Update #22 - Manufacturing Started / Pledge Manager Closing / Survey NeededHello Backers!
So, I have some good news for you! (Also, in case you don’t read to the end, we are closing the pledge manager at the END OF THE MONTH!)
Manufacturing Updates
I signed the final quote with LongPack a few days ago, got their invoice, and today just got confirmation that our first funds deposit was successful! This means the manufacturing process is OFFICIALLY underway! I’m working with LongPack to get files ready, and hopefully in a few weeks, have our first “white sample” ready!
Product Upgrades
So, I’ve been hinting at a couple things throughout the last few months, about how we might have a few surprises for you. Now that manufacturing has been signed, I’m excited to share them with you:
- Plastic Pitons: After talking with LongPack about our route markers, and making them out of cardboard, I’m pleased to say, that we found a way to manufacture the “piton” route markers out of plastic instead of cardboard, without too much cost increase! This means that our standard and deluxe edition games will be much stronger and durable! Note that we will still use cardboard for the “carabiners” that “lock” the pitons in the game.
- Linen Cardboard: We’ve improved all the cardboard components for all backers to have a linen finish on them! This will definitely improve the quality and feel. Additionally, we are going to use a Matte instead of Gloss finish, to make sure that the light doesn’t reflect too much!
- For our Collector’s Edition backers with the laser engraved wooden components, we were able to have them change the number engraving from the sides of the pitons, to the top face of the piton. This means that it will be much easier for you to see and count your score at the game end!
Game Cards
If you haven’t yet, please read the previous project update, and take a look at the pdfs of the game cards and rule book! I appreciate your feedback before we send the final versions to press! The latest version of the cards can be found here:
CARDS FOR REVIEWRule Book
Regarding the rule book: I’m still editing it based on the current comments, and it isn’t quite final, but it’s very close (in my opinion).
Most of the feedback I’ve gotten has been positive (assuming I'll fix the minor errors people pointed out), but one or two people haven’t liked it as a whole. So, I want to do a quick poll, and get a feeling for people’s opinions. Click the photo below to go to the survey, and give your feedback. The link to the current draft of the English rules is below. Also keep in mind, we'll have instructional videos and the app as part of the rule learning experience.
RULE BOOK DRAFTClick To Vote
Click To Vote
Survey Closing
Now that we’ve begun manufacturing, I’m closing down the pledge manager access, at the END OF THIS MONTH! Note that you still will be able to change your address, but if you haven’t yet finished pledging or upgrading, you will no longer be able to do so. If you need to change your address, you read how to do that here:
http://help.crowdox.com/customer-management/how-do-backers-edit-their-address-after-completing-the-surveyCustom Character Cards
So far I've only got 2 responses from people with the Custom Character Cards! Please respond to my email / messages, so that I can work on creating those for you!
Till Next Time…
Ok, that’s it for now. I’ll keep you guys updated on progress! Note that Monday is the first day of my new job as a Venture Catalyst with Oregon RAIN, so moving forward, much of my work on this project will be in the evenings and on the weekends.
Please be patient with me, and remember that this is a Kickstarter Project, and I’m one person with a small business. I still don’t have the resources or connections of a larger publisher!
On my part, I’ll continue to keep you informed, update you honestly, and work my hardest to provide the best product I can with the resources at my control. Thanks again for your support on this crazy mountain project!
Sincerely, Corey Wright
P.S.
I’ve learned that some of my backers are mountaineers with cool blogs about their adventures! If you are a mountaineer with a blog, vlog, or media channel that documents your mountain climbing, please feel free to share it with us in the comments! I’d love to see what you are all doing this spring mountaineering season!
