Folks,
It really saddens me to see this still going down hill. It seems that every 48 hours or so, it starts all over again.
Where to begin
First, let me just clear the air. I'll be the first to admit, that 14 months is pretty damned bad. I've never said it isn't. And I've never said that people have no right to be antsy or perturbed. I've tried and tried to allay concerns to no avail. I've said on so many occasions in this thread alone, that the reasons we've found ourselves here, were because no one could have predicted what was coming in 2011. There was no way to foresee what would bottleneck every aspect of my business, AND my own personal life. I've tried to tell you all, that I am sorry. And that I simply cannot help it. I've tried to tell you all that it will be revealed in time, what, where, how, and why. I've stated in numerous Private Messages, to quite a few members here, that I sympathize sincerely, and that it has sincerely taken the life out of me that I haven't been able to share with you all, why. I am legally bound and gagged. But it will be revealed in March or April with any luck. I can only hope that when all is known, there will be a little more understanding from the community.
To address some of the negativity .
Originally Posted by picturethis
What you consider a poor customer service statement, is actually an old school backyard prop practice that is tried and true. I've said it many times. I am not Wal-Mart, or a Bank. I provide for the community, and pay myself for my services. I cannot refund money to everyone who asks. Offering to move someone new into someone's slot that has been waiting is a first class option. One that you are obviously not familiar with, because you've likely not been around as long as some.
This couldn't be more ignorant. Or insulting. I can only hope that you didn't mean it that way. I am a one man operation. I cannot afford to hire employees. But worse, who are you to pass judgment, make assumptions about how I conduct my business, or presume to know how I take my orders? Or that it is disorganized ? These statements have no basis coming from you, and are purely conjecture. By making these statements, you influence other members into believing what is only a personal assumption or opinion.
I've been told, time and time again, how to run my business. Both openly, and publicly. By no one who actually knows what they're talking about ? No one can presume to know what I'm up against on a daily basis. But why does this consistently happen? Because I'm the ONLY armorer that makes his business public. Most, transact through their websites, or through private messaging. I'm the only major armorerwho actually interacts with the community, or goes to cons to meet and mix. Has it ever occurred to anyone why? Because I'm one of YOU. I'm not here just to take your money as some might lead to you believe. I've met a ton of you personally. I've shaken your hands. I've bought you drinks. I've had a laugh with you. Because I'm part of the community, just like you. Some of you are too new to remember, that for my first 5 years, I refused to be called an armorer, or a supplier. Because I DIDN'T WANT TO BE. Did it occur to anyone, that I'm not a one stop Fett shop? That's for a reason. **** me it seems, for not hiding behind a thin veil and using the forum as a cash cow, But after this I'm seriously starting to rethink open runs at the very least.
You are falling into the same line here. You can't presume to know, if you're not directly involved. But if you consider that I am a one man operation, ANY one man operation would have to concede to that, I assure you. The picture you're painting for folks is the portrayal of my being embarrassed, or that I've been trying to cover something up. And it's far from truth. What I'm legally bound to not discuss helps make it look that way.
You can interpret that in any way you want to twist it. I made the statement. I didn't consider certain factors before making the statement. It was too late to contract it. BUT, the fact is, making them, and shipping them are two different animals. These have to be shipped in stages. For many reasons. And there are more than people think. That is all I will say in the matter. BECAUSE, (and you should know this) WE CAN'T FLAUNT OURSELVES UP HERE AS AN INDEPENDENT BACK YARD SUPPLIER especially volume specifics.
What's even worse in cases like this, is the mob mentality. It's so sad to see. I've been around so long, that it's almost comical. It never fails. And I'm not just talking about me. Things start to go south, and then members start to take sides, and argue back and forth, until a flame war explodes. It's even sadder to see, what we used to call "fair weather" types. Those that are kind to you, and support you, and even wish you a happy birthday. Only to seemingly turn on you and bite you when things get a little rough or rocky. And when anyone comes in to allay concerns, or to reinforce that "I" (in this case) am not going to let anyone down, they get called "an a$$ kisser". And there are those that ride the fence. Do I really deserve this ? Does anyone actually remember what positive contributions I've made to this community? Through thick and thin, good times, and BAD ? Is there any record, ANYWHERE, that shows that I fell in the "Dark Side" puddle of goo, and hurt anyone? I think, no. What I AM guilty of, is having custom hand made pieces that are in ridiculous demand. And for that you pass judgment, make assumptions, and start filling the heads of newer members with fear.
10 years. Stick up all ten of your fingers and take a look at them. That is a long damned time. Can we even count how many TDH members I've outfitted over that decade? Am I really even saying that in public, to get myself in even MORE trouble for you folks?
This run got complex. But manageable, until "other" opportunities for Fett Fandom as a WHOLE brushed by with a one time opportunity. One that the vast majority of you will be thankful for later. That I can promise. In the meantime (since mid november), I've done nothing but DEDICATE myself to this run, and regular backorders to get folks squared away, at the sacrifice of my reputation, my business, AND my personal life. I've delayed the unveiling of a brand new product that will turn heads over this. I've even invested in new equipment that will streamline production and take the place of employees to better customer service and fulfillment. But alas, I can't even implement it because it would take time away from a run that is already long over due. That, is the catch 22 of the decade.
I will be blunt. If this thread continues to deteriorate with this sort of negativity, this thread will irreparably damage a my reputation, single handedly. A reputation that I feel I have EARNED from you folks over the course of an entire decade. If that is what you wish, then it seems my time here may be approaching an end. I can't even begin to emphasize, just how unfortunate that would be.
I won't be saying anything more on the matter after this time consuming post. A good number of you have already started receiving your items, and there will be a boat load more at the turn of the week. The last promise I am making, is as I said most recently, that January, is the LAST month any of us (from the original run through near current) will have to worry about this anymore.
One last time, I'm asking that you all relax, and let this run end on a positive note.
Thank you,
Chris
. 
