Poll

Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive

Falconer
22 (13.7%)
Annihilator
11 (6.8%)
Guillotine
24 (14.9%)
Flea
15 (9.3%)
Talon
8 (5%)
Spector
13 (8.1%)
Bloodkite
12 (7.5%)
Jagermech
20 (12.4%)
Emperor
6 (3.7%)
Anvil
3 (1.9%)
No-Dachi
13 (8.1%)
Ostsol 6D
6 (3.7%)
Shootist
8 (5%)

Total Members Voted: 161

Voting closed: 27 May 2013, 13:06:21

Author Topic: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive  (Read 22761 times)

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« on: 12 May 2013, 13:06:21 »
This year there will be another Archive of 48 SKU's from Distribution that sell less then 6 in a year. We are running this Poll through May 26th and the top 7 winners will be spared from being Archived this year. The poll items where selected by looking at what kind of websales each SKU had along with distro sales, so if the SKU was popular on the webstore it was selected for the poll. At the end of May we will announce the complete Archive List and then July 1st they will enter the Archive.

Stormcrow

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 5069
  • Art by Shimmering Sword
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #1 on: 12 May 2013, 13:15:01 »
First vote is in for the Talon
Commandant Otto Maurus, ARWH-1Z ArcHammer, Maurus' Minutemen
Captain Obadiah Sykes, OSR-5FCR Ostroc, Second Filtvelt Citizens Militia

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. - Confucius
Noli Timure Messorem
May God defend me from my friends; I can defend myself from my enemies. - Voltaire
Wielder of the Ferro-Carbide Bat of DOOM™

DEZOAT

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 861
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #2 on: 12 May 2013, 14:11:57 »
 Do you all  know that the Flea is longest produced mini since Battledroids.  I think that mini should be redone to size of a 20 ton. But that me.

GRUD

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3002
  • Quinn's Quads - 'Mechs on the March!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #3 on: 13 May 2013, 04:14:01 »
I noticed that you didn't mention any "Kill" list, and was wondering if there's any discussion about adding to it?   :-\


NOT that I'm Wanting you to mind you!  I'm simply curious.
To me, Repros are 100% Wrong, and there's NO  room for me to give ground on this subject. I'm not just an Immovable Object on this, I'm THE Immovable Object. 3D Prints are just 3D Repros.

Something to bear in Mind. Defending the BT IP is Frowned upon here.

Remember: Humor is NOT Tolerated here. Have a Nice Day!

Hey! Can't a guy get any Privacy around here!

Jimmyray73

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 839
  • I will not be toyed with!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #4 on: 13 May 2013, 08:15:54 »
Vote Guillotine!
Endo has forgotten more about dispensing pain than you or I will ever know...

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #5 on: 13 May 2013, 08:21:06 »
I noticed that you didn't mention any "Kill" list, and was wondering if there's any discussion about adding to it?   :-\


NOT that I'm Wanting you to mind you!  I'm simply curious.

Nothing is being killed this time around.

GRUD

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3002
  • Quinn's Quads - 'Mechs on the March!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #6 on: 13 May 2013, 08:53:42 »
GLAD to hear it!   :)  Thanks!   O0
To me, Repros are 100% Wrong, and there's NO  room for me to give ground on this subject. I'm not just an Immovable Object on this, I'm THE Immovable Object. 3D Prints are just 3D Repros.

Something to bear in Mind. Defending the BT IP is Frowned upon here.

Remember: Humor is NOT Tolerated here. Have a Nice Day!

Hey! Can't a guy get any Privacy around here!

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #7 on: 13 May 2013, 10:05:25 »
Guillotine, Spector, Falconer...! What do I choose!?  :'(

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #8 on: 13 May 2013, 10:06:48 »
I'm surprised the Guillotine isn't a big seller but I'm going to vote for the Blood Kite. Its going to need the votes.

And wait, I got a Flea a few months back! Was I one of only six people a year to get one? Plus one last year?
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Col.Hengist

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9189
  • Konrad ' Hengist " Littman Highlander 732b
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #9 on: 13 May 2013, 10:22:50 »
This really is bs. Just keep them all. Matter of fact, just bring everything back off of archive status.i understand you folks have problem with not enough room but some of these mechs just can't be that unpopular. The guillotine is on the block? The shootist? The blood kite? Annihilator? These mechs are kind of staples. I'm really disapointed in this list.

 There is so many here i can't decide which needs to stay the most.emperor,talon, spector... ugh.
« Last Edit: 13 May 2013, 10:25:22 by Col.Hengist »
Lyran Commonwealth,6th Donegal Guards-Nightstar
Marian Hegemony, II Legio-Cataphract
Clan Hell's Horses, Gamma Galaxy-Summoner
Clan Grinch goat- gamma goat.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #10 on: 13 May 2013, 10:30:18 »
This really is bs. Just keep them all. Matter of fact, just bring everything back off of archive status.i understand you folks have problem with not enough room but some of these mechs just can't be that unpopular. The guillotine is on the block? The shootist? The blood kite? Annihilator? These mechs are kind of staples. I'm really disapointed in this list.

 There is so many here i can't decide which needs to stay the most.emperor,talon, spector... ugh.

It's all based on sales, some of them I don't want to see archived which is why I suggested the poll to save some of them.

ShockaTime

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1900
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #11 on: 13 May 2013, 11:56:53 »
I went for the obligatory Blood Kite vote, but I can't believe items like the Jagermech and the Guillotine are on this list. Speck, any chance we can see the statistics you guys look at to determine which items get archived?

Spirit Never Dies - Second Spirit Chasseurs - Clan Blood Spirit
Raven Alliance

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #12 on: 13 May 2013, 12:31:17 »
I went for the obligatory Blood Kite vote, but I can't believe items like the Jagermech and the Guillotine are on this list. Speck, any chance we can see the statistics you guys look at to determine which items get archived?

It's already been mentioned many times. If a SKU sells less then 6 a year it is up for being Archived. 

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15537
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #13 on: 13 May 2013, 12:36:02 »
I'm impressed IWM doesn't axe SKUs sooner than 6.
I'm likewise impressed they don't even kill em, they just archive em.
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Kit deSummersville

  • Precentor of Lies
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10397
  • The epicness continues!
    • Insights and Complaints on Twitter
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #14 on: 13 May 2013, 13:07:31 »
Though if Paul were a SKU....
Looking for an official answer? Check the Catalyst Interaction Forums.

Freelancer for hire, not an official CGL or IMR representative.

Everyone else's job is easy, so tell them how to do it, everyone loves that!

Millard Fillmore's favorite BattleTech writer.

GRUD

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3002
  • Quinn's Quads - 'Mechs on the March!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #15 on: 13 May 2013, 13:13:09 »
I'm impressed IWM doesn't axe SKUs sooner than 6.
I'm likewise impressed they don't even kill em, they just archive em.


