[GB] Klaxon! The RA2.0 clone - Orders closed! Invoicing/revision time

[tjcaustin]

Oh hai there lightbulb moment.

Maybe I'll run another group buy after this for 7bit mods.

That seems like a good solution.

[Leewei]

Oh hai there lightbulb moment.

Maybe I'll run another group buy after this for 7bit mods.

That seems like a good solution.

That would be a good idea. If there is a majority in this groupbuy for 7bit mods, it would be even better if it lined up with this one so it can be shipped together. Again it wouldn't seem possible to have it now unless SP were to agree to have an option of 7bit or standard. =/

[redeye]

Here's my 2 cents about the mods...

To be fair, I chose the worst of my options in regards to the 7bit mods, but what passed through my brain as I was reminded of the question was that I could either not bring the option back up and continue with business as usual and then feel a horrible pang of guilt when someone inevitably went "What about 7bit mods you were looking into" or extend the buy another month which I think would have been catastrophic as I'd been having an influx of cancellations (I say influx, but really, it's been a total of less than 10.)

As is obvious, I chose to try and combat my guilt and keep people from leaving because "it's taking too long" and it seems like it created a third, even worse option of people leaving because of the sceptre of possible raw dealing.

I don't envy your position, you opened Pandoras Box, and I hope you don't think I'm angry with you, I just feel like I'm now stuck.


I will not be buying if it changes to 7bit, sorry, but I really dislike that look, I'm okay with it changing, I just won't be participating.

Which is why, even with pricing equal, a simple majority wasn't ever going to change things to 7bit anyways. 

Not only because of you, but the vibe I get from the people that don't want 7bit is that it's simply a deal breaker.  People that do want 7bit are simply more pleased with it than standard, but they're fine either way.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. Some people like myself feel a bit flat about 7bit mods and may feel a bit uneasy about invoicing before finalising a change like this. I'm sure everyone across the board is happy with the original setup as oppose to some saying "Yes!!" and some saying "well ok then if i have too".

[jdcarpe]

What if I said my order was just temporary, contingent on getting the 7bit mods? That I'll just drop my whole order if there are no 7bit mods. Wouldn't that sound like bullying the organizer to you? I just find it hard to believe that someone would be so inflexible, based only upon whether a few modifiers have text on them or not. Most people prefer the clean look of the symbol legends, as evidenced by the poll results. Not sure what the issue is; something about compatibility with other sets or something?

[karljs]

I think running a second group buy would be a poor choice, because the 75% of people who prefer 7bit mods would immediately cancel their order for this round.

[brianvoo]

I wouldn't mind either mod design, but the simplistic 7-bit mods are much more catchy then the standard ones.

[Leewei]

I think running a second group buy would be a poor choice, because the 75% of people who prefer 7bit mods would immediately cancel their order for this round.

Yup that is why tj said maybe after this groupbuy. Unless SP could give us the option of choosing so the 75% of people can choose 7bit mods while 25% go for standard and still keep to this groupbuy.

[Leslieann]

Oh hai there lightbulb moment.

Looking back at some of the posts, it seems you were pretty straight forward on it just being a possible split, at least at first.

That was fine until it was stated that we probably couldn't split the order.  At which point you started invoicing with a poll and people talking about converting everything. I understand now that it was a poll based on the idea that if we could split it, who would want to, but that wasn't the impression I was getting and based on some other peoples posts, I don't think I was alone in this.

What if I said my order was just temporary, contingent on getting the 7bit mods? That I'll just drop my whole order if there are no 7bit mods. Wouldn't that sound like bullying the organizer to you? I just find it hard to believe that someone would be so inflexible, based only upon whether a few modifiers have text on them or not. Most people prefer the clean look of the symbol legends, as evidenced by the poll results. Not sure what the issue is; something about compatibility with other sets or something?

Since the very beginning this was based on being non-7bit, you were never promised 7bit.

I wasn't trying to bully anyone, as I said, if the group decided to change, fine, but you can't show non-7bit for months and then change it at the last second and expect me (and others) to be left holding a bill for over a hundred dollars. I didn't want leave Tjcaustin or the group holding the bag either, but the only way to do that was to get answers to my concerns and that wasn't happening.

It's a group buy and group decision, but ultimately my money. No one is forcing anyone into a group buy.

