Mrs. Wood, Shawn,
Thank you for the update. I am very sorry to hear about the family loss. I know what that is like, I've lost both of my parents. So I understand how that can impact everything. I am also sorry to hear about the job situation and transitioning into a new position. I wish you both the best.
I am one of those impacted by the Tier 3 problem, but I have faith that something can and will be worked out in the end.
I backed this project specifically because of the craftsmanship presented the campaign details and I liked the layout of the boxes. I stand behind my choice and I look forward to seeing what is to come.
I've gotten the anger out. What follows is my heartfelt comments:
Shawn,
I hope this gets to you. I backed you from the second day of your Kickstarter campaign. Your work impressed me and I can't wait to make my gaming groups jealous. I added on to my pledge again and again.
I hope you can accept my congratulations on getting married and my condolences on a loss in the family. I feel terrible of coming across pushy when you have more important things going on. I just hope you can realize that not telling us about the reasons for delay, that we can't be held responsible for any issues stemming from it. If you need to put things on hold due to a production issue I am behind you 100%
I'm looking forward to the amazing products you will produce and hope that communication will be a major response to the criticism that has been leveled.
Hi, I don't post often and just want to say, no worries. I've backed plenty of projects and I am just glad that you are still working on things. Bumps happen and a lot of us here know how that goes. I've always been a bit annoyed by how much negativity comes out on the comment boards, but keep in mind that there are plenty like me that are happy to wait and see. We know that we are taking a chance with the money and are hopeful that something good comes from it, for both us and for the creator. Of course, updates are one of the best ways to keep the comments from snowballing, but it has been my experience that you will get some grief no matter what if things are taking longer than expected. Good luck and remember, break it down and deal with small pieces. if you can get something out to some of the backers, do it, and get some of the energy back. Find something you can get done, even if it is sending out a single box and then you have something positive to give an update about. You'll still get complaints, but, well, that is just how it goes.
I'm sorry that you feel putting up an estimate on delivery and missing that then being called out on it is shitty. I'm sorry setting people's hopes at a certain level then failing and hiding instead of responding is ok. I have been nothing. It supportive but there is only so long before I'm defending a shadow on a brick wall that I finally have to say "OK, maybe you have a point." If Shawn wanted to update us and say "it's taking longer than expected, here's the reason why" I would have been shouting down detractors or calling them out. But to crap on backers because they don't know what's going on because you haven't said anything? C'Mon!
I do sympathize with having a busy life and not being done with the project. I look forward to getting the cases I requested, but if it takes a long time to happen then I can wait. The one complaint I have, really, is the lack of communication. I'm happy with whatever update schedule you devise (though I'd suggest no less frequently than monthly), as long as you can stick to it. I just need to have some idea what's going on and I can be as patient as required. While this most recent update was somewhat unprofessional, I'm pretty forgiving there, too. Unfortunately the situation has come to the point where many of the backers are unhappy and they have perfectly valid reasons for being that way.
So, to put this in a more positive light as Shawn requested in the video updates he did some months ago, I encourage you to communicate with us! We are a community here and we (the backers) and you (the creator) are on this ride together. If there are problems, share them with us and we can commiserate. If there are successes, we can all be happy together. Talk to us, and I bet you'll find a much happier audience communicating back with you!
Hi Shawn's wife! I'm so sorry you feel that commenting on three months of silence is bullying. Hang on. Three months, nothing. Yeah just checked. We have every right to be angry. Shawn took $13,000 from us and we haven't heard anything. You being disappointed in our comments after THREE MONTHS of silence?! And blaming us that he doesn't comment? NO! You don't get to look down on us! We gave a large amount of money and when we were met with silence told Shawn "all we want to know is what is going on. Take as long as you need." Then no response so we got worried. You DO NOT get to tell us how disappointed you are with us when we have heard nothing for 12 WEEKS! Had Shawn said "hey it will take two years more" then I was on board. Take as long as needed. Going SILENT for MONTHS then telling your backers it's their fault VIA HIS WIFE because he can't face us is a shitty response. Oh, are things going on in his life? We can totally understand. IF WE ARE TOLD ABOUT THEM! There are a lot of boxes made already? SHIP THEM! You have kickstarters that haven't shipped. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE COST OF TEA IN CHINA?! You waiting on a Kickstarter you backed has NOTHING to do with the money we have given you for this Kickstarter. Are you upset about backers wondering if funds have been used elsewhere? You say they haven't? You know how you prove that? SEND OUT AN UPDATE!
