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[Cheddahz]

So someone can't be a tester and work for MS at two different times? How do you KNOW he never worked at MS?

The above scenario may be unlikely, but why are you guys trying to trash the guy without anything solid to go on? What if you're wrong and you guys are defaming him unjustly?

The only record of him working at Microsoft that was found was that he was a tester for Fable 3 (he is in the credits as a tester).

I'm not going to link the posts, as they have been linked numerous times in the thread, but there has been good enough evidence to show that he wasn't really what he said he was in his Kickstarter pitch and the mismanagement of money that has been raised is something to be concerned about as well (going through multiple artists, saying that he's been working on the game for years and just recently started coding the game)

As a backer, I'm unhappy about what has been going on in the development of the game and honestly, I'm not really concerned about the $15 at this point, I'm more concerned about how he has been taking everything and his reaction to anyone that doesn't have the same ideas as him

 

[graywolf323]

I'm more concerned about how he has been taking everything and his reaction to anyone that doesn't have the same ideas as him

he has handled this poorly yes but that statement comes across as pot calling the kettle black as well

 

[zhorkat]

How does anyone even think this is valid? Beg for money then go on vacation? Vacations are rewards, not entitlements.

Why shouldn't he get to go on a vacation? He promised a game, not to work nonstop all year. Asking for money on Kickstarter shouldn't mean you suddenly lose the right to go on a trip. Should he not get holidays off either since he begged for money?

 

[Bboy AJ]

You kidding me? I don't know this guy at all, I don't know much about the project, I don't have any dog in this fight. I just know an internet rage pile on when I see one, and I'm telling you guys, you don't have anything solid on him that makes it okay to call him a scammer and a liar and a thief.

When you ask for KS money, it's expected you use it to fund your project. Not for a vacation. Ship first, take a vacation after. You have a dog in this fight since you begged for KS money, too. And you're using the "funded over the goal as profit" while you had stretch goals. How unprofessional. Exactly why, as interesting as your game looks, I'd never buy it months in advance.

 

[Jobbs]

I asked him to elaborate on his credentials when the Kickstarter was happening and he wouldn't. I'd show you a link but he deleted my post. Throw in that nobody has been able to find any evidence that he ever worked directly for Microsoft. His credit on Fable specifically shows his contracting company in bracket. Basically all evidence points to him working only as a contract tester and there's absolutely no evidence showing that he worked at Microsoft as an actual developer. Don't you think that's something you'd mention on a Kickstarter or LinkedIn if that was the case?

I'm Elvis. How do you KNOW I'm not him? Because you're not an idiot.

So he's a scammer, but he's continuing to host his website, be a member of the community, and post new designs and updates from the game because that's the most efficient way to scam? Why is he posting this stuff and continuing his online presence if he's a scammer?

Again, maybe he is or isn't a scammer, I have no friggin clue, I just know you guys don't have anything solid on him that I've seen so far, and you're piling on and defaming. What if he's actually NOT a scammer and he's not even here to defend himself while you guys shit on him and spread negative PR and try to get news sites to post smears on him? What if he actually never intended to mislead anyone about his project in any way, and this happens?

I won't risk being a part of that, so I won't call someone out on something without there being *proof*.

When you ask for KS money, it's expected you use it to fund your project. Not for a vacation. Ship first, take a vacation after. You have a dog in this fight since you begged for KS money, too. And you're using the "funded over the goal as profit" while you had stretch goals. How unprofessional. Exactly why, as interesting as your game looks, why I'd never buy it months in advance.

That's your own expectation that you invented, because KS stated in their blog that overfunding can be considered profit and that's perfectly valid. *THEY SAID IT*.

I never begged for anything, either, and I don't think I'd recommend taking vacations on KS money. I don't even know if that's what he did. I'm just trying to assume the best about people until there's a reason not to. Honestly, I'm not sure why you're trying to come after me and characterize me negatively. That makes no sense.

I should be clear, again, I don't advocate doing frivolous things with excess funding. I'm just saying you guys don't have anything solid on him in terms of him breaking the rules or scamming. There's no actual proof here of any foul play.

 

[Lothars]

I think the op is overblowning this whole situation. I have backed this and I'm not worried about it.

 

[Cheddahz]

The fact that he didn't even inform his backers of the trip before hand is what disturbs me. He just didn't update on the development of the game for a month and was like "I went to Japan and hire some artists!"...unexpectedly and this all happened a month after the game was funded.

