The Energon Pub

We have received another update on the status of the BotCon Primus Package. As was confirmed earlier it is indeed sold out. Below you can read what alternatives will be provided for people who didn't get their registration in on time.

This is going out to all members. If you have received a confirmation email concerning your registration, this notice does not apply to you.

The demand for this year's BotCon figure sets (both boxed and loose) has been unprecedented… and they are now officially SOLD OUT. Since manufacturing of the sets has already been completed, we are not able to obtain additional quantities.

In order to accommodate those who are still planning to attend, we are providing you with two new options:

1) You can still come as a Primus Package holder and we will substitute a 2005 BotCon Boxed Set
Descent into Evil (click here to view) - at the reduced cost of $250 for Club members, $300 for non-members - and in addition, you will receive this year's free attending figure. Loose sets are also available for $130 for Club members and $165 for non-members.

So that you can see what you will be getting this year, we have decided to do something we have never done before...we are going to unveil the free attending figure this Friday! This is the first time we have shown the free attending figure before the start of BotCon!

2) We are creating a new attending package designed for this year only!
The Energon Package includes admission to all events (just like the Primus Package, including the Casino Night Awards Dinner) a convention badge, pin and comic/program (no toys). The Energon Package is $180 for Club members, $230 for non-members.

If you have sent in a registration since February 14, we will be emailing or calling you to find out which package you want to switch to.

Attached you will find the current registration form with the new options.

Thank you, once again, for your support! We look forward to seeing you in Cincinnati!

Brian

PS. For those of you who have already registered, confirmation letters will be going in the mail this week.

If you still need a hotel, The Millennium Hotel - 800-876-2100 or 513-352-2100

You can continue the discussion by clicking here.

lol... the 2005 set was a big yawn. Only figure I'd want out of the set would have been Ironhide. Not exactly a good substitute.

Now, if they let you substitute the Beast Wars 2006 set, then you'd have my attention.

Say we want 2007 set... Am I asking for a miracle?

imotron wrote:Say we want 2007 set... Am I asking for a miracle?

Nope, you're just asking for the new price of the 2008 set, which on eBay, should be approximately twice what the cost was 2 weeks ago from the Club Site.

And people, the 2005 set has at least 3 outstanding figures: Deathsaurus, Ironhide, and Chromia. All of which could easily serve as Classics counterparts.

Damn, I really want that Deathsaurus. Can anyone hook me up with one?

Sylus wrote:Damn, I really want that Deathsaurus. Can anyone hook me up with one?

Um.. I think FunPub can do that

Sylus wrote:Damn, I really want that Deathsaurus. Can anyone hook me up with one?

Deathsaurus is in deed awesome. A lot of people brush him off because for reasons unknowable they hate the RID Megatron mold, but if you see Deathsaurus in person, it is very impressive. I sold one on eBay a few months back because I bought a 2005 set, and had no need for two Deathsaurus'.


On topic though, didn't they produce extra sets in 2007 when they saw how many people were registering for Botcon? This years' set pales in comparison, and I have a hard time believing they sold out already. It is nice that the alternative is a trip back in time to 2005s' convention and a return ticket once you get your boxset.

The 05 set is pretty neat though. It's not as cool as the 06 Beast Wars one though.

Dagon wrote:

Sylus wrote:Damn, I really want that Deathsaurus. Can anyone hook me up with one?

Deathsaurus is in deed awesome. A lot of people brush him off because for reasons unknowable they hate the RID Megatron mold, but if you see Deathsaurus in person, it is very impressive. I sold one on eBay a few months back because I bought a 2005 set, and had no need for two Deathsaurus'.


On topic though, didn't they produce extra sets in 2007 when they saw how many people were registering for Botcon? This years' set pales in comparison, and I have a hard time believing they sold out already. It is nice that the alternative is a trip back in time to 2005s' convention and a return ticket once you get your boxset.

The 05 set is pretty neat though. It's not as cool as the 06 Beast Wars one though.

I want now, but at the time (and still to some degree) was very disappointed by the 2006 set.

Personally, I think they chose several molds incorrectly for the characters. I can not understand why they did not use Override's mold for Cheetor and I personally think that Cyb. Deluxe Red Alert would have made for a more appropriate Rhinox (He has tools yo!). Then the whole thing with them not even making enough Megatron & Waspinator sets for the convention attendees? Too much for even me...

Counterpunch wrote:

Dagon wrote:

Sylus wrote:Damn, I really want that Deathsaurus. Can anyone hook me up with one?

Deathsaurus is in deed awesome. A lot of people brush him off because for reasons unknowable they hate the RID Megatron mold, but if you see Deathsaurus in person, it is very impressive. I sold one on eBay a few months back because I bought a 2005 set, and had no need for two Deathsaurus'.


On topic though, didn't they produce extra sets in 2007 when they saw how many people were registering for Botcon? This years' set pales in comparison, and I have a hard time believing they sold out already. It is nice that the alternative is a trip back in time to 2005s' convention and a return ticket once you get your boxset.