I agree.  I'd MUCH rather they resort to "Archive" rather than "Kill", ANY day of the week.   O0
To me, Repros are 100% Wrong, and there's NO  room for me to give ground on this subject. I'm not just an Immovable Object on this, I'm THE Immovable Object. 3D Prints are just 3D Repros.

Something to bear in Mind. Defending the BT IP is Frowned upon here.

Remember: Humor is NOT Tolerated here. Have a Nice Day!

Hey! Can't a guy get any Privacy around here!

gooseman

  • CDT Miniatures XO
  • Global Moderator
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3482
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #16 on: 13 May 2013, 13:21:26 »
I went for the obligatory Blood Kite vote, but I can't believe items like the Jagermech and the Guillotine are on this list. Speck, any chance we can see the statistics you guys look at to determine which items get archived?

Do you ask to see sales figures when your local convenience store stops carrying your favorite drink?
Daoshen Liao: Wrong! Xavier! What is best in life?
Xavier McCarron: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

Col.Hengist

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9189
  • Konrad ' Hengist " Littman Highlander 732b
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #17 on: 13 May 2013, 13:31:11 »
Do you ask to see sales figures when your local convenience store stops carrying your favorite drink?

 When Cosco stopped selling gluten free bread i did. There's a lot of thjngs i do that with. Companies with these tracking cards get rid of stuff that few people buy. Well I'm still buying those certain things and just because it's not selling as well as another product is no excuse to get rid of it. It's why there are 20 brands of ranch dressing in grocery stores. If that's all there is that's what people will buy. If there is no other choice than one type of thing how do people know there could be another. Sales show people buy ranch dressing because that's all there is. If there was more offered there would be more diverse sales.
Lyran Commonwealth,6th Donegal Guards-Nightstar
Marian Hegemony, II Legio-Cataphract
Clan Hell's Horses, Gamma Galaxy-Summoner
Clan Grinch goat- gamma goat.

ShockaTime

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1900
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #18 on: 13 May 2013, 13:33:14 »
It's already been mentioned many times. If a SKU sells less then 6 a year it is up for being Archived.

I'm perfectly clear on that, but that doesn't tell me much. I was curious how you get your numbers. It's no big deal it's more idle curiosity than anything else.

Do you ask to see sales figures when your local convenience store stops carrying your favorite drink?

No, but my local convenience store owner doesn't pole me to ask which product he's going to keep on his/her shelf and which he/she is going to have to special order if I want it. Not sure what you're getting at  :-\

Spirit Never Dies - Second Spirit Chasseurs - Clan Blood Spirit
Raven Alliance

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15537
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #19 on: 13 May 2013, 13:34:14 »
and just because it's not selling as well as another product is no excuse to get rid of it.

Actually, that's exactly why you should get rid of it if you're running a business, and you would like it to succeed.

Diverse sales is irrelevant. Profit matters. Who cares if IWM can sell ~6 of a mini, they'd be foolish for investing their resources in doing so. It's amazing their cut off is so low, that shows enormous dedication to trying to provide 'diverse sales'.

Paul
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #20 on: 13 May 2013, 13:36:42 »
...just because it's not selling as well as another product is no excuse to get rid of it.

Actually, that is the best non-safety reason to stop selling a product. If it doesn't sell, then they don't make any money from it. All products cost money to produce, so if a product doesn't earn enough to justify the money spent producing it, why are they producing it?
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

gooseman

  • CDT Miniatures XO
  • Global Moderator
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3482
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #21 on: 13 May 2013, 13:48:08 »

No, but my local convenience store owner doesn't (sic) poll me to ask which product he's going to keep on his/her shelf and which he/she is going to have to special order if I want it. Not sure what you're getting at  :-\

That's exactly what I'm getting at. The typical business operation would strictly go by sales figured without any input from their customers other than the voting they have already done with their wallets.

Speck already makes mention less than six units sold in the last year is the metric, yet you ask to see the documentation about this?

Moreover, you make mentions of "special ordering", you can do that already at Iron Wind, there just is an archive fee involved.

Retail enterprises who go to the lengths Iron Wind does to work with it's customer base are rare, I am impressed with the effort they put in to incorporate grassroots feedback into their decision making.
Daoshen Liao: Wrong! Xavier! What is best in life?
Xavier McCarron: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #22 on: 13 May 2013, 14:02:25 »
Actually, that's exactly why you should get rid of it if you're running a business, and you would like it to succeed.

Diverse sales is irrelevant. Profit matters. Who cares if IWM can sell ~6 of a mini, they'd be foolish for investing their resources in doing so. It's amazing their cut off is so low, that shows enormous dedication to trying to provide 'diverse sales'.

Paul

Paul beat me to it. Getting rid of things that don't sell to make room for things that do is at the very foundation of any successful business.

I'm sure sad to see some of these go, but I'm neither shocked, nor offended.

Edit:
When the Flea goes out of production, it will be the end of an era. That little 'mech has been in continuous production since, like, forever.
« Last Edit: 13 May 2013, 14:04:31 by klarg1 »

JadeHellbringer

  • Easily Bribed Forum Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 21696
  • Third time this week!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #23 on: 13 May 2013, 14:45:02 »
Thing is, these aren't GONE. They aren't dead, buried, etc.- they're just archived. Want a Shootist? Get a Shootist! Hell, get a few, minimize the archive fee since it's for only the first one. Never mind the fact that IWM frequently does the month-long return from the archive every so often.

Shootists, Jagermechs, etc. are staples, yes- of Inner Sphere armies. But, if it's being mentioned here, that means it's not SELLING WELL for IWM- they don't care about whether Davion or Liao or whomever uses a design frequently, and they shouldn't have to care. They're looking at their business- and if Jagermechs aren't selling, then off to archive they go. Nothing difficult about this, no evil cabal out to ruin things for you, just business decisions- and at the end of the day, wise ones.

(That said, I did give a vote to the Flea since I was thinking about getting another one in my summer order. ;) )
"There's a difference between the soldier and his fight,
But the warrior knows the true meaning of his life."
+Larry and his Flask, 'Blood Drunk'+

"You know, basically war is just, like, a bunch of people playing pranks on each other, but at the end they all die."
+Crow T. Robot+

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15537
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #24 on: 13 May 2013, 15:35:30 »
You know what'll be funny? If minis get more than 6 votes. If only the people who voted bought one instead, it'd be a non-issue.  ;D
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Col.Hengist

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9189
  • Konrad ' Hengist " Littman Highlander 732b
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #25 on: 13 May 2013, 15:52:15 »
Ive bought 2 talons last year, multiple shootists,at least 1 blood kite, a couple of many of the ones on here.
Lyran Commonwealth,6th Donegal Guards-Nightstar
Marian Hegemony, II Legio-Cataphract
Clan Hell's Horses, Gamma Galaxy-Summoner
Clan Grinch goat- gamma goat.

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15537
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #26 on: 13 May 2013, 15:59:53 »
Ive bought 2 talons last year, multiple shootists,at least 1 blood kite, a couple of many of the ones on here.

