Sick of Konquests, Surveys, and Petitions

[Customikey]

Look I shouldn't have to boil my first post down to more digestable chunks for you, Creecher. I know you are more intelligent than that.

I'm not saying the figure shouldn't be made. This is not about that. Nor is it about the threads that have been set up specifically for the Krusade. Nor do I intend to slight the wishes of a large segment of fandom who would love to see their favorite characters made. I am not proposing everyone keep silent. I'm not against the Krusade. Far from it. It'd be a cool-ass figure.

I'm not proposing banning anything. Not signatures, non-sequitars, etc. I much prefer self-governance. I think we're capable of it and should practice a little. I'm not sure the Krusaders realize just how often the Krusade infiltrates unrelated threads. I don't think they are aware just how often they give a shout out to their cause, adding nothing to conversation.

And I didn't intend this thread to be specifically about the Krusaders, although they provide a prime example. A forum is about sharing ideas, not lobbying endlessly for a single idea. It's played out. Sideshow knows what we want. No company in the history of collecting has ever had more communication with it's fan base. Believe me, they know. Neither they nor I, nor any of us require anymore oversized sigs (at this point they are more like billboards in every post) or supersized color fonts to recognize the huge potential market for Medival Kurgan.

And I do realize that this could potentially happen for many many characters in SW and LOTR, and probably will. But I am a proponent of restraint, moderation, and civilized discourse over bashing me in the head with a F'n hammer every time you want something.

I'm a very tolerant man. I doubt you could find too many of my posts which contain diatribes of annoyance and frustration. But this is too much. I've had about as much as I can stand.

 

[Customikey]

but I don';t think putting a restriction would serve any better purpose.
maybe a few suggestions and remarks about the annoyance might quiet it down naturally

I agree 100%. That's what I'm attempting here.

Edit: Geez. I just took a look in the Krusader introduction thread. That is really scary guys. I used to go to high school in Alabama. I learned a lot about the history of the state. Now I'm being serious here. That thread reminds me forcefully of the rites of the KKK. The way everyone is talking, and giving themselves little titles.. I mean, Jesus, someone is calling themselves a Grand Master for God's Sake. That's a Klan title!
It doesn't help that everything is "K" this and "K" that in there. It's doubly scary to see people I respect in there, spouting that rubbish. It feels like it's less about a figure and more about a mob mentality.

Edit: See further along for a full apology for this statement.

 

[EVILFACE]

To simple it down, he talking about post like this:

https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=217145&postcount=42

https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=217158&postcount=684

Kurgan has nothing to do with the rest of the thread.

 

[Batty]

I'm one of those who enjoys the "One Last Highlander" thread, but I keep all my crusading in the sandbox or Kurgan specific threads because it doesn't represent me overall as a collector... I totally understand where you're coming from, Mikey. But I would hardly consider myself a Klan member and I've never thought of anyone else involved as a Klan member(I'm actually a bit hurt by this analogy). Yes, there are some overzealous Kurgan fans, and I've even spoken out about posts that I thought were inappropriate, but I don't think anyone means any real harm. It's not so much about mob mentality as it is about being a part of something. And is there anyone who is really afraid of the Krusade?

 

[Darklord Dave]

I've tried to say it but no one listens. I usually don't have any insight or knowledge into what SSC plans or does in regards to specific lines. But on this I DO speak with some authority.

Highlander was a failed line. Embarrassingly so. It sold worse than Get Smart. There is absolutely no way that an Origins Kurgan will be done. In SSC's point of view it would be throwing good money after bad.

I've had plenty of problems with the "Crusade" but have allowed it to continue because like most of the silliness, it dies down after awhile. But I'd agree that it is incredibly annoying at times.

I guess it's time for another crack-down with more heavy moderation to keep threads on-topic. I don't really like to do this, but I guess we have to in the best overall interest of the board.

 

[Customikey]

I'm not afraid so much as disturbed. The bounds of good taste have been passed and some members state outright that they plan on being disruptive. That bothers me. I'm sorry you're hurt by the analogy, but I see what I see.

 

[Customikey]

I guess it's time for another crack-down with more heavy moderation to keep threads on-topic. I don't really like to do this, but I guess we have to in the best overall interest of the board.

I still hope this isn't needed. I still think everyone is smart enough to govern themselves and restrain the Krusade to a reasonable level.

 

[Batty]

I'm not afraid so much as disturbed. The bounds of good taste have been passed and some members state outright that they plan on being disruptive. That bothers me. I'm sorry you're hurt by the analogy, but I see what I see.

That's understandable. I guess I should just speak for myself. Freaks is important to me... maybe more important than it should be. But I really enjoy it here and I never mean to say or do anything that would seem inappropriate. I think that's why I keep my posts about Kurgan limited to the sandbox.

