The Energon Pub

Midnight_Fox wrote:

Rated X wrote:2. Dont get married. If they pressure you, ditch them and find a new one.

I can't support this one, my wife makes all the money.

But it's REALLY good money.

#MilitaryOfficerSpouseProblems

I feel you. I only say that because of the culture of typical miami women. If you found a good catch who helps you out, I applaud you.

Rated X wrote:

Agamemnon wrote:

craggy wrote:

Autobot Genocide wrote:Kapow to the rescue!

Kapow
Fans Toys Iron Dibot No 3 Sever has been added to the site, because we're aware that this is becoming an increasingly more expensive hobby we're now switching a lot of the higher priced items over to deposit options with the balance paid on release, we're also introducing payment plans allowing you to pay over a few months to ease the financial burden being a robot collector has become , hope that's okay with you guys

ooh, I like the sound of payment plans.

O_O Me too! *peers at BBTS* Please? I'm not Rated X. I have an accountant that tends to yell at me and make me sleep on the couch... (Plus there are a few other large dollar items I might consider if paid out over a couple of months...)

Im not super rich lol. I offer a few tips to help my fellow collectors have more spending money for the hobby.

1. Dont have kids.

2. Dont get married. If they pressure you, ditch them and find a new one.

3. Eat TV dinners for lunch at work instead of eating out everyday.

4. Dont go out and party every weekend. Limit it to once a month. Stay home and catch some good TV instead.

5. Be humble. You dont need to have the newest car on the block.

6. Mod Edit: NO.

Autobot032 wrote:4. No discussion nor promotion of illegal activities.
This includes but is not limited to drug use, Theft, solicitation of a minor, Illegal downloading of movies and copyright infringement (including the distribution of files such as video game ROMs and PDFs of commercially available books). Read the rest of the rules here: general-rules-for-seibertron-com-s-forums-t14626.php

7. Drink beer, not liquor, its cheaper. Take advantage of happy hours when dating.

8. Buy generic brands. "Great Value" brand food items from walmart is a perfect example. They are half the price of name brands. Every major chain has their own brand.

8. Mind over matter. Block addictions out of your head. Smoking, gambling, women, etc. can be very costly.

Not saying this will work for everyone but it works for me. I have a good job. But some people who work with me and make the same salary are always broke because of their personal choices. If I ever needed a payment plan to be able to afford a toy robot, I would flat out quit the hobby and sell my collection. But thats just me. Im not trying to knock anybody who chooses that option.

thanks, X. it's a shame I can't eat condescension for lunch because you'd keep me fed for a month with this post.

craggy wrote:thanks, X. it's a shame I can't eat condescension for lunch because you'd keep me fed for a month with this post.

To be fair, some of those(bring lunch instead of eat out, only go out occasionally, used vs new cars, generic brands, cost of smoking/gambling/drinking/etc.) are good advice and his last paragraph does help put the rest in context.

Seriously, I've seen people spend more in a single night at a bar/"club" on booze than I have in a single month on my collection and on too many occasions.

The thing with Kapow is you have to pay upfront for your pre-orders there's no POL system or anything so this Payment plan is an awesome idea .

It's for the items over £100 so for figures like the MT Quantron box set or MT Utopia this is a great service for there customers being able to pay a bit off each month until it's in stock and it will also help Kapow sell more the expensive 3rdp figures .

Rated X wrote:If I ever needed a payment plan to be able to afford a toy robot, I would flat out quit the hobby and sell my collection.

I... can't say I disagree with you on this.

Budgeting is important, as is modesty and frugality. That's why the off-brand foods, less expensive cars, and bring your own lunch types of tips are good ones (the ones on kids and ladies on the other hand, well... let's just say I don't live in Miami). But, if cash were so tight I were forced to use a payment plan to buy a toy, I probably wouldn't take that financial risk. I'd do my best to save up for it, but it's not worth it for me to be on that kind of hook.

I would never bash someone who chose the payment plan option - if that works for someone, awesome. But it's not for me.

Really? Okay, here's my rebuttal (and I cannot believe I'm doing this.)

1. Dont have kids. Actually, playing with toys with my son is much more rewarding than just having my own collection. Plus, he gives me the excuse to buy newer TFs. "They are for my son." (And I cannot believe that anyone would value TF collecting over kids. I guess that's what spurred me to this rebuttal.)

2. Dont get married. If they pressure you, ditch them and find a new one. o_O Yeah, I'll have been married for 17 years at the end of July. Again, this cannot compare to collecting TFs, as much as I do enjoy that. I'd give it up in a heartbeat if we needed to. I'm glad that my wife tolerates my hobbies as much as she does. But again, there's no choice. My wife comes first.

