Hi David. Kudos for moving forward as best you can muster. Ignore the irate financiers who don't understand the realities of shipping hardware (ship those units last, parcel post without padding). Hardware is hard, but real artists ship!
David - Send me the product/pieces (which at this point I don't believe you even ordered) or my money immediately. Since my address has changed since I placed my pledge, please directly message me for my new address.
Legal action? LOL. The project raised just short of $50K. If you're talking about a class action, you're not going to find a lawyer willing to get anywhere near this.
And if you're looking to just go pro se for your own individual reward, the filing fee alone would exceed the maximum backer tier.
Don't make dumb idle threats. It's not helpful.
David, it would be nice to know how many are left to ship and a time estimate. If you're really shipping these out as you say you are, this should be very easy info to provide.
It has been nearly 365 days since you said you had a problem with production. Since then the overwhelming response has been "send us our stuff and we will figure it out."
It has been more than 6 months since you said you would send them out. Even if you sent out 2 a day (two!) they would be out by now. Please send me my unit immediately.
You have the units, but 341 is taking this long to mail? I'm calling bull. That's a couple of days of packing at the most. Count me in on legal action.
I'm putting the parts in boxes to send out. There is just enough money to do this as I've said before, so refunds are no longer an option. I'm sorry it's going so slowly.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I've lost faith that this project will ever be fulfilled. According to the Kickstarter Terms of Service (linked from here: https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter+basics#faq_41859), "Project Creators are required to fulfill all rewards of their successful fundraising campaigns or refund any Backer whose reward they do not or cannot fulfill." Has anyone been successful in getting a refund? I tried last year, but David basically begged me not to move forward. If this doesn't move forward, would anyone be interested in seeking a legal remedy? (BTW, David, if you read this, I either want a refund or want my
units, and I think we'd all like more transparency.)
I liked this concept so much I ordered the big one and little one, which puts me at the end of the production delivery schedule. Would not mind getting them separately if it means getting something sooner. At least get here sooner than the central standard time really thin watch. :-)
It's been more than 3 years since the project was backed, and more than 2 years since you've got the parts. Do you plan on sending this to all backers and close this chapter, or should we consider this abandoned? I'm on the $100 backer tier, with another 63 others from the project count. Can you give us an update here?
@Garrett Morgan I would send him a message through Kickstarter indicating your address changed and what the new one is. You could also send him an e-mail via his contact info on http://davidmark.us/ but would then need to provide a way to confirm you are the same person who is posting here.
@Brian Kieffer I dunno, David seems to be shipping albeit slowly. (At least once people convinced him they didn't care what the finish looked like.) Though on an not-very-interesting personal note, I almost backed that flexible watch project ... but decided that I don't know that I'd wear such a thing. Then ended up buying a Nixie tube watch a few months ago which I've worn mostly ever since it arrived. :)
How do we confirm that you have our correct shipping address? I have moved since this was originally funded and I don't know which address you have. I would hate to wait 3 years for something only to have it shipped to the wrong address and never even get to see it. Please let me and others know how to make sure your address on file for us is correct. Thank You and I am looking forward for this project to be fulfilled. Garrett Morgan
So other than David insisting that people have posted that they have received their units (which I can not find evidence of) has anyone received a unit?
Hey Dave ... What ya been up to these last two months ... Can ya spare 5-10 min to throw some parts in a box and ship them to me ??? That would be great ! Ill have fun putting together since you don't have the time ... Great ! I'm looking forward to the parts you claim to have just can't actually ship out
This wasn't my first Kickstarter that failed to deliver, but it was the most expensive to fail.
I do not consider Kickstarter a store, and I don't consider a pledge a 'pre-order'. But I expect good consistent updates, that describe any problems that are causing a project to be months behind schedule or to fail. There are many smart people out there that are willing to help resolve problems.
I consider lack of updates, handy-wavy 'explanations' and excuses to be terrible. Fraudulent at worst, incompetence at best.
