Raging Heroes [official] Toughest Girls of the Galaxy Kickstarter - $698,548 Finish!

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**Alpharius**

The "Fire and Forget" method works for some - that's great news!

But a crowdfunded projects asks for backers to contribute money in order to help make a project happen.

To expect blind, fawning followers seems... a bit odd.

You take their money, they get to voice their opinions.

This expectation of a one way street seems strange.

Still, as has been said many times - ignore what you want - is all so much shouting into a hurricane anyway!

I find it hard to believe that anyone thinks that RH is doing a good job on the communication front so far though.

**Kroothawk**

Alpharius wrote:
I find it hard to believe that anyone thinks that RH is doing a good job on the communication front so far though.

Last time you said that, you had to admit that you haven't read this thread properly. Now you have again forgotten this exact update and all others. Maybe some people don't like this kind of unfairness either.

Why not be constructive and helpfull and as a mod add this update to the first post:

Raging Heroes wrote:What's been unlocked so far?
Update #2 · Jun 4, 2013

Hi again!

We are humbled by what's been happening, achieving, nearly $250,000 and it's not even been 12 hours yet! The first few hours were a total blur. The emotions were overwhelming. Our hands sometimes shook so much we just couldn't type properly on the keyboard. And everything everywhere was calling for our attention, so we were jumping all over the place trying to catch up. There was a moment when we grew so numb that we just sat staring at our computers, not knowing what to click on or what to do... And phone and Skype were merrily ringing every few minutes from friends and family to share their happiness...

But nevertheless, we got quite a few things done...

We've managed to reply to over 100 Kickstarter emails, and that particular mailbox is currently sitting empty! :-)

We've also updated our FAQ (took us over 3 hours to find the button to do this!). We will continue to update it regularly. We also posted replies to our Raging Heralds (bless them all!), who have been relaying recurring questions and concerns and sharing back our replies to the community they belong to.

We also unlocked quite a few many miniatures, without having even the time to Update you about them. As the pledges grew from $12,000 to $225,000, we unlocked 14 stretch goals: 8 Heroines, 2 Troops Boxes, 3 Support boxes, and a 1st pack of Free Upgrades for 6 unlocked Heroines (see images below for detail). Remember that the Free Upgrades apply to ALL pledge levels.

We have also posted the 3 next stretch goals (see images below).

We'll now be off to catch some sleep. We'll of course be back online tomorrow. We want to give you many many many thanks for this unbelievable Kickstarter launch! Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure!

**Grot 6**

Vhalan wrote:
Grot 6 wrote:
People need to know walking in that we are banking on a real life project in production and design, not on free, free, free, the greedy gits.

Then maybe the company doing the KS should go get a loan and build up production the old fashioned way? Or do like Victoria Mini's and other companies do and build out slowly as they grow the biz?

Go look up venture capitol firms. They dont invent money to get a 0 rate of return. People backing a KS are essentially investors into a company. I give you funds, you build out your lines and provide X in return. If X return = retail, I have given you money now, for product in the future, at no better cost then if I would have waited for retail. I took all the risk and that risk earned a 0 return and possibly a negative return as when the company sells to discounters, my 16.50$ mini could now be purchased for 12$.

That being said, I am not defending people who want to buy for 1$ hundreds of things. I am questioning the value proposition that RH has put forth. I am a backer, I get to offer money and be concerned that 285k later, my money hasnt gained much value from when I plunked it down on day 1.

Other projects Ive backed:
Kings of War
Bones
Zombicide 2
Arena Rex
Myth

In those other campaigns, my initial money down became a lot more valuable by the end of the run. I was also a backer of Thon, which crapped out, and has some similarities to this one.

I like the art, I like their other stuff. I want this one to be sucessful but at the same time, I think asking to see some of the freebies that have been promoted prior to launch is a fair thing to ask for.

No they are not.

All you are doing is backing a project, not helping fund the company. If that is your personal take, you might want to step back or just face the disappointment that the stutter steps are inevitable, and every plan is foolproof until contact. KS is a cheap way to get cash for a project. HOWEVER You have to have a plan, because once the ball is in play, markets and real life take it over.

Want examples?

Bones
Kings of War
etc.
etc.
etc.

A company or individual has to have a plan and a well thought out road ahead to be successful. Same as any other project in real life.

