[iminime] / Trevor Grove - The Cowboy ~ FULL REVEAL ~

[PopCultKid]

I feel really bad that Denny got so worked up. I don't feel like I was so out of line in what I was saying but it really struck a nerve on him. Maybe I should've used a less abrasive word like "surprised" instead of "shocked". I really didn't mean anything by it.

I wrote him an email that hopefully explains myself better. He hasn't responded but I guess he needs a few days to cool down. IDK.

 

[Raymond F.]

Don't worry pop I sent him an email just to say keep your chin up sort of thing and he didnt respond either, not that it warranted a response or I was looking for one but I don't think your post specifically set him over the edge, I just think it was a culmination of things, likely it's a stressful time fr one reason or another and the constant nitpicking of this board proababoy just set him over the edge.

I know we are a whiney bunch but the truth is that for all of our complaints every single artist has emerged with better work for it. I think that it's impossible to please everyone but as long as the feedback is constructive and encouraging I have no plans to stop urging for improvements when warranted.

I think it was more the criticsm of the business model that was really the culprit in the stress. To be honest I don't blame him one bit about being offended over that at all. With the price of the items, the quality of the offerings and the cost of operations of the manufacturing what more can you really want? Start ups are expensive as hell. Some customizers in this board take money and take years to get the stuff out. Any delays in the part of iminime are to improve the product which in the end is better for everyone. I don't condone this criticism one bit.


My only word of warning to the pace is simply that the offerings are burning me out a bit. So much awesome stuff but too hard and too fast I need time to recuperate between purchases.

 

[greatlakes6]

I love the fact that Denny has been so accessible and willing to take suggestions to improve the offerings. Each figure has shown improvements based on the suggestions made by members here. I would hate for Denny/Iminime to stop showing progress photo's, stop taking feedback, etc. The great strides they have made seem to be a combination of their dedication and the willingness to listen to the fan base. I don't want that to stop. If you have not seen the latest Spock sculpt, it is unbelievable! When Denny makes changes to a project, they turn out fantastic. Let's appreciate what we have.

 

[Lejuan]

I haven't visited this thread in a while. What a bummer to visit now and find this discussion going on

 

[denny kim]

Dear Friends,

I apologize for my behavier here.

To explain myself(I wish I could use Korean, then I could express the true feeling of mine).

I treat every collectors like my friends, I dont see them like money.
I started iminime and hired many artists because I really love this to bring something to collectors that they can't see from major brands.

I was ok to spend more money that I get from sales, of course it's sometimes hard to pass....sometimes...if I get 80,000us for project, I spent like 90,000us....what I get? I get the feelings and pride.
the custom figures are not about money for myself, it's a joy....and just try to maintain all of my artists survive.
I have been in this field since 2001 as a businessman, and I have been running the best 1/6 community for myself as one solid administrator....spending several hundres K so far just for the community which I love.

My future plan for business is of course the licensed figures...and I have plans for that. it will bring me success or failure in the end.
for myself, I know most of Korean artists as friends, I helped them to grow at beggining by helping them to sell their custom works.
Most of the Korean artists working for Major companies got my help and made their debut so that they could keep their work and I am a good frined of them.

I can't be the best figure manufacturer for 1/6 as they are already 2-3 major companies that I can't really overcome.
But for custom figures, Yes...I can do.

this is my opinion and I can't be 100% sure, but only 1 artist cannot make custom figures like 70 to 100pcs.
You may think...hire workers and make it more can be the solution..but it's not.
Because we need very skillful workers as similiar level as the artist.
this is one of the major reason that artist can't really make larger edition.
There is a limit of concentration for paiting and making sculpts.
You cannot concentrate for making or painting for few weeks. it's impossible, you will get exahausted just doing many works for 1 -2 weeks.

Our team is different, I hired very potential staff and raised them to work...teach and education and giving them the vision to share with me. this is very difficult work and costing a lot, but eventually if it works well, eveything can go upgrade.