You listing issues that needed fixing? Guess what! Had those been posted in the past THREE MONTHS would have been accepted and we would have supported Shawn.
You don't get to hold back on shit going on then shit on the people giving you money because you haven't posted anything. "How dare you be so mean when this thing we didn't tell you about is going on!"
So after 3 months we get no actual information. No pictures of progress, no timeline for fulfillment, essentially the same "there's problems with the large boxes" but no concrete proposal for resolution. If the refund requests bother them so much then they shouldn't have mentioned refunds as a possible solution 3 months ago and then gone dark. I am fed up with KickStarter creators who cannot do the most basic task in crowdsourcing: COMMUNICATE. It sucks that they've had so many problems, but how are we supposed to know? If they want us to be supportive than they should be taking 15 minutes out of their day once or twice a month to let us know what we're supporting. Personally, I'd much rather Shawn actually tell us what's going on, why they're having delays, what they are going to do about the continued problems with a tier of their product, etc. If we had been kept in the loop the negativity would probably still be here but there would also be some semblance of support as well. Now it just sounds like excuses, especially in the absence of any concrete information about when they will ship *anything* or how long they're going to keep banging their heads against the wall with the large boxes before they decide to go with any of the possible alternative solutions Shawn had mentioned.
TL;DR Don't keep people in the dark for 3 months and then come at us with this crap.
I understand that sentiment. I still want my case but I hoped it would arrive when promised. I've had dozens of game nights pass where I would have loved to have it on hand. I backed the dragon tray from Dog Might that funded a few days ago with and estimated delivery of August and I'd bet it arrives before this case. I at least hope we hear from Shawn before Dog Might delivers.
As for this being a drama, I see us more as the audience. So it's not much of a drama since we watched the first half of the play, the campaign, then there was an intermission, the funding, now we're in the second half of the play but it's not good since the curtain is still down, we're checking our watches and wondering if the actors forgot act 2 and just went home.
I emailed Shawn today at the email address he provided for PayPal:
Sean,
Are you planning on fulfilling backer rewards for your KickStarter campaign? After the months of silence your backers are getting restless. If you're not planning on ripping everyone off you should probably let people know what the plan is ASAP.
Actually you can sue Shawn. You can't sue kickstart, as they have limited liability. But Shawn is required to produce what was paid for, work out a compensation or refund money. There have been several law suits against failed kickstarter campaigns that did not return the funds or make other compensations.
Good luck. As the money was given to fund Shawn's idea of producing cases and the case you would receive is seen as a reward I haven't heard of any laws that have caught up with the technology so to speak. Add to that there was no set delivery date, just Shawn's estimate, I think it just gets chalked up to a form of caveat emptor.
I have messaged him through KS and also on Facebook with no reply. If by March 1 we have not heard anything I will be speaking with a friend who is an attorney to find out what my legal options are. As far as I am concerned Shawn is guilty of fraud at this point.
As to Kickstarter contacting him because backers are upset, no. They don't do that. Once the money changes hands and they take their cut they don't do anything. Anyone who's had to deal with a campaign that misses their delivery date can attest. And some of those projects miss by years and the creators stop responding period.
I haven't gotten any response from him, or a refund through PayPal. I'm going to chalk this up as a loss and stick with more reputable KS gaming projects, tired of being ripped off by newbie creators.
Well, we as a group could always take a legal route. We know Shawn's name and hometown. Fraud of $12,000 is a major crime, it might even be considered a federal crime because it involves people from many different states. If I don't see something from him here soon I will seriously consider starting legal action.
At this point, I'm writing this off as a loss. Shawn should be ashamed of himself. I don't know how he can live with this and I don't know how his new wife can stay with him knowing he bilked almost 200 people out of $13k.