Hi David. Count me amongst those who is interested in whatever you can cobble together, though not amongst the angry rabble. I make hardware for a living and I totally understand how hard it can be and how unpredictable. I am one of those (seemingly few) people who actually consider KS "not a store," but a platform for people to try creative things. I'm sure you've learned more than you possibly could have hoped for and I wish you the best, though I do hope you can finish with a modicum of the stuff being delivered. Godspeed!
I just emailed the author of this article. With any luck he'll get us some publicity and David will finally be motivated to JUST SHIP US THE DAMNED PARTS ALREADY.
Holidays are over. Update your backers. Tired of seeming these comments? Update your backers and send us what you promised. Do what you promised to do.
So when can we expect an email confirming our addresses? A timeline would be nice (side note, in the time this project has been ongoing I have switched jobs twice and moved to a different state)
3 years ago, this was the 2nd Kickstarter project I had backed. 3 years and 16 more projects later, it's still the only one I have yet to receive. :-/ (And no, it's existence as a blurry background prop isn't consolation. It's further reminder that many that backed the project here have yet to physically handle a tangible product for their faith and support.)
That's exactly what I intend to do. Im ready to just close the book on this. I'm sorry it's not at all what I hoped for this.
Also if it's any consolation it was a blurry background prop in a movie.
http://davidmarkus.us/gotg (dot) jpg
David,
Please stop ignoring your backers. Share with us the good, bad and ugly. Failure to communicate out of fear is the worst thing you can do. Start typing RIGHT NOW we need to hear from you. It will only get worse if you continue to not to update.
The Internet forgives but it does not forget. The question you must resolve for yourself is how you want to be known and remembered. At this point you only have two choices left - either as a guy who miss-managed a project, came clean and did his best to resolve it -OR- as someone who committed fraud and ripped people off.
Ignoring the people who put their trust and money behind you is the worst thing you can do.
Be truthful and be thorough. We have a right to know what is going on. You took $50,000 dollars from backers - this won't go away.
8 months with no update. The holidays are over, put up an update. Send us our stuff. Or give us our money back. Stop pussy footing around and get it done.
My goal at this point is to distribute the parts as people have requested. I'm working with my ferrofluid supplier to create a plan for after the holiday rush slows down.
Just tell us what is happening - or at the very least, shut down the website. It just isn't right to have this up at all at this point. It looks a lot like hubris.
Use this space to cheer the creator along, and talk to your fellow backers.
Have a question?
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Show older commentsDavid Evans on
Hi David. Kudos for moving forward as best you can muster. Ignore the irate financiers who don't understand the realities of shipping hardware (ship those units last, parcel post without padding). Hardware is hard, but real artists ship!
Jai Ramachandran on
Brian - My guess? Zero. He has shipped zero
Brian Kieffer on
Hi David, Just wondering how many units you shipped in the month and a half since your last comment? How many are left to go?
Jai Ramachandran on
Brian - Yes legal action. You are right that it wouldn't be worth pursuing with a lawyer, but the FTC has been fairly interested in cases just like this one: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/06/11/the-ftcs-first-crowdfunding-enforcement-is-over-a-failed-board-game-on-kickstarter/
David - Send me the product/pieces (which at this point I don't believe you even ordered) or my money immediately. Since my address has changed since I placed my pledge, please directly message me for my new address.
Brian Kieffer on
Legal action? LOL. The project raised just short of $50K. If you're talking about a class action, you're not going to find a lawyer willing to get anywhere near this.
And if you're looking to just go pro se for your own individual reward, the filing fee alone would exceed the maximum backer tier.
Don't make dumb idle threats. It's not helpful.
David, it would be nice to know how many are left to ship and a time estimate. If you're really shipping these out as you say you are, this should be very easy info to provide.
Jai Ramachandran on
David - Well I would prefer my unit to be honest.
It has been nearly 365 days since you said you had a problem with production. Since then the overwhelming response has been "send us our stuff and we will figure it out."
It has been more than 6 months since you said you would send them out. Even if you sent out 2 a day (two!) they would be out by now. Please send me my unit immediately.
robby hayes on
You have the units, but 341 is taking this long to mail? I'm calling bull. That's a couple of days of packing at the most. Count me in on legal action.