If you check our recent released custom figures, even though many painters handled, the quality stays almost same.
Adding 3D designed accessories made our procesure delay....as we had to replace many of previous work.
I am expecting 6 months from the currect time, our work will be much faster with better quality of course as our new workers gain experiences a lot with many projects.
When the time comes, I and my staff might get some more salary.
I share my profit for all of my staff, not equally but as much as I can...I do. but.....the price that I set up is the minimum.....
600-800 us per figure by custom artist, our work is not much different. maybe some works are better sometimes.
the spending budget isn't different, out team might spend more..I think for material and many other things.

I wish I could make perfect figures, that's my dream..but I really have to think about the budget that i can spend, I can't really spend more budget that i get from preorder.(I did sometimes)

If I make the right price for our work, it has to be as similiar as to other custom artists.
but as I promised myself....I always try to stay the price if possible.
Females.....yes, it cost more as we have to spend more time. Time consuming is cost actually....as I have to support my team.

Mike, I got your email and I am so sorry for my action.
this is personal feeling that....I say friend....means....taking all the things as friend and backing up them...and share happiness and sadness. my heart about you was friend...that's why I was very upset.....You could send emails as friend for criticism....than writing here...WTD...I spent more than the total sales....what I have is the satisfaction...and the happiness from my customers.
For cowboy project, it is the same as well......but I am happy..and try to satisfy my customers...

If I get 700us for a figure, yes...I can do a lot more perfection for sure...but as I expressed how I run this work, sometimes I had to pass on.....for example the rifle...the prototype was done by one of my new painters. He did very good job..but the problem is....he spent too much time on it. He concentrated for that painting for hours and hours....for small run like 10-20pcs with high price, yes I can accept that...but he spent a lot more than I expected...which makes really difficult for many numbered riles.
He realized it recently and asked me if he could change the color a bit and he explained that the model has few types of colors and it won't really be problem.
I had to accept for this, otherwise, as he is very responsible, he cannot rest for his holidays...even that..the work counldn't be finished soon...it would take month.....just for the rifle....

I am so sorry that I didn't explain this in advance...I thought I tried my best for better result...I thought it would be ok as this is not completely wrong.
There are many things are different from prototype as I expained before. many things are better than prototype if I may say....

Wake is a great man....I haven't met him yet..But I feel it.
He helped me a lot for screen accuracy..suggestions...etc...
of course, our team also has so many sources of photos and I cay say...many of the photos from collectors....we have them already.
what I always concern is....the schedule would be ok...to do this? or not...the cost would be ok to do or not....things like this.
as I often accept more accessory suggestions....and the price stays..on....sometimes make me hard to say...yes of course...as I have to think about the cost.
Making 1000-2000pcs of things is really cost less...
No one can make shoes like WDT in PVC mold just for small numbers.
because metal mold and injection mold cost really thousands us dollar. it means your business get minus. But I did..and I am happy about it.
I was very tired of reading negatives here in the board, not just for iminime..but to other people.
I am here to be happy.....I honestly can say..I don't treat you like my money.....I love people....I love giving things to others....
that's my nature.....I like giviing gift......when I give....something to someone..I gain happiness.

I am writing this because I do not want to hurt anyone here.
Doing this 1/6 custom project......I hope you guys get more happiness.

I have a great partner Wake here...so I think it's time to be away from the forum....so I left that message...more I accept things...listen things.....I feel that there are more to come to ask....
so I have been thinking this recently..and the timing was the Sunday.

Thank you for all of your support and love on our works.

For sure...we are not perfect and not no.1
But...you will see how our works will be best in the future.

THank you and have a good week.

Denny

 

[LordAzrael]

Hey Denny, keep up the good work mate. Its hard as both sides are passionate and sometimes don't understand how easily words meant constructively can hurt

The only company I can compare to yourself in terms of going through the pains of start up was Triad, and I think you've achieved a very good result by that standard.

Looking forward to your upcoming products

VIP Number #0001 ;-)

 

[chubbyman]

Hey Denny! Good to see you back! We all get worked up over figures because we are truly passionate about them! This is the lamborghini to the car enthusiasts and to put that metaphor into good use, you as a lamborghini maker would obviously want the best for us! Although we nit pick on the detail a lot, I feel that the communication you have with us is unique. Please stay on SSF and just weed out the negativity from members and focus on the fun, passion, and positive criticism from the majority of us!

