print version of Septimus problems?

[Whill]

Almost 2 months after GenCon and the books are finally in port, and I had not see a single one yet? I told them, not until I got a copy of the book and approved it. They argued that I waived "approvals" to get the books finished faster (faster, as in 2 months late, faster?). They told me they would send me a copy of the book, but I'd have to pay them and extra $15 or something like that for the Fedex charges (clearly we were both getting on each other's nerves, to charge me $15, after playing them almost $3k already) .... That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I refused the order, told them to take their books back. I canceled, demanded my initial payment back (have not received it -- in the process of trying to get a chargeback refund from my bank).

Anyway, the basic problem is a big business disagreement, due to delays and a loss of a big chunk of money. I'm not sure if I was in the right. But in the end, I'm tired of the whole thing. I have not talked to the printer agent in almost two months and it'll be infinitely longer before I want to talk to her again.

At this time, I have not sought out a new printer for Septimus. The sales of the pdf and the print run through both Lulu and at GenCon have been, well, underwhelming and I do not believe with the state of the industry the way it is that paying for another 1500 books up front would be fiscally responsible.

It seems to me, unless I am way off in understanding these complex business disagreements, that you not wanting to pay an additional $15 is why we don't have a Septimus hardback.

Lulu offers a hardcover option, but it is too expensive to put into retail (possibly if retailers order directly from me, rather that distribution) and Lulu's shipping costs are unfairly high for non-US buyers, so I'm in a difficult place.

Additionally, a Lulu hardcover option would require yet another layout of the book. This is not a huge problem and is something I probably should have done already, but have not.

Thanks for trying to explain to us laymen how your business is run. It is appreciated, and better than no updates at all.

[cheshire]

Where I can't disagree with any one point, Whill, I'm not sure that this is going to help.

[Whill]

I wasn't trying to make points or "help" the situation because I no longer feel that any possible help exists. I feel completely powerless to help in this situation.

The Septimus hardcover in color fell through. Now the Septimus harcover in black-and-white also fell through over a matter of a mere $15.

And both times we found out what happened about it long after it's planned release. The paperback has numerous errors and ommisions (I hear). At least a PDF can be edited.

I will not buy both a PDF and a hardback. I will not pay for it twice. So I have given up on waiing for the hardback, and decided to just buy the PDF.

[asmkm22]

I don't know if Bill Coffin even comes here, but if he manages to have Septimus released in any form or system, I'll jump to support it. I'd love to see a good hardcover edition in the local stores, with a few modules or expansions every 6 months or so. I know it would sell, because the setting is a good one.