**Alpharius**

Kroothawk wrote:
Alpharius wrote:
I find it hard to believe that anyone thinks that RH is doing a good job on the communication front so far though.

Last time you said that, you had to admit that you haven't read this thread properly. Now you have again forgotten this exact update and all others. Maybe some people don't like this kind of unfairness either.

I realize it is late in Germany and all that, but you really have no idea what you're talking about here - and I'll admit, that's odd!

Anyway, the rumor is that we'll be getting update #3 anytime now!

**deleted20250424**

Grot 6 wrote:
All you are doing is backing a project, not helping fund the company. If that is your personal take, you might want to step back or just face the disappointment that the stutter steps are inevitable, and every plan is foolproof until contact. KS is a cheap way to get cash for a project. HOWEVER You have to have a plan, because once the ball is in play, markets and real life take it over.

Moltke's Theory of War:

Moltke's main thesis was that military strategy had to be understood as a system of options since only the beginning of a military operation was plannable. As a result, he considered the main task of military leaders to consist in the extensive preparation of all possible outcomes. His thesis can be summed up by two statements, one famous and one less so, translated into English as "No plan of operations extends with certainty beyond the first encounter with the enemy's main strength" (or "no plan survives contact with the enemy,") and "Strategy is a system of expedients."

You can plan all day, but when the rubber meets the road it's entirely new game.

In anything, anytime, anywhere in life.

I promise you that.

[Edit] In case it wasn't clear, I'm agreeing with Grot.

**Kroothawk**

Maybe I am too busy to be constructive and actually post the updates than to just read troll post on 4chan and kickstarter comments.

**Alpharius**

Kroothawk wrote:
Maybe I am too busy to be constructive and actually post the updates than to just read troll post on 4chan and kickstarter comments.

I suppose we'll have to take your word for that?

Anyway, since it is now 2:00AM in France, I guess that update will wait until tomorrow?

I'm looking forward to it!

I wonder if they will eventually be any characters on bikes or mechs?

**Kroothawk**

Again: It would be helpful if you could copy the RH update I formatted to the first post, so that everyone knows about the updates and unlocks so far.

Keep in mind that pics go offline once the goals are unlocked (and then replaced with an "unlocked" version". Will happen soon with the heavy troops and certainly soon with the next goal as well.

**Ouze**

I'm pretty excited about the (alleged) Jailbird mech. I mean, it might be butt-ugly, who knows, but I'm predisposed to like mechs. So I'm cautiously optimistic.

**Mathieu Raymond**

Honestly, from a few interactions with them on Facebook, they were just as annoying in French. It came across as if they felt entitled to the adulation of the masses.

I'm in, but not sure if I'll stay.

**DaveC**

In fairness to Alpharius this an official Raging Heroes thread started by them I don't see why a Mod should have to keep their first post up to date if they aren't going to that duty should have been given to someone with the time to do so.

**Baronyu**

Ouze wrote:
Baronyu wrote:Is there a reason why the shipping cost so much for this? I'm sure 11.50 Euros* doesn't translate to $20... I might just wait for the items to come up on their site as currently, I'd have to pay more than I would have when they're released on their site...

They're shipping them all insured and registered. If you use the USPS site to calculate a 6oz package to france with those options, it's like $26.

If you want a single figure, you totally don't want to get on this kickstarter. Perhaps start a swap shop thread and see if anyone wants to pool in with you?

Well, that 11.50 euros is from their site, insured and a flat rate for all international order regardless of size as well. But I guess they're using a faster service or something for this KS.

Thanks for the reply.

**Ouze**

Baronyu wrote:
Well, that 11.50 euros is from their site, insured and a flat rate for all international order regardless of size as well. But I guess they're using a faster service or something for this KS.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm sorry, I think I misunderstood your initial post. You raise an excellent point, I now see - if you go to Ragingheroes.com right now, insured and registered shipping is indeed $13. That is quite a discrepancy in retrospect - I never looked at the site, only went to the USPS shipping calc.

**Alpharius**

DaveC wrote:
In fairness to Alpharius this an official Raging Heroes thread started by them I don't see why a Mod should have to keep their first post up to date if they aren't going to that duty should have been given to someone with the time to do so.

Pretty much.

They've got the Raging Heralds to do that.

