Statue Aragorn Maquette - Link in 1st post.

[WrathofSauron]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I mean WOODSY!!!! of course!

 

[The Josh]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

BF, if you think it humanly possible to have an honest, objective conversation regarding the pro's and con's of SS with the one person around here who has benefited the most from his affiliation with them, you are :
A]. sadly mistaken
B]. wasting your time

We all benefit from SS relationship with Dave and this board. Even you Woodsy. Dave is more than capable and does a great job IMO if being quite fair with folks talking about SS. He lets more than he should go by with baseless accusations and other junk like that.

As I said before SS is a company and as such I understand their need to make money. I don't think anyone around here really expects SS to continue producing lines in which the profits they make do not justify the time, effort, and prod. costs required to produce them. Was SS losing money, or headed into bankruptcy court as a result of this line?.....not a chance. But obviously they felt they could make a higher percentage of profit focusing their energy elsewhere.

Right so if a line isn't making any headway why keep doing it? Doesn't make sense to do so just because a few people like it. Find something else in that license that sells well that the fans will support.

I cannot blame SS completely for this mess as the poor economic conditions worldwide, and the ever fading popularity of LOTR on the whole no doubt have had a negative effect. Where I do blame them however is in the mismanagement of this line and I absolutely question the passion and committment of those involved, not only where this line is concerned, but the entire LOTR licence.

Well, I agree they are not at fault for the fact the economy just sucks. Have they made some mistakes with the LOTR lines? Yes, they have IMO. They will admit that too I believe. However, I will without a shadow of a doubt challenge your claim that they don't care or have a passion for this license. I know for a fact they do having had many a conversation with them.

To SS and any apologists who would prefer taking the easy [not to mention laziest] way out by placing the blame on the shoulders of collectors :

Well, I'm not placing the entire blame on collectors but I will say we are responsible for some.

Was it the collectors who decided to cheapen the look of these busts with those lousy generic bases starting with GTG? Or was that SS taking the easy way out and trying to save a buck all at the same time?

I liked the base of the GTG LSB. I thought it was simply and classy. I don't want something busy that draws attention away from the subject and I think thats the route they went.

Was it the collectors who decided the perfect time to release an Aragorn LSB with a so-so likeness was a month after shipping the PF, which just so happens to feature the best likeness ever sculpted? What a shocker....that LSB is still available!

They tried to time things where folks who would just be getting the PF might be stoked and get the LSB bust. The likeness is alright but as we've seen nailing Viggo is a pain in the ass for some reason. If this is Trev's sculpt (the maquette) and people don't like it I think it shows just how hard it is to nail. Honestly, as far as the LSB go though I don't think its a line that does all that great as a whole. I never see anyone getting all that much into the LSB lines.

Was it the collectors who decided they didn't want a light-up Balrog bust? Or was that SS once again trying to save a buck at the expense of collectors? Oh look, another bust that's still available!

I believe they tried and couldn't get it to look right. Would you have preferred they do it, cost us more, and it look like crap? If you do then please don't run any collectibles company I buy stuff from. I'd rather them save me a buck and make something nice than try for something that just doesn't work.

Was it the collectors that asked for light-up features in the first place? Or was that a promise made by SS from the very beginning , one they failed to deliver on? You decide.......

https://www.sideshowtoy.com/?p=1668&source=wp_news

See my previous response above.

Was it the fault of the collectors that the momentum of this line was completed drained from it, due to poor choices and a complete lack of anything remotely resembling new offerings in a timely fashion?

I think the LSB stuff again just doesn't sell well and then you factor in LOTR just doesn't sell as well as it did back in the day. The other lines I believe are held back by some issues with costumes being very difficult to make. Especially if they're going to be made to any kind of a high standard.

Is it the fault of collectors that SS never tapped into the passion and knowledge of forum memebers here who apparently have a better feel for the LOTR pulse than those running the show? The same collectors who time and time again approached SS concerning product suggestions [such as a MOS with mithril shirt, Saruman with light-up palantir, fell beast, etc.....] only to be ignored How'd going it alone work out for you SS?

Do you know that they dont? I mean really do you!? I don't think you do so your claim is totally off base. They listen and read these forums and do what they can within what they can. Some of your suggestions or our suggestions may be in the work or coming at somepoint. Also we don't know what when they go to NL or LFL and say we want to do this and are told nope we want this.

Is it the fault of collectors that SS for some reason failed to take a page from the Weta handbook, where they actually ask the fans what they most want to see produced and allow them to participate in the process? What a great, great idea! What possible excuse does SS have for not following suit?

They have done polls in the past and have things on their site almost all the time. Again, with the licenses they have they may not be allowed to simply say what do you all want and do it. Weta may be able to because they're simply doing enviroments or something similar.

And is it the fault of collectors who now feel betrayed, not to mention ticked off, after being deliberately lied to by SS concerning the status of this line?