Agreed. It's the silence that is getting on my nerves. His updates mention he assumes the delays are what is upsetting backers. It isn't. I have backed projects here months behind and delayed and delayed as well as preorders elsewhere that are over a year late. They are at least communicating every month or in some cases, every week. Shawn going silent is what I can't stand.
When the campaign closed Sean hit me up for $7 to add felt to my Level 3 box. I paid him via PayPal. Now that he's logged in, presumably seen my mesage on here and chosen not to respond or update his backers I requested a refund from him through PayPal. I'll let ya'll know if anything comes of that.
What I truly want to know is how our money is being spent. We have seen pictures of boxes on the age, but no real proof of anything being created. Aside from him telling us he is removing a tier and not responding with a solution. This is ridiculous. We deserve some forms of information by now.
Update or refund either one would be welcome at this point. It doesn't have to be a video just a few paragraphs about what's going on with the boxes or how he is getting our money back to us. I really don't won't to see him staring blankly at the camera as he tries to figure out how to explain that he spent our money. This is ridiculous.
Refunds; no idea. If we could find a way to get a hold of him I think we'd have more updates. The last update he mentioned refunds then pushed wanting to make cases for everyone. Then went silent the past three months. I warned him ages ago that going silent would result in anger and refund requests. Obviously he didn't heed my advice.
That's nothing new. He goes incredibly long stretches without logging in. I don't think it has any bearing on him completing the project, just a standard MO since the campaign funded.
This has passed the point of concern. Three months past the fulfillment date and no word for more than two months. A responsible creator would at least be keeping us informed about what is going on. I am very understanding about delays, as I feel most backers are, but this lack of communication is disrespectful on Shawn's part. I now have a feeling that my money is gone forever, and I will never see a case.
There was the update in June, after the long radio silence since the project funded and before the even longer silence until September, where there were a few in progress cases shown briefly along with the new tools funds had gone towards. I believe him when he said the funds were only being used for cases, though every update has some form of "I'm going to do better on keeping backers updated going forward" sooooo...
Request for a refund... no response.... request for update... no response. Looks to me like Shawn took the nearly 13K had a nice honeymoon and has no money to build or deliver his promised items, even in the updates all you see are dice no boxes being made, not since its been funded that 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 commentsRob Martin about 10 hours ago
Mrs. Wood, Shawn,
Thank you for the update. I am very sorry to hear about the family loss. I know what that is like, I've lost both of my parents. So I understand how that can impact everything. I am also sorry to hear about the job situation and transitioning into a new position. I wish you both the best.
I am one of those impacted by the Tier 3 problem, but I have faith that something can and will be worked out in the end.
I backed this project specifically because of the craftsmanship presented the campaign details and I liked the layout of the boxes. I stand behind my choice and I look forward to seeing what is to come.
Adam
Superbacker
about 10 hours ago
I've gotten the anger out. What follows is my heartfelt comments:
Shawn,
I hope this gets to you. I backed you from the second day of your Kickstarter campaign. Your work impressed me and I can't wait to make my gaming groups jealous. I added on to my pledge again and again.
I hope you can accept my congratulations on getting married and my condolences on a loss in the family. I feel terrible of coming across pushy when you have more important things going on. I just hope you can realize that not telling us about the reasons for delay, that we can't be held responsible for any issues stemming from it. If you need to put things on hold due to a production issue I am behind you 100%
I'm looking forward to the amazing products you will produce and hope that communication will be a major response to the criticism that has been leveled.
earendil engelmann
Superbacker
about 11 hours ago
Hi, I don't post often and just want to say, no worries. I've backed plenty of projects and I am just glad that you are still working on things. Bumps happen and a lot of us here know how that goes. I've always been a bit annoyed by how much negativity comes out on the comment boards, but keep in mind that there are plenty like me that are happy to wait and see. We know that we are taking a chance with the money and are hopeful that something good comes from it, for both us and for the creator. Of course, updates are one of the best ways to keep the comments from snowballing, but it has been my experience that you will get some grief no matter what if things are taking longer than expected. Good luck and remember, break it down and deal with small pieces. if you can get something out to some of the backers, do it, and get some of the energy back. Find something you can get done, even if it is sending out a single box and then you have something positive to give an update about. You'll still get complaints, but, well, that is just how it goes.