3. Eat TV dinners for lunch at work instead of eating out everyday. This is generally good advice anyway. Sandwiches are even cheaper, and can be healthier depending on the "TV Dinner" chosen.

4. Dont go out and party every weekend. Limit it to once a month. Stay home and catch some good TV instead. Having kids will stop this as well. But really, this is starting to sound like an obsession with collecting TFs and not having any sort of other life. But, if one does not go out, one does not have friends (or especially a GF) and the rest sort of takes care of itself...

5. Be humble. You dont need to have the newest car on the block. Are you talking about an actual car or the TFs we pick up? (I keep hoping my truck is a robot in disguise...)

6. Mod Edit: NO.

Autobot032 wrote:4. No discussion nor promotion of illegal activities.
This includes but is not limited to drug use, Theft, solicitation of a minor, Illegal downloading of movies and copyright infringement (including the distribution of files such as video game ROMs and PDFs of commercially available books). Read the rest of the rules here: general-rules-for-seibertron-com-s-forums-t14626.php

[i]7. Drink beer, not liquor, its cheaper. Take advantage of happy hours when dating. Again, personal choice, but definitely cheaper.

8. Buy generic brands. "Great Value" brand food items from walmart is a perfect example. They are half the price of name brands. Every major chain has their own brand. Another good cost saving tip regardless of collecting TFs.

8. Mind over matter. Block addictions out of your head. Smoking, gambling, women, etc. can be very costly. I think you meant "9" here, but this is a decent piece of advice too. However, having alcoholism on both sides of my family and seeing what it does to people and families, addiction isn't always a matter of mind over matter. (Thankfully, I've been able to avoid that particular addiction.) But, in general, decent advice as well. I could not imagine spending money on cigarettes these days.

Rated X wrote:Not saying this will work for everyone but it works for me. I have a good job. But some people who work with me and make the same salary are always broke because of their personal choices. If I ever needed a payment plan to be able to afford a toy robot, I would flat out quit the hobby and sell my collection. But thats just me. Im not trying to knock anybody who chooses that option.

I'm glad it works for you (except for the illegal stuff.) However, each person is going to decide what is best for their quality of life. Mine is such that I would love to see some stores use a deposit plan for these more expensive projects. I would definitely feel better spreading out my hobby over the months rather than buying in large chunks in the middle of the month. It tends to create extra stress both in myself and my wife. And happy wife, happy life, believe me!

But, the problem X is that your post definitely sounds like you are knocking others who make other choices than you do. Perhaps that is not your intent, but that's how it comes off. I think each person needs to decide on their own how best to proceed in this hobby. Expensive choices like this Computron, the MT Metroplex, and Genesis tend to be passes so I can buy more Galvatrons, Cykills, and piece parts MMC Predacons. But that's just me. Feel free to do what you'd like (except, I'll discourage the illegal stuff once again. Sorry, but that's my personality.)

Cheers.

[Edit, and my apologies that I missed the replies on this page that said something similar to what I did. I'd have shortened my post by a lot.]

Also, I like the payment plan as a choice so my hobby isn't so expensive in one shot. Nothing to do with being unable to afford it. But even if it was, what's wrong with that? Why so harsh on people that want something as expensive as MT Computron or Metroplex? Shouldn't those who have less disposable income be able to get something like this if they want? I'm all about free choice. (Again, except where it's illegal...)

Agamemnon wrote:Really? Okay, here's my rebuttal (and I cannot believe I'm doing this.)

1. Dont have kids. Actually, playing with toys with my son is much more rewarding than just having my own collection. Plus, he gives me the excuse to buy newer TFs. "They are for my son." (And I cannot believe that anyone would value TF collecting over kids. I guess that's what spurred me to this rebuttal.)

2. Dont get married. If they pressure you, ditch them and find a new one. o_O Yeah, I'll have been married for 17 years at the end of July. Again, this cannot compare to collecting TFs, as much as I do enjoy that. I'd give it up in a heartbeat if we needed to. I'm glad that my wife tolerates my hobbies as much as she does. But again, there's no choice. My wife comes first.

Not gonna agree with either side on this one. No one needs or does not need to get married and have kids if it is/is not their prerogative. Your life, your choice.

3. Eat TV dinners for lunch at work instead of eating out everyday. This is generally good advice anyway. Sandwiches are even cheaper, and can be healthier depending on the "TV Dinner" chosen.