I wouldn't mind either mod design, but the simplistic 7-bit mods are much more catchy then the standard ones.

That could happen, but it's risky, what if that buy ultimately fails, they are never a sure thing.

[Saturn]

The obvious solution is to include both 7bit mods and standard mods in every set.

Naturally, SP will do this for us without extra charge because we are awesome.

[Sai]

The obvious solution is to include both 7bit mods and standard mods in every set.

Naturally, SP will do this for us without extra charge because we are awesome.

^ this. 

[tjcaustin]

I think running a second group buy would be a poor choice, because the 75% of people who prefer 7bit mods would immediately cancel their order for this round.

The 7bit round would be for only the 7bit mods.  Not the entire set.

At worst, it would mean the loss of a bunch of mods from this buy.  Assuming I do it, of course.

[akuJIWA]

Tj, can I double check my order? Thinking to add rog mods to my offer.

[gbohn]

  I'm not a fan of the '7bit' modifiers, so I would probably drop out if you were to change to them.

  It also seems to me that it's kind of late in the game to be considering a major change like this...

[fydo]

I didn't see the info in the OP, what is included in the GH packs and what do they cost? Thanks in advance!

[jdcarpe]

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would go through the roof. I guarantee it.

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would I through the roof. I guarantee it.

What he said!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

I would love to see this set with 7bit legends, if possible!

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would go through the roof. I guarantee it.

Re-reading Melissa's email, the tone is that RDD is what they'd prefer we use, but RBV isn't out of the question.  The first couple of times I read it, I felt it was more of a "we won't be carrying RBV ever again".  At this point, I'd almost want to say "See all these pictures of RA2.0? That but with white on red inputs, too"  But even still, here's me asking for a picture of the SP color wheel so I can get the color more accurate, unless Batmann already has it. 

As to the mods, I sent pm to 7bit over at DT after this.

Count is also updated.  Surprised not more people want white on red input, but no biggie, there's still enough for an order.

I guess some people came into this GB late in the game.

[jdcarpe]

TJ, I have a suggestion, if you're up to it. Make another GB thread with only the mods with the 7bit legends. Meaning only the Backspace, Tab, Caps Lock, Enter, and include all of the Shift sizes (2.75, 2.25, 1.75, 1.25). Colors RoW, WoR, and RoG. That way you shouldn't lose any mod orders from this GB, since one would still need bottom row mods from this GB to make a complete set.

Those of us that really want the 7bit symbols can order those separately. And the people who hate them won't have to complain about you changing things at the last minute, even though you said you would look into doing those legends way back on November 29th.

Run that GB for a month, and see if it generates enough interest for a MOQ or even makes sense as far as costs. If so, people could choose to wait for those to have their Klaxon sets shipped, if they wish, to save on shipping costs.

[gbohn]

> What if I said my order was just temporary, contingent on getting the 7bit mods?

  What happened was that people signed up for the order as it was. .
 
>  I just find it hard to believe that someone would be so inflexible, based only upon whether a few modifiers
> have text on them or not.

   The point is that everyone who 'bought in' previously agreed to what was being specified. They had said 'Yes' to the plan at the time

   If what is being offered is changed, it's perfectly reasonable to expect that not everyone is going to be happy with the change.

   I mean, what if they decided to change the modifiers to be  'Blue diamonds, green clovers, and purple horseshoes' because they thought a 'Lucky Charms' motif was a better plan? (And I'm not saying if that would be a good or bad idea  )

  Fine, but don't expect to force everyone who had previously signed up (for the original) to go along... 

 

[mickd]

Any word about the front printed text for the top right keys?

That and 7bit legends are pretty essential for a nice set in my eyes. Too bad they won't both be going ahead (or any)!

Please do run the mini group buy for the 7bit legends. It truly is a shame that it won't be going ahead, which as you can see from jdcarpe's quote, I did express interest in them quite awhile back too.

[jdcarpe]

> What if I said my order was just temporary, contingent on getting the 7bit mods?

  What happened was that people signed up for the order as it was. .
 
>  I just find it hard to believe that someone would be so inflexible, based only upon whether a few modifiers
> have text on them or not.

   The point is that everyone who 'bought in' previously agreed to what was being specified. They had said 'Yes' to the plan at the time

   If what is being offered is changed, it's perfectly reasonable to expect that not everyone is going to be happy with the change.