 

[PopCultKid]

Mike, I got your email and I am so sorry for my action.
this is personal feeling that....I say friend....means....taking all the things as friend and backing up them...and share happiness and sadness. my heart about you was friend...that's why I was very upset.....You could send emails as friend for criticism....than writing here...

Denny

There he goes!!! Please, there's no reason to apologize to me my man; I'm the one who's sorry. And no need to apologize to us for your actions. Everyone has to blow off steam and it's totally cool to vent. You have a lot of friends and supporters here so you should feel at home and comfortable doing so

I hope we can just put this misunderstanding behind us

 

[TotalDominAsian]

The last part of his reply seems to indicate he's gone from SSF. It's been that way for just about every artist. Some ignorant loudmouths hurt people's feelings and everyone ends up losing contact with yet another artist.

I'm not directing this solely at one or two people here even in this thread, but it's getting ridiculous across so many custom threads here. Any chance we can get the mods to start banning offensive posters with zero social skills out of these threads?? You see it in almost ever iminime, Rainman, etc thread where people verbally attack others or their work as if they could do better.

 

[chubbyman]

The last part of his reply seems to indicate he's gone from SSF. It's been that way for just about every artist. Some ignorant loudmouths hurt people's feelings and everyone ends up losing contact with yet another artist.

I'm not directing this solely at one or two people here even in this thread, but it's getting ridiculous across so many custom threads here. Any chance we can get the mods to start banning offensive posters with zero social skills out of these threads?? You see it in almost ever iminime, Rainman, etc thread where people verbally attack others or their work as if they could do better.

Governing posts would lead to a louder outcry...as a public forum of discussion, the thread should be as is. It's the internet, nothing can be done to verbal assaults onto others cause at the end of the day, it's just a person behind a monitor. Truly a shame Denny has decided to leave I'll continue my support regardless!

 

[greatlakes6]

When I joined 66batman.com a few years ago, I thought it was strange that they didn't allow bashing or negative comments to be made either toward a product or another member. I can now see where they were coming from.

 

[Iggyrox]

Glad that Denny seems to be at peace now with previous comments but definitely sad to see him leave the forum. All his hard work to establish goodwill and rapport with forum members -- completely redoing sculpts based on member feedback, travelling thousands of miles to attend fancom just to reach out to a small group of customers, giving away head sculpts (how many artists or vendors even do that?) -- all seemingly taken for granted. I'm not disappointed by forum members giving well-intentioned but misunderstood critiques as I am with moderators doing more harm than good with their policy-enforcement "to protect forum members" b/s. I paid for T and N after seeing the updated Tyler sculpt and before Wake's photos. Not once did I feel in need of any protection from this board or any moderator based on Denny's responsive nature and on past transactions. Instead of encouraging upstanding people of this community like Denny to openly communicate with members and thereby contribute to the advancement of this hobby, these do-good moderators are driving them away!

 

[Lejuan]

One person's constructive criticism is another person's hurtful comment.

And too many cooks etc etc.

I think Denny has made a smart move. Establishing Wake as his forum go-to guy means he can make sure that comments are filtered while maintaining close contact with this customer base.

It is sad to see Denny himself disengage from the forum, but he is well represented here in Wake.

I personally enjoy the robust nature of exchanges in the licensed threads, but the tone is definitely not for everyone. The 'vibe' on this board is not a 'happy' one, that's for sure. Since I've become more interested in customs I do feel sorry for the artists who read through the comments about what they should change, fix, include etc. It would do my head in.

 

[SwedishHeat]

You ever have one of those times where you have so much you want to say, but in the spirit of Denny's post and being positive, you just don't post anything at all??

 

[gido]

Sorry, guys!Does it mean in ssf forum will be no more posts and threads from Dennie?No more new figures info here?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4

 

[PopCultKid]

You ever have one of those times where you have so much you want to say, but in the spirit of Denny's post and being positive, you just don't post anything at all??