And you might just be the only one.
Unless you're suggesting IWM is lying (which would make no sense) or mistaken.

Here's a third option: IWM only notices a sale when a store OR distributor buys something. (Well, apart from the website or stuff sold at a Con)
So those minis you bought might have been actually purchased by that store or, the store's distributor years ago. Store's generally don't like having things lay about, but a distributor might by X of a new mini as it comes out, and then only again as that pile runs out.
So, those purchases of yours would be irrelevant (and invisible) to IWM, to IWM those purchases happened years ago.
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Savage Coyote

  • CamoSpecs
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2898
  • 저는 미술 선생님 입니다.
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #27 on: 13 May 2013, 16:34:56 »
I think some of the low sales figures is this:  everyone has these guys because they are good, look good, or are faction staples.  Sales drop off once you have several.  I don't usually get multiples of 'mechs unless I'm using them in game together or like the Talon, are spread out over my three supported factions (Klondike Coyotes, Donegal Guards, and post Jihad FWL Iron Guard.)  Looks like I better pony up and buy two more so my Coyotes and ex-Leaguers can have one.   :D

Col.Hengist

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9189
  • Konrad ' Hengist " Littman Highlander 732b
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #28 on: 13 May 2013, 16:40:20 »
I'm not suggesting IWM is lying. I bought them direct from IWM. What my local store doesn't have i order.
Lyran Commonwealth,6th Donegal Guards-Nightstar
Marian Hegemony, II Legio-Cataphract
Clan Hell's Horses, Gamma Galaxy-Summoner
Clan Grinch goat- gamma goat.

ShockaTime

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1900
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #29 on: 13 May 2013, 17:20:05 »
That's exactly what I'm getting at. The typical business operation would strictly go by sales figured without any input from their customers other than the voting they have already done with their wallets.

Speck already makes mention less than six units sold in the last year is the metric, yet you ask to see the documentation about this?

As I already said I was curious about how the numbers were gathered and how they were counted. It's honestly not a big deal.  It is because of their "grassroots" interactions that I asked and why I would not just ask my local convenient store owner which is why I didn't understand the comparison.

Moreover, you make mentions of "special ordering", you can do that already at Iron Wind, there just is an archive fee involved.

I'm well aware of the archive fee. I've done it multiple times and I think it's great that they still allow the purchase of items that don't sell well as opposed to just getting rid of them entirely.

Retail enterprises who go to the lengths Iron Wind does to work with it's customer base are rare, I am impressed with the effort they put in to incorporate grassroots feedback into their decision making.

See above comment.
« Last Edit: 13 May 2013, 18:01:31 by ShockaTime »

Spirit Never Dies - Second Spirit Chasseurs - Clan Blood Spirit
Raven Alliance

JadeHellbringer

  • Easily Bribed Forum Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 21696
  • Third time this week!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #30 on: 13 May 2013, 18:35:33 »
I think some of the low sales figures is this:  everyone has these guys because they are good, look good, or are faction staples.  Sales drop off once you have several.  I don't usually get multiples of 'mechs unless I'm using them in game together or like the Talon, are spread out over my three supported factions (Klondike Coyotes, Donegal Guards, and post Jihad FWL Iron Guard.)  Looks like I better pony up and buy two more so my Coyotes and ex-Leaguers can have one.   :D

You bring up a good point. Take the Jagermech- I own three, plus one of the Jagermech III abominations. With that in mind, I can't see a reason to pick up another one, no matter how important it is in-universe. Will I ever need four Jagermechs in a game? Probably not. A lot of players probably are in the same boat on units like this. Or, it's a mini that is a rare unit that wasn't a particularly great mini in the first place (hi Shootist!), and just isn't a big sale for them anyway.
"There's a difference between the soldier and his fight,
But the warrior knows the true meaning of his life."
+Larry and his Flask, 'Blood Drunk'+

"You know, basically war is just, like, a bunch of people playing pranks on each other, but at the end they all die."
+Crow T. Robot+

Tressel

  • Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 185
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #31 on: 13 May 2013, 19:05:07 »
I'm guessing that the 6 sales that are being used comes from direct sales and sales to distributers. There may be dozens of other sales that happen each year, but it is from existing inventory already at the distributers and not bringing in new sales for IWM.

HMS_Swiftsure

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 276
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #32 on: 13 May 2013, 19:16:00 »
The Jagermech also appears in starterpacks and boxed sets, so people may be obtaining their JM love through those means.  This availability means fewer individuals purchasing individually packaged JMs.

Savage Coyote

  • CamoSpecs
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2898
  • 저는 미술 선생님 입니다.
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #33 on: 13 May 2013, 21:53:56 »
You bring up a good point. Take the Jagermech- I own three, plus one of the Jagermech III abominations. With that in mind, I can't see a reason to pick up another one, no matter how important it is in-universe. Will I ever need four Jagermechs in a game? Probably not. A lot of players probably are in the same boat on units like this. Or, it's a mini that is a rare unit that wasn't a particularly great mini in the first place (hi Shootist!), and just isn't a big sale for them anyway.

The most of any one 'mech I have are Savage Coyotes strangely (or not!) enough!  I think I have six of them.  Beyond that, yeah, I'm almost never going to field more than two of anything in a game, except for maybe Phantom H's, and my limit there is probably going to be three.  So at that point, as long as I hang on to them, I have no need to order.

I also love Shootists (art and 'Mech) but I've had decent luck with them as zombie bodyguards.  That said, I ordered one a few months ago and since the only factions that use them are Klondike Clans, Star League, Com Star, and WoB, I won't be needing another.  Ever.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #34 on: 13 May 2013, 22:26:11 »
Its just sad to see mechs go into the archives is all, I just wish that they came out a little more often permanently.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Col.Hengist

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9189
  • Konrad ' Hengist " Littman Highlander 732b
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #35 on: 14 May 2013, 08:31:29 »
The most of any one 'mech I have are Savage Coyotes strangely (or not!) enough!  I think I have six of them.  Beyond that, yeah, I'm almost never going to field more than two of anything in a game, except for maybe Phantom H's, and my limit there is probably going to be three.  So at that point, as long as I hang on to them, I have no need to order.

I also love Shootists (art and 'Mech) but I've had decent luck with them as zombie bodyguards.  That said, I ordered one a few months ago and since the only factions that use them are Klondike Clans, Star League, Com Star, and WoB, I won't be needing another.  Ever.

 When i play a SL era game i like to set up lances like they did... 4 of a kind. So i need multiples.  My wife calls me a hoarder but i need to have many multiples of things. If i know I'm going to need something new or multiples and i don't have enough i'll order them. I don't really like to proxy and i like to have complete armies in the same paint schemes. If that means i have 6 black hawk ku's ( which i do ) then so be it. Or 6 banshees( which i do also ) or battlemasters or what ever i'll get them. I guess I'm just different than most fans.
Lyran Commonwealth,6th Donegal Guards-Nightstar
Marian Hegemony, II Legio-Cataphract
Clan Hell's Horses, Gamma Galaxy-Summoner
Clan Grinch goat- gamma goat.

gooseman

  • CDT Miniatures XO
  • Global Moderator
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3482
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #36 on: 14 May 2013, 08:36:42 »
I guess I'm just different than most fans.