   I mean, what if they decided to change the modifiers to be  'Blue diamonds, green clovers, and purple horseshoes' because they thought a 'Lucky Charms' motif was a better plan? (And I'm not saying if that would be a good or bad idea  )

  Fine, but don't expect to force everyone who had previously signed up (for the original) to go along... 

 

Don't worry about it. I wouldn't expect you to read through the thread to see that we discussed this being a possibility back on November 29th. You're going to get it your way. I proposed a solution to deal with this, and if TJ doesn't want to do it, so be it.

I already have a set with symbol legends, it just cost me an arm and a leg to get it.

[Leewei]

I like what jdcarpe is proposing and seems like the best way to handle this situation. Also, you can coordinate it so that shipping can be done together =)

[tjcaustin]

Tj, can I double check my order? Thinking to add rog mods to my offer.

RoW base
WoR mods
WoR tsangan
RoG base

Is what I show right now.  Get back to me soon so I can edit your invoice, you're one of the 60 that I've already got filled out.

I didn't see the info in the OP, what is included in the GH packs and what do they cost? Thanks in advance!

3 keys with geekhack on them. one in each color (wor/rog/row).  each order comes with one pack ($2) and you can add as many as you want.

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would go through the roof. I guarantee it.

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would I through the roof. I guarantee it.

What he said!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

I would love to see this set with 7bit legends, if possible!

TJ, you should insist on RBV for the red on this one. SP may not have it listed as "in stock" and RDD would be close, but if you tell Melissa we want RBV, they can get it. They can make any colors they have on their color ring. And I mean the full color ring, not just the ones in that small picture on their website.

Also, what about contacting 7bit and asking if we could possibly use his modifier symbols legends? I think he would let you use them.

If you did these two things, and made the changes to the mockups, your orders would go through the roof. I guarantee it.

Re-reading Melissa's email, the tone is that RDD is what they'd prefer we use, but RBV isn't out of the question.  The first couple of times I read it, I felt it was more of a "we won't be carrying RBV ever again".  At this point, I'd almost want to say "See all these pictures of RA2.0? That but with white on red inputs, too"  But even still, here's me asking for a picture of the SP color wheel so I can get the color more accurate, unless Batmann already has it. 

As to the mods, I sent pm to 7bit over at DT after this.

Count is also updated.  Surprised not more people want white on red input, but no biggie, there's still enough for an order.

I guess some people came into this GB late in the game.

To be fair, I had as many people sign up in January as I did from the day I started Oct 30 until the original cut off of Jan 2.

TJ, I have a suggestion, if you're up to it. Make another GB thread with only the mods with the 7bit legends. Meaning only the Backspace, Tab, Caps Lock, Enter, and include all of the Shift sizes (2.75, 2.25, 1.75, 1.25). Colors RoW, WoR, and RoG. That way you shouldn't lose any mod orders from this GB, since one would still need bottom row mods from this GB to make a complete set.

Those of us that really want the 7bit symbols can order those separately. And the people who hate them won't have to complain about you changing things at the last minute, even though you said you would look into doing those legends way back on November 29th.

Run that GB for a month, and see if it generates enough interest for a MOQ or even makes sense as far as costs. If so, people could choose to wait for those to have their Klaxon sets shipped, if they wish, to save on shipping costs.

That's the plan actually.  I'll even get the two other keys you've asked for in it, too.

> What if I said my order was just temporary, contingent on getting the 7bit mods?

  What happened was that people signed up for the order as it was. .
 
>  I just find it hard to believe that someone would be so inflexible, based only upon whether a few modifiers
> have text on them or not.

   The point is that everyone who 'bought in' previously agreed to what was being specified. They had said 'Yes' to the plan at the time

   If what is being offered is changed, it's perfectly reasonable to expect that not everyone is going to be happy with the change.

   I mean, what if they decided to change the modifiers to be  'Blue diamonds, green clovers, and purple horseshoes' because they thought a 'Lucky Charms' motif was a better plan? (And I'm not saying if that would be a good or bad idea  )

  Fine, but don't expect to force everyone who had previously signed up (for the original) to go along... 

 

To try and stuff this genie back in the bottle a bit...

As I stated before, I had forgotten to follow up with 7bit about being able to use his mods as he's a fairly obtuse fellow to get any information out of, especially when it comes to something with geekhack, and remembered when I'd started my process of getting shipping and billing info and asked for opinion that people had let lie.

