The Energon Pub

Just announced on the Cybercast tonight is a guy named Wastelander. I took a screenshot! Recognize him?

He will unlock along side Boneyard and Wrecktifier.

So we're at the $50,000 mark (goal is $80,000) and 21 days left. Do folks think they'll make it?

I'm inclined to contribute, if only because the Desolataur and Bloodbath figures are pretty cool, and I really like the idea of sunsetting the Pretender concept in favor of an Action + Target Master hybrid. But I'm a bit hesitant to put in money when full funding seems unlikely...

Scaleface, what do you think? You seem to be knee deep in this. Based on similar lines, do you think this will get funded? Which package did you invest in?

those bios might be the worst thing I've seen from PWTT, not because of the content, but because I can't actually tell what the content is, the font and colour are really difficult to read!

craggy wrote:those bios might be the worst thing I've seen from PWTT, not because of the content, but because I can't actually tell what the content is, the font and colour are really difficult to read!

Got some higher quality scale from the web site, at least lossy from the jpg compression than the first posts. Click on these:

megatronus wrote:So we're at the $50,000 mark (goal is $80,000) and 21 days left. Do folks think they'll make it?

I'm inclined to contribute, if only because the Desolataur and Bloodbath figures are pretty cool, and I really like the idea of sunsetting the Pretender concept in favor of an Action + Target Master hybrid. But I'm a bit hesitant to put in money when full funding seems unlikely...

Scaleface, what do you think? You seem to be knee deep in this. Based on similar lines, do you think this will get funded? Which package did you invest in?

I'm currently in for the 5 pack plus $20 for the 2 Tech Drones D-Fuzz and R-Mix.

From professional sources, the web sites kicktraq.com and kickspy.com are predicting that Lost Protectors will be successfully funded and will unlock several stretch goals, but they don't take into account the end rush most action figure kickstarters have because of unlockable goals.

In my experience with action figure related kickstarters with lots of unlockable goals usually start strong, then lul for the middle, and best day is at the end as more figures unlock. Take a look at these two old kickstarters for action figures:

Gothitropolis Ravens, a 6 inch bird men action figure kickstarter.


Virtruvian HACKS, a 4 inch figure line inspired by Greek mythology:


Both had good starts, dropped off to almost nothing, then as goals started to unlock ramped up to extreme numbers! If Lost Protectors follows this pattern, they will probably unlock most or all stretch goals.

Those charts show a pattern in general. Im inclined to believe those last minute pledge increases could very well be the companies themselves coming to the rescue and funding the remainder with their own funds. It would make sense because after all the hype, these companies do want to live up to their word with their fans so they bite the bullet at the bitter end. I have no proof that this is whats actually happening but both chart examples posted seem to be consistent with a last minute rescue surge of pledges to meet the goal. Its also possible this rescue surge includes die hard backers who decide to sell a kidney to help reach the goal at the bitter end. Of course were going to see a fresh new barrage of artwork to try and generate interest in pledge increasing from people who already pledged. (Hence the new BW Dinobot homage and anything that follows) Im fairly confident the faithful will get this project funded for the basics, but not by a landslide. Dont expect the rainbow assortment of repaints to get unlocked. Thats just my prediction and opinion. To each their own.

A company funding it's own kickstarter at the end would be insane. Kickstarter takes 5% of money out, credit card processing takes a 3% of money out. For every $100 they pledged, they would only have $92 back to spend on figures.

https://www.kickstarter.com/help/fees

Sometimes near the end campaigns just throw open all the stretch goals and let people buy them all as they want (they can do so for free at will!). That would imply they company is just funding the rest of development their own cash, but companies DO NOT pledge for their own campaign to unlock their own goals, it's would be throwing money away.

Oh, and here is a better picture of Wastelander:

Scaleface wrote:A company funding it's own kickstarter at the end would be insane. Kickstarter takes 5% of money out, credit card processing takes a 3% of money out. For every $100 they pledged, they would only have $92 back to spend on figures.

