Arcade Art Book Kickstarter

[JDFan]

Hmmmmm..... nothing listed on Amazon...

Whach you talkin' bout willis?

According to the last update (prior to Xmas)

The book will officially be available on 27th March 2015, with shipments to all backers (Kickstarter and direct) a week before that.

Yet here it is mid February and Amazon and others have not made any announcement that they will have it available, which normally you can at least find some info from them several months before a product starts being sold. 

[yotsuya]

Hmmmmm..... nothing listed on Amazon...

Whach you talkin' bout willis?

Uh...... See JDFan's post...

[Sjaak]

The book will be published by taschen.com.

The book will officially be available on 27th March 2015, with shipments to all backers (Kickstarter and direct) a week before that.

[Malenko]

this ever happen?

[yotsuya]

I was just thinking about this the other day. According to the previous post, it should have been available a month ago. Did it get out you guys?

[yotsuya]

Interesting. I went to the publisher's website that was listed, and did a search for the book. Nothing shows up. Did he end up going with the different publisher at the last minute?

[HaRuMaN]

[BadMouth]

I backed it and get more updates than I'd care for.

I only signed up for the electronic version and that could have been released in some format a year ago.
He won't release the electronic version until the paper version is published though.

...but a couple of people have been in touch and suggested that I should probably post an update, even if there's no fresh news. With that in mind:

Right now, I'm still waiting for the individual concerned to get back to me and the only update I can make is 'there's still no news yet'.

The situation as it stands is that I'm doing everything possible to secure the printing and shipment of this book and it would seem that in order to do that, I'll need to sign away my share of any future revenue from ongoing sales, albeit to someone who has a passion for the subject matter and credibility in the market, but I will receive no financial benefit from any future sales whatsoever (just in case anyone thinks I might be getting rich off the back of all this!) I'm absolutely fine with that. It's fair, considering the situation and I just want this book to exist and for everyone who backed it to get what they expected.

I'll do whatever it takes.

After everything that's happened, including cease and desist letters from a crazed Atari fan's lawyers, getting screwed over by a print agent, discovering that the printer was in on the scam, learning that I'll get nothing back as a larger creditor had the company's assets liquidated and then getting involved in a rescue deal that was very far from what it first appeared, I could really use some good news to share. That news could/should be coming any day now.

I realise that when you all backed the book on Kickstarter, you were placing your trust in a random stranger on the Internet, but do remember that many of your fellow backers are my close family, friends and their family and friends too. They've been along for the rollercoaster ride and have seen the stress and heartache it has caused from a closeup position. I have a huge amount of personal 'skin in the game' with this book and they, along with every other backer that placed their trust in me are the reason I haven't given up on this project already.

Failing in public is no fun at all and failing more than once is tough to recover from, but I'm actually feeling positive about the chances of getting this book out there in a reasonably short timescale.

If for any reason, the current discussions don't lead to a deal that gets the book published, I'll be looking at what other options are open to me. One of the options I'm considering is to make a career change back into long-term freelance consulting to make up the shortfall left by Tyson Media's bankruptcy myself. It's something I'd have to consider very carefully, but it's an option.

As soon as I have more news, I'll let you all know with another update.

Kindest regards as always,

Tim

[pbj]

The more complicated the story, the bigger the lie.

Your money is gone.

 

[JDFan]

I'll get nothing back as a larger creditor had the company's assets liquidated

Hmm -- so he actually borrowed more money than what was raised by the kickstarter project and didn't pay the creditor back either ?? How if the company's assets have been liquidated is he going to print the book if the assets are no longer his and have been sold off to cover debts he incurred aside from the kickstarter funds  -- Sounds like there is a lot more going on than having problems finding a publisher - if there are other creditors involved that have monetary interests in the book printing it's doubtful they are going to allow the book to be printed and sent to backers using the available  funds that they are trying to recover since the kickstarter backers would be further down the repayment line then their investment - doesn't make sense that they would just say go ahead and spend the money we should be getting to fulfill your obligation to the kickstarter backers   

[pbj]

Nah, he's trying to claim the printer went out of business and a creditor seized all their assets.  I'm sure his PDF is still okay.