At this point, I think it will be a lot smoother for everyone if I use the new form as a list of people that will buy 7bit mods separately once I have this billed and sent to SP.

Any word about the front printed text for the top right keys?

That and 7bit legends are pretty essential for a nice set in my eyes. Too bad they won't both be going ahead (or any)!

Please do run the mini group buy for the 7bit legends. It truly is a shame that it won't be going ahead, which as you can see from jdcarpe's quote, I did express interest in them quite awhile back too.

I've had a bit of resistance from Melissa for that from when it was going through the customized page and from that and other discussions about editing things for it, I'm going to say to expect it in the 7bit mod GB and not this one.


Now:

CAN WE ALL BE FRIENDS AGAIN?!?

[elton5354]

Why isn't the GH pack in the order form and on OP? Well can you add one order  for me? Thanks.

[tjcaustin]

Why isn't the GH pack in the order form and on OP? Well can you add one order  for me? Thanks.

Added late and everyone will get at least one that places an order anyways.  I didn't think 2 dollars would cause a riot and made an executive decision.

[jdcarpe]

You're doing a good job, TJ. You can't please everyone all the time (including me!).

Thanks for running this huge GB, and for making the options available separately for those who want them.

[tjcaustin]

All I have to say right now is that I love my mouse and it's bindability.  Making things fairly smooth.

[tjcaustin]

87(the ones who've filled out the form or otherwise given me their paypal) out of 200 invoices created.

C'mon peeps, make up for my stupid error in not getting paypal in the beginning.

[Glod]

where do i give you my paypal email for my earlier order? just catching up after a self-imposed "geekhack break"

I don't see it in the "replacement" form?
here is where i checked: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGlZTm5WS2YwWnQ1bDQ3Y3gxZ3c1cGc6MQ

i can PM you it if you want

[tjcaustin]

where do i give you my paypal email for my earlier order? just catching up after a self-imposed "geekhack break"

I don't see it in the "replacement" form?
here is where i checked: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGlZTm5WS2YwWnQ1bDQ3Y3gxZ3c1cGc6MQ

i can PM you it if you want

New form at tippy top of OP - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HIsnpw6bOUFJ0z8TuwWazExxPacUWHt_o4yE7aUhpSg/viewform

[Glod]

doh, missed that

done

[brighenne]

I filled out the form, but see no invoice.  Did it not make it through?

[tjcaustin]

I filled out the form, but see no invoice.  Did it not make it through?

You are one of the 80whatever that I've an invoice ready for, I'm going to release invoices all at once, though.

[Leslieann]

You're doing a good job, TJ. You can't please everyone all the time (including me!).

Agreed, thank you, TJ.

[fydo]

Thanks for the info, TJ. Please add an additional 2 GH packs to my order.

[GeorgeK]

Agreed with the above - more than a few favours owed your way TJ! 

Very well done indeed sir!

[pasph]

7bit mod GB?
I like very much "7bit mod" style but i ain't going to pay 2 times for the same keys + EU shipping + VAT + paypay fees + ...

[Elrick]

I filled out the form, but see no invoice.  Did it not make it through?

Tried sending your Google form through for the choices between standard and 7bit Mods and get this;

"Form submission error There was an error submitting your form response. Please wait a short while and try again."

Hence what to do now?  Have tried sending it now about four times during 2 hours.

[gbohn]

> 87(the ones who've filled out the form or otherwise given me their paypal) out of 200 invoices created.
>
> C'mon peeps, make up for my stupid error in not getting paypal in the beginning.

...

> New form at tippy top of OP - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HIsnpw6bOUFJ0z8TuwWazExxPacUWHt_o4yE7aUhpSg/viewform

   If you're like me (and I know I am...  ), I don't always follow things every day. So, I was surprised to see that I needed to do anything since I assumed (incorrectly) that I'd get a PM or email if there was something I needed to address.

  So, part of the problem might be that not everyone is following this thread on a daily basis (as was my case).

  Also, looking at just the O.P. it might be helpful to make it a little clearer that this is a mandatory requirement for the current stage. I don't know, something like:

   "Now collecting Paypal information. Please fill out the form at xxxxxx if you haven't already done so."

   Or, maybe I'm just a bit dense today...

   At any rate, thanks again TJ for all the work.