All he had to say in the Kickstarter was "Some of the money will go towards a business trip to hire artists for the project" and everything would be fine, but he didn't and in this day and age, you should be able to find anime artists easily on the internet

 

[tmarques]

I think the op is overblowning this whole situation. I have backed this and I'm not worried about it.

I don't think the guy's a scammer, but how anyone could think this game will be ready in six months - if at all - is beyond me.

 

[Bboy AJ]

That's your own expectation that you invented, because KS stated in their blog that overfunding can be considered profit and that's perfectly valid. *THEY SAID IT*.

When you begged for money, your stretch goals should have been: "Wii U version available at $800k! But anything over my $20k goal I consider profit, so, you know, Hawaii! Hey bros, read the KS guidelines." That would go over well. It's not like people expect you to use their money as Wii U funding and not immediate profit.

But that's cool. Just more insight as to how KS people look at their backers.

 

[graywolf323]

I don't think the guy's a scammer, but how anyone could think this game will be ready in six months - if at all - is beyond me.

Double Fine Adventure wasn't ready on time either, that's part of Kickstarter at this point

I never expected this game to make it's target because at this point NO ONE has

shit happens

When you begged for money, your stretch goals should have been: "Wii U version available at $800k! But anything over my $20k goal I consider profit, so, you know, Hawaii! Hey bros, read the KS guidelines." That would go over well. It's not like people expect you to use their money as Wii U funding and not immediate profit.

But that's cool. Just more insight as to how KS people look at their backers.

are you accusing the dev of cutting a funded stretch goal?

 

[Jobbs]

When you begged for money, your stretch goals should have been: "Wii U version available at $800k! But anything over my $20k goal I consider profit, so, you know, Hawaii! Hey bros, read the KS guidelines." That would go over well. It's not like people expect you to use their money as Wii U funding and not immediate profit.

But that's cool. Just more insight as to how KS people look at their backers.

Again, you're continuing to make baseless characterizations about me -- And for what? Why are you mad at *me*? Why is this about me? Because I *dare* not assume the worst about someone based on one side of a story?

 

[Bboy AJ]

Again, you're continuing to make baseless characterizations about me -- And for what? Why are you mad at *me*? Why is this about me? Because I *dare* not assume the worst about someone based on one side of a story?

I'm not making baseless characterizations. You're saying this guy should look at anything over his goal as profit because it's on KS rules themselves. OK. You are saying this as someone who had stretch goals. Stretch goals are meant to encourage post goal funding. So you hang a carrot out there in an effort to increase what you consider to be profit rather than funds for the stretch goal.

How am I making baseless characterizations? There's more base than Lil B. I'm not saying you did or will do it. But at the least, I'm getting additional insight on how projects look at their backers. The fact that we're even debating using fund money for a vacation speaks volumes.

 

[Jobbs]

I'm not making baseless characterizations. You're saying this guy should look at anything over his goal as profit because it's on KS rules themselves. OK. You are saying this as someone who had stretch goals. Stretch goals are meant to encourage post goal funding. So you hang a carrot out there in an effort to increase what you consider to be profit rather than funds for the stretch goal.

How am I making baseless characterizations? There's more base than Lil B.

You are making baseless characterizations, man, you're flat out trolling me. Read my previous post that pointed out KS rules on profit and overfunding:

According to KS, a project is free to consider overfunding to be profit. And his project was, like it or not, very very overfunded. Whether or not it's good taste, who the hell knows, but it's not in itself evidence of a scammer.

as you can see, I specifically said -- I don't think this would be in good taste, but it's not against the rules.

You used my statement about this to, for whatever reason, imply that I'm trying to mislead my own backers and do frivolous things with their pledges. That is 100% baseless, and beyond bizarre since I did nothing to incite anyone.

 

[Salamando]

But the $130k that was overfunded is already earmarked for stretch goals. Now, don't know what kickstarter's rules are towards them, but it's not like he's free to spend that money however the hell he wants. It's not particularly wise to use that money before the project is really underway either. Kickstarters have a long history of creators underestimating costs.

 

[Shengar]

While the guy definitely mishandled many thing, it's still too early to call him a scammer. Maybe he just misunderstood himself and (hopefuly) others. This happens everytime on anyone that got emotionaly attached with their "dream" project on hand.