Agreed.
Daoshen Liao: Wrong! Xavier! What is best in life?
Xavier McCarron: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

nckestrel

  • Scientia Bellator
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 11030
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #37 on: 14 May 2013, 09:34:32 »
If you don't want a mini to go into archive, just make sure to buy 6 each year.
For $80/year, you can sponsor a mini to never go into archive! (and you get 6 new ones every year)


Alpha Strike Introduction resources
Left of Center blog - Nashira Campaign for A Game of Armored Combat, TP 3039 Vega Supplemental Record Sheets

Kit deSummersville

  • Precentor of Lies
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10397
  • The epicness continues!
    • Insights and Complaints on Twitter
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #38 on: 14 May 2013, 10:10:33 »
Heh, they should have a 'Mech Club, like wine clubs. Pay $XX per year and get quarterly shipments of selected minis.
Looking for an official answer? Check the Catalyst Interaction Forums.

Freelancer for hire, not an official CGL or IMR representative.

Everyone else's job is easy, so tell them how to do it, everyone loves that!

Millard Fillmore's favorite BattleTech writer.

JadeHellbringer

  • Easily Bribed Forum Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 21696
  • Third time this week!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #39 on: 14 May 2013, 11:24:17 »
The most of any one 'mech I have are Savage Coyotes strangely (or not!) enough!  I think I have six of them.  Beyond that, yeah, I'm almost never going to field more than two of anything in a game, except for maybe Phantom H's, and my limit there is probably going to be three.  So at that point, as long as I hang on to them, I have no need to order.

I also love Shootists (art and 'Mech) but I've had decent luck with them as zombie bodyguards.  That said, I ordered one a few months ago and since the only factions that use them are Klondike Clans, Star League, Com Star, and WoB, I won't be needing another.  Ever.

For me it's the Summoner (surprise!), followed oddly enough by the Legacy, of which I own five (seems like every time I used to get an Ebay lot, it had a Legacy in it!).

I never did like the Shootist, like a half-assed attempt to fix the Hunchback. You're still 4/6 with an AC-20 as your primary weapon, even in an era of XL-engine heavies able to hit 5/8 (see: Flashman, Lancelot). So you're either never able to bring the gun to bear, or you're using it on similarly-slow units that probably outgun you. Factor in that it always was kind of boring looking to me in art and pewter... not one I'll be missing if it goes to the archive.
"There's a difference between the soldier and his fight,
But the warrior knows the true meaning of his life."
+Larry and his Flask, 'Blood Drunk'+

"You know, basically war is just, like, a bunch of people playing pranks on each other, but at the end they all die."
+Crow T. Robot+

DarkISI

  • Praedonum Dominus
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7177
  • https://amzn.to/3Dm3bvj
    • My Author Website
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #40 on: 14 May 2013, 11:35:59 »
Well, there is the ST-9C to fix that. It takes the ST-8C as a base and replaces the AC/20 with a Gauss Rifle. :)
German novelist and part time Battletech writer.


HPG Station - German Battletech News

"if they didn't want to be stomped to death by a psychotic gang of battlemechs, they shouldn't have fallen down" - Liam's Ghost

S.gage

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 967
  • The Nova Cat is a subtle hunter.
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #41 on: 14 May 2013, 11:48:34 »
This year there will be another Archive of 48 SKU's from Distribution that sell less then 6 in a year. We are running this Poll through May 26th and the top 7 winners will be spared from being Archived this year. The poll items where selected by looking at what kind of websales each SKU had along with distro sales, so if the SKU was popular on the webstore it was selected for the poll. At the end of May we will announce the complete Archive List and then July 1st they will enter the Archive.

Hi Speck,
The top 7 winners here will not be archived - and conversely the bottom 6 will be archived.  Do I understand correctly, this means you are archiving an additional 42 SKU's that do not appear here due to low demand?  Could you tell us which models are on that list?  Thank you!
"WHO PUT 6 ARMOR ON THE RIFLEMAN'S HEAD?!?" - Peter S., while marking damage from a PPC, 1994.
"Ich bin Jadefalke!!!! Ich bin MechKrieger!!!!" - German students on their field trip to Leipzig, 1998.
Until the next Clan Invasion or Jihad, Clan Schrödinger's Cat is and is not Annihilated. :)
Early Clan Refit BattleMechs, Novel Clan Golden Century BattleMechs, Early Clan Refit Combat Vehicles, 1st & 2nd Generation Clan OmniMechs.

Mastergunz

  • CamoSpecs
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2933
  • BBBBBBRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTT
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #42 on: 14 May 2013, 11:53:38 »
I've always loved me the Falconer but never actually bought one....may have to change that.  O0

-Gunz
" also, didn't you know mechs are able to run their massive energy weapons and all only because of their super secret fusion engine designs? the fusion engines actually turn rage and tears generated on the internet, wirelessly into usable power for the machines." -steelblueskies

"I find that alcohol bestows a variety of tactical options."

"Hotwire your imagination into your sense of self-preservation, and see what percolates." -Weirdo

Follow along with my miniature exploits on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MastergunzPaintWorx

Savage Coyote

  • CamoSpecs
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2898
  • 저는 미술 선생님 입니다.
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #43 on: 14 May 2013, 12:40:34 »
For me it's the Summoner (surprise!), followed oddly enough by the Legacy, of which I own five (seems like every time I used to get an Ebay lot, it had a Legacy in it!).

I never did like the Shootist, like a half-assed attempt to fix the Hunchback. You're still 4/6 with an AC-20 as your primary weapon, even in an era of XL-engine heavies able to hit 5/8 (see: Flashman, Lancelot). So you're either never able to bring the gun to bear, or you're using it on similarly-slow units that probably outgun you. Factor in that it always was kind of boring looking to me in art and pewter... not one I'll be missing if it goes to the archive.

Shootist was one that I just liked the art for when I first saw it and learned to like and use the stats for it.  No, it's not amazing, but before you had things like royals running around, I wouldn't mind having one intercept a Flashman or Lancelot.  Or team up with something else slow and steady like a Black Knight and zombie rush something larger.

Granted, I've only used them a few times as the whole rarity thing hinders that!  It's also pretty solid in quick strike, being a standard engine, max armor, and a pretty good level of firepower if memory serves.  I have my one so even if it archives, it's not a huge deal to me I guess.

