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2016/01/18 23:56:04
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Stormonu wrote: Hmm... If PB didn't have to pay taxes on reciept of funds, surely they had to pay on backer rewards distributed after distributing Wave 1 (not to metion what went to retail) - I'd find it hard to imagine they'd be allowed to defer paying until after Wave 2 is shipped.
And am I understanding correct that taxes would be Net - costs? If so, I need to talk to the government about lowering my income taxes to account for mortage, utilities and car costs...
I think maybe you've hit on the answer, Stormonu. It would not surprise me in the LEAST if Palladium either thought that Kickstarter funds were completely tax-exempt, or at the least, able to be deferred until the completion of the project. And that might be part of the current problem that they can't talk about.
Look at this section from the latest PBWU, and tell me that doesn't look like it could be "Oh crap, we need to settle our tax liability before we can do anything further!".
"For strategic and business reasons we cannot share with you everything we have been exploring, considering and working on, but we will share everything with you as we move forward and get things finalized."
Maybe the IRS put them on a payment plan, and that's why they've been spruiking crap since GenCon, with Flash Sales etc.
2016/01/19 01:52:15
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
I've read enough KS tax articles that I wouldn't speculate *how* PB did their taxes wrtKS, but they're enough that I wouldn't be surprised if PB -- and many other creators -- made mistakes with their KS-related taxes. KS own tax document wasn't released until April, 2013, the same month as Robotech's funding -- which Forbes criticized could trigger a tax audit. Another article I read warned creators that, just because they've been in business and filed taxes, doesn't mean they know how to prepare their taxes on a well-funded KS project.
I can't speak for anyone but myself, but if I came into 1.5(ish) million dollars, I think the first question I'd have would be "what are the tax implications here?" (edit; okay, second question, first would probably be "can I roll around naked in it?")
I'm not a financial expert, but even accepting that the last 2 days had a huge upswing in contributions, it's not like them being past the 7 figure mark should've been any surprise.
I didn't add up every last dollar, but at a glance they were at over half a million around the half way mark. This was going to be a *very* considerable sum no matter how things went.
Not that I expect PB to do all the reasonable and sensible things, but even with Ninja Division apparently sticking to their contractually obligated duties, their Relic Knights campaign had ended over half a year prior. Unless tax codes changed literally that year or something (and they may well have!), the people they were supposedly working with had finished a $900k campaign already, at the very least.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/01/19 02:16:13
2016/01/19 02:28:44
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Not that I expect PB to do all the reasonable and sensible things, but even with Ninja Division apparently sticking to their contractually obligated duties, their Relic Knights campaign had ended over half a year prior. Unless tax codes changed literally that year or something (and they may well have!), the people they were supposedly working with had finished a $900k campaign already, at the very least.
Huh, knowing PB as we do, they probably expected ND to pay the taxes...though I imagine in reality, Kevin didn't put a thought into it until everything went to his accountant (surely he doesn't do his business's OWN taxes) - and said accountant came back with "You owe X". Whereupon Kevin had a Crisis of Consciousness.
(I also think their first thought wasn't "what are the tax implications here?", but "how can we keep these funds quiet from the government?")
It never ends well
2016/01/19 03:23:20
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Forar wrote: I can't speak for anyone but myself, but if I came into 1.5(ish) million dollars, I think the first question I'd have would be "what are the tax implications here?" (edit; okay, second question, first would probably be "can I roll around naked in it?")
I'm not a financial expert, but even accepting that the last 2 days had a huge upswing in contributions, it's not like them being past the 7 figure mark should've been any surprise.
Not to worry, Forar. Kevin realized that a fan friend said he once worked as a bank teller years ago so he promoted him to official corporate financial expert. At the low, low cost of two grab bags and a Rifter subscription, he generated a ingenius plan to keep the maximum amount in Palladium's coffers. The top secret paper napkins detailing this plan are safe and sound next to other priceless works of art on the break room refrigerator. You worry for nothing; Kevin wishes he could tell you more but he doesn't want the rest of the industry (let alone the IRS!) in on his plan.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/01/19 03:24:25
2016/01/19 07:26:12
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
The sad thing is that, at this point, I think any of the wild guesses, snarks, ribbings and plain mockeries here have much more traction and credibility than anything PB or KS might have to say.
2016/01/19 16:30:24
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
At this point, if PB told me the sky was blue, I'd demand pics (and they would probably end up with a pic of a flock of geese flying across the sunset...)
It never ends well
2016/01/19 16:43:18
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Albertorius wrote: The sad thing is that, at this point, I think any of the wild guesses, snarks, ribbings and plain mockeries here have much more traction and credibility than anything PB or KS might have to say.