Yes. ......

 

[PopCultKid]

I think it's a little extreme for Denny to leave the forum all together but he probably shouldn't read every single post either. If the Kardashians (or many other celebs) read everything that's printed, it would eventually drive them crazy too. Not an exact apples to apples example but you get the point.

Dave wants to have a loose and open forum here and I like that. I wouldn't want to be part of some pseudo-utopian society like greatlakes is saying the 66batman forum is. I like this uncensored (for the most part) environment. This is a place for open discussion and I like that. It's up to the individual to conduct themselves in a respectful manner (no different than real life) but aside from some obvious things like speaking in a racist fashion, there are few things that should be off limits for discussion in this open forum. Of course we should also use our better judgment and be mindful that people are present even when we don't realize it (lurkers), but certain levels of censorship is nonsense.

As far Denny taking on feedback.... people talk about the cooks and ear whisperers and all of this but nothing but good has come out of the suggestions thus far. The road getting to the end result may be winding and bumpy but the suggestions have upped the stock of every set that there was some fan involvement so far. Denny's job is hard no doubt. But it's up to him to take all the info, divide the right and wrong, feasible and impossible and make it happen. If all the initial reveals to date were final and it weren't for the suggestions and respective changes made, I'd own 1/4 of the Iminime figs that I do.

I honestly welcome the day that Iminime (or any other artist here) drops a reveal and at first sight there's no major improvement necessary, and there's not much for the crowd to point out. That would make the ride smoother on both the producer's and customer's part

....Not once did I feel in need of any protection from this board or any moderator based on Denny's responsive nature and on past transactions. Instead of encouraging upstanding people of this community like Denny to openly communicate with members and thereby contribute to the advancement of this hobby....

In all fairness, it's a valid concern and it's probably on more people's mind than just who we see speaking up. I really don't have strong feelings about it and I can see some downsides mixed in with the ups. I won't say that I don't recognize the potential problem, but I'm not overly concerned.

My main point goes back to the open forum. There's no reason something like that couldn't or shouldn't be discussed. Denny got upset with me because I was just jumping aboard a conversation about it. To me it was more small talk or talking shop as I'm not too personally vested in the issue or gung-ho about getting behind a push for change.... but people should be free to talk. It's easier to do business here when you understand the terrain and know how to swim in these waters

 

[CodyH]

Think we should put it to rest....don't think he would want this to continue with discussion. Would only make him stick with staying out of the forum.

Looking forward to see the figure.

 

[Kubrick]

Just wanted to chime in, low post count so I guess my opinion is less "valid", certainly hope not.

I've been collecting for just under a year. When I started searching for more custom and cult-movie specific 1/6 figs I came across some Iminime figures. I had no idea what they were/how to get them at the time.

I was lucky enough to get a Wallstreet Killer fullset, I guess not lucky since there were some available after the preorder period. Regardless, Denny responded to every one of my emails kindly and promptly.

I saw early pictures of The Town Sheriff figure and was absolutely floored. I emailed Denny about it and he said they were sold out but I'd be put on the wait-list. I just took this as I would never get one and started to go about bashing my own Sheriff. To my surprise, Denny emailed me recently about a town sheriff, I was truly surprised that he took the time and remembered I had even wanted one.

Iminimes prices are very reasonable in my opinion. Espeically with the quality of the work. The Wallstreet Killer is truly an amazing piece, the metal weapons, the suit tailoring the sculpt.

Its unfortunate if its really the case that Denny is leaving the forum. I found it not only reassuring but very encouraging that Denny would visit the boards, discuss workflow and take suggestions and criticisms.

Like I said, I know I'm still new around here but just wanted to say how pleasant it has been interacting with Denny and its a shame if he really is leaving.

 

[stshammgod]

Wow, Denny, what a great post. I think this is why YOU ARE #1 with us here. No other customizer shares the passion for this hobby more than you do. I don't know anyone else that would take potential hits to the budget simply because you love what you do. Yes, some people can cross a line without those intentions, but your passion for this hobby can bring out the emotions; I get it. I have a new-found respect for you.