David Markus Creator on
I'm putting the parts in boxes to send out. There is just enough money to do this as I've said before, so refunds are no longer an option. I'm sorry it's going so slowly.
Jai Ramachandran on
Patrick - I am with you. I would like either my money or my units by the end of the month or I will pursue a legal remedy. enough is enough
Patrick Mauro on
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I've lost faith that this project will ever be fulfilled. According to the Kickstarter Terms of Service (linked from here: https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/kickstarter+basics#faq_41859), "Project Creators are required to fulfill all rewards of their successful fundraising campaigns or refund any Backer whose reward they do not or cannot fulfill." Has anyone been successful in getting a refund? I tried last year, but David basically begged me not to move forward. If this doesn't move forward, would anyone be interested in seeking a legal remedy? (BTW, David, if you read this, I either want a refund or want my
units, and I think we'd all like more transparency.)
Philip Melemed on
I liked this concept so much I ordered the big one and little one, which puts me at the end of the production delivery schedule. Would not mind getting them separately if it means getting something sooner. At least get here sooner than the central standard time really thin watch. :-)
Reed Martin on
It's been a year since the last update... Right now would be a good time to do another!
Cleber on
It's been more than 3 years since the project was backed, and more than 2 years since you've got the parts. Do you plan on sending this to all backers and close this chapter, or should we consider this abandoned? I'm on the $100 backer tier, with another 63 others from the project count. Can you give us an update here?
Art McBain on
@Garrett Morgan I would send him a message through Kickstarter indicating your address changed and what the new one is. You could also send him an e-mail via his contact info on http://davidmark.us/ but would then need to provide a way to confirm you are the same person who is posting here.
Art McBain on
@Brian Kieffer I dunno, David seems to be shipping albeit slowly. (At least once people convinced him they didn't care what the finish looked like.) Though on an not-very-interesting personal note, I almost backed that flexible watch project ... but decided that I don't know that I'd wear such a thing. Then ended up buying a Nixie tube watch a few months ago which I've worn mostly ever since it arrived. :)
Garrett Morgan on
How do we confirm that you have our correct shipping address? I have moved since this was originally funded and I don't know which address you have. I would hate to wait 3 years for something only to have it shipped to the wrong address and never even get to see it. Please let me and others know how to make sure your address on file for us is correct. Thank You and I am looking forward for this project to be fulfilled. Garrett Morgan
Brian Kieffer on
Looks like another Kickstarter project is in a similar situation to this one.
http://observer.com/2015/04/did-the-creators-of-a-1m-kickstarter-botch-production-or-blow-the-cash-on-mojitos/
I think I'm going to get a t-shirt made:
"I backed an expensive Kickstarter, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt"
Jai Ramachandran on
So other than David insisting that people have posted that they have received their units (which I can not find evidence of) has anyone received a unit?
Seth on
Less than a month away from one full year of that "Full Disclosure" promise. SWEET!
Jeff Flowers on
I was wondering if I could get an update. Does this mean units are going out? Or ???
Chris Waszak on
Thanks for the updates David. If you could give an ETA on the remaining tiers that would be awesome.
Eric Brooks
Superbacker
on
Thank you, David, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this.
David Markus Creator on
Yes Jai, and you can find a few of their comments sprinkled around here. I've shipped out all units from the 3 "Early Backer" tiers.
Jai Ramachandran on
Has a single person actually received a unit?
Ivan on
Good to hear David, any idea on when you're going to ship the larger unit (main tier) that many of us are waiting on?!
David Markus Creator on
I'm preparing the next tier (Main small unit) for shipment.
Adam Scott on
Please either send me the parts, or send me a refund. One or the other. Today.
Chris Waszak on
Can we just please get our products? I will assemble it myself...
Cleber on
Hey Dave, any updates here? I'm sure you want to close this as much as we do. Please send us some news!
Tom Falardeau-Leclerc
Superbacker
on
...
