You know... I had forgotten about this project. I got the cups, found then useless for intended task, shoved them in a corner, and just forgot.
Then I get an email notification about Rourke's Update posted today... and I remember all over again.
"we specifically avoided using chemicals on the inside of the cup... it would diminish the overall flavor quality".
I don't think anyone mentioned using chemicals on the inside of the cup, but ok. However, if you did use chemicals to polish the outside, rim, and top 1/4" to 1/2" of the interior, what happens when my lips hit the rim and the liquid passes over those sections? Also, you don't need chemicals to smooth or polish, it can be done mechanically.
"... would diminish the overall flavor quality. Hence, the intentional unfinished rough and groove-patterned interior aesthetics of the cup"
Huh? the porous nature of the cup, and grooves on the inside will make my drinks taste better? So having everything taste like coffee is a good thing? or... is the point to only ever drink one thing in each cup? My coffee gets a little stronger each month? Maybe in 10yrs I can just add boiling water to the cup and automagically make coffee?
"... seal the inner pores of the stone. This greatly inhibits its thermo-regulative properties." LMFAO
Speaking as an engineer that painfully sat through thermodynamics classes many moons ago... BS.
"We intentionally milled each cup to be machine washable. This allows the cup to be correctly sterilized... without compromising or diverting from our main focus; preservation of flavor quality". LMAFO, ROFLOL
1. You CANNOT sterilize in standard residential dishwashers - they don't get hot enough. In fact, the majority of residential dishwashers don't even heat the water, they use whatever water temp your hot water tank puts out. You have to go high-end to get inline heaters in a dishwasher (that still don't get hot enough to sterilize).
2. Preservation of flavor quality... what flavor? Dishsoap?
I could have accepted it had you come online and just admitted to a failed project and apologized for the lack of communication. But all you're doing is trying to string together enough big words so that it sounds like you know what you're talking about "...it has elongated the temperature duration of the liquid..." LOL
Started actively giving to Kickstarters about a year ago. Results have been mixed (which is to be expected). But 2 of my worst 3 experiences come from Rourke. The titanium was a disappointment for the price and I've heard absolutely nothing on the Stone Cups -- and the reports from those who have received are negative.
I certainly understand challenges but at least the people over Field Skillet (another delayed Kickstarter) have been communicative about delays and the final products appear to be impressive.
Worst of all, I believe Stone Cup shamed another Kickstarter (Granite Cup or something) putting out a similar product. I would withhold shaming until you've actually pushed out a good product. It doesn't count if the imaginary product in your head is better/similar to another.
@Vincent & Co.
Congratulations on your acceptance and written support of sub-standard Kickstarter projects, which provides comfort to every wastrel, con-man, and charlatan using Kickstarter to peddle false promises and faulty merchandise. If you believe your acceptance of lies and falsehoods makes you a better, more compassionate human being then I have a nice bridge I'll sell you. In the meantime keep striving for mediocrity or less.
Still haven't gotten mine, and I live in Utah. But, judging from all these comments, perhaps NOT receiving them is better than the alternative. Oh well.
Rough mill interior and amount of dust are unacceptable for a product at this price range. Pretty disappointed. Sent a message but no reply, so might as well add my comment to the list.
got a card in post the other day (I'm in UK) requesting £16 of import charges - didn't have a clue what is was for as had forgotten about these.
they turned up a couple of days after paying the charge and to be honest if I'd known what they were going to be like i'd have not bothered paying the extra money to get them
i short they're rubbish, thick walled thimbles of dusty rock that at best may serve as mini vases for silk flowers somewhere in my house.
Well said @Vincent.
Still waiting for my cups (Backer #1 but large order and UK based). I honestly believe this creator had good intentions and has maybe been let down by their supplier. But that's the risk of KS. It says so, very, very clearly, on the tin. This is not Amazon, not Home Depot, IKEA, Argos, etc. This is people, for the most part, trying to bring something new, interesting and sometimes unique to people with a sense of adventure. Sometimes, it just doesn't work. That's life, folks.
If you want safe, go shopping on your High Street or in your Malls and Retail Parks. Don't even shop online if you are afraid of disappointment or being screwed over (those pills don't work, EVER!). But if you believe in giving people a chance, or a helping hand, or if, as in my case, you find inspiration in what other people have created and achieved, then KS is a great place.