Not to mention an 'official' presence here as well.

**Kroothawk**

DaveC wrote:
In fairness to Alpharius this an official Raging Heroes thread started by them I don't see why a Mod should have to keep their first post up to date if they aren't going to that duty should have been given to someone with the time to do so.

I have heard, the 2 or 3 Raging Heroes staff are busy. And it is 2.23 AM here. And it is not my duty to reformat their update either, I am just trying to be helpful.

And the Raging Heralds (and I) lack the mod status allowing them to update the first post.

**PanzerTC**

Mathieu Raymond wrote:
Honestly, from a few interactions with them on Facebook, they were just as annoying in French. It came across as if they felt entitled to the adulation of the masses.

I'm in, but not sure if I'll stay.

Wow - not experienced the "Frenchness Factor" yet. But I echo the stay in portion.

**Baronyu**

Ouze wrote:
Baronyu wrote:
Well, that 11.50 euros is from their site, insured and a flat rate for all international order regardless of size as well. But I guess they're using a faster service or something for this KS.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm sorry, I think I misunderstood your initial post. You raise an excellent point, I now see - if you go to Ragingheroes.com right now, insured and registered shipping is indeed $13. That is quite a discrepancy in retrospect - I never looked at the site, only went to the USPS shipping calc.

Seems they're just using a flat rate here as well, but set higher because they're expecting bigger order. A shame really, I would've backed them if I didn't have to pay that much for just a figure or 2(I only want that female haemonculus-looking one, any would be...well, nice extra).

**Ouze**

Well, you're in the US, right? You can piggyback on my pledge, if you like, presuming I can add the figure you want, and you cover it + shipping to you? Send me a PM a few days before it closes, and, presuming I don't withdraw, we should be able to do that.

**Baronyu**

Thanks for the offer, but I'm in the UK, the country IP thing doesn't work for me here for some reason. But really, thanks for the offer.

**Tannhauser42**

About the KS shipping vs. their website's shipping: Is the KS products supposed to be shipped in waves? Multiple shipments will certainly drive the costs up.

**Breotan**

PanzerTC wrote:
Mathieu Raymond wrote:
Honestly, from a few interactions with them on Facebook, they were just as annoying in French. It came across as if they felt entitled to the adulation of the masses.

I'm in, but not sure if I'll stay.
Wow - not experienced the "Frenchness Factor" yet. But I echo the stay in portion.

Oh, yea, the Frenchness Factor. I forgot all about that. The French can indeed be annoying as hell when they're not even trying. Something to keep in mind as this goes on, I guess. Thin-skinned people are going to be in for a real treat.

**Redbeard**

Kroothawk wrote:I must say, I am astonished and a bit shocked at the weird and constructed criticism of this campaign:

1.) What? Only 75 individual sculpted minis in the first 24 hours unlocked, most of them multiposed? I want 15 armies at once! Like Dreamforge did (wait!)

Interesting math. I count 25 unlocked, plus the base project. And, no, I don't want 15 armies at once, I want one army with a good number of the characters available. When I see pictures of two models already sculpted and they're not unlocked after the project is funded at over 2000%, I question the method being used to determine when things unlock.

Come on folks. Get real!
Here is a fresh kickstarter by a tiny company that offers you THREE different high quality sculpted, extremely modular, inspiring and never before available ARMIES.

Maybe that's the root of my issue. I don't want three armies, I want one complete army. So, due to how they're choosing to make the unlock steps at $30,000 intervals (!) and only a third of intervals actually apply to what I want, I'm concerned that the one thing I want won't be complete.

I'm concerned that this KS is extremely frontloaded because we've had three months of waiting for it to launch to build the excitement, but that same excitement is spent quickly and I worry that because of how fast the funding came in initially, that they're skimping on how much should have been unlocked by now. Bombshell Babes never hit 2000% funded, and unlocked a lot more individual sculpts. They were unlocking a new figure at every $5000 interval, not $30,0000.

I'm not looking for freebies or handouts, I'm not looking for fifteen armies, I just want to make sure that the models that I've already seen, and are largely the reason I signed onto this project, are actually available.

If that's an unreasonable concern, then I guess I am unreasonable

**Makaleth**

I don't know about shipping waves, that hasn't been covered from what I see.