Thats a fairly strong accusation there bud. Maybe at the time it was true but as things change over a few months they may have had to go a different direction.

Here's bottom line. The LSB line got off to an amazing start, but slowing and surely with cost cutting measures, poor execution [on some of the likenesses], poor character choices, and a general lack of passion or real concern for the fate of the line [no doubt working on so some many licences all at the same time has relegated LOTR to nothing more than just another number at SS] by those overseeing the line. Unfortunately, because of all the things I've listed above I don't have the slightest doubt the dio. line will be next. And unlike some of the apologists around here, I'm going to put the blame exactly where it belongs....directly at the feet of Sideshow.

Read my posts above to get my feelings on this. Sadly you're off the mark pretty much on everything you've said but that shouldn't be a shock. Accusations are easy to toss out there.

 

[woodsy]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Read my posts above to get my feelings on this. Sadly you're off the mark pretty much on everything you've said but that shouldn't be a shock. Accusations are easy to toss out there.

Josh, I take a tremendous amount of comfort in knowing you disagree with me on pretty well every point I made. It tells me the path I've taken is straight and true, and that without I doubt I hit a bullseye with every one of them. Thank you!

 

[The Josh]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Josh, I take a tremendous amount of comfort in knowing you disagree with me on pretty well every point I made. It tells me the path I've taken is straight and true, and that without I doubt I hit a bullseye with every one of them. Thank you!

If that's what helps ya sleep better. You simply just are basing you pov without having all the info. It's easy to judge on the outside looking in.

 

[GrueSam]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

You'll take even more comfort then, Woodsy, knowing that many of us disagree with you. We just don't have the desire to banter with you on the board so we discuss it behind the scenes...

 

[The Ween]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I'm waiting to see more pics because if it's Viggo, I want it. It'll have to suck bigtime before I won't get it. I'm not happy with the pic they showed, but that doesn't mean it won't look good other wise.

I'll be curious to see if it's "Jacket on or Jacket off".

 

[azurepred]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

I'm waiting to see more pics because if it's Viggo, I want it. It'll have to suck bigtime before I won't get it. I'm not happy with the pic they showed, but that doesn't mean it won't look good other wise.

I'll be curious to see if it's "Jacket on or Jacket off".

You really hate that movie dont you?

 

[mikkipog]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

If that's what helps ya sleep better. You simply just are basing you pov without having all the info. It's easy to judge on the outside looking in.

so what are these info that you're talking about? because as it seems, disagreeing with most of woodsy's points (which is how most of the SS LOTR collectors here feel at the moment) and somewhat defending SS on their lack of attention on this license altogether, you might be knowing something that we don't. if you can make us see from where you're seeing this matter from and make us change our minds regarding this, that will definitely help. because as of now, having only the PF and this crappy maquette line to support the LOTR license, it's hangin' by a thread, and we collectors are simply not happy about this. that's the point, plain and simple. so if you have any concrete "info", not just the vague statements that you've answered woodsy's claims with, that could definitely balance things out.

 

[FlyAndFight]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Lots of shadow in the pic. I'm pretty sure this is a Trevor sculpt and he's knocked Aragorn out of the park in smaller scale than this. I think you should wait for the full reveal before making any decisions.

If it truly is a Trevor sculpt, then in my opinion it will be amazing and THE best Viggo as Aragorn sculpt so far.

There's got to be another reason for this last photo to appear to be off.

 

[mikkipog]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

i am still thankful that sideshow is still continuing the license though, thought barely. somewhere in the recent answers they gave, they stated that for now, they'd be concentrating on the good guys for the maquette line, and baddies for the PF line. personally, as i only collect only the PF, LSB and diorama lines, i'm so looking forward to having GTG, ML, and the others baddie PFs as well. i'm still hopeful about the dio line, and the LSB, well try giving the collectors what they actually want, it will completely be a different story from what we're having right now.

 

[The Ween]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

You really hate that movie dont you?

 

[The Josh]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

so what are these info that you're talking about? because as it seems, disagreeing with most of woodsy's points (which is how most of the SS LOTR collectors here feel at the moment) and somewhat defending SS on their lack of attention on this license altogether, you might be knowing something that we don't. if you can make us see from where you're seeing this matter from and make us change our minds regarding this, that will definitely help. because as of now, having only the PF and this crappy maquette line to support the LOTR license, it's hangin' by a thread, and we collectors are simply not happy about this. that's the point, plain and simple. so if you have any concrete "info", not just the vague statements that you've answered woodsy's claims with, that could definitely balance things out.

I have no specifics. I'm just basing off of talking with them about how much they love lotr and what they hope they can do with it. Also basing off of that we know other licensors have asked for things to be changed. Stuff like that. Some of it is just simple common sense that somtimes I'm sorry gets overlooked by the mob.