 

[yotsuya]

Thanks for the info, badmouth.

I find stories like this to be pretty fascinating. It's really a cautionary tale about getting set up on Kickstarter. I wonder how much planning this gentleman did before he created his project. Did he already have a printer signed up? Or did he just create the content and think it would be easy to find a printer. He mentioned a cease and desist letter from a lawyer. I wonder if he got all the clearances necessary to rerun this art. Little things like that. I'm sure that he had great intentions, but I'm wondering if all his ducks were in a row before he got started.

[BadMouth]

Thanks for the info, badmouth.

I find stories like this to be pretty fascinating. It's really a cautionary tale about getting set up on Kickstarter. I wonder how much planning this gentleman did before he created his project. Did he already have a printer signed up? Or did he just create the content and think it would be easy to find a printer. He mentioned a cease and desist letter from a lawyer. I wonder if he got all the clearances necessary to rerun this art. Little things like that. I'm sure that he had great intentions, but I'm wondering if all his ducks were in a row before he got started.

He's the OP of this thread, so maybe he'll weigh in.

One of the more interesting things about this project is that he corresponded with some of the original artists, who in turn contributed additional context and content.
Originally I just wanted the marquees as inspiration (and color sampling) for my own projects, but I find learning about the context in which they were created very interesting.

[Malenko]

he hasnt been here in 2 months or I would have PM'ed him. I was genuinely curious if it ever went to print.

[offset]

Haven't seen it, lots of empty promises, he is pretty active on Twitter though

https://twitter.com/woodpunk

[yotsuya]

Interesting- there's more info on the Twitter feed than on Kickstarter.

[dkersten]

Considering you can publish a book on Createspace and have print on demand with zero up front costs, I question the route this guy wanted to go.  Sure, in the past the best way to do this was to get the capital together to print a few thousand copies, then sell them out of your garage.  If you don't mind storing, shipping, and trying to sell your book the old fashioned way (travel to bookstores and talk to the manager about buying some) it offers the highest profit margin per book sold.  However, with Amazon KDP and Createspace, as well as services like Direct2Draft, publishing a book even one with nothing but pictures is easy as hell and costs you nothing up front with a better royalty than any agent or publisher will ever give you.  This guy either didn't do his homework or wanted some mega high quality photo printing that you can only get with a monster capital investment and a high quality press (which of course costs a LOT of money and reduces your potential royalties by a lot more).

I never looked at the kickstarter page, but you give me a bunch of pictures and captions and in a matter of hours I could have a book on Amazon that you can buy and have on your doorstep two days later (free shipping with Prime) or downloaded in seconds.  This isn't rocket science, and the "indie scene" has changed dramatically in the past few years. 

If you have a collection of artwork and you want to see it in an actual book, you can do so for free and for an insanely low price print one or as many as you want, all from your desktop.  Createspace, Lulu, and a handful of other services can get you any kind of book you want with zero up front money and even offer it up for international distribution channels. 

[Malenko]

I never looked at the kickstarter page, but you give me a bunch of pictures and captions and in a matter of hours I could have a book on Amazon that you can buy and have on your doorstep two days later (free shipping with Prime) or downloaded in seconds.  This isn't rocket science, and the "indie scene" has changed dramatically in the past few years. 

Its not a bunch of art, its a bunch of art owned by multiple other companies. The book looked like a licensing NIGHTMARE, which is why I didnt back it.  Not sure how cool the publishers would be printing bootleg books, or how comfortable I would be buying one.

[BadMouth]

...good news. But frustratingly, still not quite the news.