I hope some others who crusade, not only for Kurgan, but other figures as well, can chime in with their views about how they post and the use of banners.

 

[figuremaster_les]

I have stripped the banner from my signature. The banner that I created. Yes, I created it. And I am sure you knew that.

I never cared whether I got a Mediveal Kurgan or not Mikey. I can make my own Medieval Kurgan whenever I get the means and work one out, at any time. As could you also, I might add. We customize figures from scratch do we not? Many f these folks can't. Hence their frustrations.


Maybe this was indeed not the place to do this. I am new here. And I found a group of members that really made me laugh. I needed that. I appreciate their cause. So, I tried to help it.

I made the "offending" banners, but with good intent.
I am very, VERY appalled at the Klan reference, and again, being Southern, it especially galls me to read that. I find that offensive. That comment does hurt my feelings quite a bit. I HATE THE KLAN and any other discriminations, and find all that abhorrant to my deepest depths. I would NEVER condone that group nor any other like it. EVER.

But, know that I joined the "Krusade" to aid some fine folks who needed a boost, and a figure, and make no apologies for my actions.

IT WAS FUN. IT STILL IS. And I hope the thing is made, for their sakes.
But, If I can find a way...if there is a way...if it can be done....
I WOULD MAKE EACH AND EVERY KRUSADER A MEDIEVAL KURGAN.
Or at least, find the means for us to get together and make them.
I know it is possible.
It takes something that has apparantly scared old Mikey here...
TEAMWORK!

So, I will take my part of the Krusade out of here and to a realm where it will not be considered offensive. I will only talk of Star Wars and repaints and speak in nice, clean, normal fonts, and will be nice and pleasant and bring no more attention to myself nor others.

But, do not think that the drive ends here. There must be a way. And, maybe it can be found. I bet it can.

I apologize to any other members that my art has offended. It was totally unintentional.

Thank you for letting me be a part of it all though. King, Shai. Creech. You guys....thanks.

Les

PS: I also never said F'n. Well, I did just now. See what you made me do.

 

[LordAzrael]

Yeah I know Mikey, but I try to look at it like one of those cartoons -- you're watching it minding your own business when a horde of crusaders run by raising swords kicking up dust clouds, then exit frame... then show up again later. Silly but inocuous, hopefully...

Anyway that's my .02

We're like the Spanish Inquisition like that!

 

[King Darkness]

That thread reminds me forcefully of the rites of the KKK

Ok....I just logged on and came right to this thread.

First and foremost, let address the statement made by Customikey. I am of hispanic decent, my last name is Valdez to and to be in any way compared to the KKK is very upseting to me. You would have to be of a very closed mind to try and compare a "Krusade" on an internet board of a bunch of freinds to a radical racist hate group, it is possibly the most ignorant thing I have ever read hear. Not only is it ignorant to make a statement like that its irresponsible. So please, Mikey, think before making a statement such as that. Its offensive and has no place here!

Secound, the krusade has been a fun outlet for all of six of us for the last 3 months. Lately many other board members have made the choice to join in the fun. With the banner created by Les, and with many more members haveing it in their signatue,it has become much more visible. Its and awesome banner and it has the right to be seen by or used by any member of the board. Also, like has been already stated, most all our Kurgan threads are in the sandbox, and are very cleary titled as such. as are all the other kurgan threads. It would seem rather easy to not click on them and ignore the threads as a whole.

Asfar as thread hyjacking goes, I dont know of anyone here who hasn't been guilty of it at least once. There have been many threads that have been hyjacked ,with a few post, by Krusaders and can easy be pasted over. You are not forced to read these posts and I am a little surprised to the that you are in fact upset by it. I didnt think there was a mentality on this board that you have displayed here.

The Krusade has never attacked other members, made overly offensive statements to inflame other members, or purposely "hyjacked" threads to anger anyone on this board. Our intent was to have fun, bring attention to the Krusade. If you, or anyone else, feels offened or attacked by the Krusade then I apologize. I though we were all freinds here. I make many posts in many threads with NO mention of the Krusade. Often times in fact, I will be reading a thread that makes mention of the Krusade first, so I will comment and then leave it at that.

I was under the impression that everyone here had fun with the Krusade, made jokes at it, made fun of it, and in general laughed us off. I had no idea there were thosethat felt so strongly about us.

After all, we are all at the mercy of Dave and the other Mods, and we, or I, have been told nothing or lead to believe that we were harassing the board as a whole. If this is so, and we are indeed causeing a major problem on the board then I would like to take this time and apologize to anyone who was offened by me or any other Krusader.

