Robotech® RPG Tactics™: Design an Ace Contest

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Thu Jun 27, 2013 11:12 pm

Another week and no mention of the design an ace contest in the press release.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:09 am

Par for the course at this point.

kevarin · Unread post by **kevarin** » Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:16 pm

you cant win i already won :lol:

i can dream i guess

kevarin · Unread post by **kevarin** » Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:57 am

Panomas wrote:
kevarin wrote:you cant win i already won

i can dream i guess

Yours looked better than mine-I thought....

Then again my logo was pretty good...

would love to see yours

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:38 am

When I asked about the Design an Ace Contest on Facebook page...

Ninja Division wrote:HI there Jorel - we have been swamped with making sure all the production is prepped in a timely manner for the main game - we will be back soon with details about winners for the design a squadron contest shortly! Thank you

PANZERBUNNY · Unread post by **PANZERBUNNY** » Sat Jul 06, 2013 7:44 pm

I think we can assume once the survey, pledge manager and everything sent to the manufacturer you'll hear something. So Sept. It isn't exactly a priority and they'll need something that is news worthy in between game going to production and the end of the pledge manager time period.

kevarin · Unread post by **kevarin** » Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:35 am

nothing yet about covers it

Kendachi · Unread post by **Kendachi** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 12:47 pm

Still nothing? Sure feels like the first week of June is over.

Just hope this isn't forgotten, that's how it feels.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Tue Jul 23, 2013 1:05 pm

Someone else posted on the facebook comment they had responded to. If it gets another response I'll post it here.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:07 pm

After some appropriate and likely needed rest and recuperation, I do hope that Palladium and/or the Ninjas find some time to post the results of this contest. It's obviously significantly later than the first week of June initially posted as a timeline.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:16 pm

I just posted on the Ninjas facebook about it again. We'll see what they say this time.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:19 pm

I didn't see a mention of it either in the latest Kickstarter update as well unfortunately.

Kendachi · Unread post by **Kendachi** » Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:10 pm

Still nothing I see...

... oh well, maybe one day.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Fri Aug 30, 2013 10:03 am

Grrrrrr.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Sat Aug 31, 2013 10:10 am

Asked Wayne on facebook. He's looking into it.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:27 pm

We'll see.

Forar · Unread post by **Forar** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:48 pm

No, no, give it just a little longer.

The first week of June being the first week of September would work perfectly on so many levels.

I mean, we're kinda there, but another few days would really seal the deal.

Though the second week of September might actually be funnier, now that I think about it.

:-P

kevarin · Unread post by **kevarin** » Sat Sep 07, 2013 2:47 pm

and we hear something good luck to all

Design an Ace Contest

Ninja John is gathering submissions and will distribute them to us and Harmony Gold so we can begin voting shortly. We’ll post more details as soon as we have them.

glitterboy2098 · Sat Sep 07, 2013 4:50 pm

the fact they hadn't already collected the submissions yet doesn't reflect well on their organization.. i mean, the contest was supposed to have been over months ago, but they did even collect all the entries till now?

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Sat Sep 07, 2013 5:55 pm

glitterboy2098 wrote:the fact they hadn't already collected the submissions yet doesn't reflect well on their organization.. i mean, the contest was supposed to have been over months ago, but they did even collect all the entries till now?

I would have submitted a few if I had known they'd not be looked at for months. Still...at least the matter is being mentioned for the first time in months. It may not be much but it is still technically progress.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:53 am

Any update on this? It's been a couple of weeks since the last update and was wondering if there was any progress on this front. It seems like the facebook questions about it on the ND site just get ignored unfortunately and this is slowly creeping towards being four months late. I'm hoping that Palladium can tidy up this one once the even more delayed NG1 book comes out.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:55 am

Last I heard Wayne was looking into it. If I had any update on my end I would have posted it.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Sep 24, 2013 12:02 pm

I figured you would if you did. Bumping the thread every couple of weeks to not-so-subtly remind anyone at Palladium that this grows more and more delinquent is my best attempt at being positive or at least not overtly negative (see, Galactus Kid!). This was supposed to energize the fan community (and it worked while the contest was running) but having it delayed so many months just ends up backfiring and being yet another missed opportunity.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Wed Sep 25, 2013 8:54 am

It does bother me that they aren't announcing this. Seems like everything they choose to do to cause good PR ends up doing the opposite because the misuse or mishandle it. How hard would it have been to actually do this contest? Not very. They didn't need to tell us they hadn't even collected the submissions 4 months later. They don't need a panel to vote. All those things mean we won't see the winner announced any time soon. I hope I am wrong, but I have a feeling they think they have more important things to do. And in a way they do, but it is still a slap in the face to those that took the time to enter the contest.