Sorry for the longer-than-expected delay in getting this sorted. The situation is this:

I've been busy extracting myself from the original commercial publishing agreement in order to partner with someone much more in tune with what this book was supposed to have been from the start. For the new arrangement to happen, it's vital that there's an absolutely cast-iron acknowledgement from the original publisher that they've relinquished any claim to the publishing rights. They've agreed that I can exercise the severability clause in the contract without objection from them, but they haven't sent over the written confirmation. I need that written confirmation to satisfy the new partner that he's not at risk from a legal challenge sometime in the future. I sent a copy of the contract over to the new partner and he's satisfied that the severability clause plus the confirmation letter is enough to make this happen.

I'm chasing that confirmation every day. I've signed the ongoing NDA they (the original publisher) sent over so there's nothing holding this up now, other than their achingly slow internal process.

As soon as that document comes through, things will happen very quickly and the new partner will make themselves available to answer any questions you might have (I'll still be here - they just want to be upfront and available, to make everyone feel comfortable that this book is in good hands)

I've now had the artcade.co.uk domain transferred back to me from the original publisher and there'll be content appearing on it in the next couple of weeks.

I'm trying really hard to explain exactly what's happening, without upsetting any of the parties involved. I don't want to fall foul of the NDA I signed, nor do I want to upset the new partner by saying too much too soon. If that makes all this sound somewhat cryptic, I apologise.

This is a done deal, apart from the one letter of confirmation. I've spoken to my solicitor (lawyer) about what happens if they never send the confirmation and he has already prepared a notice to send to them, stating that the fact they haven't objected will be considered as their consent. We'll send that over to them if we don't have their confirmation by the end of next week.

It's driving me crazy not being able to tell you the full detail of who, what, when etc. because I know it'll be a big boost to everyone who's hung in there through all of this. All I can say is, it'll be worth the wait. The great thing (apart from the fact that the book will actually exist!) is that I can reverse all the edits and stylistic changes I was compelled to make by 'the other guys' and get the book back to what 'the new guy' agrees it should always have been: a big book full of double-page spreads of spectacular arcade artwork.

I really hope my next update is the one where I introduce our new buddy to you all :-)

Thanks everyone,

Tim

[opt2not]

Karma's a ---smurfette---.

[yotsuya]

Any word? I see on Kickstarter that there was a posting titled "It's Decision Time", but it's for backers only. Is this thing happening?

[JDFan]

Any word? I see on Kickstarter that there was a posting titled "It's Decision Time", but it's for backers only. Is this thing happening?

From the comments it seems "it's decision time" is more about deciding to drop the project altogether than to release it - but as you say it's for backers only so haven't seen the actual update or comments on it. I still think it will never happen as it seems the new publishing company he was talking to are worried about the production rights and whether someone will wind up suing them if they do print it.

[yotsuya]

I see people requesting refunds. Can you do that with a Kickstarter?

[HaRuMaN]

I see people requesting refunds. Can you do that with a Kickstarter?

No, I don't think so

[pbj]

Your money is gone.

 

[JDFan]

I see people requesting refunds. Can you do that with a Kickstarter?

Think you can request one but whether it materializes or not is up to the kickstarter lister - don't think kickstarter themselves will refund anyone and they already took their part of the funding so it will not be being refunded ! - Too bad he never just released the digital copy for download at least to give the backers something ! 

[Sjaak]

I requested a refund a while back and got my money back.

I think the whole project has been canceled, but I don't have access to the updates anymore.

[BadMouth]

Any word? I see on Kickstarter that there was a posting titled "It's Decision Time", but it's for backers only. Is this thing happening?

Last update was July 28th.

It's decision time...





Apologies for being somewhat absent for a while - as you can probably imagine, after recent events there has been a lot for me to deal with, both practically and emotionally.

At this point, I'm not quite sure what to do, but I do know that I need to either finalise the publication of the book through the new deal I was working on prior to my having to step away for a while, or admit defeat and draw a line under this whole thing before it eats me alive. I really don't know how this will go: in all honesty I don't have the heart for it (or much else) at the moment, but I can't imagine giving in after all this time and effort and letting everyone down either.

I'm not ready to throw in the towel right now, but I do have to consider the possibility.