 

[LegionX]

But the $130k that was overfunded is already earmarked for stretch goals. Now, don't know what kickstarter's rules are towards them, but it's not like he's free to spend that money however the hell he wants. It's not particularly wise to use that money before the project is really underway either. Kickstarters have a long history of creators underestimating costs.

I think that's one of the things people don't realize... providing he actually ships a product that includes the content from the stretch goals (and the physical goods from the higher levels), he's free to spend the money in whatever way he wants... Maybe he's made silly decisions on the best way to spend the money, but providing he delivers product, it's irrelevant

 

[Biker19]

what are the actual repercussions if someone was to say pay for a nice rendering of something in high demand, kickstart it and then just disappear?

Sounds like number 3 in the following article.

http://www.businessinsider.com/3-kickstarter-campaigns-gone-bad-2013-6

Sadly, it does happen sometimes where certain Kickstarters are scams. Once they've gotten all the money they need from you, they'll take off, & you'll never hear from them again, all while saying, "Sayonara, suckers!", etc. while grinning/laughing to themselves, spending all of the money that people have given them for their fake Kickstarter projects.

IMO, there should be laws about it, if not already.

 

[ZeroX03]

So he's a scammer, but he's continuing to host his website, be a member of the community, and post new designs and updates from the game because that's the most efficient way to scam? Why is he posting this stuff and continuing his online presence if he's a scammer?.

I never called him a scammer. In fact I specifically said on the last page that I don't think he was trying to take the money and run, so don't put words in my mouth.

 

[Jobbs]

I never called him a scammer. In fact I specifically said on the last page that I don't think he was trying to take the money and run, so don't put words in my mouth.

My bad, it sounded at the top of the page like you were trying to call him a scammer.

To sum up, I have no clue if he's a scammer, or if he's awesome or a jerk, or anything else. I just see a lot of piling on here that looks a bit premature and perhaps unfair if he actually IS legit. I try very hard to give people the benefit of the doubt when there is doubt.

 

[kuroshiki]

I'm still sticking to my motto.


Don't give my money to something that has not been verified. So far it's been working great.

 

[element]

How do you know that he didn't work at their games department? I have no way of independently verifying his work history, if I missed something, then please get me up to speed.

The credits of the games he has 'worked' on have been published from two different location, including Microsoft's own website. I don't know how you need additional evidence.

And stretching QA tester contracted by MS may be stretching the truth, which I wouldn't condone, but again, I'm willing to assume the best about people until I have something more serious than that.

Every interview or statement he leaves his employment and title at Microsoft up to interpretation. He is either stupid or purposely attempting to not tell people because that would instantly provide doubt in his abilities and the project. There is also the fact that he would delete questions related to his employment and history on his own forums, as stated by people who have posted here.

If he was a full time Microsoft employee at some point, why be cryptic of his job and responsibilities?

How do you KNOW he never worked at MS?

I know. He was never an employee of Microsoft. He was a contractor.

There is also the issue of him removing any work history from his LInkedin profile. He is attempting to remove any evidence of what he ACTUALLY did while a contractor at Microsoft.

Give me something concrete, and maybe I'll join in the piling on. But I just can't contribute to some kind of internet rage pile on with no actual substantive evidence to go on and only one person from the dispute present. Maybe he's a jerk, maybe he's not a jerk, or maybe he's kind of a jerk but also not a scammer. Slow it down.

I wouldn't call him a scammer, but his campaign is disingenuous. Either on purpose, such as not being clear about his background and qualifications, or clear naivety in thinking that he could make this game, by himself for $60k on all the platforms he is promoting.

I can't blame the guy for dreaming, but how he has promoted himself and deal with his backers has been pretty shitty.

 

[Sera O]

I think that's one of the things people don't realize... providing he actually ships a product that includes the content from the stretch goals (and the physical goods from the higher levels), he's free to spend the money in whatever way he wants... Maybe he's made silly decisions on the best way to spend the money, but providing he delivers product, it's irrelevant

Yes. KS says the project creator is legally responsible for rewards, but stretch goals aren't in reward descriptions! The statement about responsibility is really just saying you sue the creator, not kickstarter. I think the burden would be on backers to organize a suit to recoup money. People pledging 10-20 bucks would not find that worthwhile anyway. There are no pledge-recovering cops, just you and whatever legal representation you can hire.