It would be insane if PWTT were broke. But what if they left Hasbro wealthy and were ready to throw in an extra 15-20 grand if needed ? A successful debut could be considered an investment. If the project fails, they wont be able to recover with a new project because the name "PWTT" will be associated with failure. (Hence BMOG) You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Besides, any stock they buy through pledges would end up in BBTS which would mean less money they would have to spend on the retail run.

hahahahaha! Dude you are crazy.

So to review, the current conspiracy theory is...

1. They will never get funded.
2. Well, they might make minimum funding, but only because of "scalpers" buying products.
3. ...and retailers buying the products, who are not fans, so they shouldn't count...
4. ... and they steal people's underpants...
5. ...and PWTToo is buying their own products, to give to retailers, so they can be scalped, to the people without underpants!
6. Profit!

Anyways, did a quick cut and paste of the Wronghorn head and the Wastelander body.

Rated X wrote:

Scaleface wrote:A company funding it's own kickstarter at the end would be insane. Kickstarter takes 5% of money out, credit card processing takes a 3% of money out. For every $100 they pledged, they would only have $92 back to spend on figures.

It would be insane if PWTT were broke. But what if they left Hasbro wealthy and were ready to throw in an extra 15-20 grand if needed ? A successful debut could be considered an investment. If the project fails, they wont be able to recover with a new project because the name "PWTT" will be associated with failure. (Hence BMOG) You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Besides, any stock they buy through pledges would end up in BBTS which would mean less money they would have to spend on the retail run.

Yea... putting their own money into the Kickstarter is a pretty dumb move. They could always lower the goal, or just move ahead with the project anyway. Why waste thousands on Kickstarter's cut if you don't have to?

I would think it's not about being associated with failure, but rather about getting the project going. I think you have the wrong end of it, especially since you have a stated aggression towards Kickstarter anyway.

Scaleface wrote:

megatronus wrote:So we're at the $50,000 mark (goal is $80,000) and 21 days left. Do folks think they'll make it?

I'm inclined to contribute, if only because the Desolataur and Bloodbath figures are pretty cool, and I really like the idea of sunsetting the Pretender concept in favor of an Action + Target Master hybrid. But I'm a bit hesitant to put in money when full funding seems unlikely...

Scaleface, what do you think? You seem to be knee deep in this. Based on similar lines, do you think this will get funded? Which package did you invest in?

I'm currently in for the 5 pack plus $20 for the 2 Tech Drones D-Fuzz and R-Mix.

From professional sources, the web sites kicktraq.com and kickspy.com are predicting that Lost Protectors will be successfully funded and will unlock several stretch goals, but they don't take into account the end rush most action figure kickstarters have because of unlockable goals.

In my experience with action figure related kickstarters with lots of unlockable goals usually start strong, then lul for the middle, and best day is at the end as more figures unlock. Take a look at these two old kickstarters for action figures:

Gothitropolis Ravens, a 6 inch bird men action figure kickstarter.


Virtruvian HACKS, a 4 inch figure line inspired by Greek mythology:


Both had good starts, dropped off to almost nothing, then as goals started to unlock ramped up to extreme numbers! If Lost Protectors follows this pattern, they will probably unlock most or all stretch goals.

Thanks! It's good to see how similar Kickstarters have progressed. Hopefully this will follow the pattern.

I was also thinking of plunking down for the 5 figure, $250 package. I didn't see the $20 drone 2-pack add-on, but will definitely take a look!

My only reservation with the 5 figure package is that the 2 Kickstarter exclusive figures don't really homage anything, right? They're just neat redecos with heads/bodies switched around. Also, I'm not 100% sold on the Skeletor redeco of Desolataur. Problem is, I'm a sucker for exclusives (or perceived exclusivity), and might just want the exclusive redecos for kicks. Ugh.