"Yea got mine, completely underwhelmed, not at all like campaign photos or description.... Arrived in nondescript cardboard boxes, unfinished with rough-hewed interiors full of rock dust, quarter-inch difference in height, one rocks since not flat or even finished on bottom. Overall not worth the about $30 apiece." ditto.
I know they had issues with broken cups, not sure who paid for what in the end but at least they delivered. Am i angry at them, no. Would i buy from them again, no. Is the witch hunt you guys have going on reasonable again no.
If you're that twisted over this campaign even if you received your cup/s then take a break from kickstarter.
Just because Kickstarters can be a gamble doesn't mean backers have to treat it exactly like one. If these people are interested in becoming real entrepreneurs, it's in their interest to maintain their reputation even if it means additional losses. If he's not interested in that, disappointed backers are entitled to make him feel as much flak/backlash through whatever avenues they find, as they wish to. After all it shouldn't hurt him if this is just a failed one-off and he's going back to a day job or something. That's my take on it.
Received mine today (Australia). I am quite content with the outcome of the product even though the two cups are of different shapes and volumes. Inside is unfinished but the outside is smooth and without cracks. Overall I am pleased with the product but wish there was more communication from the creator. I hope everyone else has the same luck with theirs as I have.
Yea got mine, completely underwhelmed, not at all like campaign photos or description.... Arrived in nondescript cardboard boxes, unfinished with rough-hewed interiors full of rock dust, quarter-inch difference in height, one rocks since not flat or even finished on bottom. Overall not worth the about $30 apiece. Kickstarter experience is they talk a good line & take your money but the product is a pitifully executed POS......
Received both cups. Unfinished from the inside like other backers.
One is taller than the other and even the curvature of the cups vary.
I did not bother to measure how much liquid they hold..
No two cups are the same - they kept their promise!!
The SOS20K was an awesome product but with this campaign you flushed your Brand Name down the toilet.
I promise will keep an eye open in the future and will definitely make my outmost that you do not fund another campaign and treat your backers like you did over here.
No login for more than 2 weeks, no communication, no cups, no leather sleeves ...
That's not business, that's bullshit!
This guy is messing around with us!
"Has anyone here actually ever organized a product to be manufactured overseas? In China especially when they make the prototypes of products they will make the best product ever. Then when you take delivery you get a production line product that has no care or detail.
very interesting, this is why i love kickstarter, u learn things, its like shark tank , not every investment will work out
Has anyone here actually ever organized a product to be manufactured overseas? In China especially when they make the prototypes of products they will make the best product ever. Then when you take delivery you get a production line product that has no care or detail. For a Kickstarter campaign when people are learning how this all works on the go I'm not surprised there has been a delay...
THATS WHAT KICKSTARTERS ALL ABOUT!!! You take on that risk when you back a project...
.. ask kickstarter why it is that everybody on kickstarter can get complete insights into the backers dealings (what comments one writes, what campaigns one backs), but you can't get insights into creators and what campaigns they ran in the past. This guy here who obviously knows how to trick people told me in a PM that it is very common for creators to create every campaign under a different name - well you look at him and you know why...
So right now I don't have plans to back on kickstarter again and if I change my mind I will only back where I see past campaigns that were successful or therei s a reasonable business behind it (too bad that kickstarter doesn't give a hoot about backers who are the ones that bring them the money and push us away).
Also, this is not in the spirit of crowd-funding, but frankly many campaigns that succeed you can purchase the product later very comparably if not cheaper and without risk -- again kickstarter with their approach is so greedy that don't even realize they work against their own interest
@Chris, he never tried once he had the money.... But as I said before people like him exist unfortunately, it is kickstarter who are the real problem as they do not take actions despite many folks having reached out to them, and as such enable criminals like him
I already spoke my peace, but here's where I am with this project: I understand that some businesses fail to deliver the expected/hoped results. And I'm cool with that when I back projects on Kickstarter. It's a risk that has been well communicated. So why, then, are we getting the silent treatment from this guy? He tried, and it didn't work out. Come out in public, tell your side of the story, and admit your mistakes. We, as people, like and value honesty, and would hear you out, and probably go a long way to support and understand you. This silence with which you are operating right now is a surprise, and... well... sucks. You were really quick to send new backers messages about how we are rock stars, and how excited you were about the future. Where are you now? Your project broke. Own it.