As a caveat, I'd love for every miniature to be available without an archive fee, don't get me wrong.  But I understand that as a business, IWM has conserve space, manage it's few employee's time, and allow for new releases.  This list is sad, as I like the Falconer, Specter, Talon, Shootist and a few others, but I understand that they aren't selling in a great enough volume to justify their easy access.  :(

JadeHellbringer

  • Easily Bribed Forum Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 21696
  • Third time this week!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #44 on: 14 May 2013, 12:48:04 »
I've always loved me the Falconer but never actually bought one....may have to change that.  O0

-Gunz

Awesome Mech, 'eh' miniature. It's those legs, it just looks awkward as hell. Great to use in games though- Steiner wanted to build a Thor-killer, and by God they came up with something that matches up well with it. Pity that it looks like a deformed praying mantis.  ;D
"There's a difference between the soldier and his fight,
But the warrior knows the true meaning of his life."
+Larry and his Flask, 'Blood Drunk'+

"You know, basically war is just, like, a bunch of people playing pranks on each other, but at the end they all die."
+Crow T. Robot+

Firesprocket

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2945
  • Broke the Bandwagon
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #45 on: 14 May 2013, 13:51:18 »
I am surprised a few of these sell so few.  Others less with how blocky and bulky they look.  I had not purchased an Emperor until recently.  I would have bought it directly, but didn't want 4 of them to get the bulk price on them which was a special from over a year ago.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #46 on: 14 May 2013, 14:48:14 »
Hi Speck,
The top 7 winners here will not be archived - and conversely the bottom 6 will be archived.  Do I understand correctly, this means you are archiving an additional 42 SKU's that do not appear here due to low demand?  Could you tell us which models are on that list?  Thank you!

The full list will be post at the end of the month. 48 is the adjusted number including the 6 losers from the poll. So out of 55 on the low end of 6 or less per year ( includes some old sculpts), 48 will be archived.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #47 on: 14 May 2013, 20:38:49 »
Fourty eight? Ouch! Is there a possibility for a vote to save some of those too?
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #48 on: 14 May 2013, 22:04:02 »
I bet you're looking at it. I suspect that of the ones going into Archive, this poll represents the ones that came the closest to the cutoff. All the others likely did poorly enough to not even get on the poll.
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #49 on: 14 May 2013, 23:03:32 »
When i play a SL era game i like to set up lances like they did... 4 of a kind. So i need multiples.  My wife calls me a hoarder but i need to have many multiples of things. If i know I'm going to need something new or multiples and i don't have enough i'll order them. I don't really like to proxy and i like to have complete armies in the same paint schemes. If that means i have 6 black hawk ku's ( which i do ) then so be it. Or 6 banshees( which i do also ) or battlemasters or what ever i'll get them. I guess I'm just different than most fans.

You are not alone there. I like to have the right things, when I can.

Even without worrying about paint schemes, between the Unseen debacle, various sculpts dropping from the catalog(*), and occasional archiving, I have developed a rather... paranoid approach to purchasing minis. "Gotta have one on-hand, in case I want to paint it... but if I paint it, I won't have one in stock..."

It's a disease, really.

...

<pokes around>... huh.... it seems I have no Shootists in my stockpile.

...

To the store!



* - That part, at least, IWM has remedied with the return of so many 'lost' sculpts in the past year. Thanks, guys!
« Last Edit: 14 May 2013, 23:05:03 by klarg1 »

mike19k

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1461
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #50 on: 15 May 2013, 03:03:27 »
For me it's the Summoner (surprise!), followed oddly enough by the Legacy, of which I own five (seems like every time I used to get an Ebay lot, it had a Legacy in it!).

I never did like the Shootist, like a half-assed attempt to fix the Hunchback. You're still 4/6 with an AC-20 as your primary weapon, even in an era of XL-engine heavies able to hit 5/8 (see: Flashman, Lancelot). So you're either never able to bring the gun to bear, or you're using it on similarly-slow units that probably outgun you. Factor in that it always was kind of boring looking to me in art and pewter... not one I'll be missing if it goes to the archive.
For me it is the Warhammer with 18 Unseen, and 5 different sculpts.

GRUD

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3002
  • Quinn's Quads - 'Mechs on the March!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #51 on: 15 May 2013, 05:25:59 »
For me it is the Warhammer with 18 Unseen, and 5 different sculpts.


Does that include the BD, Unseen IIC and Unseen Wolf's Dragoons MFUK sculpts?   ???  I've got 9 different sculpts, though other than "At Least 2 of each", I'm not really sure of the numbers.  :-[  My Favorite mini of All Time is the Thunderbolt!  With 19+ Unseen and 10 different sculpts (3 of them are Fan-Sculpts), I've got something like 49 of them.  >:D  Most of the newer minis that come out that I like enough to buy, I'll buy 2 of them.  I don't buy according to any "Faction", I buy something I like the looks of.  I've even been known to buy the odd Clan 'Mech every now and then.  :D


As for the whole Archiving thing, while it sucks, I'm Glad they're letting us have Some say in what goes and what stays. I've got the impression that most mini companies would simply discontinue a mini permanently if sales for it were so low. I for one am Glad that Mike and the Crew care as much about the Fans as they do about the Game (and consequentially, their Business!).  O0
To me, Repros are 100% Wrong, and there's NO  room for me to give ground on this subject. I'm not just an Immovable Object on this, I'm THE Immovable Object. 3D Prints are just 3D Repros.

Something to bear in Mind. Defending the BT IP is Frowned upon here.

Remember: Humor is NOT Tolerated here. Have a Nice Day!

Hey! Can't a guy get any Privacy around here!

mike19k

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1461
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #52 on: 15 May 2013, 06:30:11 »

Does that include the BD, Unseen IIC and Unseen Wolf's Dragoons MFUK sculpts?   ???  I've got 9 different sculpts, though other than "At Least 2 of each", I'm not really sure of the numbers.  :-[  My Favorite mini of All Time is the Thunderbolt!  With 19+ Unseen and 10 different sculpts (3 of them are Fan-Sculpts), I've got something like 49 of them.  >:D  Most of the newer minis that come out that I like enough to buy, I'll buy 2 of them.  I don't buy according to any "Faction", I buy something I like the looks of.  I've even been known to buy the odd Clan 'Mech every now and then.  :D


As for the whole Archiving thing, while it sucks, I'm Glad they're letting us have Some say in what goes and what stays. I've got the impression that most mini companies would simply discontinue a mini permanently if sales for it were so low. I for one am Glad that Mike and the Crew care as much about the Fans as they do about the Game (and consequentially, their Business!).  O0

I wish I had some of the MFUK units, but did not know about them tell OOP. The 18 are all the old school ones, I also have 11 Chameleon (I need more), 10 unseen Marauders and 10 P-Hawks, other than that it is ones and two of most I have been working on making up units and having them painted up as units, just about done with my first BN for the FS and about half way with my Smoke Jaguar cluster.

ShockaTime

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 1900
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #53 on: 15 May 2013, 08:36:28 »
Wow! You guys are way ahead of me. The most I have of a single mini is tied between the Summoner and Nova at 5 each.