3.5 Where possible grow your own food.

4. Dont go out and party every weekend. Limit it to once a month. Stay home and catch some good TV instead. Having kids will stop this as well. But really, this is starting to sound like an obsession with collecting TFs and not having any sort of other life. But, if one does not go out, one does not have friends (or especially a GF) and the rest sort of takes care of itself...

Yup..... but then I have brothers, and we feel pretty good staying home and playing video games. I mean, who needs friends when you've got bros, rite?!

5. Be humble. You dont need to have the newest car on the block. Are you talking about an actual car or the TFs we pick up? (I keep hoping my truck is a robot in disguise...)

If it get's you from point A to point B it works.

6. Mod Edit: NO.

Autobot032 wrote:4. No discussion nor promotion of illegal activities.
This includes but is not limited to drug use, Theft, solicitation of a minor, Illegal downloading of movies and copyright infringement (including the distribution of files such as video game ROMs and PDFs of commercially available books). Read the rest of the rules here: general-rules-for-seibertron-com-s-forums-t14626.php

7. Drink beer, not liquor, its cheaper. Take advantage of happy hours when dating. Again, personal choice, but definitely cheaper.

Or, y'know, don't drink alcoholic beverages at all, especially if alcoholism runs in your bloodline.

8. Buy generic brands. "Great Value" brand food items from walmart is a perfect example. They are half the price of name brands. Every major chain has their own brand. Another good cost saving tip regardless of collecting TFs.

Unless you live with foodies... goddamn picky eaters

8. Mind over matter. Block addictions out of your head. Smoking, gambling, women, etc. can be very costly. I think you meant "9" here, but this is a decent piece of advice too. However, having alcoholism on both sides of my family and seeing what it does to people and families, addiction isn't always a matter of mind over matter. (Thankfully, I've been able to avoid that particular addiction.) But, in general, decent advice as well. I could not imagine spending money on cigarettes these days.

eh, same answer I gave for number 7, just friggin' DON'T.

Rated X wrote:Not saying this will work for everyone but it works for me. I have a good job. But some people who work with me and make the same salary are always broke because of their personal choices. If I ever needed a payment plan to be able to afford a toy robot, I would flat out quit the hobby and sell my collection. But thats just me. Im not trying to knock anybody who chooses that option.

I'm glad it works for you (except for the illegal stuff.) However, each person is going to decide what is best for their quality of life. Mine is such that I would love to see some stores use a deposit plan for these more expensive projects. I would definitely feel better spreading out my hobby over the months rather than buying in large chunks in the middle of the month. It tends to create extra stress both in myself and my wife. And happy wife, happy life, believe me!

But, the problem X is that your post definitely sounds like you are knocking others who make other choices than you do. Perhaps that is not your intent, but that's how it comes off. I think each person needs to decide on their own how best to proceed in this hobby. Expensive choices like this Computron, the MT Metroplex, and Genesis tend to be passes so I can buy more Galvatrons, Cykills, and piece parts MMC Predacons. But that's just me. Feel free to do what you'd like (except, I'll discourage the illegal stuff once again. Sorry, but that's my personality.)

Rated X seems to make it his business to rub people the wrong way, like he's always talking down his nose at everyone. Reminds me of my mom's side of the family, no matter how much you brow beat them for the things they say/do, they'll still treat you like an ant.

I'm actually a bit glad Quantron's price now escapes my clutches, cuz as I've noted I really don't need or care for Computron, it just looks cool and... well that only holds up so far IMO.

Okay, first things first:

There is to be ZERO discussion of illegal activities, or the promotion of them. All of you who responded to it know this. You know it! X, you started this line of discussion and it's completely against the rules. I had to go and edit multiple posts, and I shouldn't have had to. None of the staff should because you guys should FOLLOW THE RULES.

So, one more time:

Autobot032 wrote:4. No discussion nor promotion of illegal activities.
This includes but is not limited to drug use, Theft, solicitation of a minor, Illegal downloading of movies and copyright infringement (including the distribution of files such as video game ROMs and PDFs of commercially available books). Read the rest of the rules here: general-rules-for-seibertron-com-s-forums-t14626.php

The link I included? Reread it, take it to heart, stick to it.

EDIT: Dang it. My post was chewed up.

Second of all, it doesn't matter if it's X, or anyone else: If they voice their opinion and it doesn't cross lines (which his did), that's fine. A dissenting opinion is fine, too. In fact, his statement on the payment plan should be kept to himself and not be used as a blanketing statement. If people need or desire to use a payment plan, that's on them and it shouldn't be judged.