Well, they've finally arrived, and were everything I had anticipated from these comments. After forking out £16.30 for customs, I received two half finished cups. They are very small compared to the commercial video, and as many have discovered are totally unfinished - there's a large amount of stone dust inside as well as roughly ground walls. Since I don't really want to drink stone, I'll probably use these as rather fancy pots to grow very small herbs. Such is life sadly...
I don't think he put together their campaign but I think advertising is another venture of his. He seems to be all over the place - except his campaigns once they are finished
hes just another reseller they find products on alibaba and jus make fancy videos for them look at his site , i have no idea why i didnt do my usual research guess i only validate tech projects, live and learn
Interesting - so NY and Utah use the same video service? If I'd know it is him I would post something to at least alert folks to dig deeper. I just can't imagine that Rourke is remotely intelligent enough to put a technology campaign together like GeeFi....
@Rolf. I'm pretty sure it's him in the video (looks just like him) and his SOS 20k is shown. Alex Scoffield, who works with O'Rourke, posted the link to the GeeFi campaign. That's how I came across it. GeeFi says they hired out for their campaign video and they don't know who Sean is. After being told that, I am confident he was part of GeeFi's campaign video but I'm not confident he is apart of the project. I've also reached out to Kickstarter but I am receiving the same canned responses.
@Ben, exactly and I can even understand that kickstarter has this legal BS, and while they provide guidelines as you copied below, it is nothing but bla bla and there is not much we can do (unless we would really get a lawyer and file legal actions).
My problem is that Kickstarter even when you point out a campaign an explain that they violate pretty everything that they write - they don't care and let the creator continue even with new projects. That's the bigger issue here and is very bad business decision by kickstarter, because it is only a matter of time that there are more and more frauds trying to get money from backers via kickstarter and it will hurt their business. They also do not provide a safety mechanism where backers can evaluate creators and avoid them. So kickstarter is the problem more than Rourke...
Also just seen this, which is obviously what's behind Kickstarter clearly not giving a flying f@*k about backers being taken advantage of or left in the dark:
Kickstarter isn’t liable for any damages or losses related to your use of the Services. We don’t become involved in disputes between users, or between users and any third party relating to the use of the Services. We don’t oversee the performance or punctuality of projects, and we don’t endorse any content users submit to the Site. When you use the Services, you release Kickstarter from claims, damages, and demands of every kind — known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, disclosed or undisclosed — arising out of or in any way related to such disputes and the Services. All content you access through the Services is at your own risk. You’re solely responsible for any resulting damage or loss to any party.
Just copied this from a comment on another project I'm backing where the creator has gone silent:
From Kickstarter terms of use
If a creator is unable to complete their project and fulfill rewards, they’ve failed to live up to the basic obligations of this agreement.
To right this, they must make every reasonable effort to find another way of bringing the project to the best possible conclusion for backers.
A creator in this position has only remedied the situation and met their obligations to backers if:
they post an update that explains what work has been done, how funds were used, and what prevents them from finishing the project as planned;
they work diligently and in good faith to bring the project to the best possible conclusion in a timeframe that’s communicated to backers;
they’re able to demonstrate that they’ve used funds appropriately and made every reasonable effort to complete the project as promised;
they’ve been honest, and have made no material misrepresentations in their communication to backers; and they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.
The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers."
-section 4 of terms of use
" If there's something you want to know about a project, ask the creator — there's an "ask" button at the bottom of each project page. And if you come across anything suspicious, just let us know — there's a “report this project” button on each page. That feedback helps us make sure no one's trying to abuse the system."
I have not gotten a shipping confirmation or any response. I purchased 8 cups with nothing to show for it so far. I have attempted to contact the company several times since July.
- Lane
Both my cups arrived today, broken sadly. It would be nice if they could be replaced. Ironically it looked like they were reasonably well finished inside and out, not polished but probably useable.
Oh well, I have also asked the creator in a message for a replacement. Maybe the chance to send a new set and get a couple of points in the plus column
I got mine yesterday - as a lot of people have said, very limited capacity and I can understand why - it's the quality of the stone. It is hard to remove a lot of stone and still leave enough to hold together. One of my two cups has a hairline fracture in the stone the full length of the drilled hole. I get it, it's hard to manufacture, and quality is always going to be a little hit and miss with a natural product. So far all I've had is silence to my queries about replacement/refund, and that really is unacceptable. Sorry to hear everyone's in the same boat.