Spirit Never Dies - Second Spirit Chasseurs - Clan Blood Spirit
Raven Alliance

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #54 on: 15 May 2013, 10:31:29 »
Just did a count, I have seven Dire Wolves a mix of old and new sculpts. For single sculpts I have six Nightstars, three unpainted.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

GRUD

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3002
  • Quinn's Quads - 'Mechs on the March!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #55 on: 15 May 2013, 10:54:16 »
I Almost posted a list of the 'Mechs I've got 4+ of, then decided this thread isn't the place for it.  I WILL say I've got 4+ of every Quad 'Mech ever made, with the sole exception of the Balius, aka, My Little Pony Mech.  :P  Or would that be My Little Mech Pony?  ???  Either way, it's too hideous to be in my collection.  ;D
To me, Repros are 100% Wrong, and there's NO  room for me to give ground on this subject. I'm not just an Immovable Object on this, I'm THE Immovable Object. 3D Prints are just 3D Repros.

Something to bear in Mind. Defending the BT IP is Frowned upon here.

Remember: Humor is NOT Tolerated here. Have a Nice Day!

Hey! Can't a guy get any Privacy around here!

CushionRide

  • Recruit
  • *
  • Posts: 1
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #56 on: 15 May 2013, 17:36:48 »
you all may want to not remove any from the shelves, i just discovered the online order catolog, and i plan on stockpiling mecha for my game table.  that means im collecting a bunch of battlemechs starting next week

Jimmyray73

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 839
  • I will not be toyed with!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #57 on: 15 May 2013, 19:51:53 »
I voted Guillotine because i do love them so, but now I think I need to snag an Emperor and a Shootist very soon.  The Shootist was one of my favorites from MechCommander 2 back in the day and no statistical analysis of its shortcomings can ever change that. Unfortunately its rarity after the fall of the Star League means there isn't as much call for it in games. I can think of at least 3 times I've bought minis that I chose something else that would appear in an upcoming game I had planned instead of the Shootist I was going to get.  If I'm not the only one thinking that way it may have doomed it to the archive.

I will say that I appreciate the fact that IWM archives these designs instead of just dropping them altogether. Plus I feel like a bargain shopper when I snag something from the archive special return...
Endo has forgotten more about dispensing pain than you or I will ever know...

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #58 on: 15 May 2013, 21:34:00 »
I Almost posted a list of the 'Mechs I've got 4+ of, then decided this thread isn't the place for it.  I WILL say I've got 4+ of every Quad 'Mech ever made, with the sole exception of the Balius, aka, My Little Pony Mech.  :P  Or would that be My Little Mech Pony?  ???  Either way, it's too hideous to be in my collection.  ;D

Great, now I need this mech. Just to paint it up in the most horrid pink and more reddish pink scheme I can possibly do.

Just to destroy peoples minds...
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #59 on: 16 May 2013, 06:59:58 »
I Almost posted a list of the 'Mechs I've got 4+ of, then decided this thread isn't the place for it.  I WILL say I've got 4+ of every Quad 'Mech ever made, with the sole exception of the Balius, aka, My Little Pony Mech.  :P  Or would that be My Little Mech Pony?  ???  Either way, it's too hideous to be in my collection.  ;D

I'd go with "My Little Mech Pony", and I share the sentiment. I miss the old "walking tank: quad aesthetic.


I'm not 100% sure what sculpt I own the most of. It's probably the unseen Warhammer: 10 Unseen, 1 WHM-8K and 2 of the WHD-10CT "Litch" models, just barely edging out the Rifleman.

Trajan Helmer

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1277
  • Better and calmer than you
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #60 on: 16 May 2013, 09:56:19 »
I think I have about 12 Summoners.  Probably the most numerous mech I have.
Anyone can redesign the Hellbringer's base chassis.  Real men work only with the pod loadout- Natasha K (forum poster)

Do not taunt Happy Fun Aegis. http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,42045.msg968574.html#msg968574

Rtifs

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 554
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #61 on: 17 May 2013, 11:48:11 »
I ordered a flea a few months ago.  Glad I did.  I guess I’ll have to order the Guillotine while I can. 

Savage Coyote

  • CamoSpecs
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2898
  • 저는 미술 선생님 입니다.
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #62 on: 18 May 2013, 23:22:13 »
Sent in an order for two Talons... won't need anymore after that *crosses fingers*

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #63 on: 19 May 2013, 21:12:04 »
The archiving will happen in a few days now. Is there a public list of which SKUs are going?

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #64 on: 19 May 2013, 21:23:31 »
The archiving will happen in a few days now. Is there a public list of which SKUs are going?

See the section in bold.

This year there will be another Archive of 48 SKU's from Distribution that sell less then 6 in a year. We are running this Poll through May 26th and the top 7 winners will be spared from being Archived this year. The poll items where selected by looking at what kind of websales each SKU had along with distro sales, so if the SKU was popular on the webstore it was selected for the poll. At the end of May we will announce the complete Archive List and then July 1st they will enter the Archive.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #65 on: 19 May 2013, 22:06:24 »
I would like to thank you for holding off until July before the great archiving. Give us all a nice long chance to fill up on mechs and other units we will want to get.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

General308

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2199
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #66 on: 21 May 2013, 22:44:09 »
You know for a real test on what to keep it should be done on sales not votes.  Just list them all and whichever ones sell the best buy the end of the period keep those two.

Paul

  • dies a lot at the Solaris Melee Challenge!
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15537
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #67 on: 21 May 2013, 22:53:26 »
Sales have already spoken: all of them havent sold enough.
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #68 on: 21 May 2013, 23:01:58 »
Sales have already spoken: all of them havent sold enough.

Which truly suprises me. Some of those are great mechs!
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

gooseman

  • CDT Miniatures XO
  • Global Moderator
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3482
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #69 on: 22 May 2013, 07:08:01 »
Which truly suprises me. Some of those are great mechs!

It's not a matter of who good the machine is, but whether the market is saturated with that particular miniature. For example, I have two Falconers, and don't need another.
Daoshen Liao: Wrong! Xavier! What is best in life?
Xavier McCarron: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

Dragon41673

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2332
    • Aries Games & Miniatures
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #70 on: 22 May 2013, 17:28:05 »
Speck,

Based on the wording, it makes it seem as if the 6 or less count stems from IWM's personal sales on their site. Is this correct?

If so...perhaps IWM should look more at overall sales, including orders from retailers, to find what REALLY sells the least. If that doesn't happen...it puts us retailers in a hard position of telling our customers that we can no longer order that item without the archive fee on top of the purchase price for them even though at the retail level that specific miniature might sell like hot cakes. Kind of an awkward position to explain when you think about it.

Do you think that is something IWM could do in the future, or will this solely be based on IWM's own sales?
Owner - Aries Games & Miniatures

cavingjan

  • Spelunca Custos
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4470
    • warrenborn
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #71 on: 22 May 2013, 17:43:27 »
The announcement mentioned websales and distributor sales so everybody should be covered.

Dragon41673

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2332
    • Aries Games & Miniatures
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #72 on: 22 May 2013, 17:46:53 »
And that would be why I shouldn't post things when I've been up for an un-believeable amount of time. I'm going to get some sleep some day! lol

Sorry Speck...ignore me.
Owner - Aries Games & Miniatures

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #73 on: 22 May 2013, 21:29:05 »
See the section in bold.