The thing is, on KS backers risk their money, and the creator only risks their good name. If they have neither reputation or trust at stake and the pitch is that overoptimistic, backers need to up the caution. I think it's ridiculous to think anyone deserves refunds once the horse has left the gate.

People's thirst for this kind of game shut their critical faculties down. The project never smelled right. I don't think Mike Gale is a scammer. He just seems incompetent to manage this project and clueless about the real cost of things. While he may be wasting resources on bullshit, those pledges are his resources to waste now. It was up to potential backers to check up on his credentials (or pay attention to the warnings of those who did).

The guy's name should be in this topic's title. That resume-massaging he did in the pitch is intentionally misleading, but he'd probably just say he meant he was physically in that hallway or w/e and he never said he was a developer. I think the best one can do is make sure people checking him out in the future can find this info.

His teen tantrum conduct with the bannings and locking dev diaries etc is ridiculous. It's also pretty funny that OP gave him a way to escape from that (really dumb) refund offer he made. Seriously, this guy can't even afford $15 to defuse this? If I were in his shoes I'd have gone and sold plasma or something to get OP off my back right away, lol.

 

[LegionX]

His teen tantrum conduct with the bannings and locking dev diaries etc is ridiculous. It's also pretty funny that OP gave him a way to escape from that (really dumb) refund offer he made. Seriously, this guy can't even afford $15 to defuse this? If I were in his shoes I'd have gone and sold plasma or something to get OP off my back right away, lol.

I suspect the reason he didn't do that was the fear that the one refund could turn in to a big swarm of them.. Just look at this thread as an example.

Saying he will refund once the product is ready means he has a year or so to turn peoples opinions around, and if needs be, fund the refund/s from sales of the released game (providing it actually is released)

 

[element]

I suspect the reason he didn't do that was the fear that the one refund could turn in to a big swarm of them.. Just look at this thread as an example.

Saying he will refund once the product is ready means he has a year or so to turn peoples opinions around, and if needs be, fund the refund/s from sales of the released game (providing it actually is released)

That is exactly what he trying to do.

 

[Sera O]

I suspect the reason he didn't do that was the fear that the one refund could turn in to a big swarm of them.. Just look at this thread as an example.

Saying he will refund once the product is ready means he has a year or so to turn peoples opinions around, and if needs be, fund the refund/s from sales of the released game (providing it actually is released)

Yeah, that's a good point.There's probably a fair bit of hope that it will blow over and people will just forget about it, too.

 

[Morrigan Stark]

He's not a scammer per se, since he could just have taken the money and ran, but he's dishonest in the way he's handled the whole thing, and moreover, he's definitely incompetent. I think he's just really in way over his head, and now that his lack of experience has been exposed, he's panicking and trying to erase the evidence against him, which is where the dishonesty comes in.

When you begged for money, your stretch goals should have been: "Wii U version available at $800k! But anything over my $20k goal I consider profit, so, you know, Hawaii! Hey bros, read the KS guidelines." That would go over well. It's not like people expect you to use their money as Wii U funding and not immediate profit.

But that's cool. Just more insight as to how KS people look at their backers.

Holy shit, dude, that's so uncalled for. I don't agree with Jobbs's assessment of the situation but WTF is with these baseless accusations and sneering implications? I mean what the fuck does Ghost Song have to do with any of this? You're way out of line.

Besides, it's really shitty of you to say he "begged" for money on Kickstarter. Begging is a word with a negative connotation, and I'm sure you know it.

 

[mclem]

You're being disingenuous. Using KS money to take a vacation is not cool.

What about using KS money to pay yourself, and then taking a vacation with that paycheque?

Don't get me wrong: I'm not claiming that it's happening in this situation; I'm in no place to judge. But I wouldn't inherently be opposed to a developer taking a vacation during the development of a Kickstarter. Development is draining, more so when it's a passion project, and it's good to actually moderate your level of obsession. During the peak of the time I was in game dev and cared the most about the projects I worked on, my home life balance went to shit.

 

[Ledsen]

What about using KS money to pay yourself, and then taking a vacation with that paycheque?

Personally I would expect them to budget a reasonable salary from the KS money that would allow them to live a normal life during the development time. This would probably not include trips to Japan, moving to a more expensive location, etc, unless this was specifically stated in the KS so I could choose to back or not back the project with this information in mind.