Kickstarter has guidance on what to do in this situation and I'll ensure that I do things in the appropriate manner. I'll process any refund requests received so far, (I think there are three to do) but no more once this update is published until I know for sure what is going to happen. This is to protect everyone's interests: either the remaining funds will be needed to help fund the publication, or they'll be returned on a pro-rata basis to remaining backers and the accounts of what has been spent made available to everyone, as per Kickstarter's guidance. I realise that this would disadvantage those who have remained supportive and I'll do everything I can to avoid this if possible.

I think it's realistic to expect that I'll know what's going to happen in the next few weeks, so I will update everyone again with a final decision one way or the other by the 28th of August at the very latest, most likely before then. I'm chronically short of time right now, having gone from working at home every day, to a four hour daily commute Monday to Friday and family needing my support at the weekends, so please forgive any delay in responding to messages and comments.

On another note: to everyone that sent me kind words after my mother's death; my heartfelt thanks. It means a such lot.

Thanks,

Tim

If everything is true I feel bad for him. 
If he's going to throw in the towel and not publish the book though, I don't understand why he just doesn't email a digital copy to everyone that pledged. (like JDFan said)
That's all I signed up for anyway, but even for the people who signed up for a hard copy it would be a lot better than nothing.
I don't even care if it's in book form.  I just want to sample the colors and rip off the styles of the original marquees.

[BadMouth]

The book is going to happen...!



...and I'm very, very happy to tell you that it'll be published as a Bitmap Books title :-)
Many of you will already have backed one or more of the Bitmap Books Kickstarter campaigns. Sam and I have been in touch since before his first one launched and I consider him a friend. He has stepped in with an offer to publish the book, making sure that Artcade doesn't just fade away as a nice idea that disappointed a lot of people. We have agreed the details of how things will work and I received the contract today.
Sam will take responsibility for the final design and publication of the book, including making sure that every backer gets their copy/copies along with the t-shirts and CDs. I'll ship out the few outstanding artwork rewards shortly (over the next couple of weeks)
At this point, we haven't discussed a publication date, but I know Sam will want to get things moving quickly, while delivering the best possible quality. As soon as we've worked out what will happen when, I'll let everyone know.
Thanks for sticking things out - it will definitely be worth it :-)
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tim

[JDFan]

Good to hear that someone that has actually put out some books is assisting and hopefully it will eventually get released and things don't change again in a few months. 

Just wonder if it is going to be the same size as the other bitmap books (230mmx170mm or approx 6x9 inches) as that seems a bit small for this book but better than nothing I guess !

[BadMouth]

A message from Sam @ Bitmap Books... 

Hello Artcade backers,

Some of you may know me, but I run a publishing company called Bitmap Books where we specialise in books all about retro gaming. So far we have successfully used Kickstarter to fund and produce books on the Commodore 64 and Amiga, with a book on the ZX Spectrum due out in November. I have known Tim for a while and for the last few months we have been discussing how I can help with the Artcade book.

I am a graphic designer by trade so very experienced in book design and print/production. I also have very high standards of production so Artcade will be produced to a very high finish.

My No.1 priority at this stage is to deliver the book to you backers. I will also take responsibility for shipping the British IBM CDs and T-Shirts. Tim will be handling canvasses.

All the amazing artwork that Tim has produced is finished, so that is a huge chunk of work already done and he is in the process of transferring these large digital files to me. The reality is that I am going to have to start from scratch with the design and layout and start pulling together the book that everyone's been waiting for. Please note that I will not be altering the design style as seen in the original Kickstarter. Part of Tim’s wish is that the project is seen through how he imagined it right at the beginning.

As far as timings go, design will start right away. Working alongside my other book commitments (and imminent new arrival to the family) I am setting a publication date of April 2015 at the latest. The digital PDF will be distributed as soon as book shipping starts. I appreciate that this may be a long time to wait but I will make sure I share regular updates showing progress.

I believe you can still change your addresses as some of you have probably moved since first filling it out. On the main project page, under your selected pledge will be a ‘Your response’ link which will allow you to edit your address.