The 05 set is pretty neat though. It's not as cool as the 06 Beast Wars one though.

I want now, but at the time (and still to some degree) was very disappointed by the 2006 set.

Personally, I think they chose several molds incorrectly for the characters. I can not understand why they did not use Override's mold for Cheetor and I personally think that Cyb. Deluxe Red Alert would have made for a more appropriate Rhinox (He has tools yo!). Then the whole thing with them not even making enough Megatron & Waspinator sets for the convention attendees? Too much for even me...

What'sa matter Counterpunch? The 10,000 Cybertron Clocker repaint wasn't good enough for you? You have to have Override?

NAh, really. I love the 2006 set. Maybe because unlike the 2005 set, there was continuity with the molds....the 05 set is a hodge podge of all kinds of things. (Not mad at ya, 05...) As for the Cyb Defense Red Alert mold, how could that have been anything but Megatron? Rhinox? No. I acknowledge your reasoning, but it fails. Failure!!

I like that 2005 set, I like it a lot I may buy it one day, just like the 2006 BW and the 2008 Classics, damn I needs some money!

Now I think the alternative the club offers here is far more awesome than the actual 2008 set, I mean the only figure I like out of this years set is the Prime one, and that's mostly cos the mold is so very awesome, oh and the "till all are gon" is a really nice touch, good one fun pub!

Dagon wrote:

Sylus wrote:
On topic though, didn't they produce extra sets in 2007 when they saw how many people were registering for Botcon? This years' set pales in comparison, and I have a hard time believing they sold out already. It is nice that the alternative is a trip back in time to 2005s' convention and a return ticket once you get your boxset.

The 05 set is pretty neat though. It's not as cool as the 06 Beast Wars one though.

I don't think they made any after the initial production run. I think they had more time between the time they started taking orders vs. when they started the production run on the figures. Since they saw how many were selling, they were able to up the order before production was finished.

In order to accommodate those who are still planning to attend, we are providing you with two new options:

1) You can still come as a Primus Package holder and we will substitute a 2005 BotCon Boxed Set
Descent into Evil (click here to view) - at the reduced cost of $250 for Club members, $300 for non-members - and in addition, you will receive this year's free attending figure. Loose sets are also available for $130 for Club members and $165 for non-members.

So that you can see what you will be getting this year, we have decided to do something we have never done before...we are going to unveil the free attending figure this Friday! This is the first time we have shown the free attending figure before the start of BotCon!

Wow great charge me to take the crap off your hands that nobody has wanted for the past 3 years!!! Why is the attending figure being treated like its a special throw in? If I prereg and attend I get the figure PERIOD. If you hadn't mucked up your orders everyone would get the 2008 figure and the same attending figure your parading around as "extra".

2) We are creating a new attending package designed for this year only!
The Energon Package includes admission to all events (just like the Primus Package, including the Casino Night Awards Dinner) a convention badge, pin and comic/program (no toys). The Energon Package is $180 for Club members, $230 for non-members.

What? Let me get this straight the Con Badge is listed as a special item you'll get? How else does you plan on identifiying those coming and going from the showroom floor? A badge is standard, its like getting a fork at the restraunt when your meal comes. But hey don't forget you get a crappy low cost comic book and a pin. Grand cost for a your badge(laminated paper), a comic and pin is at most $15. Lets don't act like Casion Night is something great either. Sure I'd love to spend $230 for that.

Thank you, once again, for your support! We look forward to seeing you in Cincinnati!

Brian

My support has been on the fence and its gone now. You'll see me cause I've agreed to go with friends who are counting on me. I'll pay $10 bucks and wait 2hrs to do so but your options are non-options Brain.

Dagon wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:Personally, I think they chose several molds incorrectly for the characters. I can not understand why they did not use Override's mold for Cheetor and I personally think that Cyb. Deluxe Red Alert would have made for a more appropriate Rhinox (He has tools yo!). Then the whole thing with them not even making enough Megatron & Waspinator sets for the convention attendees? Too much for even me...

What'sa matter Counterpunch? The 10,000 Cybertron Clocker repaint wasn't good enough for you? You have to have Override?

NAh, really. I love the 2006 set. Maybe because unlike the 2005 set, there was continuity with the molds....the 05 set is a hodge podge of all kinds of things. (Not mad at ya, 05...) As for the Cyb Defense Red Alert mold, how could that have been anything but Megatron? Rhinox? No. I acknowledge your reasoning, but it fails. Failure!!

Does it fail like your reading skillz do yo?



Break it down for me, one last time.

I thought every year it was limited to about 1,300 sets to preserve the value. Am I wrong on that?

I think the reason they still have 05 sets is because it was a strange mish-mash of figures. The last 3 years it has been one "theme" so they have done better.

For the second straight year I BARELY got my form in on time (within 2 days or so of the sell out) so next year I should just bite the bullet and register early (as should a lot of the people who keep complaining)

If I don't and I miss out, then it's my fault.

Indeed. I too, like so many others, have now learned a valuable lesson: Register ASAP. Next year, I'm registering as soon as I see the form is online.

