The Energon Pub

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:17 pm

Skyfire-5 wrote:Not demanding; just requesting a reconsideration on what Seibertron.com is truly about. Sponsorship is a good thing, if they represent who you are as an reputable entity. God forbid I step on any toes, but if what we seek is a reputation of a community about that which we share, the site must stand for its members. Now, I'm off the soapbox.

Fair enough, I agree.

News Credits: 767 · by **Dead Metal** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:23 pm

NemesisScourge wrote:Oh, and this is really nothing new from TFSource.

This is the same garbage they just did with Shadow Commander sets magically rediscovered!

And lets not even get into the Snowman situation.

Actually I believe those came from private sellers, remember Shadow Commander was a shelf-warmer, even going so far as BBTS having to clearance him off. For a long time Shadow Commander was the easiest and cheapest way of getting a version of the City Commander mold, although it was so limited.
I believe they even had to clearance the cheaper Shadow Commander and Nemesis Prime deals back then.

by **NemesisScourge** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:31 pm

I remember, and I know exactly what you're talking about. What I'm referring to is it's a similar pattern.

For all we know, they had set aside those Shadow Commanders just like this incident except that time it didn't work out so well, and when they knew they weren't going to increase any further in value, they popped up on to sell you know? And then you've got Shadow Commanders going for $300.. . when they were at BBTS for what, like $75ish after the mark down?

Anyway, my point was that it's three situations all with very similar actions, it just seems the Shadow Commander was a blank, but the Snowman and Shadow Scyther scalps did pay off.

Too bad it's going to cost them customer loyalty in the end.

by **The Legend** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:44 pm

Skyfire-5 wrote: I would like Seibertron.com to reconsider TFSource's sponsorship. This has tip of the iceberg written all over it. And I don't want our site affiliated with such underhanded business practices.

LoL, 'Our site'. :lol:

Maybe you can pay your bills with principles but without site sponsors like TFSource we wouldn't have a community here. Anyway, Robotkingdom did the same thing with Classics HotRod a few months back, finding more stock and selling them at $70-$80 [percentage wise a higher mark up than what everyone is copping an arse over here], so you want them to stop sponsoring the site?

News Credits: 8 · by **LiKwid** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:06 pm

This is interesting to say the least. I dont even have a wildrider or a Sg rodimus so I guess this whole situation means little to me.Ive only ordered 1 thing from Tfsource and that was the snowman set. Eerytime I go to their site they never have anything I want so I rarely use them. I like and prefer toy arena and BBTS. BBTs for their vintage department and pile of loot feature and toy arena because they get stuff in pretty early.

This whole situation just seems like it should have been handled better imo.. Since I dont use Tfsource that much I guess I'll sit back and enjoy the show

by **Court Jester** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:18 pm

The Legend wrote:LoL, 'Our site'. Maybe you can pay your bills with principles but without site sponsors like TFSource we wouldn't have a community here. Anyway, Robotkingdom did the same thing with Classics HotRod a few months back, finding more stock and selling them at $70-$80 [percentage wise a higher mark up than what everyone is copping an arse over here], so you want them to stop sponsoring the site?

You know, at first I took offense to your comment. But, now it makes sense. I truly don't belong here. Principles do mean the world to me. So perhaps Seibertron.com will continue without people like me. So, in that light, kudos on the proper perspective on collecting. I figured we were somewhat like a community that had somewhat of a say in what sites like these stood for. So, Seibertron.com and members like "The Legend" I truly wish you well in your business model. Enjoy the toys, all.

by **Shadowstream** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:32 pm

Ultimately it's money before morals, isn't it?

This is why I hate online communities so deeply... gotta think of the cash flow before the will of the people.

by **dirkmagirk1** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:54 pm

you know what if this is all about ethics and integrity then i want a fort max for $120 and knight rider big wheel for $40 ( ill post the video of me getting my chubby ass on it) this is getting stupid. all this drama over something half of us would do....how many of us had multiple figures of something and sold it above face value to furthur our collections or fatten our pockets...get real..i will continue to do business with them and they do sponser a great site

by **The Legend** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:04 pm

Shadowstream wrote:This is why I hate online communities so deeply... gotta think of the cash flow before the will of the people.

You want communism go to Russia, I heard it worked out really well. Really, if you hate this community so much why are you a part of it? You could always do what the other guy did and cry your way back to the land of unicorns and rainbows.

by **MeganFox** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:31 pm

Skyfire-5 wrote:
The Legend wrote:LoL, 'Our site'. Maybe you can pay your bills with principles but without site sponsors like TFSource we wouldn't have a community here. Anyway, Robotkingdom did the same thing with Classics HotRod a few months back, finding more stock and selling them at $70-$80 [percentage wise a higher mark up than what everyone is copping an arse over here], so you want them to stop sponsoring the site?