I cannot comment on these updates so If anyone has any questions about the book/shipping please email me directly on sam@bitmapbooks.co.uk and any updates on the books progress will be posted here as updates by Tim from me.

Thanks,

Sam Dyer
 
 
 
 

[yotsuya]

As far as timings go, design will start right away. Working alongside my other book commitments (and imminent new arrival to the family) I am setting a publication date of April 2015 at the latest.

Damn thing is already 5 months late!!!! 

[JDFan]

As far as timings go, design will start right away. Working alongside my other book commitments (and imminent new arrival to the family) I am setting a publication date of April 2015 at the latest.

Damn thing is already 5 months late!!!! 

LOL -- Think he meant April 2016 (hopefully not April 2017  )

[pbj]

If you close your eyes, clap your hands, and stamp your feet real REAL hard, you'll get your book.  If you don't get your book it's because you didn't clap hard enough.

[BadMouth]

Hi Artcade backers ,

I received all of the marquee files from Tim at the weekend so now I can start on the book.

The first job to start paginating and creating a page plan and then I can start the design. As with Tim's original vision for the book design, each double page spread will feature a single marquee in all its glory. At the back of the book will then be an index which will have the details of the specific games, the artist (if known) and a small review of the artwork. I have loads of these amazing marquees to include and I am even more excited now I have seen them all as a set. They will appear in chronological order within the book so you can see the evolution of the artwork throughout time.

Also within the book, which Tim and I have recently spoken more about, will be x2 interview/features with prominent artists Larry Day and and the late Python Anghelo. Within these features will be unseen concept artwork which will look fantastic and be fascinating to read about.

I am also really pleased that Tim will be working with me in an active roll to complete the book and oversee proceedings.

Now that we are officially underway, I will commit to regular updates on progress to keep you all in the loop as I’ve done with my other books.


Thanks,

Sam Dyer

At least they're keeping people updated.   

[yotsuya]

So the  book will have one marquee spread out over two pages? So there'll be a fold in the middle? Or am I reading this wrong?

As with Tim's original vision for the book design, each double page spread will feature a single marquee in all its glory.

[JDFan]

So the  book will have one marquee spread out over two pages? So there'll be a fold in the middle? Or am I reading this wrong?

That was one of the drawbacks of the original book plan and looks like they are keeping it --


 each marquee pic will run across 2 pages with the binding down the center - Now the question is will the size be the same as he was wanting originally also or is it going to be smaller like the other books bitmap has released ( 230mm x 170mm - or 9 x 6.7 inches)  Hopefully the digital copy of the book will have the actual marquee pic as a single pic designed to be displayed 2 pages at a time and will be of decent quality but guess we'll have to wait and see.

[yotsuya]

So the  book will have one marquee spread out over two pages? So there'll be a fold in the middle? Or am I reading this wrong?

That was one of the drawbacks of the original book plan and looks like they are keeping it -- each marquee pic will run across 2 pages with the binding down the center which pretty much ruins the pic. Hopefully the digital copy of the book will have the actual marquee pic as a single pic designed to be displayed 2 pages at a time and will be of decent quality but guess we'll have to wait and see.

Agreed. What's the point otherwise. A wide format book, like the one used for comic strips, would have been way better...

[yotsuya]

Oh, and I like how that render makes the seam look almost non-existent...

[JDFan]

Oh, and I like how that render makes the seam look almost non-existent...

Yeah when it's just a page or 2 the seam isn't that bad but when it's 200+ pages there is no way to lay it flat like that so you lose a good portion of the middle of the pages add to that they are also not all center pages so the pic will not be across a single page but the front of 1 page and the back of another and having them line up is not going to happen.

One thing I don't understand with the new timeline is according to Tim the book was ready to go to print so why now do they have to start over from scratch. (makes you wonder how complete the original version actually was ) - though I guess it could be the new layout needed since the dimensions of the book are different if they are going with the stock Bitmap books layout of 9" tall x 6.7" wide.