Looks like O'Rourke is on the GeeFi project. Hopefully no one here is backing it. That's definitely him and his SOS 20k in the campaign video. Just in case you want to let those backers know how great he is....
Use this space to cheer the creator along, ask questions, and talk to your fellow backers. Please remember to be respectful and considerate. Thanks!
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Show older commentsDave Steele on October 20
You know... I had forgotten about this project. I got the cups, found then useless for intended task, shoved them in a corner, and just forgot.
Then I get an email notification about Rourke's Update posted today... and I remember all over again.
"we specifically avoided using chemicals on the inside of the cup... it would diminish the overall flavor quality".
I don't think anyone mentioned using chemicals on the inside of the cup, but ok. However, if you did use chemicals to polish the outside, rim, and top 1/4" to 1/2" of the interior, what happens when my lips hit the rim and the liquid passes over those sections? Also, you don't need chemicals to smooth or polish, it can be done mechanically.
"... would diminish the overall flavor quality. Hence, the intentional unfinished rough and groove-patterned interior aesthetics of the cup"
Huh? the porous nature of the cup, and grooves on the inside will make my drinks taste better? So having everything taste like coffee is a good thing? or... is the point to only ever drink one thing in each cup? My coffee gets a little stronger each month? Maybe in 10yrs I can just add boiling water to the cup and automagically make coffee?
"... seal the inner pores of the stone. This greatly inhibits its thermo-regulative properties." LMFAO
Speaking as an engineer that painfully sat through thermodynamics classes many moons ago... BS.
"We intentionally milled each cup to be machine washable. This allows the cup to be correctly sterilized... without compromising or diverting from our main focus; preservation of flavor quality". LMAFO, ROFLOL
1. You CANNOT sterilize in standard residential dishwashers - they don't get hot enough. In fact, the majority of residential dishwashers don't even heat the water, they use whatever water temp your hot water tank puts out. You have to go high-end to get inline heaters in a dishwasher (that still don't get hot enough to sterilize).
2. Preservation of flavor quality... what flavor? Dishsoap?
I could have accepted it had you come online and just admitted to a failed project and apologized for the lack of communication. But all you're doing is trying to string together enough big words so that it sounds like you know what you're talking about "...it has elongated the temperature duration of the liquid..." LOL
That update can only be described as insulting.
Joseph Smith on October 20
Also have not received my cups yet, are these still shipping?
Jeff Amann
Superbacker
on October 20
Are you still shipping them? I have not recieved mine!
SweatpantsBoner on October 20
Started actively giving to Kickstarters about a year ago. Results have been mixed (which is to be expected). But 2 of my worst 3 experiences come from Rourke. The titanium was a disappointment for the price and I've heard absolutely nothing on the Stone Cups -- and the reports from those who have received are negative.
I certainly understand challenges but at least the people over Field Skillet (another delayed Kickstarter) have been communicative about delays and the final products appear to be impressive.
Worst of all, I believe Stone Cup shamed another Kickstarter (Granite Cup or something) putting out a similar product. I would withhold shaming until you've actually pushed out a good product. It doesn't count if the imaginary product in your head is better/similar to another.
Abel Goh
Superbacker
on October 20
this is utterly disappointing. i hope karma strikes back at these shit stains
Gary McGrath
Superbacker
on October 19
@Vincent & Co.
Congratulations on your acceptance and written support of sub-standard Kickstarter projects, which provides comfort to every wastrel, con-man, and charlatan using Kickstarter to peddle false promises and faulty merchandise. If you believe your acceptance of lies and falsehoods makes you a better, more compassionate human being then I have a nice bridge I'll sell you. In the meantime keep striving for mediocrity or less.
Justin Barrett on October 17
Still haven't gotten mine, and I live in Utah. But, judging from all these comments, perhaps NOT receiving them is better than the alternative. Oh well.
Jacob Schill on October 14
Rough mill interior and amount of dust are unacceptable for a product at this price range. Pretty disappointed. Sent a message but no reply, so might as well add my comment to the list.
Paul Taylor on October 14
got a card in post the other day (I'm in UK) requesting £16 of import charges - didn't have a clue what is was for as had forgotten about these.
they turned up a couple of days after paying the charge and to be honest if I'd known what they were going to be like i'd have not bothered paying the extra money to get them
i short they're rubbish, thick walled thimbles of dusty rock that at best may serve as mini vases for silk flowers somewhere in my house.
crap product, not worth the wait.