 

[xerxes]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

BF, if you think it humanly possible to have an honest, objective conversation regarding the pro's and con's of SS with the one person around here who has benefited the most from his affiliation with them, you are :
A]. sadly mistaken
B]. wasting your time

I cannot blame SS completely for this mess as the poor economic conditions worldwide, and the ever fading popularity of LOTR on the whole no doubt have had a negative effect. Where I do blame them however is in the mismanagement of this line and I absolutely question the passion and committment of those involved, not only where this line is concerned, but the entire LOTR licence.

Was it the collectors who decided the perfect time to release an Aragorn LSB with a so-so likeness was a month after shipping the PF, which just so happens to feature the best likeness ever sculpted? What a shocker....that LSB is still available!

Was it the fault of the collectors that the momentum of this line was completed drained from it, due to poor choices and a complete lack of anything remotely resembling new offerings in a timely fashion?

Is it the fault of collectors that SS never tapped into the passion and knowledge of forum memebers here who apparently have a better feel for the LOTR pulse than those running the show? The same collectors who time and time again approached SS concerning product suggestions [such as a MOS with mithril shirt, Saruman with light-up palantir, fell beast, etc.....] only to be ignored How'd going it alone work out for you SS?

Mostly snipped for size...

Sure there are many issues around the why's these lines, 1/6 and LSB (dio's???) have been put 'on hold'. I certainly agree that any notion of it somehow being the consumers fault is

 

[theguru1]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

If it truly is a Trevor sculpt, then in my opinion it will be amazing and THE best Viggo as Aragorn sculpt so far.

There's got to be another reason for this last photo to appear to be off.

If it is, then pretty soon we should be getting a full series of head sculpt images from Trevor, like we have in the past, which will clearly show how good the likeness is or isn't. No doubt he's just itching to post right now (if it is his), but can't just yet.

IF, that turns out to be the case, then we are back to the old problem of paint apps, which considering the preview pic should be from an in-house paint job, doesn't bode well for the factory versions.


That aside, if the license allows Weta to listen to collectors, then why wouldn't the license (from the same company) allow Sideshow to do the same.

 

[DaveMac]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. ..."




Roll on the full reveal and in hand pics for some true reflections of a brave new line.

Oh, and a BIG thumbs up to Sideshow for the possibility of Boromir in armour (a good sign of listening to those who wanted this). I am still promoting the Fellowship in PF form and hope I get my wish as well.

 

[woodsy]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Mostly snipped for size...

Sure there are many issues around the why's these lines, 1/6 and LSB (dio's???) have been put 'on hold'. I certainly agree that any notion of it somehow being the consumers fault is

No kidding Seriously, it's hard to believe anyone could be so warped as to actually think the consumer is partially to blame for not buying a companies product. And this coming from a few select individuals who don't even collect LSB's. So I guess if you follow this type of warped thinking to it's logical conclusion they're actually blaming themselves. I guess they haven't quite figured that out yet. Apparently they haven't figured out consumers will only buy a companies products as long as they feel they are getting value for their money either.

Can you imagine the CEO's of GM and Chrysler getting in front of the TV last year when they were facing a total collapse and chastising the consumer in part, for not buying their product? Luckily for them, they're not that stupid. Luckily for them, they were smart enough to not only put the blame squarely where it belonged [their own shoulders], but they actually did something to remedy the situation. Are you listening SS?

 

[Bullseye]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Will the diorama line continue now that this line is coming out?

 

[Something Sexy]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

No kidding Seriously, it's hard to believe anyone could be so warped as to actually think the consumer is partially to blame for not buying a companies product. And this coming from a few select individuals who don't even collect LSB's. So I guess if you follow this type of warped thinking to it's logical conclusion they're actually blaming themselves. I guess they haven't quite figured that out yet. Apparently they haven't figured out consumers will only buy a companies products as long as they feel they are getting value for their money either.

Can you imagine the CEO's of GM and Chrysler getting in front of the TV last year when they were facing a total collapse and chastising the consumer in part, for not buying their product? Luckily for them, they're not that stupid. Luckily for them, they were smart enough to not only put the blame squarely where it belonged [their own shoulders], but they actually did something to remedy the situation. Are you listening SS?

It just goes to show how young and immature of a company Sideshow still is.

 

[LOTRFan]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

It just goes to show how young and immature of a company Sideshow still is.

Some of the character decisions are questionable, but I still think they are on top of the collecting world.

 

[DaveMac]

Re: Aragorn Maquette Teaser

Some of the character decisions are questionable, but I still think they are on top of the collecting world.

I agree

It's never going to be a business on the scale of a car manufacturer and they are a specialist company meeting a relatively small market. Hopefully they are still growing and part of that growth involves the need to be a bit more forthcoming in answering questions fully or listing what characters will be incorporated in a particular line (as in this new line).