Bicycle Golden Spike by Jody Eklund -- Now live

[SeabornLoyalis]

The impression I get is that the limit was increased not to satisfy new backers, but for the backers who were confused about the process of adding them on. The email announcing the black inks didn't explain the process and different kickstarters have had different ways of doing it. I upped my pledge minutes after the Black Inks were announced, but wouldn't be getting them without this change.
Also, encouraging collectors to buy 2 with the diptych and free box probably increased demand for these well beyond most 1000 deck limited editions

[Widdee]

I just have one problem with this change and I think all deck creators need to heed this. When you set a limited edition printing amount on a deck- STICK TO IT dammit. No ands, ifs or buts. You are selling people a false promise if you move the goalposts.

We expect things to change throughout a KS campaign, typically design, most times it is for the better. But one thing that shouldn't change is the numbers.

It does not alter my pledge on these. I love these decks. I got in on the blacks early and notified Jody. I dont feel like the 1k to 1.5k is that much difference. But it's the principle of the matter.

[chadmcmillan]

I just have one problem with this change and I think all deck creators need to heed this. When you set a limited edition printing amount on a deck- STICK TO IT dammit. No ands, ifs or buts. You are selling people a false promise if you move the goalposts.

We expect things to change throughout a KS campaign, typically design, most times it is for the better. But one thing that shouldn't change is the numbers.

It does not alter my pledge on these. I love these decks. I got in on the blacks early and notified Jody. I dont feel like the 1k to 1.5k is that much difference. But it's the principle of the matter.

Agreed.

[Cbkimble]

I've got a question, what if more people start complaining after the 500 on backerkit are sold? Is Jody gonna decide to add 500 more, just to keep backers "happy"?

This may have been answered before but Jody did get permission to use the likenesses, right?

[sms69x]

Everything always seems simpler when you look back at it, but I just have to move forward.

Things were pretty simple until you decide to complicate them!

I could have just printed more and not told anyone, but I felt that was pretty dishonest. I chose to be honest with everyone.

Well since you already made an exception, no one (even you) will convince me that no more than 1500 will be printed....

This all speech about honesty just seems to me an excuse to make more profit, but in the end, this is all about your choices, this is your project, and if you feel that you can make more money, so go ahead and do so. I can't blaime you, but this is not the right way to do so.

As a backer of this project I felt very disappointed, I 'll keep my pledge because I loved the art very much, but no more support from me in the future, thats for sure.

[Sher]

Jody stated that the primary reason he considered increasing the limit was because he needed to make room in order to ensure that everyone who pledged the first time are able to get it. Making them into add-ons made it difficult for him to track, and he realized that there was a good chance that some people who thought they were getting it (because they pledged before 40k was reached and Jody marked it as sold out) might not get it because he wasn't sure if the number of decks that pledged before he marked it as sold out was under the 1,000 limit. Plus, he needs extra in case of any lost packages or damages.

From the comments section of the campaign

Just so you all know, the reason I have decided to up the LE deck was not because people cried about it. I up it because, I made a mistake. I chose to make an LE deck an add-on, which I will never do again. When you make an LE deck an add-on, it becomes almost impossible to keep track of. I am choosing to make sure that those who pledged for the LE deck during it's run will get it as opposed to making sure the principal is intact.

In very first update he also stated this, but I think people misunderstood because of reason #2 (which wasn't the primary reason)

One of the lessons that I have learned through this, is that I will never do a limited edition as an add-on. I can't tell you how difficult it has been to make sure I have not gone over the 1000 deck limit. I know how important that is. I have had to turn many people down, and I have to tell you being on this end, that's pretty hard to do.

I have found that it is pretty much impossible to make sure that everyone, that legitimately pledged for the Black Inks during it's run, will get their decks. This is the part that I am most afraid of. I want to make sure you get your Black Inks.

So this is what I propose: If you would allow me to open up about 500 more decks through BackerKit, I can make sure 1. that everyone that pledged during the run of the Black Inks get's their decks. 2. That everyone that has supported this project gets a chance to get a Black Ink or two. What I can do in BackerKit is actually control the amount of decks that will be pledged for. I can also limit the amount of Black Inks that each backer can purchase during the BackerKit.

Therefore, while adding 500 does allow a few more people to pledge for the black inks and increase funding, this was not his main concern. His main concern was to ensure that everyone who already pledged for them the first time around would get them.

[Bikefanatic]

I hope I get mine, I added $13 before he said they were sold out so maybe he could somehow go by the date that people added to their pledges or something.