The Galactus Kid · Wed Sep 25, 2013 9:57 am

bielmic wrote:I figured you would if you did. Bumping the thread every couple of weeks to not-so-subtly remind anyone at Palladium that this grows more and more delinquent is my best attempt at being positive or at least not overtly negative (see, Galactus Kid!). This was supposed to energize the fan community (and it worked while the contest was running) but having it delayed so many months just ends up backfiring and being yet another missed opportunity.

hahahaha!!! Thanks Bielic. I think the bump is well deserved though. I'm also wondering what the hold up is. I never got around to submitting my entries, but I'd love to finally see the winner.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:06 am

Inquiring minds want to know.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Sun Sep 29, 2013 5:14 pm

The Galactus Kid wrote:hahahaha!!! Thanks Bielmic. I think the bump is well deserved though. I'm also wondering what the hold up is. I never got around to submitting my entries, but I'd love to finally see the winner.

Same here. I had a few ideas I would have submitted had I known they would check their inbox for over 3 months.

Forar · Unread post by **Forar** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:54 am

Everyone knows that the first week of October is the new 'first week of June'.

:-D

*jazz hands*

Assuming that they'll tell us once they know and aren't just sitting on the answer for some unknown reason, it's interesting to extrapolate that the books haven't been printed yet, as presumably they'd need everything that's going to go into the book to be set before it could be printed, and thus cannot print without having determined the winner(s).

Of course, it's likely that there may be other things holding said production back. Hell, they might simply be waiting to have them printed right around the time the figures will all be finishing up production, so they don't have 10,000 books eating up warehouse space needlessly for months at a time.

Not saying there aren't valid reasons to wait on production, just pondering aloud what one might extrapolate from the lack of information.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 8:55 am

Forar wrote:Everyone knows that the first week of October is the new 'first week of June'.

*jazz hands*

Assuming that they'll tell us once they know and aren't just sitting on the answer for some unknown reason, it's interesting to extrapolate that the books haven't been printed yet, as presumably they'd need everything that's going to go into the book to be set before it could be printed, and thus cannot print without having determined the winner(s).

Of course, it's likely that there may be other things holding said production back. Hell, they might simply be waiting to have them printed right around the time the figures will all be finishing up production, so they don't have 10,000 books eating up warehouse space needlessly for months at a time.

Not saying there aren't valid reasons to wait on production, just pondering aloud what one might extrapolate from the lack of information.

That is a very keen observation/complication that I missed so thanks for pointing that out. I do hope that they don't forget about the winners' inclusion in the rulebook when it goes to print... or that some unforseen licensing issue about the idea doesn't get it shot down by HG. Palladium doesn't seem to have any qualms about putting fan work or names in their own production books so they deserve the benefit of the doubt when it comes to that.

Forar · Unread post by **Forar** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:45 am

I'd actually been pondering pointing that out for a few months, but never got around to it.

They said that the book was being sent for layout work, but presumably it's not a big deal to just leave a proper picture space and *INSERT TEXT HERE* for the the info.

But thanks, I've striven to figure out what could be implied without going crazy pants conspiracy theory on the matter.

I'll leave that to the KS comments folks. >.>

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 6:15 pm

Forar wrote:I'd actually been pondering pointing that out for a few months, but never got around to it.

They said that the book was being sent for layout work, but presumably it's not a big deal to just leave a proper picture space and *INSERT TEXT HERE* for the the info.

But thanks, I've striven to figure out what could be implied without going crazy pants conspiracy theory on the matter.

I'll leave that to the KS comments folks. >.>

Well, it has been another two weeks roughly and no news. If you extrapolate from the latest press release (likely an inaccurate source of info on this peripherally related subject), it'll be a minimum of another two or three weeks before HG approves the winners' entries for possible inclusion in the rulebook. Galactus Kid, has enough time of media blackout regarding this contest passed for people to be purely pessimistic about Palladium's ability to engage with Robotech fans via contests? At this point, the first week of June contest will be lucky to finish in the first week of November.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 9:15 pm