TenChiGin
Superbacker
on October 13
Well said @Vincent.
Still waiting for my cups (Backer #1 but large order and UK based). I honestly believe this creator had good intentions and has maybe been let down by their supplier. But that's the risk of KS. It says so, very, very clearly, on the tin. This is not Amazon, not Home Depot, IKEA, Argos, etc. This is people, for the most part, trying to bring something new, interesting and sometimes unique to people with a sense of adventure. Sometimes, it just doesn't work. That's life, folks.
If you want safe, go shopping on your High Street or in your Malls and Retail Parks. Don't even shop online if you are afraid of disappointment or being screwed over (those pills don't work, EVER!). But if you believe in giving people a chance, or a helping hand, or if, as in my case, you find inspiration in what other people have created and achieved, then KS is a great place.
[Sermon over.]
Craig Ashby on October 13
no cups. no communication.
imo, kickstarter projects are becoming increasingly unreliable.
Vincent Azara on October 13
"Yea got mine, completely underwhelmed, not at all like campaign photos or description.... Arrived in nondescript cardboard boxes, unfinished with rough-hewed interiors full of rock dust, quarter-inch difference in height, one rocks since not flat or even finished on bottom. Overall not worth the about $30 apiece." ditto.
I know they had issues with broken cups, not sure who paid for what in the end but at least they delivered. Am i angry at them, no. Would i buy from them again, no. Is the witch hunt you guys have going on reasonable again no.
If you're that twisted over this campaign even if you received your cup/s then take a break from kickstarter.
Ben C. Barnes on October 13
Just because Kickstarters can be a gamble doesn't mean backers have to treat it exactly like one. If these people are interested in becoming real entrepreneurs, it's in their interest to maintain their reputation even if it means additional losses. If he's not interested in that, disappointed backers are entitled to make him feel as much flak/backlash through whatever avenues they find, as they wish to. After all it shouldn't hurt him if this is just a failed one-off and he's going back to a day job or something. That's my take on it.
Sam Jaggs
Superbacker
on October 12
Received mine today (Australia). I am quite content with the outcome of the product even though the two cups are of different shapes and volumes. Inside is unfinished but the outside is smooth and without cracks. Overall I am pleased with the product but wish there was more communication from the creator. I hope everyone else has the same luck with theirs as I have.
Cg2 on October 12
Apparently Sean is a Guru of the crowdfunding: https://www.ivoox.com/the-secrets-to-a-100-000-hardware-crowdfunding-comeback-audios-mp3_rf_6767848_1.html.
While working at Rourke, according to his linkedin profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-scoffield-7a5b7578), it might also be a good idea to contact Alex Scoffield: https://www.facebook.com/ahscoffield, who coincidentally, likes geefi a lot (runned by his fb friend Eli Ostreicher, just to say "be careful with geefi")
Cg2 on October 12
Almost forgot, his mail: orourke.sm@gmail.com
Cg2 on October 12
Sean O'Rourke
850 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
tel. 216-645-1009
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sean.orourke.587…
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisceowouldliketobeyourintern
https://angel.co/sean-o-rourke
Ceo of this other project, you can see him on the video: https://vimeo.com/106682150
ALL THIS INFORMATION IN PUBLIC ON THE INTERNET. It's just about searching.
Cg2 on October 12
Do you want a face? Sean O'Rourke: https://www.youtube.com/watch…
Steve on October 12
Yea got mine, completely underwhelmed, not at all like campaign photos or description.... Arrived in nondescript cardboard boxes, unfinished with rough-hewed interiors full of rock dust, quarter-inch difference in height, one rocks since not flat or even finished on bottom. Overall not worth the about $30 apiece. Kickstarter experience is they talk a good line & take your money but the product is a pitifully executed POS......
Pierre Abela
Superbacker
on October 12
Received both cups. Unfinished from the inside like other backers.
One is taller than the other and even the curvature of the cups vary.
I did not bother to measure how much liquid they hold..
No two cups are the same - they kept their promise!!
The SOS20K was an awesome product but with this campaign you flushed your Brand Name down the toilet.
I promise will keep an eye open in the future and will definitely make my outmost that you do not fund another campaign and treat your backers like you did over here.
Rolf on October 12
@Alexander Watson - I don't think you actually understand what people are upset about!