Adam
Superbacker
about 11 hours ago
I'm sorry that you feel putting up an estimate on delivery and missing that then being called out on it is shitty. I'm sorry setting people's hopes at a certain level then failing and hiding instead of responding is ok. I have been nothing. It supportive but there is only so long before I'm defending a shadow on a brick wall that I finally have to say "OK, maybe you have a point." If Shawn wanted to update us and say "it's taking longer than expected, here's the reason why" I would have been shouting down detractors or calling them out. But to crap on backers because they don't know what's going on because you haven't said anything? C'Mon!
David Lyons
Superbacker
about 11 hours ago
I do sympathize with having a busy life and not being done with the project. I look forward to getting the cases I requested, but if it takes a long time to happen then I can wait. The one complaint I have, really, is the lack of communication. I'm happy with whatever update schedule you devise (though I'd suggest no less frequently than monthly), as long as you can stick to it. I just need to have some idea what's going on and I can be as patient as required. While this most recent update was somewhat unprofessional, I'm pretty forgiving there, too. Unfortunately the situation has come to the point where many of the backers are unhappy and they have perfectly valid reasons for being that way.
So, to put this in a more positive light as Shawn requested in the video updates he did some months ago, I encourage you to communicate with us! We are a community here and we (the backers) and you (the creator) are on this ride together. If there are problems, share them with us and we can commiserate. If there are successes, we can all be happy together. Talk to us, and I bet you'll find a much happier audience communicating back with you!
Adam
Superbacker
about 11 hours ago
Hi Shawn's wife! I'm so sorry you feel that commenting on three months of silence is bullying. Hang on. Three months, nothing. Yeah just checked. We have every right to be angry. Shawn took $13,000 from us and we haven't heard anything. You being disappointed in our comments after THREE MONTHS of silence?! And blaming us that he doesn't comment? NO! You don't get to look down on us! We gave a large amount of money and when we were met with silence told Shawn "all we want to know is what is going on. Take as long as you need." Then no response so we got worried. You DO NOT get to tell us how disappointed you are with us when we have heard nothing for 12 WEEKS! Had Shawn said "hey it will take two years more" then I was on board. Take as long as needed. Going SILENT for MONTHS then telling your backers it's their fault VIA HIS WIFE because he can't face us is a shitty response. Oh, are things going on in his life? We can totally understand. IF WE ARE TOLD ABOUT THEM! There are a lot of boxes made already? SHIP THEM! You have kickstarters that haven't shipped. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE COST OF TEA IN CHINA?! You waiting on a Kickstarter you backed has NOTHING to do with the money we have given you for this Kickstarter. Are you upset about backers wondering if funds have been used elsewhere? You say they haven't? You know how you prove that? SEND OUT AN UPDATE!
You listing issues that needed fixing? Guess what! Had those been posted in the past THREE MONTHS would have been accepted and we would have supported Shawn.
You don't get to hold back on shit going on then shit on the people giving you money because you haven't posted anything. "How dare you be so mean when this thing we didn't tell you about is going on!"
Geoff A. about 12 hours ago
So after 3 months we get no actual information. No pictures of progress, no timeline for fulfillment, essentially the same "there's problems with the large boxes" but no concrete proposal for resolution. If the refund requests bother them so much then they shouldn't have mentioned refunds as a possible solution 3 months ago and then gone dark. I am fed up with KickStarter creators who cannot do the most basic task in crowdsourcing: COMMUNICATE. It sucks that they've had so many problems, but how are we supposed to know? If they want us to be supportive than they should be taking 15 minutes out of their day once or twice a month to let us know what we're supporting. Personally, I'd much rather Shawn actually tell us what's going on, why they're having delays, what they are going to do about the continued problems with a tier of their product, etc. If we had been kept in the loop the negativity would probably still be here but there would also be some semblance of support as well. Now it just sounds like excuses, especially in the absence of any concrete information about when they will ship *anything* or how long they're going to keep banging their heads against the wall with the large boxes before they decide to go with any of the possible alternative solutions Shawn had mentioned.