It's posts like those so called "advice" posts that can lead to the most trouble. You guys and gals can discuss it, but please do so with respect and no more violating the rules. This is not a request, this is a demand. I've seen all of you conduct yourselves in a fine manner in the past, please keep to that and less flamebait. Thank you.

Rated X wrote: I feel you. I only say that because of the culture of typical miami women.

My sister and my Two nieces live in Miami Florida. Please, I'm asking you nicely. Please stop saying all of these Sexist racist Insinuation comments here about females who live in Miami.

I'm sorry but i don't budget my life round being able to buy every transformer that comes out nor would i want to .

I can see that reading the words "payment plan" may sound like a desperate measure to be able to obtain some plastic robots or maybe it sounds like people are too "poor" to be in this hobby but that's not the case at all , It's simply an option to help buy the high end products in this hobby.

There is no way i can justify pulling out up to £400 out in one chunk for a toy at the end of the day.

So for me a everybody else who uses Kapow this will be a welcomed option for us .

Why does everyone think this is $400? did I miss an official preorder?

Also if I have to live by X's list to collect toys I'll definitely quite. I just can't give up the scotch and the partying. =X

mooncake623 wrote:Why does everyone think this is $400? did I miss an official preorder?

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail

Midnight_Fox wrote:

mooncake623 wrote:Why does everyone think this is $400? did I miss an official preorder?

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail

Ah okay thanks! Didn't know they put a price on it. I'm okay with 400 bucks. I hope when it goes live it'll just be in-stock.

mooncake623 wrote:

Midnight_Fox wrote:

mooncake623 wrote:Why does everyone think this is $400? did I miss an official preorder?

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail

Ah okay thanks! Didn't know they put a price on it. I'm okay with 400 bucks. I hope when it goes live it'll just be in-stock.

Wouldn't that be nice! Personally, I'm hoping for a Thanksgiving or later release. I don't think I'll be that fortunate. I will likely get this, unless it comes in July...

So a price increase from Giant. If you divide that by 5 it's almost up there with Warbotron, isn't it?

I guess I'm not too surprised.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:So a price increase from Giant. If you divide that by 5 it's almost up there with Warbotron, isn't it?

I guess I'm not too surprised.

$400 vs. $475 is still quite a significant difference... WB's limb bots cost about 90, but their Non-Onslaught is about 120.



Also, another money tip: sell stuff you don't want. I'm an avid eBay buyer & seller, and I've gotten to a point where the vast majority of the money I spend on new Transformers comes from money I made by selling old Transformers I no longer want. It's a pleasurable aspect of the hobby for me, personally, and in the long run reduces my costs. In fact, I have a bunch of auctions up right now... click my eBay icon on the left to check them out.

megatronus wrote:

Gauntlet101010 wrote:So a price increase from Giant. If you divide that by 5 it's almost up there with Warbotron, isn't it?

I guess I'm not too surprised.

$400 vs. $475 is still quite a significant difference... WB's limb bots cost about 90, but their Non-Onslaught is about 120.



Also, another money tip: sell stuff you don't want. I'm an avid eBay buyer & seller, and I've gotten to a point where the vast majority of the money I spend on new Transformers comes from money I made by selling old Transformers I no longer want. It's a pleasurable aspect of the hobby for me, personally, and in the long run reduces my costs. In fact, I have a bunch of auctions up right now... click my eBay icon on the left to check them out.

Aha! I knew there was an ulterior motive!

I need to get my eBay selling going. I just struggle with balancing work, kids, wife, and my Master's Degree work. My TF hobby is one of the few things I do for relaxation. But you are right, this would help a lot with funding my plastic crack habit...

Photos posted by Toy Dojo

I'm hoping he comes as individual robots. Otherwise I might never separate him.

He looks A LOT better in color than I thought he would. Kudos, Maketoys. Dunno if I'm buying, but I sure am drooling.

I like how they filled the elbow joints with pistons.

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:I'm hoping he comes as individual robots. Otherwise I might never separate him.

Which would be a shame as the individual bot modes bar Lightspeed all look really interesting.

This guy looks REALLY nice. I can't wait for preorders to go up.

...I keep thinking "What if Hasbro has this guy on their list of upcoming combiners?" and I keep looking at my yellow Giant and thinking "Heh. MakeToys, you rock."

Autobot032 wrote:...I keep thinking "What if Hasbro has this guy on their list of upcoming combiners?" and I keep looking at my yellow Giant and thinking "Heh. MakeToys, you rock."

If they are anything like the Powercore combiners then Hasbro has a long way to go to reach MakeToys combiner level.