Thierry Barnay on October 11
Any delivery updates?
I will have to agree, at some point, with the other backers, that I have been scammed too.
Sven Baumert
Superbacker
on October 8
No login for more than 2 weeks, no communication, no cups, no leather sleeves ...
That's not business, that's bullshit!
This guy is messing around with us!
Viral Videos on October 8
"Has anyone here actually ever organized a product to be manufactured overseas? In China especially when they make the prototypes of products they will make the best product ever. Then when you take delivery you get a production line product that has no care or detail.
very interesting, this is why i love kickstarter, u learn things, its like shark tank , not every investment will work out
Jens Randolff on October 7
Still waiting on shipping information and or order. Last update I received was 2 month ago. Sad.
Alexander Watson on October 7
Has anyone here actually ever organized a product to be manufactured overseas? In China especially when they make the prototypes of products they will make the best product ever. Then when you take delivery you get a production line product that has no care or detail. For a Kickstarter campaign when people are learning how this all works on the go I'm not surprised there has been a delay...
THATS WHAT KICKSTARTERS ALL ABOUT!!! You take on that risk when you back a project...
Now sit down people
Alexander Watson on October 7
Just got mine in the post - absolutely stoked, have one already in the freezer cooling down!
Rolf on October 7
.. ask kickstarter why it is that everybody on kickstarter can get complete insights into the backers dealings (what comments one writes, what campaigns one backs), but you can't get insights into creators and what campaigns they ran in the past. This guy here who obviously knows how to trick people told me in a PM that it is very common for creators to create every campaign under a different name - well you look at him and you know why...
So right now I don't have plans to back on kickstarter again and if I change my mind I will only back where I see past campaigns that were successful or therei s a reasonable business behind it (too bad that kickstarter doesn't give a hoot about backers who are the ones that bring them the money and push us away).
Also, this is not in the spirit of crowd-funding, but frankly many campaigns that succeed you can purchase the product later very comparably if not cheaper and without risk -- again kickstarter with their approach is so greedy that don't even realize they work against their own interest
Rolf on October 7
@Chris, he never tried once he had the money.... But as I said before people like him exist unfortunately, it is kickstarter who are the real problem as they do not take actions despite many folks having reached out to them, and as such enable criminals like him
sdavis
Superbacker
on October 7
Still haven't gotten anything, but it doesn't sound like I'm alone.
Chris Willis
Superbacker
on October 6
I already spoke my peace, but here's where I am with this project: I understand that some businesses fail to deliver the expected/hoped results. And I'm cool with that when I back projects on Kickstarter. It's a risk that has been well communicated. So why, then, are we getting the silent treatment from this guy? He tried, and it didn't work out. Come out in public, tell your side of the story, and admit your mistakes. We, as people, like and value honesty, and would hear you out, and probably go a long way to support and understand you. This silence with which you are operating right now is a surprise, and... well... sucks. You were really quick to send new backers messages about how we are rock stars, and how excited you were about the future. Where are you now? Your project broke. Own it.
kevin white on October 6
yep.....ANOTHER 2 weeks gone and STILL no order of these "cute" stone thimbles....this project has become a metamorphic pile of shit.....
Chris Macgregor on October 6
Well, they've finally arrived, and were everything I had anticipated from these comments. After forking out £16.30 for customs, I received two half finished cups. They are very small compared to the commercial video, and as many have discovered are totally unfinished - there's a large amount of stone dust inside as well as roughly ground walls. Since I don't really want to drink stone, I'll probably use these as rather fancy pots to grow very small herbs. Such is life sadly...
Vincent Azara on October 6
still waiting...
E on October 5
I suspect this guy is the lead with the advertising bit. Involved with Rourke, O'Rourke & Company Branding and RoamProof.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-scoffield-7a5b7578
E on October 5
I don't think he put together their campaign but I think advertising is another venture of his. He seems to be all over the place - except his campaigns once they are finished
Viral Videos on October 5
hes just another reseller they find products on alibaba and jus make fancy videos for them look at his site , i have no idea why i didnt do my usual research guess i only validate tech projects, live and learn
Rolf on October 5
Interesting - so NY and Utah use the same video service? If I'd know it is him I would post something to at least alert folks to dig deeper. I just can't imagine that Rourke is remotely intelligent enough to put a technology campaign together like GeeFi....