One of the exclusives is basically a mutant demon version of Hordak from the She-Ra cartoon.

The red exclusive guy named Bitemark seems to be new, but he's a great body for either the Aaron Archer King Coldfang head, and the Skull-FCKR head, who is inspired by the Diablo video game, so lots of people want it just so they can stick another head on it.

Scaleface wrote:One of the exclusives is basically a mutant demon version of Hordak from the She-Ra cartoon.

OK, I see - so the 5 figure package has 2 He-Man homages...

If that's the case I might be out for that. I primarily collect Star Wars 6", Marvel Legends, and Transformers (coincidentally all Hasbro lines), but never got into He-Man. I can always get Desolataur and Bloodbath for $110; that's probably my baseline unless new goals get unlocked.

megatronus wrote:OK, I see - so the 5 figure package has 2 He-Man homages...

If that's the case I might be out for that. I primarily collect Star Wars 6", Marvel Legends, and Transformers (coincidentally all Hasbro lines), but never got into He-Man. I can always get Desolataur and Bloodbath for $110; that's probably my baseline unless new goals get unlocked.

If you are in this just for TF homages, which I understand, then you definitely want Bloodbath and Desolataur from basic release.... and you want the D-Fuzz (Scorponok) and R-Mix (Fortress Maximus) tech drones, which also unlock at the 80,000 mark for $20. So that's $130 right there to pledge now.

Stretch goals you will have your eye on include (in order of release):

Kind Adder (Pretender Iguanus)
-
Mighty Muscules (Pretender Stranglehold)
-
Impirator (Senator Ratbat)
-
Jetstrike (Pretender Starscream)
Flamestrike (Sunstorm)
-
Faststrike (Thundercracker)
Cloudstrike (Skywarp)
-
Stormstrike (Slipstream)
-
Boneyard (Grimlock)
Wrecktifier (Trypticon)
Wastelander (Dinobot)

So we've hit the $50,000 mark with 3 weeks to go?


Yeah, this thing will do just fine.

megatronus wrote:

Rated X wrote:

Scaleface wrote:A company funding it's own kickstarter at the end would be insane. Kickstarter takes 5% of money out, credit card processing takes a 3% of money out. For every $100 they pledged, they would only have $92 back to spend on figures.

It would be insane if PWTT were broke. But what if they left Hasbro wealthy and were ready to throw in an extra 15-20 grand if needed ? A successful debut could be considered an investment. If the project fails, they wont be able to recover with a new project because the name "PWTT" will be associated with failure. (Hence BMOG) You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Besides, any stock they buy through pledges would end up in BBTS which would mean less money they would have to spend on the retail run.

Yea... putting their own money into the Kickstarter is a pretty dumb move. They could always lower the goal, or just move ahead with the project anyway. Why waste thousands on Kickstarter's cut if you don't have to?

I would think it's not about being associated with failure, but rather about getting the project going. I think you have the wrong end of it, especially since you have a stated aggression towards Kickstarter anyway.

PWTT could be broke or they could be ballers with money to burn. The fact is we REALLY dont know for sure. My point is a successful debut is an investment in it's own right. Especially for the long term. PWTT probably already has personal funds invested in some aspects of the project, so why not go all in if they have to ? It's better than a flop if they're really looking to build the "PWTT" name. Unless they're going to just change the name of the company for every project. BMOG, PWTT, whatever acronym they choose, certain endorsements will hint its likely the same guys.

what if Rated X is really one of the PWTT guys, trying to double-bluff us into pledging? That's just the kind of underhanded tactic I could imagine coming from those miscreants.

also: FFS!


Not-Dinobot looks nice.

Managed to read through the bios. Eventually. I'd hope they'll use less easier to read text in the future. Neon colours on white backgrounds...ugh...Well, the story they've got going sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used GI Joe toys to play as superheroes.