Bummer

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 12:40 pm

Jorel wrote:Bummer

It is a bit ironic that the last update for the Canned Chili KS was titled "Sorry for the Silence" and is being followed by an even longer media blackout. If Palladium wants people to believe they've changed (don't know if they do.. or even if they think there is a need for a change in the general public perception of them) and learned from past and even ongoing mistakes, timely *MEANINGFUL* updates that aren't just slightly reworded copy/paste "it's great!... we're almost done!... everyone loves it here!" posts would be a good start.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 12:46 pm

I have a feeling they don't think that much about it or really care about the outside perception when it comes to the updates, the deadline thing and the lack of information that accompanies it. Almost like silence is the best answer if they have nothing positive to say. I don't agree with that.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 1:00 pm

Jorel wrote:I have a feeling they don't think that much about it or really care about the outside perception when it comes to the updates, the deadline thing and the lack of information that accompanies it. Almost like silence is the best answer if they have nothing positive to say. I don't agree with that.

At some point, the same platitudes repeated from NGR over to Robotech simply stop working. I don't want to hear that the people who you PAY and whose employment you control love the product (especially since that is a standard comment for every upcoming product)... I want them to PROVE to the community that it is good by updating the KS with previews like they did during the campaign and frankly like other companies do. Look over at the Warzone minis kickstarter that finished a few weeks before the Robotech one for examples of how to update the community on the progress. Both are licensed titles yet the warzone one pictured updates of newly sculpted minis on a regular basis as well as IIRC a preview of the rules that wasn't as incomplete as what we have. You have to keep fan interest going in these types of projects (ESPECIALLY if there is a looming delay) and I don't think that is getting across to the people who can make a difference.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Tue Oct 15, 2013 1:08 pm

I agree, show me, don't tell me. They have other stuff on the plate. PR and worrying about the customers and fans is likely more than they are capable of right now. If they had a few more people to handle those things they could really focus on the fine details of knockin out books for all the lines.

zyanitevp · Unread post by **zyanitevp** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 1:28 pm

bielmic wrote:
Jorel wrote:I have a feeling they don't think that much about it or really care about the outside perception when it comes to the updates, the deadline thing and the lack of information that accompanies it. Almost like silence is the best answer if they have nothing positive to say. I don't agree with that.

At some point, the same platitudes repeated from NGR over to Robotech simply stop working. I don't want to hear that the people who you PAY and whose employment you control love the product (especially since that is a standard comment for every upcoming product)... I want them to PROVE to the community that it is good by updating the KS with previews like they did during the campaign and frankly like other companies do. Look over at the Warzone minis kickstarter that finished a few weeks before the Robotech one for examples of how to update the community on the progress. Both are licensed titles yet the warzone one pictured updates of newly sculpted minis on a regular basis as well as IIRC a preview of the rules that wasn't as incomplete as what we have. You have to keep fan interest going in these types of projects (ESPECIALLY if there is a looming delay) and I don't think that is getting across to the people who can make a difference.

Remember, all things must be approved by Harmony Gold, which is very, very private! So the fact that in progress updates have not happened should not be a surprise- or blamed on Palladium or Ninja Division!

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 1:37 pm

I'm doubtful that any secrecy is because they have approvals and aren't sharing. If they are still getting HG approvals this close to November I question how far along in the process they really are. We have yet to hear anything like production/manufacturing is in full swing.

bielmic · Unread post by **bielmic** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 3:58 pm

zyanitevp wrote:Remember, all things must be approved by Harmony Gold, which is very, very private! So the fact that in progress updates have not happened should not be a surprise- or blamed on Palladium or Ninja Division!

During the kickstarter, they were posting stuff left and right and were under the same license/rules. I don't think that is the only issue to blame here. If it is and they need something 100% approved before posting it, post something that has been approved over the past 2 months since gencon to show they haven't been asleep at the wheel during the entire time. If they haven't gotten anything done and approved over the past 60 days that they can show then the blame lies squarely at the feet of Palladium and/or Ninja Division. Empty platitudes copy/pasted from the year long NG (almost wrote NGR again!) crowdfunding fiasco only exacerbate the problem. If there is an issue, man up and post about it in a professional manner. Neither ND nor Palladium have a good record for timeliness (ND recently with Relic Knights and Palladium... well... for decades) and community engagement will make or break the game. They did great during the KS but have fallen far below since. Biweekly updates with meaningful info (there should be *something* to show for two weeks worth of work!) go along way to building a positive community for an upcoming game. If they don't have anything to show for two weeks (or 3 weeks currently), the blame doesn't lie with the customers asking reasonably for a progress update but rather with the companies' own resource management.

zyanitevp · Unread post by **zyanitevp** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:50 am

bielmic wrote:
zyanitevp wrote:Remember, all things must be approved by Harmony Gold, which is very, very private! So the fact that in progress updates have not happened should not be a surprise- or blamed on Palladium or Ninja Division!