Agreed. Sarcasm and biting wit is all I have left at this point (except for a few brief spurts of mild anger once or twice a year). It's sad that if you just take the absolute most negative view of EVERYTHING that palladium posts without verifiable proof simultaneously attached then you're more accurate and predictive of future (lack of) progress than anything you read in an update (whether weekly spam or kickstarter).
2016/01/19 17:08:46
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
JohnHwangDD wrote: Note that Relic Knights was published and KSd by CMoN, not ND. For RK, ND was in much the same role as Robotech.
I'll bet CMoM told them what code the factory needed the files in.
Instead of picking a code and hoping the factory can use the one they pick, then blaming ND for the problem.
Peter: As we all know, Christmas is that mystical time of year when the ghost of Jesus rises from the grave to feast on the flesh of the living! So we all sing Christmas Carols to lull him back to sleep.
Bob: Outrageous, How dare he say such blasphemy. I've got to do something.
Man #1: Bob, there's nothing you can do.
Bob: Well, I guess I'll just have to develop a sense of humor.
2016/01/19 19:42:40
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
I'm sure CMoN did - they had already gotten underway with Zombicide 1, and lined up factory, etc. I'm sure CMoN gave SPM / ND the requirements for feeding into the same production pipeline.
For Robotech, I'm sure ND told PB what tools they would use for the sculpts and so on, and they probably left the splits and production to PB / factory.
Have we seen a single scrap of news regarding the resin items? There's no reason those would be produced anywhere but domestically(that I can think of) but we've only ever seen them mentioned during the campaign.
I backed Robotech RPG Tactics and all I got was this crappy avatar.
2016/01/20 02:20:50
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Several people have mentioned they could be done domestically, and with the likely small numbers (couple thousand max), it seems like something they could get off their plate quite easily to show SOME form of progress.
It never ends well
2016/01/20 03:07:20
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
I can’t believe it is already January 19th. Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day like a week ago? No, I guess not. We have a lot of things going on for what is shaping up to be an exciting year full of new product releases. Including many more PDF titles in our DriveThruRPG. In fact, working on and plotting upcoming releases has been a lot of what we have been doing these past 19 days. That and 2015 year-end bookkeeping and wrap up.
Speaking of wrapping up, we just spent that the first five hours of today in the icy warehouse signing and packing the last of the 2015 Surprise Packages. The wind must be blowing just right because even with all the heaters going, it is quite cold back there. I'm happy to say the last of the Surprise Packages are shipping out today. A lot of you waited till those last few days to place your orders or to place your second, third or sixth order. There were close to a hundred of them, plus regular orders. I am glad that people enjoy the annual Christmas Surprise Package offer so very much. And thank for your comments and input.
Ah, but now that Grab Bag season is over, we can focus all of out attention on finishing books. One of those books is The Rifter® #73 which is looking to be the first issue to contain entirely “official” source material. We’ve had issues that contained official material, sometimes a lot, but never an entire issue. So we’re pretty excited about that. There is some pretty cool stuff you can drop right into your games. You’re gonna love it. I was surprised to see Julius’s Rifts® article on the Nexus Born expanded to include an actual setting, the Town of Moorcroft. And my Palladium Fantasy RPG® article has taken on a life of its own. It is always fun for a writer when the ideas just flow out of him.
I have two New Year resolutions: The first is to get myself back into the habit of posting Murmurs from the Megaverse® on a much more regular basis, like a minimum of 2 or 3 a week to keep you guys informed on some of the things going on behind the scenes, our thoughts, plans and murmurings. The other is to get a truck load of product out this year. From Rifts® and Robotech® to Palladium Fantasy® and Splicers®, and more.
If you’re like us in Michigan, you are in the deep freeze, so try to stay warm and game on.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer and Surrogate Santa
<insert copyright wankery>
Takeaways are he plans on doing 2-3 a week on things going on behind the scenes (because that's something he's got a reputation for doing ), and they're going to get a truckload of product out this year (because again, famous for doing so. ).
I mean, I don't have words to describe how tone deaf and painfully ignorant this sounds.
2016/01/20 08:58:30
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Actually, it explains a lot. Almost 3 weeks into the year, and they think New Year's Day was like a week ago.
If they are saying they are getting wave two out this year, that means they may actually deliver by Christmas.......
.
.
.
2018!
"Ask ten different scientists about the environment, population control, genetics, and you'll get ten different answers, but there's one thing every scientist on the planet agrees on. Whether it happens in a hundred years or a thousand years or a million years, eventually our Sun will grow cold and go out. When that happens, it won't just take us. It'll take Marilyn Monroe, and Lao-Tzu, and Einstein, and Morobuto, and Buddy Holly, and Aristophanes…then all of this…all of this…was for nothing. Unless we go to the stars." Commander sinclair, Babylon 5.
Bobtheinquisitor wrote:what is going on with APAC shipping? If Macross Island were real, they'd be the last place to get any Robotechnology.
