[GB] GMK Shoko Shipping Soon

[Emir]

I would also like to see more activity from the runner. The runner has time to sit and post in discord all day(from my observation, at least), but not reply in his own thread? :/ I don't track him in Discord so idk if that is still the case today, but it used  to be earlier in the Shoko GB. If it is a matter of being too busy, then perhaps don't run a GB at that point in your life..

It is a shame, I actually love the set, but I know many of my friends who are turned off by the behaviour from the runner.

If it gets a second run, I hope this detail with communication is sorted out, because in a world where there's a lot of skepticism regarding muted colorways, comm is key. The way I see it, at least.

[_GMK_]

--- canceled

[otanishock]

Not an outcome I'd expect from the runner, but oh well, there's nothing we can really do about it.

On a side note. Guys...join! 

[lunr]

updaaaaaaaaaates

though, the buy page is still up on kono... give me my money back already.

[temp0321]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

[Choobies]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

I had a feeling that's what was going on- thanks for inquiring about it!

[Boy_314]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

Hopefully people can wait a bit before cancelling their orders. I really want this set to be made

[otanishock]

If that is true then....
Guys, join! Its now or never. I have a feeling if this set gets cancelled it will never see its light again.

[eastern_thug]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

This is great news but it's kind of sad that this is how we're getting any updates at all. I agree with the other posts here regarding better communication and updates from the runner.

Simply letting people know that it's still running after the supposed end date could have encouraged more buyers imo.

[Boy_314]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

This is great news but it's kind of sad that this is how we're getting any updates at all. I agree with the other posts here regarding better communication and updates from the runner.

Simply letting people know that it's still running after the supposed end date could have encouraged more buyers imo.

i agree that there is a distinct lack of communication from the group buy runner, but from my chats with the runner on discord, he/she seems to be out of the loop as well in terms of how the group buy is going to go due to a lack of communication between the vendors with regards to MOQ numbers.

[voxkey]

I've asked kono.stor about Shoko and got this reply.

We are currently attempting to make Shoko work, there's a possibility that we can get the set made which is why we haven't canceled the project just yet.
If you still wish to cancel your order, let me know and I can go ahead and do that.

Let me know,
Sean

Now I'm torn. One part of me sees this as a ray of hope, but the other sees it as a slap in the face. I also asked about Shoko days ago and never received any sort of response. Also no news from any of the vendors or the runner on official channels, and there are so many where an update could be posted!

I'm honestly just thinking about cancelling on principle. The main thing this communities' vendors need to work on is communication and customer service. I buy most of my goods/services these days from boutique/artisan/very small business/DIY vendors and what this community accepts as the norm is crazy to me.

Note: I worked for five years at a company of less than five managing supply chains in multiple countries on a shoestring budget. I understand the pressure, stress, and sleepless nights that go into working under these conditions in a niche industry, bringing new products to market, etc.

[Starston3]

If y’all want this to happen then don’t cancel... If you want to cancel go ahead and cancel.

But y’all need to understand how these GBs work. Running a keyset is different than running a keyboard or other physical item.

The designer approaches a vendor(s) and then they handle the purchase order, logistics, etc. Designer then pick out the color samples when it come time.

If the designer is not saying anything is because there isn’t anything to share. Yeah, it sucks but as previous updates have shown, Kono had been bad at sharing numbers.

Kono is currently in shipping hell with Kira orders and zFrontier has been radio silent in support emails since late December with rumors they are restructuring and less than 2 weeks until CNY.

There is a lot stuff happing in the background.

[voxkey]

If y’all want this to happen then don’t cancel... If you want to cancel go ahead and cancel.

But y’all need to understand how these GBs work. Running a keyset is different than running a keyboard or other physical item.

The designer approaches a vendor(s) and then they handle the purchase order, logistics, etc. Designer then pick out the color samples when it come time.

If the designer is not saying anything is because there isn’t anything to share. Yeah, it sucks but as previous updates have shown, Kono had been bad at sharing numbers.

Kono is currently in shipping hell with Kira orders and zFrontier has been radio silent in support emails since late December with rumors they are restructuring and less than 2 weeks until CNY.

There is a lot stuff happing in the background.

I'm glad you are aware of what's going on at these vendors behind the scenes, but the rest of us aren't because it hasn't been communicated.

If you want your customers to be patient, give them a reason to be. If there isn't any updates, just let us know! Radio silence just isn't acceptable. I don't feel myself or others are being unreasonable here in asking for updates a week after a group buy ended without any official word.

[Emir]

As I said, if the runner has time to post on Discord, one would assume there is time to drop by the thread and let everyone know the status - even if there are no updates. Any communication helps in building faith among people who have purchased, and also new potential buyers.

