We met with the printers at 1:45 pm today. They began by explaining that they had not yet completed the large orders that had delayed us before. They will finish those jobs later this week, probably on Thursday. By way of an apology, they will be giving us an additional discount. They will also be able to print the charts separately and will not insist on the whole order being done together, as their bid originally stated. They were emphatic that they were not dropping us in favor of the larger clients.
I was not entirely surprised since I had called their processing shop on Friday with a question about the electronic files. I was transferred to the print shop where they were in overtime. We accepted their new offer but also be began to call other printers in the area in case there is some further delay. Of the four shops contacted only two have gotten back to us with bids. Both of these are much more expensive than the
original bid made by our printers. The current discounts being offered bring the original bid down significantly.
We will continue to look at alternative printing bids. In the mean time, we will have the proofs done and approved. We have been encouraged to check as often as we feel we need to with the shop management on the progress of the work underway and the status of our own order. I will post updates as we get them. We are not happy with any delay but we will do everything possible to speed this along.
Good news ,and keep the updates coming
Thanks for the update. I’m grateful. Pick your metaphor… you’re having to re-blaze a trail that has not been trodden for many moons, re-establish nerve connections after a major surgery, re-invent work processes and vendor relationships… when it would have been easier to just let HMS/GRD fold. Snafus are bound to occur. Given all that has occurred in the past, to expect a smooth, seamless process is just unrealistic. I can’t imagine the personal sacrifices you have made to keep this puppy afloat with a prospect of succeeding. Thanks. I hope you feel some exhiliration and a sense of accomplishment when you are finally able to pack and send off the first shipment, and just as importantly, play the game. And write the first errata! :-)
Progress, however slight, is a good thing.
And how is brother Arthur?
Not overdoing it I hope.
Having already missed this year’s convention season, when would a release entitle you to entry for -next- year’s various awards, and does it make economic sense to delay release until such eligibility? Never having had a game published, I have no idea whether it would make any difference, but one should never underestimate the power of marketing.
After all, -whenever- the game finally does appear, it will garner someone’s “most delayed release ever” award.
Okay, its the day after Thursday. Whats the status? I agree that the counters and maps should be sent now, along with an electronic version of the OBs, rules and charts. Its a freaking game, take a lesson from Avalanche Press, update your web site continiously,and get this thing done.
Just a comment to let all know we are still out here. Appreciate Gar, et al, for picking up the pieces of Europa so long ago, and committing to go forward/improve a truly wonderful product with many sentimental, life memories attached (from the early 1970s onward).
Many of us helped “seed fund” the promise years ago. Looking forward to the fulfillment of that promise. Hoping to see the finished product. In the great scheme of things, the timing of the fulfillment of that promise is not especially critical.
Team
Given that the delay will entitle you to a discount, will the discount be passed on to consumers? I understand that for those of us who have already paid (in 2003) that we will still have to pay postage. Is that correct? Will any discounts you get help cover or defray postage? Waiting almost 10 years for this game!
Sounds like someone needs to open a printing company there.