TL;DR Don't keep people in the dark for 3 months and then come at us with this crap.
Geoff A. about 12 hours ago
Wow.
Frank Bianchi about 12 hours ago
Thank you for the update
Adam
Superbacker
about 16 hours ago
I understand that sentiment. I still want my case but I hoped it would arrive when promised. I've had dozens of game nights pass where I would have loved to have it on hand. I backed the dragon tray from Dog Might that funded a few days ago with and estimated delivery of August and I'd bet it arrives before this case. I at least hope we hear from Shawn before Dog Might delivers.
As for this being a drama, I see us more as the audience. So it's not much of a drama since we watched the first half of the play, the campaign, then there was an intermission, the funding, now we're in the second half of the play but it's not good since the curtain is still down, we're checking our watches and wondering if the actors forgot act 2 and just went home.
Jim 'Jango Fett' A
Superbacker
about 22 hours ago
I want a refund at this point. This was supposed to be a Christmas gift for the wife not some long drawn out drama.
Adam
Superbacker
1 day ago
Hopefully that gets a response.
Geoff A. 1 day ago
I emailed Shawn today at the email address he provided for PayPal:
Sean,
Are you planning on fulfilling backer rewards for your KickStarter campaign? After the months of silence your backers are getting restless. If you're not planning on ripping everyone off you should probably let people know what the plan is ASAP.
Sincerely,
Geoff
Linda Ballance 2 days ago
Actually you can sue Shawn. You can't sue kickstart, as they have limited liability. But Shawn is required to produce what was paid for, work out a compensation or refund money. There have been several law suits against failed kickstarter campaigns that did not return the funds or make other compensations.
Frank Bianchi 3 days ago
@Adam, Sorry my apologies, thank you for the clarification.
Adam
Superbacker
4 days ago
Good luck. As the money was given to fund Shawn's idea of producing cases and the case you would receive is seen as a reward I haven't heard of any laws that have caught up with the technology so to speak. Add to that there was no set delivery date, just Shawn's estimate, I think it just gets chalked up to a form of caveat emptor.
Stephen McCann 4 days ago
I have messaged him through KS and also on Facebook with no reply. If by March 1 we have not heard anything I will be speaking with a friend who is an attorney to find out what my legal options are. As far as I am concerned Shawn is guilty of fraud at this point.
Adam
Superbacker
4 days ago
As to Kickstarter contacting him because backers are upset, no. They don't do that. Once the money changes hands and they take their cut they don't do anything. Anyone who's had to deal with a campaign that misses their delivery date can attest. And some of those projects miss by years and the creators stop responding period.
Adam
Superbacker
4 days ago
@Frank the doxxing comments weren't directed at you, but at Life offering an address drop and wanting his PayPal email.
Frank Bianchi 4 days ago
I am not attempting to dox him, I'm just wondering if KS can alert him that the patrons are not happy right now. Seeing as he does not log in often.
James 5 days ago
Coming up on 3 months since last update, I will nicely ask for an update..
Adam
Superbacker
5 days ago
He's gone silent and we have no idea if or when he'll complete the project, but don't dox him, jeez.
Geoff A. 5 days ago
I'm not going to particpate in doxing Sean and will not be handing out his PayPal email.
Frank Bianchi 6 days ago
Is there any way KS can get a hold of him, seeing as this reflects on them a well?
Life
Superbacker
6 days ago
Geoff what is is paypal email?
Life
Superbacker
6 days ago
Who want's a possible address drop? He lives in Topeka Kansas I have his duplex address.
Geoff A. on February 17
I haven't gotten any response from him, or a refund through PayPal. I'm going to chalk this up as a loss and stick with more reputable KS gaming projects, tired of being ripped off by newbie creators.
Stephen McCann on February 16
Well, we as a group could always take a legal route. We know Shawn's name and hometown. Fraud of $12,000 is a major crime, it might even be considered a federal crime because it involves people from many different states. If I don't see something from him here soon I will seriously consider starting legal action.