[ecNate]

I hope I get mine, I added $13 before he said they were sold out so maybe he could somehow go by the date that people added to their pledges or something.

Hopefully you already sent him a message about it, ideally you'll also at least have a comment on the updates about your intention to add it as well.

Here's what I need for you to do:

If you have pledged for the Black Ink edition PLEASE CONTACT ME! If you look on the Kickstarter page, I gave directions for those who may not know how to do add-ons and then asked that you contact me personally. Just so you know, because you have not messaged me personally, does not mean I will turn you down for your Black Inks. It just makes it harder for me and does not reflect what you have pledged for. Do me a favor and let me also know your time stamp for when you pledged for the Black Inks and where you left your comments. For those whom I have already confirm, this does not apply to you. You are good to go.

[CBJ]

Nice!!!


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYlXnVCm ... e=youtu.be[/youtube]



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0uq2NsA ... e=youtu.be[/youtube]




CBJ

[SBurk49]

I could stab myself in the forehead with a very sharp #2 pencil for dropping my pledge.

DAMN YOU FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES!

If only it were live now rather than then.... le sigh.

[volantangel]

I could stab myself in the forehead with a very sharp #2 pencil for dropping my pledge.

DAMN YOU FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES!

If only it were live now rather than then.... le sigh.

Hit jody up via pm here or on fb, it might not be too late =)

btw the proofs/deck look incredible, brilliant work jody!

[SBurk49]

I could stab myself in the forehead with a very sharp #2 pencil for dropping my pledge.

DAMN YOU FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES!

If only it were live now rather than then.... le sigh.

Hit jody up via pm here or on fb, it might not be too late =)

btw the proofs/deck look incredible, brilliant work jody!

Just did on fb. Fingers AND toes crossed.

[Bikefanatic]

I can wait until Dec/Jan to get the other two decks (unbranded version and Black Ink). For the Black Ink, I only got one. Didn't want two of the same deck just to make a picture though it looks great.

[vasta41]

I pledged for a branded Golden Spike and a Gold Ed... When am I supposed to get these? Starting to get antsy.

[Sher]

I pledged for a branded Golden Spike and a Gold Ed... When am I supposed to get these? Starting to get antsy.

Gold Edition is being printed by Legends, so you'll have to wait for those, since they have a backlog. The only pledges being mailed out at the moment seem to be the ones that ordered only the Bicycle version. Any orders with either the Gold Edition or Black Ink is delayed.

[Bikefanatic]

Check your KS updates. Today he said the Gold edition and Black Ink are completed so the only hold up is shipping them which he may start in January. Other card projects will be affected by whatever's going on with the shippers.

[vasta41]

Just got a KS update from Jody- all decks are now on their way. But I thought this was cool too:

I have heard some say they don't even want to open their decks and play with them because they look so nice, so I will be offering some Bicycle decks that you can use purely for playing with at a discount. These have a small defect just on the tuck with no damage to the cards. I have some decks that were damaged in shipping and would like to be able to give you a chance to have a deck that you can use to play with. So, stay tuned for that option. I will probably be selling those through my website http://www.blackinkplayingcards.com for about $6.

[Eoghann]

"Not Bad" Obama.

[MagikFingerz]

"Not Bad" Obama.

Gosh darnit, do I have to do everything around here?

[vasta41]

Can someone please change MagikFingerz from Moderator to UC Official Memer?

[sinjin7]

I pledged for the East Meets West Six Pack, where I was supposed to receive 3 Bicycle branded decks and 3 Gold Edition decks. Unfortunately, I got 4 Bicycle branded decks and only 2 Gold Edition decks. I messaged Jody on KS about the error in shipping and he quickly responded with an apology and an offer to send me a replacement deck if I send the Bicycle edition deck back.

I thought this was a bit odd since the error was on his part, yet I was expected to pay for the cost of shipping the deck back before I could get my replacement. But luckily I live in the U.S. and its just $3.00 to ship the deck back, and I wanted to see how this would play out, so I mailed back the error deck at my nominal cost. Today, just 10 days later, I received my replacement Gold Edition deck, but unfortunately it did not come with the Signature Sleeve that is supposed to be on the Gold Edition deck, which I feel is another major omission.

