I think that’s a lot of the problem. If that is still the target price (though we have been warned it could be $6 more for Cree emitters (Samsung not yet sourced), then a Paypal tax on top, and the distribution method is unclear, etc. and Neal’s history of getting his ducks in a row and getting stuff out in a timely manner is a little iffy)
I’d probably pay 10 or maybe even 20$ more to get what was originally promised, with some surety, if it still comes under the radar at Customs.
But really losing interest. I’ve vacillated I know and made myself a bit of a nuisance here. Still watching this space.
It really boils down to a communication thing, or the complete lack of it, which seems so unnecessary, and disappointing to those who are still trying so hard.
These sneaky pictures of possible work in progress just raise more questions than they answer. Perhaps that is the intention, to try to keep a buzz going, and keep us chattering. Not sure that is really helpful, some solid information, technical updates, posited timescale and professionalism would be more confidence building.
As well as actually sending some proto4s to those who matter.
Here is a paste of a separate rant that I decided not to post. But now have.
Of course this has to be producible, and compromises needed to meet a (very tight IMO) selling price target.
Surface finish is a really big one. It really does cost, to do it right, and everyone has their own opinion (though few will know just how well things can be done) . Sending it down the line with a known standard mediocre process is the easy way forwards, and maybe not such a bad decision.
Creative “tension” between the designer, and the manufacturer and distribution people is to be expected, but it’s how that gets sorted out behind the scenes that separates the dogmatic , maybe a little bit arrogant, perfectionist (who may have little if any experience of of a big project) from those who are just trying to get on with things and doing their best, having been asked for their help, and considerable skills and experience, gratis, and to open this up to the important BLF audience.
TBH I’d rather spend $10 or even $20 more and get something closer to the original concept. But time’s arrow continues to move forwards, and other things seem increasingly more interesting, and I don’t like to encourage desultory communication, disdain, and general disrespect for key team members, exemplified by not arranging to send them prototypes, and clamming up. Nor bothering to wake up and procure the requested emitters in good time. An attitude of indifference. And not a good omen for when a couple of thousand of us just want them delivered, cleanly and efficiently, and swiftly
What’s to hide ? An ego-trip is one thing, pulling off something like this is quite another, and perhaps better to step aside and just let the pros finish it. E.g. quibbling over a requested 1mm dimension change (the man said no, perhaps he was right), for example.
Lumintop do know how to make torches, and there are competent and concerned people still sticking with this. Not sure why.
This was supposed to be really special. Now I doubt that.
Rant off. I promise to be nicer, for at least a few days. Please don’t press the re-named “Whatcha” button, no matter how tempting. But if you do, I’ll know what you did. That’s still the way it works.
5708 posts on this thread at the last count. Since May 4 2017. That’s a lot of interest, and time, committed by many people to it, no matter how you measure it. Hopefully not all just wasted because a few people, well, maybe over-promised, or just got out of their depth.
Here’s a suggestion. Fritz, or Cawi, just send TK your proto3 (or 4) and let her assess it. Then listen to what she has to say.
You might not like it, but better than just gathering dust on your shelf. Or gloating, Gollum-like, over “your precious” that may never happen, the way that this seems to be endlessly running on.