I do kinda want the 5 pack, but would prefer King Adder and Muscules over Skelator and Hordak cosplays. (though with a more Hordak-y head that one could look real nice) So might go for Skullgrin, Blood and Bitemark and some heads and drones and stuff.

Scaleface wrote:hahahahaha! Dude you are crazy.

So to review, the current conspiracy theory is...

1. They will never get funded.
2. Well, they might make minimum funding, but only because of "scalpers" buying products.
3. ...and retailers buying the products, who are not fans, so they shouldn't count...
4. ... and they steal people's underpants...
5. ...and PWTToo is buying their own products, to give to retailers, so they can be scalped, to the people without underpants!
6. Profit!

Anyways, did a quick cut and paste of the Wronghorn head and the Wastelander body.

Burn told me not to fight with you so I'm gonna respect his wishes. You got your stats and you believe in them, that's cool. Make a mockery of my opinions all you want. 21 days and we shall see what happens. Until then, all opinions are fair game...

craggy wrote:what if Rated X is really one of the PWTT guys, trying to double-bluff us into pledging? That's just the kind of underhanded tactic I could imagine coming from those miscreants.

Nah...

If I was going to invest in something, I would invest in a strip club. Even in this horrible economy, booze and sleaze will always turn a profit.

I'm prefectly fine with people sharing their opinions. Once or twice. C'mon, X, please?

Rated X wrote:

craggy wrote:what if Rated X is really one of the PWTT guys, trying to double-bluff us into pledging? That's just the kind of underhanded tactic I could imagine coming from those miscreants.

Nah...

If I was going to invest in something, I would invest in a strip club. Even in this horrible economy, booze and sleaze will always turn a profit.

I'm not surprised.

Just the opposite. I'm impressed.

Would you sell your collection if it meant opening a strip club called Play With This, followed shortly by a second club called Play With This Too?

While Play With This Too might be successful as a strip club, it might not be the sort of club for me since almost all the figures are male. If that's your sort of thing, more power to you. I'll be at She-Ra's Crystal Palace.

megatronus wrote:

Rated X wrote:

craggy wrote:what if Rated X is really one of the PWTT guys, trying to double-bluff us into pledging? That's just the kind of underhanded tactic I could imagine coming from those miscreants.

Nah...

If I was going to invest in something, I would invest in a strip club. Even in this horrible economy, booze and sleaze will always turn a profit.

I'm not surprised.

Just the opposite. I'm impressed.

Would you sell your collection if it meant opening a strip club called Play With This, followed shortly by a second club called Play With This Too?

Lol. Nope, my collections gonna get buried with me. But if I ever win the lottery, keep a close watch on the Miami night scene.

craggy wrote: I do kinda want the 5 pack, but would prefer King Adder and Muscules over Skelator and Hordak cosplays. (though with a more Hordak-y head that one could look real nice) So might go for Skullgrin, Blood and Bitemark and some heads and drones and stuff.

What they should have done is put the Bloodbath head on the The Hordak repaint since he looks like a bat anyway , having the two MOTU homages with the same head is a little stupid .

Autobot Genocide wrote:What they should have done is put the Bloodbath head on the The Hordak repaint since he looks like a bat anyway , having the two MOTU homages with the same head is a little stupid .

That's where the wonder of swappable heads come in. How long before they make just that head deco, a white Bloodbath head? You just need to have the body ready.

While I'd love every figure to be my perfectly imagined version of the character out of the gate, I can see they were limited in the number of parts they can make for the Kickstarter.

How long before they make a helmet that looks more like Stranglehold's helmet and an orange robotic rhino for Muscules?

We already saw they have a red cape in their capes pack, and Hordak had a red cape on his original figure, so if I get that I'll be giving him a red cape. Will we see a weapons pack with a crossbow and a bat that mounts on the arm too some day? Hordak had those too on his first figure.

Lots of room for custom add-ons in the future if the Kickstarter is successful.