For example.
"Hey Everyone. I am sorry to say, but Kono seems to be having some internal issues. I have yet to receive updates from them, it is likely due to the issues they are experiencing. I hope to hear back from them soon, and when I do, I will let everyone know. Thank you for your patience!"

Relaying that there are no updates is still an update for worried customers, at least, that's how I personally feel.

[the_high_5]

I agree with Emir and voxkey's comment. I fully understand that there might not be much to say from the runner at this point, but no communication makes it seem like the project has been abandoned (even though the it is clearly not based on the recent posts). I'm worried that the lack of communication would continue if MOQ is met and the color matching process begins. Since this set has custom colors, I hope there will be more communication when concerns are raised by the GB participants.

Just my two cents.

[otanishock]

No don't pull out guys lol. Stay! We need this to happen. Give shoko and kono some time, I'm sure they both have their reason. Stay, support the set, and be awesome! 

[Okonomiyaki#2832]

Any updates on this? Joined a buy im not even sure if it is still on.

[MOON]

I am 100% going to join because it is still up on Kono if I can get a confirmation that it is still on. Love this set

[hsunwoo1221]

I think it's open. At least the project isn't dead yet. From what I've heard from kono they're making a negotiation on MOQ

[onefivenine]

Pantone colors, zero communication after group buy end date, and Kono no longer has GMK Shoko in their newsletter. I love the look of this colorway but I do not feel confident staying in the group buy. Good luck everyone.

[oldcat]

Pantone colors, zero communication after group buy end date, and Kono no longer has GMK Shoko in their newsletter. I love the look of this colorway but I do not feel confident staying in the group buy. Good luck everyone.

agree, I would probably join if there is information on current numbers and what will happen afterwards.

[Choobies]

Pantone colors, zero communication after group buy end date, and Kono no longer has GMK Shoko in their newsletter. I love the look of this colorway but I do not feel confident staying in the group buy. Good luck everyone.

agree, I would probably join if there is information on current numbers and what will happen afterwards.

I understand the sentiment, and I'm sure our message will get across when the GB runner/Kono Store reads the messages in this thread-  at this point, wouldn't it only benefit everyone to join the GB?  They aren't going to run away with your money, and it gives us a better chance of reaching MOQ and making everyone happy.

[outsider]

Pantone colors, zero communication after group buy end date, and Kono no longer has GMK Shoko in their newsletter. I love the look of this colorway but I do not feel confident staying in the group buy. Good luck everyone.

agree, I would probably join if there is information on current numbers and what will happen afterwards.

I understand the sentiment, and I'm sure our message will get across when the GB runner/Kono Store reads the messages in this thread-  at this point, wouldn't it only benefit everyone to join the GB?  They aren't going to run away with your money, and it gives us a better chance of reaching MOQ and making everyone happy.

Honestly at this point I might just drop out due to zero communication from anyone.  It's nice that Kono is trying to make it happen but even then, no official word from them or OP.  New GBs going up this week and the one after so having my money stuck here in "maybe" isn't doing me any favors.

[oldcat]

Pantone colors, zero communication after group buy end date, and Kono no longer has GMK Shoko in their newsletter. I love the look of this colorway but I do not feel confident staying in the group buy. Good luck everyone.

agree, I would probably join if there is information on current numbers and what will happen afterwards.

I understand the sentiment, and I'm sure our message will get across when the GB runner/Kono Store reads the messages in this thread-  at this point, wouldn't it only benefit everyone to join the GB?  They aren't going to run away with your money, and it gives us a better chance of reaching MOQ and making everyone happy.

I understand, but if the GB has been extended OP should probably let people know. I don’t actually know if it is extended, and what the MOQ status is —  if it’s too far from target I’d probably join other GBs because I don’t have unlimited funds unfortunately

[otanishock]

because I don’t have unlimited funds unfortunately

Sell a canoe and buy 5 of these el oh el

[oldcat]

because I don’t have unlimited funds unfortunately

Sell a canoe and buy 5 of these el oh el

Might have to sell one for the upcoming boards and sets

[yonghf]

Kono replied saying they are currently in talks with GMK and will strive to provide an update by Thurs 1 Feb. Fingers crossed!

[Boy_314]

From kono.store's weekly update, link: https://kono.store/pages/weekly-update

GMK Shoko
We are in negotiations with GMK. At this time, things are looking good — we think the set will be produced. If anything changes we will absolutely provide refunds for the group buy.

[eastern_thug]

From kono.store's weekly update, link: https://kono.store/pages/weekly-update

GMK Shoko
We are in negotiations with GMK. At this time, things are looking good — we think the set will be produced. If anything changes we will absolutely provide refunds for the group buy.

OMG this is great news! Now's the chance to jump in guys!