Ben on February 16
At this point, I'm writing this off as a loss. Shawn should be ashamed of himself. I don't know how he can live with this and I don't know how his new wife can stay with him knowing he bilked almost 200 people out of $13k.
Geoff A. on February 14
@Frank no.
Frank Bianchi on February 14
Does Kickstart do anything to protect our investment?
Adam
Superbacker
on February 14
Agreed. It's the silence that is getting on my nerves. His updates mention he assumes the delays are what is upsetting backers. It isn't. I have backed projects here months behind and delayed and delayed as well as preorders elsewhere that are over a year late. They are at least communicating every month or in some cases, every week. Shawn going silent is what I can't stand.
David Nyal Patterson on February 14
Delays don't bother me. Silence angers me.
Geoff A. on February 14
When the campaign closed Sean hit me up for $7 to add felt to my Level 3 box. I paid him via PayPal. Now that he's logged in, presumably seen my mesage on here and chosen not to respond or update his backers I requested a refund from him through PayPal. I'll let ya'll know if anything comes of that.
Frank Bianchi on February 14
What I truly want to know is how our money is being spent. We have seen pictures of boxes on the age, but no real proof of anything being created. Aside from him telling us he is removing a tier and not responding with a solution. This is ridiculous. We deserve some forms of information by now.
Adam
Superbacker
on February 13
Yeah, he pops in once and a while but with no comments or updates. Hopefully soon.
Stephen McCann on February 12
According to Kickstarter Shawn logged in yesterday, but still no word from him.
Cole Warren on February 10
Update or refund either one would be welcome at this point. It doesn't have to be a video just a few paragraphs about what's going on with the boxes or how he is getting our money back to us. I really don't won't to see him staring blankly at the camera as he tries to figure out how to explain that he spent our money. This is ridiculous.
Adam
Superbacker
on February 5
10 weeks Shawn. Update us. Silence is the worst choice. Even if the update is all bad news. Inform. Us.
Adam
Superbacker
on February 3
Refunds; no idea. If we could find a way to get a hold of him I think we'd have more updates. The last update he mentioned refunds then pushed wanting to make cases for everyone. Then went silent the past three months. I warned him ages ago that going silent would result in anger and refund requests. Obviously he didn't heed my advice.
Tuxedomouse
Superbacker
on February 3
How about refunds? I'd be fine with that at this point. Though I fear we just financed his medieval themed wedding, and that was it.
Adam
Superbacker
on February 3
That's nothing new. He goes incredibly long stretches without logging in. I don't think it has any bearing on him completing the project, just a standard MO since the campaign funded.
Geoff A. on February 3
@Stephen You're probably right, he's not even logging in any more.
Stephen McCann on February 3
This has passed the point of concern. Three months past the fulfillment date and no word for more than two months. A responsible creator would at least be keeping us informed about what is going on. I am very understanding about delays, as I feel most backers are, but this lack of communication is disrespectful on Shawn's part. I now have a feeling that my money is gone forever, and I will never see a case.
Adam
Superbacker
on February 1
There was the update in June, after the long radio silence since the project funded and before the even longer silence until September, where there were a few in progress cases shown briefly along with the new tools funds had gone towards. I believe him when he said the funds were only being used for cases, though every update has some form of "I'm going to do better on keeping backers updated going forward" sooooo...
Linda Ballance on February 1
Request for a refund... no response.... request for update... no response. Looks to me like Shawn took the nearly 13K had a nice honeymoon and has no money to build or deliver his promised items, even in the updates all you see are dice no boxes being made, not since its been funded that is.
Geoff A. on February 1
What's the world coming to when we can't trust an Eagle Scout...
Adam
Superbacker
on January 31
I've backed Dog Might's new Dragon Tray KS. It's estimated shipping is August. We'll see which one delivers first.
Adam
Superbacker
on January 30
It doesn't look like he uses his Facebook either. Good luck contacting him and getting a response.
Geoff A. on January 30
He hasn't logged on for over a month, so probably contacting him outside Kickstarter is the only way to get info...
I had to ask for a refund cause I backed at Level 3 and he can't be bothered to ship my box or tell me its warped.