 

[JustinLuck]

Hmm. I have never seen the movie Highlander and have no idea what a Kurgan is. But I also have never been bothered by any posts about it either. Even if a post is off topic, it doesn't bother me unless the thread becomes derailed. I tend to read pretty quickly, so if a post doesn't interest me, I will skim the material. But it certainly doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the thread as a whole.

I think all they are doing is some good natured fun.

 

[Captain Faramir]

I know I'm not the best person to address this issue, but because I have spent time with the Krusaders yet am not one myself, I hope I can find a point of mutual approbation.

The "Krusade," as it is called, is a fun outlet for those involved to express their desires concerning Sideshow products. There's a figure they want, and they wanna make their cries heard. And so, happily reaching for their inner-kids, they use big letters, massive signatures, and lots of fancy language. I have too; it's fun.

However, there is also a line. Not every thread needs to be Krusaded--If I'm reading my Lord of the Rings or Star Wars threads, that's what I'll talk about. It lets those who aren't interested in the Krusade feel like they can invest their time entirely in their own interests. If I'm asking for Faramir in a LOTR thread, I wouldn't want somebody screaming for a figure from another movie. It's off-topic.

The key is moderation and tact. There are threads in the sandbox where Krusaders can have all kinds of fun. I have fun there too and have made friends with many freaks there. There are seperate threads in the main pages where modest, restrained petitions can be made free from the large fonting and the massive images. Let us keep the Krusade in those designated areas, and allow other freaks the freedom to browse unfettered by the demands of the Krusade.

Am I a Krusader? No; I've never even seen the movie. Yet in thier Krusading lingo, I'm an "ally" and "ambassador"--and ambassadors maintain peaceful relations. I recommend that the Krusaders be courteous and tasteful in their Krusading, and that others allow them to continue their venture within the predetermined areas. That way we can all enjoy these forums and yet still work towards seeing our dream figures made.

Sorry I'm not the best at articulating this, but I felt that, since I'm on middle-ground, maybe I could help the forums out. I love Sideshow Freaks, and I try to be a peacemaker when I can. Hope this helps somebody at least.

 

[Captain Faramir]

Oh, and sorry about that crazy long post!

 

[galactiboy]

I need to chime in as well being a fellow Krusader. I am (like King) very hurt by the analogy of the Klan. Sure there are K's in our posts, but ya' can't spell Kurgan or Kosher w/o the K (I'm Jewish by the way).

Also, our posts are in good fun, but they are also boisterous because it is in keeping with the character we would like to have made. We started with some pretty crazy antics, but have greatly toned-down even though we are still attracting new people into our "ranks".

I can understand if every thread was being hijacked, which they aren't this could be a problem. But as has already been stated we don't hijack threads, and it only happened early in our fun on a few isolated threads (Ironman knows what I'm talking about ) and Dave has laid the smack down on us for it. And the threads we have dedicated to ourselves are clearly labeled so one doesn't have to "accidently" stumble into them.

I for one will continue to use my signature, as I hope everyone with goofy signatures will continue to do. And I don't want to come of as attacking you Mikey, in anyway as I genuinely think you are a very cool guy. But it does get a little tiresome that the Kurganites get blamed for all the annoyances, even though that was not the original intent of your thread, it quickly became that way.

 

[DarkArtist81]

Wow..... This whole thread hurts me. I know the Krusade has bothered some people, the craziness of it.... the way it's so big and everywhere. I know that some of my buddies have been pretty out there with it, saying things in threads that have nothing to do with Highlander or the Kurgan. But it was never intended to annoy, at least not from me. I agree with Les 100% here, I never was the most vocal of the group, nor did I ever mean to offend. All I ever wanted to do was help, and I still do try. I am gonna make one, and will do whatever I can to get it casted for each and every member of our much maligned group of misfits.

But I still feel hurt....

Highjacking threads has happened since I started posting here, though it was Star Wars and therefore.....allowed. Or LOTR and therefore.... no big deal. But when it's the Kurgan.... it's too much and bothering everyone. Whatever... If you want us to stop, we will. But I guess we went wrong believing that it was all in good fun and our fellow board members would understand our eccentric urges and laugh along with us.

I guess I was wrong.

 

[bluesparrow]

I don't really care if a Kurgan is made or not(though yes, he'd look cool) but I don't see the big deal about these guys. They're not any more annoying than anyone else.

These boards have made a really hostile turn the last couple weeks, imo. What's the deal? Growing pains from all the new 1/6 fans joining?

 

[oxbeard]

Couldn't agree more Mikey. As a matter of fact, there are several threads lately that I just completely ignore because I don't want to be bombarded.