I doubt it. It looks like most stuff will be done all together (as most pledges have a little of everything)

**timd**

Baronyu wrote:
Ouze wrote:

Seems they're just using a flat rate here as well, but set higher because they're expecting bigger order.

Their current average order is probably pretty small and the profit on any larger orders probably helps cover the postage over the base fixed postage.

There is also the small package threshold (four pounds in the US) with anything heavier costing quite a bit more to ship.

**Sythica**

I'm really looking forward to this one. In terms of numbers of backers and $, it's following Kingdom Death very closely, so it should end up very big. And the level of detail on those 3D renders is awesome. Makes me wish the heroes were going to be resin instead of metal.

**cincydooley**

A lot of you are asking why how they've been communicating matters and why their (apparent) lack of preparedness for the KS launch matters. Here's why:

Their inability to launch the KS on time is indicative of their ability to manage a project as a whole. If they're late with simply getting the project odd the ground, it isn't unreasonable to expect that the May 2014 ship date is a pipe dream.

Their inability to properly update and communicate with their backers at the launch of the KS is indicative of a group of people that may not be able to adapt to situations on the fly and effectively problem solve. If hey have trouble with these basic things, how will they respond if they have an unexpected production issue? How will they respond to the extreme volume they're going to have to produce? Based on this exemplar, it isn't unreasonable to think that they could just go info-dark if these problems arose and leave their backers hanging with a continually late shipment date.

Everything about how they run this KS can give you, the customer, insight on how things are likely to run when it comes time for fulfillment. You should be concerned about that. Poor management here is likely indicative of poor management as a whole.

**Buzzsaw**

Let's see, I've had the chance to take in a most invigorating lecture, and now I check to see what came of "OK, as one of you has so kindly suggested, we're going to grab a bite and prepare some updates. And maybe cool down a bit ;-)"

Oh...*

With regards to some of the criticism of the critiques here and elsewhere, I will take the opportunity to quote myself and ponder changing my username to Cassandra.

Buzzsaw wrote:
overtyrant wrote:
...

I am actually very interested in how they handle the KS over the next 30 days and find it quite entertaining that most of us on here can have very different ideas on how one should be run. It can become heated at times (I find this highly amusing) and I could come across as annoying to one person but insightful to another (and vice versa). I think the next 30 days may prove quite entertaining for me!

If there is one constant for kickstarters (honestly, constructive criticism in general) it must be that people that are satisfied find it profoundly hard to accept that people that are not satisfied have legitimate criticism.

As an aside for later analysis, it is 5PM East Coast time USA, and the total is $285,466.

As an aside for later analysis, it is now 10PM East Coast time USA, and the total is $288,511.

*The joke is that nothing has come of that. Also, remember when the following sparked such enthusiasm?

"Don't hesitate spamming us with "Unlock" and "That's next" all in the Update area instead of the Front page, where no one get's informed and where it needs viral activity to know that something happened." That's how we'll handle things from now on. Indeed, that was our original plan, but we refrained from doing it because of the KS recommendations....

Ah, memories... makes this morning seem like it was only yesterday.

**Mathieu Raymond**

From what some French ex-pat have told me (My fiancee and I run a store in the middle of the French Diaspora in Montreal) this is actually indicative of "business as usual" in France. It's surprising though coming from what I assume to be a younger group of people.

True, if you look at it just from a numbers side of things, you shouldn't care about the people running a business or how great their service is. But for those of us who see an exchange as more than just goods for money (commodity fetichism), the relationships are important. Intangible, but nonetheless present.

**Azazelx**

Krinsath wrote:
And their shipping is with tracking and insured, so it's not the "stuff it in a box/envelope and hope it gets there ok" variety of shipping.
It pushes the cost up too high for me at the "I just want a handful of miniatures and not a bulk purchase", but it's not unreasonable shipping.

Yeah, I've paid close to that on at least one KS here, resulting in damaged figures and postcards. Which reminds, me, I need to email them about that this weekend.

**KalashnikovMarine**

Mathieu Raymond wrote:
Honestly, from a few interactions with them on Facebook, they were just as annoying in French. It came across as if they felt entitled to the adulation of the masses.

I'm in, but not sure if I'll stay.

Not that I disagree but what gave the impression of arrogance? Besides, you know, being French?