I just want to contrast this experience with my experience with the Origins deck. I pledged for a split brick of the Origins decks. Of the 12 decks I received, 2 of the decks had minor dings, and one deck had major dings, and I posted pictures here at UC. A few other UC members had bad packaging and dinged decks and posted pics as well. Rick responded by saying he would check with his shipping company about the packaging. I told Rick I open and use my decks, so a few dings on the tucks of only a few decks wasn’t a big deal. He asked me for my address anyways, and a few weeks later, I got 3 pristine replacement decks free of charge and without me having to ship back the damaged decks. Rick earned himself a customer for life with his consideration and exceptional customer service.

Jody is fairly active here at UC, and he was one of the donors for our Deck of the Year Contest, so kudos where they’re due. He ran an excellent Kickstarter campaign, and he put out great decks, and seems like a very nice guy. But I have to say I’m a bit disappointed with his customer service afterwards, though. I’m not angling for a free deck (I eventually got the correct number of decks at the end of the day), or a refund of the small shipping cost, or even for the missing signature band that should have been on the gold deck. I bring this up because good customer service should be a matter of principle, and its sometimes little things like this that differentiate between very good decks and decks that earn Deck of the Year awards.

[jodyeklund]

Yes, that was wrong. I'm sorry. I am sending you your sleeve and I will refund you the cost of shipping. Sorry, boneheaded move on my part.

[sinjin7]

In fairness, I want everyone to know that in addition to the above post, Jody sent me a PM with a very good reason why this slipped through the cracks and offered to make thing right. I told him its not necessary to trouble with reimbursing such a small amount for shipping and that he didn't have to mail the signature band either. The fact that he was so prompt and willing to make things right speaks volumes about his dedication to customer service and the priority he give to members here at UC.

[Mike Ratledge]

Customer service is key, no doubt. If I get a damaged deck claim I just ask for a picture, because it's become way too common (not saying right or wrong or questioning, either). Once I see that, I send whatever was damaged + 1, just in case.

Glad everything worked out for the best, as we both pointed out, customer service is king in this game!

[hikeeba]

I'd like to throw in that I asked Jody to send me the Bicycle branded decks when they came out instead of waiting for the rest to be printed. I offered to cover the postage, but he said only if it was a major difference (which I guess it wasn't). I just wanted to send out a public thanks to him for that.
Thanks!

[CrankUP]

I received my decks from Jody. I was missing two black ink decks and when I contacted him about it, he said he would ship them out to me right away. Fantastic desgin, fantastic service.

The decks are beautiful. I'm really pleased with what I purchased.

[Magasaki]

So I've spent some time with my Golden Spike decks and have been reading into the history about them. There's some really fascinating stories in there worth looking into. A great project and I can't wait for the next one from Jody.

If you are interested I've put some more pics and info on my site
http://www.magasaki.com/#!golden-spike/c14ae" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Firthetic]

I pledged for the East Meets West Six Pack, where I was supposed to receive 3 Bicycle branded decks and 3 Gold Edition decks. Unfortunately, I got 4 Bicycle branded decks and only 2 Gold Edition decks. I messaged Jody on KS about the error in shipping and he quickly responded with an apology and an offer to send me a replacement deck if I send the Bicycle edition deck back.

I apologise if this is out of topic, but I had a similar experience with Kings Wild. Part of my pledge for The Independence project included two sets of the limited edition Crown & Continental decks. One set had mismatched numbers so I messaged the KW customer service about replacements. Good ol' Brendan replied, asking me to ship it back to KW, whereupon a new set would be shipped out to me. Fair enough, it's an expensive set, so I sent it out.

To cut the story short, I ended up paying about US$25 in shipping to have the mismatched set replaced. This is on top of the US$250 that I had already spent on my total pledge for the Independence Kickstarter, not inclusive of shipping from the US to Singapore. Of course, nobody was forcing me to spend the money, but the project specifically stated matching numbers. As fellow collectors, y'all know what I mean when I say that mismatched numbers are just one of those irrational things that drive us a bit crazy. I was thinking, hey maybe they'll slip in one of those cool unused tuckcases or a bunch of stickers or just something as a token, but nada.

I bring this up because good customer service should be a matter of principle, and its sometimes little things like this that differentiate between very good decks and decks that earn Deck of the Year awards.

My thoughts exactly!

[hikeeba]

Had the same issue about a return. Was specifically told that my shipping would be refunded, but it never happened. Another reason I'm coolish about KW going forward.
However, I'm more interested in seeing how Jody's next project goes!

[Cbkimble]

MEMORIAL DAY SALE!!!
Signed Black Ink deck for $20.

http://blackinkplayingcards.com/collect ... 9e635d3ef9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;