 

[JGouse0498]

I have to agree with Mikey and everyone else who has grown very weary of this whole "Kurgan Krusade"

First, I want to acknowledge the KKK comment. I sincerely doubt Mikey was trying to offend anyone with it. The point that I think he was trying to make (and, Mikey, correct me if I'm wrong) is that what started out as a passionate, worthwhile petitioning group has seemingly descended into a rowdy, fanatical, and almost cult-like group of collectors. The absurdity of many Krusade points, the bizarre titles ("Grand Master", "High Priest", etc.) has, over time, begun to come off as taking itself far too seriously. That's where it stops being in good fun and starts to become disturbing and unsettling.

The value of this "anti-Krusade" thread, IMO, is that Krusaders can hopefully step back and look at everything with objective eyes. If your goal is truly to convince Sideshow and others that this figure needs to be made, it is clear that your methods have failed and a new plan must be implemented.

Heck, even Andy B. is expressing his irritation with the Krusade, and I'd imagine he's near the top of a very short list of sculptors that you guys would want commissioned for this figure!!!

Rather than being so unruly with your comments and "outdated language", perhaps a more under-control yet still passionate method would be in order. May I suggest (and I do mean suggest) the following:


1) Gather a list of collectors who would commit to buying a Medieval Kurgan figure. I mean an actual list of real names rather than screen names.

2) State all the positives of making such a figure in order to help convince Sideshow.

3) If you are that fully committed to absolutely buying this figure, pledge a certain percentage of a non-refundable deposit on this figure. Mail it to Sideshow to help off-set development costs and to prove your commitment. If not enough collectors get on board or Sideshow still decides not to pursue it, they can refund the deposits. Yeah, that takes some work on their part, but people are always professing how collector-oriented SSC is. This seems like it'd be right up their alley.

4) For Sideshow's part (other than what I just mentioned), implement a cancellation fee for this figure. Yes, it's a departure from the norm, but nearly every other retailer has one. I think it'd be warranted in this case. Besides, how many "Krusaders" would actually cancel this?? Between the deposit and cancellation fee, that should cut down on the amount of money SSC stands to lose if the figure tanks.

In the meantime, toning down the rhetoric would be most appreciated as well as the random postings in other threads.

I'll be honest...I'm guilty of thread hijacking (look no further than the Mace Image Thread), but I try my best to do it sparingly and to keep it related to the topic at hand.

Finally, in regards to those who say "Just ignore our posts", it's not that easy. Yes, it's very easy to ignore the words. However, your posts use fonts, sizes, and colors that deviate so much from the traditional postings that, even when scrolling through quickly, there's no mistaking a Krusader post.

I can only speak for myself, but if anyone else shares this view, please say so...

The mere visual cue of a Krusader post, even during a fast scrolling down, triggers the thought in my head "Oh great, another freakin' Kurgan post." I like to compare it to hearing a certain sound or sensing a certain smell that triggers an automatic psychological reaction. A dog hears the dinner bell, and he salivates. It's the same conditioning for humans. I've been so innundated with the Krusade that I can't help but react to it, even if I just catch a glimpse of it.

For my part, I've dealt with this by poking fun at and lampooning the Krusade. My post last night of "Mustafar F'n Obi-Wan" when I got my 3-5 notice springs to mind immediately. Or I've tried to help (posting news and pics of NECA's 7-inch scale Medieval Kurgan/Connor set).

The banners in the signatures are fine. Don't do a thing to change them. They are not spam. The posting, by and large, are spam. Probably the worst example are these. Take notice that these "Krusade recruitments" are typically very early in the thread, and that these are arranged in order of the last SEVEN new member intros (only one didn't outright petition them...but the Krusade link still popped up).

Kyuzo's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=213620&postcount=8

Magic Giraffe's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212478&postcount=4
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212481&postcount=6

ssaiyan's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=211871&postcount=7
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=213620&postcount=8

Boba Fett's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212003&postcount=2
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212005&postcount=3
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212012&postcount=5
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212015&postcount=6

Mizuno's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=211871&postcount=7

congerking's "Hello" posting:
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212017&postcount=10
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212019&postcount=11
https://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showpost.php?p=212023&postcount=13

I think that list speaks for itself.

 

[DarkArtist81]

You guys all make good points..... And I understand where you are coming from.... I've never been a very vocal Krusader as it is. I just wanted a figure and liked joking around with my buddies on here.

I, for one, apologize for our Krusade. But it still leaves a sick taste in my mouth. No one ever complained about FETT FETT FETT!!! or INDY INDY INDY!.... so we are feeling pretty singled out here. But I think any one of these examples have bothered people before....so it's not just the Kurgans.