand for refunds, that we are entitled to at least weekly updates and a DETAILED accounting of costs and production timelines.
Creator Aaron L'Heureux on July 10, 2012
Good luck with everything, including the project, but I have to say I am so glad I got my money back. This is quite the roller coaster.
Creator Bryan Green on July 10, 2012
Good luck man. I applaud your decision to delegate authority and administration of this project.
Creator Justin Eugene Evans on July 10, 2012
Care to post your discharge papers? How about a photo of you in the hospital? You conned us once, Schuyler. Then you closed a book deal, attended conferences and live on our money for two years. Now you're conning us again, attempting to illicite sympathy in order to avoid the scarlet letter you so richly deserve.
You are a liar and a fraud.
Creator Tyler Hibbard on July 5, 2012
Will one of the stipulations for the new leaders please be an update once every week or at least once every other week?
Creator James Moorman on July 3, 2012
Hello Schuyler,
Good to hear that you are somewhat back on your feet. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Consider how lucky you are to have had friends close to you. Kickstarter picks will be just as good later as they would have been a year ago. We all still want them. So, concentrate on getting your life back together ONE DAY AT A TIME. The rest will fall into place when the time comes. Raymond
Creator William Mullin on July 3, 2012
Welcome back.
Creator Richard Symons on July 3, 2012
It's getting like a friggin soap opera, you ought to write a book you should make a fortune!! AFTER the picks are finally done !!
Creator Tim Spencer on July 3, 2012
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. :-) I'm glad to hear you are doing better! Things may get hard again. When they do, know that we support you. You'll get through this and other low points in the future!
Creator Dade Murphy on July 3, 2012
I'm glad to hear that you are getting help! As much as I am excited about this project, I care more about you getting better.
Creator Cindy Au on July 3, 2012
Hey Schuyler, sorry things have been rough and good to hear you're doing better. Get well soon!
Creator Aaron F Stanton on July 3, 2012
I wish you the best.
Creator Oskar Olsson on July 3, 2012
Thanks for updating; and I'm glad to hear you're doing better.
While I'm a bit sour about how long this has taken, it would be amazing to see you pull this through -- an accomplishment in many ways. So I will remain patient, and hope for the best.
Creator Sean Young on July 3, 2012
Glad to hear you have gotten help, Schuyler. One foot in front of the other man!
Creator Einstein on July 3, 2012
Good luck dude, get well soon. Good to know you are in good hands and care.
Greetz from amsterdam
Einstein Toool NL
Creator Jonathan Kriston on July 3, 2012
Glad you are getting help, and feeling better.
Creator Dale S Allen on July 3, 2012
Keep going Schuyler, I know it has been a long road and I am sure that you are as disappointed with the way things have turned out as anyone is.
You have recognised the problem, sought help and turned a very important corner. I hope all goes well for you personally and that your helpers get the Kickstarter project back on track.
I for one am staying the course with you and wish you the very best in future
Cheers
Dale
Creator Chad Pinto on July 3, 2012
Please get well soon Tyler. I'm sure most of us would agree your health comes before any obligation to this project. The expertise and passion you have already shared with us is astounding. Thank you for the update.
Creator David Keen on July 3, 2012
Huh, wonder where the money to restart the project from scratch is going to come from? Maybe you can do another Kickstarter.
Creator dnevill on July 3, 2012
Great to hear something from you, and great to know you're getting help (in various ways) :D. I know from experience what a difference the right meds can make. Keep on rockin'!