You know, at first I took offense to your comment. But, now it makes sense. I truly don't belong here. Principles do mean the world to me. So perhaps Seibertron.com will continue without people like me. So, in that light, kudos on the proper perspective on collecting. I figured we were somewhat like a community that had somewhat of a say in what sites like these stood for. So, Seibertron.com and members like "The Legend" I truly wish you well in your business model. Enjoy the toys, all.

haha Skyfire-5 why do you always want to kick people out of Seibertron? This is a community, not your own website~ I-)

News Credits: 331 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:33 pm

Autobot032 wrote:Oh, and one more thing to be said, and this one's important.

He built the secret stash out of sets he held back, and supposed returns, which aren't supposed to happen, and apparently canceled orders, which also aren't supposed to happen, and he had a waiting list of people who wanted to buy these. He ignored existing customers who were willing to pay, right then, right there to get one of these and he wouldn't allow it so he could save for a rainy day. He ignored and pushed away potential and preexisting customers to make this happen. Is that not slimy? Is that not wrong? I don't recall "We reserve the right to refuse service for any reason" being posted anywhere on their site. And even if it was, this isn't a legitimate reason.

Skyfire-5 wrote:Are you guys freakin reading this?

:lol: TFW's MAC&CHEESE outed as MEGA SCALPER on eBay

Woooooooooooooow this is truly BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOND! Epic Beyond!

Future reference: Mac & Cheese currently goes by the eBay ID: falconsfan777.

Long story short: This D-bag sold over 16 of these on eBay at the $350 price range; supposedly used swindling techniques to garner sympathy from his TF community. Pitchforks and Torches!

Defending TFSource, selling the item at or around the same price as the secret stash...smells fishy to me. I think there's something going on here.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Sad thing is that TFSource often had better prices than BBTS and their customer service was solid.

I have to disagree. My personal experience with TFSourcce's customer service is this:

1st. time: No answer. Multiple emails. Just asking if they had an item in stock and how much shipping would be to my zipcode.

2nd. time: Asked when they'd be getting in the TRNS Valkyrie, their answer was "We don't know. We are getting it at some point, but we can't even tell you right now." (Mind you, others either had it in stock already or were due to receive their shipments.)

BBTS? Answered every question, every time, with class and respect. Yeah, their prices are a bit higher on some things, and they've had a few screw ups along the way, but I'd much rather pay a slightly higher price, skimp on the shipping quality a bit (still comes close to TFSource's), and actually receive my item and quality service. To me, that's worth more than anything TFSource has to offer, now that we know they're willing to screw their customers to make a quick buck.

Wow I'm sorry to hear that I've never had an issue with TF Source. BBTS is great but was a touch more personal back when it was Joel handling everything. Obviously things have had to change.

by **alternator77** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:45 pm

i dont post often but i will say this much.
limited editions especially of the 3rd party variety get expensive whether its someone who bought 4 sc's only to sell 3 of them on ebay for 350 a piece or tfsource who is doing the same thing.
secondly seibertron.com does have integrity its one of the few sites that do not publish photos of stolen figures and a group of collectors who are open and honest about how they feel whether its outright ko's or other merchandise.
when we start nitpicking about who should sponsor the site keep in mind that alot of what is on this site is made possible by these same sponsors.
so thank you seibertron.com and thank you sponsors and others for all the valuable information you provide to the fandom.

by **The Legend** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 7:52 am

Mach wrote:So the logic is let's say Takara decided to reissue G1 Dinobot Swoop, they should price it at USD$250?
Since thats the second hand market price......

So if you found a crate of '85 original Swoops you'd sell them for $8 a pop? Would you bollocks. This is a limited release item that's not available for less anywhere else. It's not like they didn't give you a chance to get one for RRP via preorder.
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest. :???:

News Credits: 609 · by **Razorclaw0000** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:11 am

The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:So the logic is let's say Takara decided to reissue G1 Dinobot Swoop, they should price it at USD$250?
Since thats the second hand market price......

So if you found a crate of '85 original Swoops you'd sell them for $8 a pop? Would you bollocks. This is a limited release item that's not available for less anywhere else. It's not like they didn't give you a chance to get one for RRP via preorder.
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

The thing I'm irritated about was that people didn't get a fair chance if TFSource held back a "secret stash". I don't care what they're charging now. What I care about is them causing artificial scarcity by withholding units.

News Credits: 7 · by **alldarker** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:48 am

Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

News Credits: 23 · by **ZenPrime** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:27 am

alldarker wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

Yeah I was wondering where that thread went. I was following it during the day yesterday but by the time I got home from work it was gone, no where to be found...

Edit: It's back...

News Credits: 3595 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:30 am

This situation has nothing to do with Seibertron.com. For those of you doing your witch hunt, do not include Seibertron.com in this situation. TFsource made a business deal with Seibertron.com that is between Seibertron.com and TFsource.com pertaining to having an advertisement of theirs display on this site. I will not take action against this site's sponsors for every time one of you has a bad experience with one of the sponsors or feel that one of the advertisers has done wrong. That is unfair to the sponsors and it is unfair to myself and ultimately to Seibertron.com. I also have a responsibility to do what I feel is best when it comes to supporting my family.

