So I posted information on how those not in the know could try to get a Zollmen King Pekora. Apparently, a moderator took it down because he did not want the "lottery" exposed, despite the fact that it states first-come, first-served. Censorship. Toy elitism. Shame! Even if it is a lottery, since when is it against any board rules to post links to active toy sales or lotteries? This is not an auction. I posted it because it was not at the zollmen website. It was not advertised, and unlike many "lotteries", the link had not disappeared yet. It ends in 5 hours or so, and I thought with everyone making ready for SDCC, everyone except the few who check each site daily might miss it. Was I wrong? After posting the link twice, I will not post it again. Nazis win, for now. We need freedom of expression on this board, not toy collecting selfishness. Let's not chill the free flow of information.
This kind of thing confuses me, and is a shame if that's what's actually going on. The only Zollmen figure I've got is the KingBee Mad Baron, and that was posted on the boards, as has info about most (all?) of the other Mad Baron releases. Why would Pekora be any different? It makes no sense to me that even tho there are clearly a good deal of Zollmen fans here, the toys and availability are shrouded in such mystery. They might be limited-run items, but why are we acting like they're a secret? Isn't the point of a toy (ANY toy) to bring someone enjoyment? Why are we denying enjoyment to our fellow toy lovers?
Ahhhhh... So, that's where the discussion of limited toys such as these breaks down. Trying to discuss and share the awesome things that come out, but the risk at the same time of discussing the toys and letting jerks know how to get them in order to flip them back to us. Fuck.
Whether or not posting release info is "ok," we're all free to browse the company websites every evening for updates. The link between Garimpo and Zollmen has been discussed many times over. Posting sales info here only helps out 2 types of people: 1) those that are not industrious enough to keep themselves updated, and 2) those that are buying to hoarde, flip, etc. I think there is quite a bit of information here if you do the legwork, despite the OP's claim to the contrary. We don't need to spoon-feed people with release information as well.
I thought I knew where to look, and have got hold of Zollmen items in the past, but clearly I don't know where to look all the time. I don't think the assumption that 'those who want one should know where to look' is necessarily correct.
I should stop KC. And screw you Zollmen/Garimpo. Either I won't win or if I do, they'll break something.
No, no, don't stop KC... just don't let anyone know about it. It's the secret key to the secret room. Of toys. But seriously, that wasn't directed at you. News updates are a good way to draw traffic to your blog (better than writing long-winded articles about weird robot toys). I'm not going to lie and say that I haven't heard about stuff through KC. ;P
It's fine to share info about an upcoming advertised release. It's something completely different to tell everyone about a lottery that was not advertised before hand. Obviously the intent of the people holding the lottery is to reward the fans who do check for updates daily, otherwise they would let everyone know about the lottery beforehand. It's the same as posting a live auction link. Bad form.
D, I know. Was just kidding around. You need to write more. Always interesting to read what you have to say. You're definitely an encyclopedia of knowledge. But yea, the majority of stuff I post is public knowledge that I search and find. I've gotten the heads up sometimes that I appreciate. But in this case, I chose not to post the release info. I know a few people that are looking for one and would like to be able to score from the lottery. I didn't want to ruin their chances by posting this public.
I agree that it's bad form to post a link to an auction or a lottery, but I would prefer the self policing method over the censorship method. If there's something we aren't allowed to talk about I'd like to see it in the rules thread for everyone to see.
I think it's simple, this type of thread takes the fun out of this hobby. Flippers will flip and people will buy. Flippers know what sites to check as much as we do. If we are not allowed or are discouraged from posting links like this than we are letting the hobby become too serious. Censorship? Are you kidding? We're talking about toys.
It's not the hardcore flippers that I'm concerned with. It's the average collector who has no interest in the sculpt but see how hot and bothered it makes people. They then try their luck at the lottery, and when they win, they decide they can try to trade it for a Bemon or Goga. Or whatever ridiculous item they're trying to track down.