[metalliqaz]

I don't follow the thread either.  Is there something I have to do?

EDIT: You definitely can't count on getting that paypal form filled.  Use PM to contact.

[kdash4]

I don't follow the thread either.  Is there something I have to do?

EDIT: You definitely can't count on getting that paypal form filled.  Use PM to contact.

He's not using PMs since you can only send so much PMs per day.

[LechnerDE]

You're doing a good job, TJ. You can't please everyone all the time (including me!).

Thanks for running this huge GB, and for making the options available separately for those who want them.

#2

Thank you for putting so much work into that thing! I can't believe so many people take it for granted that you spend so much of your free time managing this group buy and everything 

[tjcaustin]

Thanks for the info, TJ. Please add an additional 2 GH packs to my order.

Done

7bit mod GB?
I like very much "7bit mod" style but i ain't going to pay 2 times for the same keys + EU shipping + VAT + paypay fees + ...

Nor do you have to, but I can also hold your klaxon order and ship it all at once if you want it enough to have them separate

I filled out the form, but see no invoice.  Did it not make it through?

Tried sending your Google form through for the choices between standard and 7bit Mods and get this;

"Form submission error There was an error submitting your form response. Please wait a short while and try again."

Hence what to do now?  Have tried sending it now about four times during 2 hours.

It went through 3 times, so you're ok.  But I think it doesn't like it when I keep the spreadsheet open to do edits or fill invoices.

I don't follow the thread either.  Is there something I have to do?

EDIT: You definitely can't count on getting that paypal form filled.  Use PM to contact.

He's not using PMs since you can only send so much PMs per day.

It's not that I'm not using PMs at all (the people that have been responding back to me about intl vs us have been getting replies asking for paypal info), it's that I was hoping to get as many people as I could on a spreadsheet that was pre-collated.  I still plan on PMing those that have yet to get me information later today once I get this next handful of invoices created for those that filled out the form overnight. 

But I'm calling this a success because I've over 50% of the orders' info through that and didn't have to wade through 200+PMs.  Anyways, on to the "good part"

You're doing a good job, TJ. You can't please everyone all the time (including me!).

Thanks for running this huge GB, and for making the options available separately for those who want them.

#2

Thank you for putting so much work into that thing! I can't believe so many people take it for granted that you spend so much of your free time managing this group buy and everything 

It is what it is.  I didn't expect anything like this either and I'm looking at it as a learning experiment for next time.

[Sephiroth]

Hi, TJ. Thank you again for the organizing this GB, and sorry for the omittance of my order, 
I ordered :  base $27<- WoR x75
                   base $23<- RoW x190
                   mods $25 <- RoW x103
                   mods  $23<- WoR x177

and you got my paypal account, so plz don't forget adding other additional fee on my bill,(nationwide shipping, I live in LA) once you send the invoice, I will finish the payment. Let me clarify, I don't want to push you, just take it easy, don't worry.

[pasph]

7bit mod GB?
I like very much "7bit mod" style but i ain't going to pay 2 times for the same keys + EU shipping + VAT + paypay fees + ...

Nor do you have to, but I can also hold your klaxon order and ship it all at once if you want it enough to have them separate

don't want it that badly

[KuhnTang]

This might be a cool mouse to pair with the Klaxon set:

http://www.cyborggaming.com/prod/ratm.htm

The red one obviously.

[inteli722]

This might be a cool mouse to pair with the Klaxon set:

http://www.cyborggaming.com/prod/ratm.htm

The red one obviously.

I would rather have the RAT 7 albino

White with red accents...

[r3dx]

Form submitted.

[tjcaustin]

I cut my finger pretty bad so invoicing may be delayed

[inteli722]

I cut my finger pretty bad so invoicing may be delayed

Show Image

Ouch. Get well soon (so we can get our keycaps!)

[Elrick]

I cut my finger pretty bad so invoicing may be delayed

Damn, the glory of a Key-cap Group Buy.  Put it down as another 'war wound' to regale to your Grand-kiddies.......hehe. 

The main thing is that you never twisted it about 90 degrees so that it permanently looks deformed, that is why I only have all up 4 working fingers on my right hand.

[jdcarpe]

...twisted it about 90 degrees so that it permanently looks deformed, that is why I only have all up 4 working fingers on my right hand.

Mafia warning?