Anger over a 3rd party product and throwing around words about morals is pointless in this situation, especially when you are discussing an unlicensed 3rd party product from China of which Hasbro, the company that owns Transformers, has stated in some form or another that they are unhappy with (in regards to the City Commander armor).

This situation will pass. It is not the end of the world. No one died. No one was unintentionally or unknowingly ripped off. No one had their money stolen. Like it or not, good or bad, happy or mad -- it's just business at the end of the day. You can express your frustration, but please keep your emotions in check.

Thank you.

News Credits: 1082 · by **Tigertrack** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:47 am

Shadowstream wrote:Ultimately it's money before morals, isn't it?

This is why I hate online communities so deeply... gotta think of the cash flow before the will of the people.

TFSource is a reliable place to buy Transformers. So is BBTS. So is Robotkingdom. All are based on my own experiences. I never bought anything from them that I was not willing to pay that price for, they were always shipped well, and safely, and customer service took care of any issues that I had. How much you choose to spend on products available on their sites is your choice, not Seibertron's, not the communities, and not the sponsors. You don't like the price, and find what is perceived to be happening wrong....don't buy it. Make your statement with your money. Try some other site. Not available there, be patient, and/or decide if you can do without it.

Do people ever make their own choices? Or are you forced to make purchases of pieces of plastic that are outrageously priced?

Are we ever responsible for our own choices? Choose or choose not, but YOU choose.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:47 am

Shadowstream wrote:Ultimately it's money before morals, isn't it?

This is why I hate online communities so deeply... gotta think of the cash flow before the will of the people.

Define "people".

Total insider information here: What you see posted as opinion on the forums is usually not the larger opinion of the fandom. Posting is a soapbox that more often than not makes minority opinions stick out. The silent majority is vast and diverse. The number of distinct users who come here is far greater than the number that post.

I'm not saying this from some kind of position of being more "right" or anything of the sort. You'd just be surprised at how poorly reflective this message board or even ANY message board is of the fandom it represents.

News Credits: 3595 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:05 am

Counterpunch wrote:
Shadowstream wrote:Ultimately it's money before morals, isn't it?

This is why I hate online communities so deeply... gotta think of the cash flow before the will of the people.

Define "people".

Total insider information here: What you see posted as opinion on the forums is usually not the larger opinion of the fandom. Posting is a soapbox that more often than not makes minority opinions stick out. The silent majority is vast and diverse. The number of distinct users who come here is far greater than the number that post.

I'm not saying this from some kind of position of being more "right" or anything of the sort. You'd just be surprised at how poorly reflective this message board or even ANY message board is of the fandom it represents.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:18 pm

alldarker wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

No.

That wasn't it.

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:21 pm

The thread's back, but some posts, including a large number of mine) are gone.

Counterpunch wrote:
alldarker wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

No.

That wasn't it.

I believe you, I do, but then what was it?

News Credits: 3595 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:30 pm

The Shadow Commander and Shadow Scyther topics were merged.

News Credits: 3595 · by **Seibertron** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:34 pm

Autobot032 wrote:The thread's back, but some posts, including a large number of mine) are gone.

Counterpunch wrote:
alldarker wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

No.

That wasn't it.

I believe you, I do, but then what was it?

It was moved to the admin-only forum until I had time to handle this situation and properly respond to users making inappropriate, unfair, and unfounded statements about Seibertron.com, myself, the staff, our rules here, and our business practices. I will not tolerate a witch hunt and I will not tolerate users giving others moral and ethic lessons while discussing unlicensed 3rd party products.

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:45 pm

Seibertron wrote:
Autobot032 wrote:The thread's back, but some posts, including a large number of mine) are gone.

Counterpunch wrote:
alldarker wrote:
Razorclaw0000 wrote:
The Legend wrote:
Mach wrote:(...).

(...)
I wonder if this post will get deleted like the rest.

We don't do that here (delete posts we don't agree with).

Well... Someone seems to have done so... There was a news item on here yesterday about the Shadow Scythers being in stock at TFSource, with a whole thread attached to that, which ALL got deleted, perhaps under pressure from a certain sponsor (cough...TFSOURCE...cough)?

No.

That wasn't it.

I believe you, I do, but then what was it?

It was moved to the admin-only forum until I had time to handle this situation and properly respond to users making inappropriate, unfair, and unfounded statements about Seibertron.com, myself, the staff, our rules here, and our business practices. I will not tolerate a witch hunt and I will not tolerate users giving others moral and ethic lessons while discussing unlicensed 3rd party products.

I didn't make unfounded statements about you or the people who work for you. I said ifs, maybes, stuff like that. They were posed as questions, not outright finger pointing.

The only finger pointing being done was towards Curt and TFSource, because he had lied to the people and there was proof, and there still is.

I didn't go after business practices, I didn't give anyone moral or ethical lessons, so I'm not sure why my posts were among those pulled. And I hope that a lot of the reasons you pulled them were aimed at other users, because I am only angry at Curt/TFSource, not you guys.