Oops. Yeah, I completely misread that paragraph. Thanks, Speck.

StoneRhino

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2269
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #74 on: 27 May 2013, 00:52:47 »
When Cosco stopped selling gluten free bread i did. There's a lot of thjngs i do that with. Companies with these tracking cards get rid of stuff that few people buy. Well I'm still buying those certain things and just because it's not selling as well as another product is no excuse to get rid of it. It's why there are 20 brands of ranch dressing in grocery stores. If that's all there is that's what people will buy. If there is no other choice than one type of thing how do people know there could be another. Sales show people buy ranch dressing because that's all there is. If there was more offered there would be more diverse sales.

I don't think anyone is beating the dead horse in the room, which is a good share of people are NOT going to buy from IWM directly. The #1 reason for that is the base shipping costs of $10, or might be more since I last looked. When you have something that is as prohibitive as shipping that doubles the cost of the item that you want to purchase you are not going to see people make those purchases that they would have otherwise made. When you add that sometimes you can find the minis for a buck or two less you ensure that fewer people are going to buy from IWM directly.

Some of us just don't really have many choice when it comes to buying, so we look online. I would like to have a nearby store that stocks BT and buy minis from them, but that just has not existed since 2001. When you have such a choice its hard to turn to IWM, though you may want to. This is even harder if you are not the kind of person that buys $100+ of minis at a time, either due to being more impulsive or just encountering empty spots in your collection at random times. Some of the minis on the list might have sold more had these walls not been manufactured in the first place.

As for the ranch dressing example, its true that the more you stock of one thing, the more people will likely buy it since that is all there is. It is much like game stores that I have seen since 2001. Sure, they are 'game stores' but when you walk in it might as well be a games workshop store because all there is is 40k and warhammer, then games that look like 40k and warhammer. That is how BT gets edged out since fewer people play the most mainstream game they see their game marginalized which forces the person to either buy into the new game or deal with the nonsense of being a second rate customer who has to order through special orders or online which are effectively the same. I don't care to support a shop that does not care to support me as a gamer, so why not just buy online and not bother going to the shop?

The BT collection is going to be unwieldy compared to other games so I can see how they would retire some designs. It just sucks to see that the design you want is archived and you don't want to spend even more just to get one made or the effort of getting others to buy one when they mihgt not care about it. $25+ for a single mini sucks.

cavingjan

  • Spelunca Custos
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4470
    • warrenborn
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #75 on: 27 May 2013, 07:40:20 »
The BT collection is going to be unwieldy compared to other games so I can see how they would retire some designs. It just sucks to see that the design you want is archived and you don't want to spend even more just to get one made or the effort of getting others to buy one when they mihgt not care about it. $25+ for a single mini sucks.

It is also one of those things where the archive return is proving to be very helpful for us. We (the forumites here) can make suggestions and can get things through. I've been able to get several minis that way over the last two years.

DEZOAT

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 861
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #76 on: 27 May 2013, 08:14:32 »
 :o :o :o WOW!! The Flea is going to win as one of the seven. Just so you all know that this in production mini is older then some of you posters 1986 or 1987. I hope you all know that IWM is coming out with alot of new minis. That alot molds for minis. I found another game shop that Carrie Battletech stuff on the self and I mean on the self. I walk into shop and thought I went back in time. Now just BattleTech stuff only new box set and books the updated one. The minis were about 50 to 60 on the board. That different kind. Its have been a long time since seen that many , alot more then RIW here in SE Michigan.

Slotus2005

  • Corporal
  • *
  • Posts: 67
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #77 on: 27 May 2013, 10:27:10 »
I threw in for the Flea, all those statements about being the oldest mech in continuous production made me sad. I've been looking at the Falconer, and I would be interested in getting one. The redrawing of the mech made me want to get one. I did not like the original art, so I never looked closely at the stats... or the Rakshasha. Both are solid good, if Fedcom mechs.

I like what the company is doing, and if I want a mech bad enough I can pay the archive fee, or wait for it to pop up somewhere else. This is much better than having it simply go out of print. Catalyst has also made a lot of the old books available on PDF. I just bought Jumpships and Dropships which I had wanted since the early 90's but could not find.

I think they could make anything not in available in level 1 and level 2 archive (except for Clans) and get away with it. I try to keep the mech collection to a minimum, so I rotate out stuff I don't use often.

Slotus2005

  • Corporal
  • *
  • Posts: 67
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #78 on: 27 May 2013, 10:45:11 »
That is how BT gets edged out since fewer people play the most mainstream game they see their game marginalized which forces the person to either buy into the new game or deal with the nonsense of being a second rate customer who has to order through special orders or online which are effectively the same. I don't care to support a shop that does not care to support me as a gamer, so why not just buy online and not bother going to the shop?

I completely agree, most of my experience of ordering through stores over the years has been: "Oh we forgot.... Oh our distributor..... Nah!" On-line is much better, and I say just charge me to rent the space at the store and make your money there.

Game store owners are typically poor business people at best, and I would rather not have to buy miniatures (if I'm happy with what I have) to keep playing the game...... I'm not a big fan of clutter.

However, in all the years, I've never seen a store stock the "BattleTech basics" for the InnerSphere. I'm talking about the guys from 3039. I don't play the Clans, but I'm pretty sure there are some basics... like the Madcat which are not inventory risks. I will say that the new Loki has gotten me interested, and I saw a 3025 version of it on another website. Very nice how they Redid that mech... ace job!

Gromik

  • Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 112
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #79 on: 28 May 2013, 13:31:14 »
However, in all the years, I've never seen a store stock the "BattleTech basics" for the InnerSphere. I'm talking about the guys from 3039. I don't play the Clans, but I'm pretty sure there are some basics... like the Madcat which are not inventory risks. I will say that the new Loki has gotten me interested, and I saw a 3025 version of it on another website. Very nice how they Redid that mech... ace job!

My experience has been the same.  Doubt I've ever seen a Dragon, Whitworth, or Dervish in a gaming store.  I see the mech packs a lot, but the basic light and medium IS mechs have been hard to find.  Dark age vehicles apparently spawn like rabbits in gaming stores, though (or just never sell).

dirty harry

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 939
  • Make my day
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #80 on: 05 June 2013, 05:28:37 »
We are about a week in June, the poll is closed more than a week...


Is the new archive list done?
And where can i find it before said minis are archived?

