Quote: (KaJo @ 14 Feb. 2009, 22:26 )
I think WF's system makes sense - they're not just manufacturing product willy-nilly. Paying for production costs based on customer demand, instead of offering their personal "pet projects" for sale, may give them some longevity in the business.
Jings, are you kidding? I've heard quite a few opinions from owners of small mini businesses, and just about all think WF's a bit nuts. Also, the 'pet projects' of these guys don't always appear
completely out of the blue - they ask their own questions or run their own polls (and otherwise take into account what might sell well), and post WIPs and finished pics; and they know from bitter experience that the amount of fanboy enthusiasm garnered by canvassing or sneak-peeks doesn't usually translate into sales.
Granted, WF might have some kind of leg-up with the fact that John Q. Public is directly stating what they want (just like people on mini-business forums all over), but where they fall down is that they have to get pledges of
a thousand sales for each suggestion before they'll even design the things. Firstly, I don't know if many gamers will agree to buy niche minis that don't even exist as a computer graphic. Given the fickle nature of gamers (present company excluded), I can't see many retaining interest before the minis are eventually rendered. And then how many will drift away when they don't like the design of the minis? (when they'll have as much input as with 'pet projects', IMO. At the very least, voting with their wallets) And then when they see the final, cast product?
Because from the sound of things, WF still isn't up to speed with the efficient conversion of computer renders into plastic. A look at O-man's crab log should give you an idea of some of the difficulties and headaches involved there.
It might not bother gamers so much, with that $0 deposit, but it's going to kick Wargames Factory squarely in the nads if they produce these steel moulds and their market dissipates like mist. Longevity is not the word I'd use.
I could provide links to (colourful) discussions if you think I'm blowing smoke.
I think I need to see the wife about something that has urgently come up.