 

[Paz]

Jobbs - I actually agree with your sentiment and would caution folks against against mob mentality/action, but in this case I think trying to suggest there's no proof of any poor behavior is the wrong way to go about it.

He was ambiguous on purpose about his temporary contract (Using terms like "Had my hand in" in relation to three major releases, I don't know a single industry professional who would do that) in the hopes that the Microsoft brand would add to his credibility. And he has clearly done some shady things in regards to controlling user feedback, cloning logos, and whatever happened with that Japan trip (Yes over funding can be considered profit but he had numerous stretch goals which means it wasn't a cut and dry over funding scenario).

What people should be more careful about is accusations of scamming or things of that sort, for all we know he's working hard on the game right this second. My personal view is that he bit off more than he could chew and I wouldn't be surprised if we see problems arise, but as of this moment there is no proof what so ever that he won't deliver an amazing JRPG (Although there's no proof he will, either).

So be careful before you start a witch hunt over someone buffing up their credentials and not showing a particularly professional approach to game development. And if it really bothers you so much try to do a little more vetting before you hand your money over to someone, there are many kickstarters I haven't backed for similar reasons.

 

[maxcriden]

I think there's a lot of piling on and overreacting going on here. I haven't seen evidence that this creator was scamming.

What's more, his project went *way* over its goal! It's not up to you to dictate what he does with those funds. If he wants, he could consider it profit.

From KS blog:

Less hand wringing, less freaking out, less piling on. It sounds to me, based on my initial assessment, we have a creator who may or may not be overambitious, who got into some kind of scuffle with one of his backers. This does not mean he's a scammer or a liar or even that his game will fail. Let's slow it down.

FWIW, I never said he was a scammer or liar. I did not back this project, I am just interested in the outcome from a fan perspective. I have every hope and confidence the game itself could still turn out great. I appreciate your perspective and I have the utmost respect for you as a creator. I just was put off by the trip to Japan bit, though I was not aware that overfunding could be considered profit, and that is wholly on me. I'm sorry if I came off a bit strong, that certainly wasn't my intention; I was just surprised to see the use of funds described above, and I'm glad to see it is more accepted and okay than I had previously understood.

 

[I'm an expert]

If the dude had gone to Fucknowhere, Montana to recruit some artist, would it be as big of a thing?

 

[Ledsen]

If the dude had gone to Fucknowhere, Montana to recruit some artist, would it be as big of a thing?

No but still weird not to recruit someone online.

 

[I'm an expert]

Agreed, but I think JAPAN is making people see it differently. Even putting aside the cost of travel, I think if he went to Uruguay to meet with an exceptional anime artist people still wouldn't care as much as JAPAN.

 

[Cheddahz]

Agreed, but I think JAPAN is making people see it differently. Even putting aside the cost of travel, I think if he went to Uruguay to meet with an exceptional anime artist people still wouldn't care as much as JAPAN.

I would had still cared to be honest. Travelling by air and staying somewhere across the world isn't cheap

 

[I'm an expert]

I would had still cared to be honest. Travelling by air and staying somewhere across the world isn't cheap

I agree he should've mentioned such a recruiting trip as a possibility in the KS notes.

 

[LSauchelli]

When you ask for KS money, it's expected you use it to fund your project. Not for a vacation. Ship first, take a vacation after. You have a dog in this fight since you begged for KS money, too. And you're using the "funded over the goal as profit" while you had stretch goals. How unprofessional. Exactly why, as interesting as your game looks, I'd never buy it months in advance.

You probably should take a step back, count to ten, and redirect your anger at someone that deserves it. Jobbs has been very clear about what he's spending his KS money on. Not just on KS itslef, but also on the Indie Game Development Discussion Thread in this very forum. He's been completely professional about the whole thing.

 

[Jobbs]

You probably should take a step back, count to ten, and redirect your anger at someone that deserves it. Jobbs has been very clear about what he's spending his KS money on. Not just on KS itslef, but also on the Indie Game Development Discussion Thread in this very forum. He's been completely professional about the whole thing.

thank you. feels silly dignifying this guy with a response, but yeah, I pretty much never leave the basement since the KS. it's not healthy.

 

[Bboy AJ]

You probably should take a step back, count to ten, and redirect your anger at someone that deserves it. Jobbs has been very clear about what he's spending his KS money on. Not just on KS itslef, but also on the Indie Game Development Discussion Thread in this very forum. He's been completely professional about the whole thing.