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #81 on: 12 June 2013, 21:51:31 »
See the Official Announcement about what will go into Archive around the 23rd of the Month. The announcement has a PDF file attached to it with all of the SKU that will be Archived and one that is being pulled from Distribution that will become a BT due to high price and number of parts.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #82 on: 12 June 2013, 22:10:06 »
Wow, a few surprises from the list. The Mechbuster fighter? I bought four last year, and the Emperor as well. The Fox Corvette too. Not surprised your archiving one of the Blood Asp's as two is too much. Glad I ordered a Annihilator earlier this year though. One question though, didn't you just rerelease the Banshee as a online exclusive? Why archive it so quick?
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #83 on: 12 June 2013, 22:31:14 »
Sucks to see all those WarShips going into archive, but I guess it makes sense. Sadly the fee puts them out of my budget, unless I want to devote a yearly purchase to just getting some Vigilants.
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #84 on: 12 June 2013, 22:36:38 »
I may have to order another Fox Corvette, but beyond that the other warships are really only useful in a Star League era game.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #85 on: 12 June 2013, 22:44:26 »
You say that like it's a bad thing. Star League's a heck of a lot larger era than anything the recent ships have served through. I'll be impressed when a Fox celebrates its bicentennial of active service..
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #86 on: 12 June 2013, 22:49:40 »
I hope it didn't come across that way, but how many people are playing Star League era warship games? I'd love to throw dozens of Star League warships across the board, its finding players to do so that's hard and I'm still a neophyte when it comes to warship games. I just want to paint up the ships.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #87 on: 12 June 2013, 22:54:26 »
Fair enough. The League era is the golden age for WarShip fans, it's where/when the real action is. 8)
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #88 on: 12 June 2013, 22:59:12 »
Still curious why the Banshee is back on the archive list though, it just got rereleased!
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #89 on: 12 June 2013, 23:02:28 »
. One question though, didn't you just rerelease the Banshee as a online exclusive? Why archive it so quick?

The resculpt is being archived, not the original that is a BT.

Spaceman

  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 790
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #90 on: 13 June 2013, 05:34:09 »
Hmmm it looks like the Banshee is already in the Archive. Also that list is a lot shorter than I was thinking it was going to be.
Demo Agent #567 Binghamton, NY (Southern Tier)
FLGS: Jupiter Games - Johnson City, NY

Southern Tier BattleTech Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/STierBattleTech/

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #91 on: 13 June 2013, 06:41:48 »
It looks like the Pinto(20-287) is already in the archive. Is that a change, or was it already there before the announcement?

Kit deSummersville

  • Precentor of Lies
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10397
  • The epicness continues!
    • Insights and Complaints on Twitter
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #92 on: 13 June 2013, 07:11:19 »
Wow, a few surprises from the list. The Mechbuster fighter? I bought four last year, and the Emperor as well. The Fox Corvette too. Not surprised your archiving one of the Blood Asp's as two is too much. Glad I ordered a Annihilator earlier this year though. One question though, didn't you just rerelease the Banshee as a online exclusive? Why archive it so quick?

And yet the Quasit abides. Muhahaha!
Looking for an official answer? Check the Catalyst Interaction Forums.

Freelancer for hire, not an official CGL or IMR representative.

Everyone else's job is easy, so tell them how to do it, everyone loves that!

Millard Fillmore's favorite BattleTech writer.

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #93 on: 13 June 2013, 07:47:32 »
One of these days I intend to get eleven more Quasit mechs just to see someones face when I put them on the table.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 40758
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #94 on: 13 June 2013, 08:08:09 »
It looks like the Pinto(20-287) is already in the archive. Is that a change, or was it already there before the announcement?

Dunno about product codes, but there is a Pinto VTOL and a Pinto WarShip. Perhaps one was already archived, and the other is now going in?
My wife writes books
"Thanks to Megamek, I can finally play BattleTech the way it was meant to be played--pantsless!"   -Neko Bijin
"...finally, giant space panties don't seem so strange." - Whistler
"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul
"...I was this many years old when I found out that licking a touchscreen in excitement is a bad idea." - JadeHellbringer
"We are the tribal elders. Weirdo is the mushroom specialist." - Worktroll

Stormlion1

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 15226
  • Apparently Im a rare survivor of the 1st!
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #95 on: 13 June 2013, 09:43:52 »
Well as a just in case, I just ordered a few of these soon to be archived designs. If worse comes to worse they sit waiting to be painted for a while but at least I will have them.
I don't set an example for others. I make examples of them.

klarg1

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2411
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #96 on: 13 June 2013, 14:55:40 »
Dunno about product codes, but there is a Pinto VTOL and a Pinto WarShip. Perhaps one was already archived, and the other is now going in?

That's what I thought, but i think the product code of the VTOL matched the PDF. I don't have time to really double-check now.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #97 on: 19 June 2013, 17:33:15 »
Just a few more days until they go into archive. Buy them now without the archive fee and as a reminder if anyone goes to the conventions that IWM attends all archive products are sold without the archive fee.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #98 on: 22 June 2013, 20:57:09 »
Tomorrow is the last day to purchase the items in the PDF that will be archived. Come Monday I will be moving them into Archive.

Dragon41673

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2332
    • Aries Games & Miniatures
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #99 on: 22 June 2013, 21:18:03 »
At the end of May we will announce the complete Archive List and then July 1st they will enter the Archive.

FYI...people are most likely going to point out that Monday is not July 1st.
Owner - Aries Games & Miniatures

cavingjan

  • Spelunca Custos
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4470
    • warrenborn
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #100 on: 22 June 2013, 21:43:43 »
The following Monday is the 1st.

Dragon41673

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2332
    • Aries Games & Miniatures
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #101 on: 22 June 2013, 21:57:16 »
The following Monday is the 1st.

Correct...but his statement reads as if it is this coming Monday...not the Monday after next.
Owner - Aries Games & Miniatures

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #102 on: 23 June 2013, 19:02:32 »
I totally forgot what I originally posted. Going to confirm with Mike. When I posted the poll I figured July 1st they would be in archive but in my later email from mike June 23 /24 was mentioned.

Akalabeth

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1533
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #103 on: 23 June 2013, 21:43:59 »
This is unrelated, but I was wondering have a lot of the 2750 Aerospace fighters ever been made? My friend has most of the miniatures ever produced and I was surprised to see he didn't have most of the 2750 fighters, nor are they on the webpage (there are 3-4 exceptions). Wondering if they were produced at some point but then later got axed?

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #104 on: 24 June 2013, 06:59:09 »
This is unrelated, but I was wondering have a lot of the 2750 Aerospace fighters ever been made? My friend has most of the miniatures ever produced and I was surprised to see he didn't have most of the 2750 fighters, nor are they on the webpage (there are 3-4 exceptions). Wondering if they were produced at some point but then later got axed?

If you so not see them in the online exclusive Fighter (mech scale) then they have not been done. More of the fighters have been done in the Micro scale then mech scale.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #105 on: 24 June 2013, 10:32:27 »
End of June is the cut off for buying the soon to be archived SKU without the archive fee. On the 1st of July I will add them to the archive.

speck

  • IWM Web Support
  • Moderator
  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2718
Re: Vote to save Mini's from 2013 Archive
« Reply #106 on: 30 June 2013, 16:20:00 »
Just a few hours left to purchase the soon to be archived SKU without the archive fee. Tomorrow after work I will be moving them into archive.