I think that's a bit unfair considering the trivial summary of a project we've worked on for over a year. To us, this project represents a lot more than a "designer deck of cards" - far from it.
Unfortunate you perceived it that way.
I really like this box, it looks awesome and I'm a sucker for red/black decks. That being said, I really wasn't going to chime in, but there have been several unfair or unreasonable things said or implied in this thread that need to be challenged.
? My first question is, why are the people asking questions the people being blamed for not understanding? By creating hype and releasing a product you have asserted that the product
is worth our money. The burden of proof is on you to prove that, it's not on us to prove it's
not worth our money.
? Maybe you do think it's unfair trivialization and I agree with you. However, you put something up to be judged and someone didn't like it... you asked for this.
?
Just because you spent a year working on a project, doesn't mean it's any good. It's arrogant, ignorant, and rude to imply that it's their fault they perceived it incorrectly.
Let's be clear: if you communicate a message and it's misunderstood, it's your fault.
? "Unfortunate you perceived it that way." Really? Easily the most passive aggressive and feeble way to pretend you're above someone.
How convenient that phrase suggests that you're both superior in intelligence,
AND it allows you to negate any criticism by telling yourself,
'it's not your fault they don't get it'
Hold on. Am I misunderstanding? You're comparing boxes from Hobby Lobby and Michael's to this? ...Really? If you need to convince yourself why you don't need this, it's simple, don't get it. But the reference and comparison is hitting below the belt I think, no? Obviously nothing wrong with not liking it or not suiting your tastes, or even meeting your expectations but if you need self convincing, I don't think this is the right way to go.
? You're probably right. This is grossly underestimated, and it feels like a shot below the belt. I can empathize with you on this, I've felt the same way on multiple occasions. However, my problem here is that you're
still not taking
any responsibility, or even considering their criticisms might have merit. Instead you step
way outside of your expertise and suggest they're using a psychological coping mechanism. You should let the box speak for itself, and wait for the reviews to come in, instead of questioning their mental health.
? Andrei, we have several mutual friends, and I hear great things about you. I understand that when you pour a part of yourself into your work, it's hard not to take criticism personally. This just seems out of character from what I've heard about you. You're using your authority and respect on these forums to call into question and
bully other well-respected forum members. Please don't take this as a personal attack, I feel the need to stand up for them as I would stand up for you if the situation were reversed.
Justin.Morris said:
For those who are having trouble understanding the value of a project like this, read my other post.
This is not about you.
It's bigger than you.
? I'm not sure the value you're referring to here. What's bigger than us? This project? The idea of giving back? Charity?
Justin.Morris said:
If you like the cause but the deck or box isn't your thing, then by all means write a check. But take some action and do something rather than not contributing. Put your money where your mouth is so to speak. (to this project or somewhere else!)
? I can get behind this idea of giving back, but I don't see why it's relevant to this project, specifically. Surely we would be doing more good by giving all the money to charity, rather than $1/pack. If this project's values were to give back to charity, wouldn't they do more than $1? It's not even Theory 11 paying the dollar, it's Bad Robot.
Justin.Morris said:
If you can't see the value of inspiring people with wonder then you are in the wrong profession/hobby.
? These terms are ambiguous. How are you defining 'wonder'? And how does 'wonder' = inspiration? Let's assume I do inspire them, what am I inspiring them to do? I think you're equating inspiration or wonder with success, but I don't see how those things connect. Doesn't it make more sense to give them actual means to succeed? Like food and education? I'm just not seeing how creative writing = wonder= inspiration = success.
?
It sounds like a great cause in theory, but I don't think you're scrutinizing it enough. Are we doing this so we feel like we helped? Or are we making sure we're actually helping.
A project about inspiring wonder - the essence of our art. A project about giving to others. A project that uses a unique platform of selling a product and using it to make a difference in, and draw out the best in others.
Celebrate the good being done here. I don't think anyone is apologetic that this wasn't the 'guaranteed standing ovation' magic trick you were looking for. Because it's bigger than you.
? Can you prove this is making a (significant/positive) difference? How are catering to the kids and drawing out the best in them? What if they're not writers? Bummer?
? Prove that there's
actual good being done to celebrate.
If you don't know, how could you possibly assert that this is bigger than us?! This could be the minimal amount of help we could give. This could be two feet shorter than us, we might make a bigger difference by giving aid to places that provide food and shelter.
? It makes me nervous when someone seems to have a moral high ground. Charities are difficult to scrutinze because people blindly follow what
they believe charities stand for, and what they do.
? People,
Focus. The trailer they posted on the cards page is entirely emotionally driven, with a kid reading off a script and everything. If you're using the prospect of giving back to charity to
help you sell decks of cards It would be nice to know how much actually goes to the charity and how much goes into Theory11's pocket.
How are we actually helping? Are kids really helped by this charity? Do they have any data to support the claim that spreading 'wonder' is a worth-while path to pursue?
Why do I feel like I've been teleported to another dimension? Where's Christopher and the other critical thinkers? Either a couple people I greatly respect have greatly surprised me with their behavior at the same time, in the same thread...or I'm going nuts.