No need to jump to calling me angry.

He's the guy who believes any money past a project goal is OK to consider as profit. He includes stretch goals as a way of funding past the project goal. Those stretch goals are a carrot to what he considers profit instead of funding for stretch goals.

I didn't say he did it. I said he did a terrific job of explaining the KS beggar mentality. And that's why I don't give handouts. I brought up his KS because he said he doesn't have a dog in the fight. As someone who hung up a KS sign, he does have a dog in the fight. And the lengths he's going to absolve OP's KS vitriol is absurd. OP is being treated terribly.

 

[Jobbs]

No need to jump to calling me angry.

He's the guy who believes any money past a project goal is OK to consider as profit. He includes stretch goals as a way of funding past the project goal. Those stretch goals are a carrot to what he considers profit instead of funding for stretch goals.

I didn't say he did it. I said he did a terrific job of explaining the KS beggar mentality. And that's why I don't give handouts. I brought up his KS because he said he doesn't have a dog in the fight. As someone who hung up a KS sign, he does have a dog in the fight. And the lengths he's going to absolve OP's KS vitriol is absurd. OP is being treated terribly.

Dude, last time I'm gonna say it, I never made a values judgement about considering overfunding to be profit, except to specifically say I would consider that to be in questionable taste. You are making characterizations about me, my intentions, and how I treat my backers based on absolutely nothing, when I wasn't even the subject of this thread. Honestly, in my opinion, trolling and flaming like this doesn't belong here. This is the last time I'll speak on this or reply to you.

 

[Morrigan Stark]

He's the guy who believes any money past a project goal is OK to consider as profit. He includes stretch goals as a way of funding past the project goal. Those stretch goals are a carrot to what he considers profit instead of funding for stretch goals.

I didn't say he did it. I said he did a terrific job of explaining the KS beggar mentality. And that's why I don't give handouts. I brought up his KS because he said he doesn't have a dog in the fight. As someone who hung up a KS sign, he does have a dog in the fight. And the lengths he's going to absolve OP's KS vitriol is absurd. OP is being treated terribly.

Wow. This is a grotesque and painfully dishonest mischaracterization of Jobbs's position on the matter. All he said was that it was technically allowed by Kickstarter's ToS, and now you're making all these baseless accusations about him? Jesus Christ, get a grip.

 

[Bboy AJ]

Do you know what baseless means?

Dude, last time I'm gonna say it, I never made a values judgement about considering overfunding to be profit, except to specifically say I would consider that to be in questionable taste. You are making characterizations about me, my intentions, and how I treat my backers based on absolutely nothing, when I wasn't even the subject of this thread. Honestly, in my opinion, trolling and flaming like this doesn't belong here. This is the last time I'll speak on this or reply to you.

I never said anything about how you treat your backers. I said your ability to even rationalize using stretch goals to increase profit is very telling.

I'm not trolling or flaming. I have an opinion with which you disagree. Throwing your hands up and calling me a troll is such an easy answer. I hope my perspective on KS becomes more prevalent. Then I wouldn't be a troll because I've got the majority opinion.

 

[LSauchelli]

No need to jump to calling me angry.

I'm sorry, but you sound angry. Especially with calling people 'beggars'.

Jobbs just stated that KS organizers can do two things, use exceeding money to improve the project, or have it as profit. He even stated that he didn't find it in good taste (IE, he doesn't like it), but the KS rules say that's okay. Of course, if you have stretch goals, exceeding money would go there! But not necessarily ALL of that money would go to that particular stretch goal, and some could be directed at something else. Again, it might not be in good taste, but that in an itself doesn't make someone a scammer.

I hope my perspective on KS becomes more prevalent. Then I wouldn't be a troll because I've got the majority opinion.

Maybe you won't like this, then https://www.kickstarter.com/year/2013/

 

[Morrigan Stark]

Do you know what baseless means?

I never said anything about how you treat your backers. I said your ability to even rationalize using stretch goals to increase profit is very telling.

Quoting the Kickstarter ToS is "rationalizing"?

Baseless all right.

 

[mattiewheels]

Yeah, you've equated Kickstarter with begging in nearly every post you've made, sounds like you just don't like the concept.

