On Oct 12, 2018, Christopher Gould wrote:
Like Lucian - I rarely, if ever get involved in disputes on the Café. However, on this issue I need to set the record straight for my customers, and clear up any confusion on this.

In short, Lucian has it right in the previous post.
I like to think that I am always generous with my IP's - and I actively encourage community involvement in my works, in terms of community taking a part in adding to and extending the life of these pieces, and I will always do what I can to help with this.

However, there is a line in the sand that needs to be drawn here. When I make what I call an 'Elite' item, it is sold on the understanding that this is a unique, hand crafted piece of work. Such items normally have a limited run and people buy these knowing this. I never make limited runs to drive the price up, or increase the value on the grey market. Usually, the number of a run directly relates to exhaustion on my part....but to me limited run means just that.
Anyone who has bought a CC Elite set - and hearing that I gave permission to every man and his dog to make their own sets would be justifiably annoyed. Believe me, I have been offered some serious cash to make 'just one more set' of the original CC Elites - these offers I have always turned down and always will.

So for the record. I gave permission for *owners* of the old CC 'non-elite' sets to ENHANCE the sets *they already own* - not to go into production with my IP. The only 'precedent' I set was to help people get the most out of their purchase. I think Mr Stolz is setting his own unique presidents in all else. I am aware that many could not afford the price of the Elite sets (a hand made set takes time and carries a hefty price tag). I did not want anyone to be barred from performing with their own unique set due to financial constraints. Sharing the files from the cheaper sets (which were an entirely different design from the Elite sets) seemed like a good compromise to me. I have no problems with legitimate customers enhancing their sets, and will assist them where possible.

To reassure those who have a signed and numbered copy of the Elite CC - this was NEVER done with an Elite set. If you have an authentic CC Elite set, that is EXACTLY what it should be.

So - although I do not want to contribute to a debate - I want to assure my customers - old and new - that I am a straight shooter - If I say something, I mean it. The Elite CC sets were a limited edition and I have always kept to my word on this. Furthermore, I will always be clear about what is a limited run and what is not and will keep to my word on the numbers that I make.

This is an important point for my own credibility and respect for my customers, so I would like to thank Lucian for bringing up valid points and to the person who alerted me to this thread.

On May 8, 2021, Mazerate wrote:
I like the look of the routine. The choice in art has the appropriate fell. I think creating working art in a timely fashion must be challenging. The discipline it takes to properly test each piece, and co-ordinate appropriate controllers with each item while building many items can get confusing. I think with this type of artwork, one should allow the appropriate time to complete the project. Timing the making of one unit does not correlate time five (x5) when making 5 units. Further if making other items or routines, compiles the difficulty in execution.

One might require an apprentice, or several apprentices. If funds are not sufficient, then your price point should be adjusted or the required time to manufacture needs to be re-thought. This is obviously a work of passion. Having the purchaser use a deposit, to start the work, then final payment when ready with an estimate of completion. Taking on too many purchases without being able to properly execute can destroy ones credibility. Once you start to waver, it is difficult to reclaim ones position in the field.

I wish more of the makers were passionate enough to rectify problem and come through. Many great creators have got their minds stuck on smaller problems, and fell through cracks or into holes never to make again, or to have to change names, and leave great works in the shadows.