[mrpetrov]

That's a helpful update but we don't have samples yet do we, and isn't that the runner's responsibility?

[vtachkov]

That's a helpful update but we don't have samples yet do we, and isn't that the runner's responsibility?

Samples are usually made after the group buy has been deemed successful. It's kind of pointless to make samples if there aren't enough people to make the set become a reality.

[mrpetrov]

That's a helpful update but we don't have samples yet do we, and isn't that the runner's responsibility?

Samples are usually made after the group buy has been deemed successful. It's kind of pointless to make samples if there aren't enough people to make the set become a reality.

Right, but if we get the go ahead, and the GB runner is still MIA... then what happens if noone is there to sign off on samples? Will Kono make the call?

[Emir]

Yeah, really have a lot of faith in the MIA runner to NAIL the custom colors here... After Necro, I am sure many have a bad after taste...

Such a shame, I love this set.

[Darknight00z]

That's a helpful update but we don't have samples yet do we, and isn't that the runner's responsibility?

Samples from GMK is usually only provided after payment,

[sagadoi]

It will last for about 2 months.
Is there any news for gb success or will it last for another week?

[Nebula97]

Finally decided to take the plunge into making my first keyboard, discovered this set on mykeyboard, would love to get on board if there's an update as to whether it's still going ahead?

[V. Vega]

From Kono's Weekly Update:

"GMK Shoko
We are in negotiations with GMK. At this time, things are looking good — we think the set will be produced. If anything changes we will absolutely provide refunds for the group buy."

It seems like Kono is going to push it through, so any purchases would certainly help convince GMK to produce it, or Kono to purchase the remaining sets to meet MOQ.

As for the designer...I would really like to see an update from them also. If Kono does push Shoko through, somebody is still going to have to pick the colors and approve samples. Some sort of indication that they're still even interested in making this set happen would be great.

That said, I'm still in because there is not enough soft blue in this hobby.

[Aerizu]

I think this set would really look good on an M60-A Milk 

[rogersmj]

I'm new to the DIY keyboard scene, and I stumbled across Shoko on the Kono store...looks perfect for me. But when I saw it was a group buy I googled around...found plenty of references to it ending on Dec 17 2018, but basically no updates since then. This thread, with so many people complaining about radio silence, does not inspire confidence.

But, since it looks fantastic, I guess I'll take the leap...maybe help push it over the edge!

Does anyone know the sizes of the spacebars in the base kit? The image that should detail that isn't loading on Kono's store.

[Ephemeral]

Does anyone know the sizes of the spacebars in the base kit?

Looks like 6.25, 7.0, 6.0, and 6.0 off-center.

[Boy_314]

I'm new to the DIY keyboard scene, and I stumbled across Shoko on the Kono store...looks perfect for me. But when I saw it was a group buy I googled around...found plenty of references to it ending on Dec 17 2018, but basically no updates since then. This thread, with so many people complaining about radio silence, does not inspire confidence.

But, since it looks fantastic, I guess I'll take the leap...maybe help push it over the edge!

Does anyone know the sizes of the spacebars in the base kit? The image that should detail that isn't loading on Kono's store.

the top two in the render are 6.25u and 7u. bottom two might be 6u, i can't really tell. since your new to the community, i'd say you won't be using the bottom two spacebars (maybe they are for corsair and other non-standard bottom row layout oem boards)

[rogersmj]

Perfect, thank you both...I'm a 65% fan (just built a Tada68 kit) so a 6.25u is what I need. Placing order now.

[Choobies]

Perfect, thank you both...I'm a 65% fan (just built a Tada68 kit) so a 6.25u is what I need. Placing order now.

Welcome aboard.  I see no risk in joining the groupbuy. 

[otanishock]

If Ray goes mia, tell kono to hit me up I'll pick out the color sample for yall lol

[mrpetrov]

Perfect, thank you both...I'm a 65% fan (just built a Tada68 kit) so a 6.25u is what I need. Placing order now.

Welcome aboard.  I see no risk in joining the groupbuy. 

Isn't the risk that someone other than the GB runner ends up picking the final colors, so it might not match the vision described in the OP?

[tex_live_utility]

No word from Kono?

[Puddsy]

Perfect, thank you both...I'm a 65% fan (just built a Tada68 kit) so a 6.25u is what I need. Placing order now.

Welcome aboard.  I see no risk in joining the groupbuy. 

Isn't the risk that someone other than the GB runner ends up picking the final colors, so it might not match the vision described in the OP?

id be very surprised if that happens

[Boy_314]

kono weekly update has nothing new: https://kono.store/pages/weekly-update

[LightningXI]

kono weekly update has nothing new: https://kono.store/pages/weekly-update

Lol, boy am I surprised...

[Choobies]

Kono Store's Weekly Update email has a notice about Shoko!