Counterpunch wrote:

Dagon wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:Personally, I think they chose several molds incorrectly for the characters. I can not understand why they did not use Override's mold for Cheetor and I personally think that Cyb. Deluxe Red Alert would have made for a more appropriate Rhinox (He has tools yo!). Then the whole thing with them not even making enough Megatron & Waspinator sets for the convention attendees? Too much for even me...

What'sa matter Counterpunch? The 10,000 Cybertron Clocker repaint wasn't good enough for you? You have to have Override?

NAh, really. I love the 2006 set. Maybe because unlike the 2005 set, there was continuity with the molds....the 05 set is a hodge podge of all kinds of things. (Not mad at ya, 05...) As for the Cyb Defense Red Alert mold, how could that have been anything but Megatron? Rhinox? No. I acknowledge your reasoning, but it fails. Failure!!

Does it fail like your reading skillz do yo?



Break it down for me, one last time.

Damn. Way to punk a brotha Counterpunch. Now I disagree with you even more vehemently.

Making mistakes are part of collecting. Last year my wife and I each got a set and some exclusives with the intention of keeping one for us and trading with a dealer we do a lot of business with.

All fine and good except we paid to ship some of it home. We used Pennfield's at the Westin hotel, they charged an arm and 3 legs and they lost one of the packagees (that had the Huffer Springer and Alpha Trion and Weirdwolf sets in it)

I got spun around 9 times when I tried finding out where nmy figures ended up. Needless to say, we'll chalk that one up as a "mistake"

Speaking of which, if anyuone has any extras of those, especially Huffer/Springer to trade, hit me up at Botcon.

Delicon wrote:I thought every year it was limited to about 1,300 sets to preserve the value. Am I wrong on that?

I don't know if your right or wrong but what I do know is thats not very efficient for growth. I can understand and respect wanting to keep some exclusivity and value to having a con set. However, if your number is right it means dissapointing a larger and larger number of people every year. The movie(s) and subsequent cartoons are only going to ensure a growth of TF fandom and interest. For discussion purposes lets say the 1,300 # is right. It should be on a sliding scale to factor in growth. As attendance grows by, lets say 3%, then so should the number of convention sets. This would still keep supply low and demand high while still catering to and respecting the exclusivity of the set.

As a collector I believe firmly that you can't oversaturate the market. I personally wouldn't pay those kinds of prices if the toys didn't have that kind of value. I might even just plunk down the $10 for general admission, scope out the dealer's room and attend a few panels.

Dagon wrote:Damn. Way to punk a brotha Counterpunch. Now I disagree with you even more vehemently.

Take a look at this and tell me I'm wrong...

This... This is stupid. They have the money, and I'm sorry to do this to the Iacons, but they should pass the 08 sets to the Botcon attendees, and make another batch for the Iacon packages. They've got the money guarenteed, I can't see why they can't do this.

Flashwave wrote:This... This is stupid. They have the money, and I'm sorry to do this to the Iacons, but they should pass the 08 sets to the Botcon attendees, and make another batch for the Iacon packages. They've got the money guarenteed, I can't see why they can't do this.

Make no mistake my friend I'm as fired up as you and frankly like your idea of stiffing the Iacon people. One of many mismanagement issues by MC is the popularity of the con exclusive toys. They've bungled it now going on 3 years. First stab at getting them should go to people who show up and attend. Anything left after the show is over, should there be any, can be sold via their online store. Just that one thing would help the current and any future issues. They might not have sold out till end of March.

As for producint more with guarenteed money I'll take a guess. I surmise that there is a start up cost involved with getting the molds back in place and the computers reset that wouldn't be covered somehow with the guaranteed money. If that isn't entirely true my second hunch is that the factory that does them is "booked". They have a production schedule that includes other things: last of the movie line, animated toys etc and thus the time allotted for BotCon production is done.

captain craig wrote:. They've bungled it now going on 3 years.

care to elaborate? because I've been to the last two botcons and everything was great. I don't recall FunPub messing anything up with the last two boxsets either.

Amazing it sounds like they expect you to bend over a take it in the a** and like it. Because they didn't plan well enuff for this years convention.

RodimusConvoy13 wrote:

captain craig wrote:. They've bungled it now going on 3 years.

care to elaborate? because I've been to the last two botcons and everything was great. I don't recall FunPub messing anything up with the last two boxsets either.

They either overordered or interest wasn't there for the 2005 sets. We now know interest in the set was low cause it was horrid, so its possible they interpret that as an overorder. Thus they scale back their orders for the last 3 years without taking growth and genuine interest into the equation. Each subsequent year the interest was there cause the figure sets(which was the '05 problem) are vastly improved, thus demand returns. However, their supply is low cause Fun Pub is now hesitant to order large quantities. They are being too conservative on their orders and it appears after 3 years to be a mismanaged portion of their Con. Every one at the con who wants an extra set can't get one so yes that is a problem.

And I to have been to the last two cons as well and outside their management of the exclusive sets I have no issue with their management of the 'Con.