E on October 5
@Rolf - He is also wearing the watch from his Northern Watch campaign in the GeeFi video.
E on October 5
@Rolf. I'm pretty sure it's him in the video (looks just like him) and his SOS 20k is shown. Alex Scoffield, who works with O'Rourke, posted the link to the GeeFi campaign. That's how I came across it. GeeFi says they hired out for their campaign video and they don't know who Sean is. After being told that, I am confident he was part of GeeFi's campaign video but I'm not confident he is apart of the project. I've also reached out to Kickstarter but I am receiving the same canned responses.
Rolf on October 5
@E how do you know this is him (GeeFi)? Are you absolutely sure?
Rolf on October 5
@Ben, exactly and I can even understand that kickstarter has this legal BS, and while they provide guidelines as you copied below, it is nothing but bla bla and there is not much we can do (unless we would really get a lawyer and file legal actions).
My problem is that Kickstarter even when you point out a campaign an explain that they violate pretty everything that they write - they don't care and let the creator continue even with new projects. That's the bigger issue here and is very bad business decision by kickstarter, because it is only a matter of time that there are more and more frauds trying to get money from backers via kickstarter and it will hurt their business. They also do not provide a safety mechanism where backers can evaluate creators and avoid them. So kickstarter is the problem more than Rourke...
Ben George
Superbacker
on October 5
Also just seen this, which is obviously what's behind Kickstarter clearly not giving a flying f@*k about backers being taken advantage of or left in the dark:
Kickstarter isn’t liable for any damages or losses related to your use of the Services. We don’t become involved in disputes between users, or between users and any third party relating to the use of the Services. We don’t oversee the performance or punctuality of projects, and we don’t endorse any content users submit to the Site. When you use the Services, you release Kickstarter from claims, damages, and demands of every kind — known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, disclosed or undisclosed — arising out of or in any way related to such disputes and the Services. All content you access through the Services is at your own risk. You’re solely responsible for any resulting damage or loss to any party.
Ben George
Superbacker
on October 5
Just copied this from a comment on another project I'm backing where the creator has gone silent:
From Kickstarter terms of use
If a creator is unable to complete their project and fulfill rewards, they’ve failed to live up to the basic obligations of this agreement.
To right this, they must make every reasonable effort to find another way of bringing the project to the best possible conclusion for backers.
A creator in this position has only remedied the situation and met their obligations to backers if:
they post an update that explains what work has been done, how funds were used, and what prevents them from finishing the project as planned;
they work diligently and in good faith to bring the project to the best possible conclusion in a timeframe that’s communicated to backers;
they’re able to demonstrate that they’ve used funds appropriately and made every reasonable effort to complete the project as promised;
they’ve been honest, and have made no material misrepresentations in their communication to backers; and they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.
The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers."
-section 4 of terms of use
Any grounds for this to apply here? ;)
Jen on October 5
" If there's something you want to know about a project, ask the creator — there's an "ask" button at the bottom of each project page. And if you come across anything suspicious, just let us know — there's a “report this project” button on each page. That feedback helps us make sure no one's trying to abuse the system."
Macon Jung on October 5
I am from Korea. I am waiting the delivery of Stone cups. Can you give me the tracking number or delivery information?
Lane Baker on October 5
I have not gotten a shipping confirmation or any response. I purchased 8 cups with nothing to show for it so far. I have attempted to contact the company several times since July.
- Lane
Konrad Blackman on October 5
Both my cups arrived today, broken sadly. It would be nice if they could be replaced. Ironically it looked like they were reasonably well finished inside and out, not polished but probably useable.
Oh well, I have also asked the creator in a message for a replacement. Maybe the chance to send a new set and get a couple of points in the plus column
Adam Ghijben on October 5
I got mine yesterday - as a lot of people have said, very limited capacity and I can understand why - it's the quality of the stone. It is hard to remove a lot of stone and still leave enough to hold together. One of my two cups has a hairline fracture in the stone the full length of the drilled hole. I get it, it's hard to manufacture, and quality is always going to be a little hit and miss with a natural product. So far all I've had is silence to my queries about replacement/refund, and that really is unacceptable. Sorry to hear everyone's in the same boat.
E on October 4
Looks like O'Rourke is on the GeeFi project. Hopefully no one here is backing it. That's definitely him and his SOS 20k in the campaign video. Just in case you want to let those backers know how great he is....