 

[EVIL]

did he specifically say he took a vacation from the money collected via kickstarter? maybe he saved up himself.. because you know, its healthy taking a vacation, to relieve all the stress managing a kick starter project. Should he not use the money to pay for food, mortgage, insurance and other bills he needs to pay in order to do the project? how can he survive if he is not allowed to use the money for anything but directly related to the project?

 

[Bboy AJ]

Yeah, you've equated Kickstarter with begging in nearly every post you've made, sounds like you just don't like the concept.

It's begging. We spent 90% of this thread talking about how you're not buying anything on KS. You're "donating" or "giving money away" and there's no recourse. We can all agree on that. It's certainly not "investing" since you can't profit.

Begging:
1. To ask for as charity: begged money while sitting in a doorway.
2. To ask earnestly for or of; entreat: begged me for help.

Let's be internally consistent here. I understand I have a minority opinion here but you're all jumping down my throat for no good reason. You've got people defending someone using KS money to take a vacation to Japan and yet I'm being vilified.

 

[Noogy]

Haven't checked in a while but boy did this thread get ugly. Some of you are out for blood and need to calm down a bit.

Making games is hard. Financing a game is hard. Maintaining communication with your fanbase and trying to keep everyone happy is incredibly difficult. It's no wonder so many devs choose not to be so transparent about their development process.

I've chatted with Mike a few times and he seems to genuinely care about the project. I'm not overly concerned with his previous actions or decisions regarding the project because frankly I don't care until it's in my hands and I can judge it accordingly.

I think it's right for the OP to be upset about the ban, but beyond that, this is Mike's game. Many of us had faith in it when we pledged, let's just wait to see what he delivers.

 

[Exr]

It's begging. We spent 90% of this thread talking about how you're not buying anything on KS. You're "donating" or "giving money away" and there's no recourse. We can all agree on that. It's certainly not "investing" since you can't profit.

Begging:
1. To ask for as charity: begged money while sitting in a doorway.
2. To ask earnestly for or of; entreat: begged me for help.

Let's be internally consistent here. I understand I have a minority opinion here but you're all jumping down my throat for no good reason. You've got people defending someone using KS money to take a vacation to Japan and yet I'm being vilified.

If you're going to refuse to call Kickstarter anything more than a begging service you're not going to be very successful at getting any point across. It's not investing but that doesn't make it 'begging'. The negative connotation with the word begging is offensive to people that have legitimate projects. You're getting a product back from the money you donate (ideally). It's charitable on the part of backers but it's not a good look to call project creators beggers.

 

[Salamando]

I think it's right for the OP to be upset about the ban, but beyond that, this is Mike's game. Many of us had faith in it when we pledged, let's just wait to see what he delivers.

I've already lost most of my faith in the project though. And the KS creator isn't doing much to gain it back. His actions only cause more concerns.

The Japan trip was, at best, a very stupid idea. Even with funding everything personally. Kickstarters have a long history of running over-budget. No shortage of examples where the Creator had to take out additional loans, sell their car, lose their home, and nearly go bankrupt to follow through. If the project's complete and he has extra cash, go nuts.

The concerning thing about the character revisions was, for me, all about their quality. They felt too good. It creates a standard that the rest of the game can't possibly maintain. The original models felt adequate for the budget size.

 

[element]

did he specifically say he took a vacation from the money collected via kickstarter? maybe he saved up himself.. because you know, its healthy taking a vacation, to relieve all the stress managing a kick starter project. Should he not use the money to pay for food, mortgage, insurance and other bills he needs to pay in order to do the project? how can he survive if he is not allowed to use the money for anything but directly related to the project?

I think everyone understands that funding something on Kickstarter is to pay the salary of those involved. But there is a difference between using funds to pay for someone to be able to live. Housing, food, etc. Taking a 'vacation', especially to one of the most expensive places to travel in the world should raise flags with anyone, though this could all be minimized with proper messaging.

"Hey I'm in Japan for a meeting to finalize the contracts with our concept artists." Posts selfie.
"I'm staying at this place I found on AirBnB and only paying $50 a night! Saving money!" Posts selfie.
"At the airport on my way back home. Japan has been amazing and I have so much good news about the direction of the project. I can't wait to get back to work and share some of this with all of you!"

Being honest and upfront with his community could have changed the impression people have about it. But I do agree that the trip seems to be more for personal enjoyment than business, and if that is the case, then majority of that business could have happened online.