During the kickstarter, they were posting stuff left and right and were under the same license/rules. I don't think that is the only issue to blame here. If it is and they need something 100% approved before posting it, post something that has been approved over the past 2 months since gencon to show they haven't been asleep at the wheel during the entire time. If they haven't gotten anything done and approved over the past 60 days that they can show then the blame lies squarely at the feet of Palladium and/or Ninja Division. Empty platitudes copy/pasted from the year long NG (almost wrote NGR again!) crowdfunding fiasco only exacerbate the problem. If there is an issue, man up and post about it in a professional manner. Neither ND nor Palladium have a good record for timeliness (ND recently with Relic Knights and Palladium... well... for decades) and community engagement will make or break the game. They did great during the KS but have fallen far below since. Biweekly updates with meaningful info (there should be *something* to show for two weeks worth of work!) go along way to building a positive community for an upcoming game. If they don't have anything to show for two weeks (or 3 weeks currently), the blame doesn't lie with the customers asking reasonably for a progress update but rather with the companies' own resource management.

There was lots of prep time for the Kickstarter! So there is a lot of difference. When it comes to the last approvals, Palladium and Ninja must wait for Harmony Gold to go at their pace- it is out of their control.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 8:18 am

Then they never should project dates, cause they are clueless about how long it will take if it is completely out of their hands and on HG. They look very foolish to claim we might see it in October, oh wait we meant possibly January.

Forar · Unread post by **Forar** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:04 am

To be fair, Kickstarter requires a target date.

... undercutting that date by several months without being remotely close to completion, having to fall back to the original, and then admit that things might go a bit beyond, however, is classic Palladium.

They've been associated with HG for something like 27 years, surely they know how these people do business by now?

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:20 am

Honestly we are all speculating and for all we know they may only be waiting on a couple final approvals on a couple pieces. The rest could quite possibly be in full production/manufacturing and it is only the last few pieces that need to be ironed out. I would love to see this game in 2013.

Forar · Unread post by **Forar** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:57 am

Me too. I've got a week off in Dec or January that I'd love to spend assembling hundreds of figures.

But the reality is that it takes around 3 weeks to ship across the ocean. That ships can sit in port for weeks or longer due to quarantine, weather delays, customs delays, the period of time those containers can sit waiting for the ship to finish loading or unloading, among others.

Not to mention that doing so during the winter, an absurdly busy time for shipping due to the holidays, would likely be slowed down significantly. We also know they're making literally hundreds of thousands of figures. 650k is the low end estimate I've got based on the backer tiers, but that's without knowing how many people failed to pay for their backer pledge, and just how crazy people got with the pledge manager. 600-750k figures is a whole lotta plastic. Plus tens of thousands of books, boxes, decals, tokens, markers, etc, etc.

Basically, if we don't start hearing some really good news in the immediate future, it's not happening this year, and the longer it gets drawn out, the worse that'll be. Like, if this isn't wrapped up with a bow by December, we'll probably lose a month to the holidays alone.

The update from 3 weeks ago being titled "sorry for the silence", however, remains comedy gold.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 11:10 am

I do fear that silence means they have not much new to add to it. Also they don't get that people are irked about the lack of Updates on the actual Kickstarter page.

Kendachi · Unread post by **Kendachi** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 1:21 pm

Jorel, I think that issue is moving up the list for me. We need to have this info in a Kickstarter update. Two people in my AD&D game pledged (at much less insane-o levels) and don't come here. They're here now, but how many backers are not?

Also, some clear info that doesn't contradict what has been said. If the models were approved and molds being made and they're waiting on HG to approve the packaging/book/dice/Kevin's Glow-in-the-Dark Robotech under-roos and that's it?

Yeah. Still would like a KS update from Wayne.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 1:29 pm

I had actually sent Wayne a message this Am on facebook. We'll see if anything comes of it.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:29 pm

And Wayne's response is that he will post something.

Kendachi · Unread post by **Kendachi** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:37 pm

Just tell him to keep the jazz hands to a minimum, I'm not sure how much more I can take.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:47 pm

Different guy, different typing style. Your thinkin of the big guy.