2016/01/20 12:43:37
Subject: Re:Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
I can’t believe it is already January 19th. Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day like a week ago? No, I guess not. We have a lot of things going on for what is shaping up to be an exciting year full of new product releases. Including many more PDF titles in our DriveThruRPG. In fact, working on and plotting upcoming releases has been a lot of what we have been doing these past 19 days. That and 2015 year-end bookkeeping and wrap up.
Speaking of wrapping up, we just spent that the first five hours of today in the icy warehouse signing and packing the last of the 2015 Surprise Packages. The wind must be blowing just right because even with all the heaters going, it is quite cold back there. I'm happy to say the last of the Surprise Packages are shipping out today. A lot of you waited till those last few days to place your orders or to place your second, third or sixth order. There were close to a hundred of them, plus regular orders. I am glad that people enjoy the annual Christmas Surprise Package offer so very much. And thank for your comments and input.
Ah, but now that Grab Bag season is over, we can focus all of out attention on finishing books. One of those books is The Rifter® #73 which is looking to be the first issue to contain entirely “official” source material. We’ve had issues that contained official material, sometimes a lot, but never an entire issue. So we’re pretty excited about that. There is some pretty cool stuff you can drop right into your games. You’re gonna love it. I was surprised to see Julius’s Rifts® article on the Nexus Born expanded to include an actual setting, the Town of Moorcroft. And my Palladium Fantasy RPG® article has taken on a life of its own. It is always fun for a writer when the ideas just flow out of him.
I have two New Year resolutions: The first is to get myself back into the habit of posting Murmurs from the Megaverse® on a much more regular basis, like a minimum of 2 or 3 a week to keep you guys informed on some of the things going on behind the scenes, our thoughts, plans and murmurings. The other is to get a truck load of product out this year. From Rifts® and Robotech® to Palladium Fantasy® and Splicers®, and more.
If you’re like us in Michigan, you are in the deep freeze, so try to stay warm and game on.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer and Surrogate Santa
<insert copyright wankery>
Takeaways are he plans on doing 2-3 a week on things going on behind the scenes (because that's something he's got a reputation for doing ), and they're going to get a truckload of product out this year (because again, famous for doing so. ).
I mean, I don't have words to describe how tone deaf and painfully ignorant this sounds.
Yay! So we are back to hearing about stomach flu problems and wild geese......Jazz Hands
"Ah, but now that Grab Bag season is over, we can focus all of out attention on finishing books"
Feth you Kevin. Feth you and your parents, and their parents, for causing you to be. The only thing you need to focus on is getting the items I bought, for my kids and me, into my hands, you bloated sack of lies. Were it not only against forum rules as well as local laws I'd threaten bodily harm upon him in ways that would make Tarantino cringe.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/01/20 14:41:44
I backed Robotech RPG Tactics and all I got was this crappy avatar.
2016/01/20 17:03:12
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
@jaymzn - Backer apathy is exactly what PB wants, so they don't have to fulfill their promises. If you're planning to "give up", file with the AG, FTC and BBB before anyone does so; it doesn't take much effort and adds to the pile so PB doesn't get away with this monkey business.
As for Kevin's latest murmur - Hah! What a load. You KNOW its crap with the "2-3 times per WEEK". A reasonable resolution from a sane individual would be Weekly. And do you really think he's going to spend one iota of cut & pasting on Robotech? He's had over a year to address us on the state of the KS and hasn't bother to do more than regurgitate the mismanagement of the post-campaign era.
It never ends well
2016/01/20 17:19:16
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Burn your customers on various pre-paid options that take years to come to fruition.
Sell fairly inexpensive items so going to small claims court or some other option appears "petty" in a normal setting.
Where it seems to fall apart is how do they get new customers? They do not advertise enough to get some casual person off the street.
Or is it a strange Stockholm syndrome with their on-going customers? Normally people would stop buying until they get what they paid for or risk getting burned AGAIN.
Our excuse is we are tied to them due to money: they have ours.
How does PB run off of fumes with bad press (or none at all)?
A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte
2016/01/20 17:40:33
Subject: Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
Oh ill be filing over the next couple of days with whomever i can.
I frankly at this point am done. Im walking away after i file.
That means walking away. Im leaving the facebook groups as well. That means unless someone wants administrative control of the rrt proboard and wiki they are done. The last pwu and asshat murmur were the straws that broke the proverbial camels back.
I will run my little fb group (renamed), proboard, and wiki.
That's it. Feth. Them.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/01/20 17:45:46
2016/01/20 17:43:13
Subject: Re:Robotech RPG Tactics - "Restarting" the Kickstarter Discussion
-- $k 
-- 9k 
-- 6k 
-- 4k 
-- 
), and they're going to get a truckload of product out this year (because again, famous for doing so. 
).