Dave Fishman on
Hey Dave ... What ya been up to these last two months ... Can ya spare 5-10 min to throw some parts in a box and ship them to me ??? That would be great ! Ill have fun putting together since you don't have the time ... Great ! I'm looking forward to the parts you claim to have just can't actually ship out
Sincerely,
Dave
Don Pattee
Superbacker
on
This wasn't my first Kickstarter that failed to deliver, but it was the most expensive to fail.
I do not consider Kickstarter a store, and I don't consider a pledge a 'pre-order'. But I expect good consistent updates, that describe any problems that are causing a project to be months behind schedule or to fail. There are many smart people out there that are willing to help resolve problems.
I consider lack of updates, handy-wavy 'explanations' and excuses to be terrible. Fraudulent at worst, incompetence at best.
David Evans on
Hi David. Count me amongst those who is interested in whatever you can cobble together, though not amongst the angry rabble. I make hardware for a living and I totally understand how hard it can be and how unpredictable. I am one of those (seemingly few) people who actually consider KS "not a store," but a platform for people to try creative things. I'm sure you've learned more than you possibly could have hoped for and I wish you the best, though I do hope you can finish with a modicum of the stuff being delivered. Godspeed!
Adam Scott on
Any updates at all? Maybe a refund, or ship whatever parts you have to people?
Keith on
Well this looks familiar: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1880422811/ferrofluid-a-symbol-of-the-future
Kevin Criqui on
I just emailed the author of this article. With any luck he'll get us some publicity and David will finally be motivated to JUST SHIP US THE DAMNED PARTS ALREADY.
http://kotaku.com/12-successful-kickstarters-that-never-delivered-1687019268
robby hayes on
Holidays are over. Update your backers. Tired of seeming these comments? Update your backers and send us what you promised. Do what you promised to do.
Jai Ramachandran on
so timeline? update? anything?
Jai Ramachandran on
So when can we expect an email confirming our addresses? A timeline would be nice (side note, in the time this project has been ongoing I have switched jobs twice and moved to a different state)
wesley chang on
3 years ago, this was the 2nd Kickstarter project I had backed. 3 years and 16 more projects later, it's still the only one I have yet to receive. :-/ (And no, it's existence as a blurry background prop isn't consolation. It's further reminder that many that backed the project here have yet to physically handle a tangible product for their faith and support.)
Seth on
"A blurry background prop in a movie" .. Quite the metaphor.
David Markus Creator on
@Dave Fishman:
That's exactly what I intend to do. Im ready to just close the book on this. I'm sorry it's not at all what I hoped for this.
Also if it's any consolation it was a blurry background prop in a movie.
http://davidmarkus.us/gotg (dot) jpg
Dave Fishman on
Dear god just send me the parts ill put it together myself ! i dont care about the finish thats not 100% what you wanted
Reed Martin on
David,
Please stop ignoring your backers. Share with us the good, bad and ugly. Failure to communicate out of fear is the worst thing you can do. Start typing RIGHT NOW we need to hear from you. It will only get worse if you continue to not to update.
The Internet forgives but it does not forget. The question you must resolve for yourself is how you want to be known and remembered. At this point you only have two choices left - either as a guy who miss-managed a project, came clean and did his best to resolve it -OR- as someone who committed fraud and ripped people off.
Ignoring the people who put their trust and money behind you is the worst thing you can do.
Be truthful and be thorough. We have a right to know what is going on. You took $50,000 dollars from backers - this won't go away.
Jeff Flowers on
Gotta agree with the others. What's going on... Now's the time to share.
robby hayes on
8 months with no update. The holidays are over, put up an update. Send us our stuff. Or give us our money back. Stop pussy footing around and get it done.
Michael Chen on
I like to request my money back please.
Seth on
I wonder if anyone at Gizmodo backed this project? ...
http://gizmodo.com/kickstarter-project-finds-exciting-new-way-to-screw-its-1663145598…
David Markus Creator on
My goal at this point is to distribute the parts as people have requested. I'm working with my ferrofluid supplier to create a plan for after the holiday rush slows down.
Jeff Flowers on
Just tell us what is happening - or at the very least, shut down the website. It just isn't right to have this up at all at this point. It looks a lot like hubris.