Meteor Blaster DX Reprint

[bt]

Thanks guys, I will keep you informed as I learn more ....though a part of me just expects a large shipment to arrive at my door without too much announcement ....

[Tatsujin]

thx bt, now myself too will get the chance to have my hands on a copy some day

[bt]

Wow, Nationwide are just a pain the ass to work with.

After not hearing anything from them for a week, I wrote to as about their case pack and schedule for MB.

This was their response:

Since your gaming disc did not pass Eclipse, they will cut metal, but they are wanting to provide a one-off replicated sample for review prior to pressing the batch.

One-off (triple digit price deleted)

Please let me know if this is acceptable to proceed.

Classic redirection.  But seriously?  You guys said you could do this, you *have* done it ... and you still want to charge me an additional 30% over the agreed upon price?

[Arkhan]

That's what MSR went through also.

Tell them hell no on that option.  The disc should be able to pass eclipse.

[bt]

That's what MSR went through also.

Tell them hell no on that option.  The disc should be able to pass eclipse.

I have a well thought out response that I am waiting a few more minutes before sending that basically says "No, we agreed to this, changing the terms now is not acceptable."

[Arkhan]

yeah.  Did they ever give specific errors from Eclipse?

[bt]

yeah.  Did they ever give specific errors from Eclipse?

Nope.

They are pretty bad at communicating.  I still don't know what the case pack is.

[Arkhan]

Have you asked specifically?  It's really strange, given the MSR pressing issues.

They gave specific errors out when that occurred.

[bt]

Have you asked specifically?  It's really strange, given the MSR pressing issues.

They gave specific errors out when that occurred.

Yup.  Here is the message I just sent them where I quote the April 8 email asking about the errors:

This is not acceptable.

The agreement we have is that you would be able to replicate this type of CD at the agreed upon price, I do not appreciate the nickel and diming that is going on this point (although a 31% increase in price may push this beyond nickel and diming).

I provided you with a master CD which is compliant for the CD specification. Your software not being capable of supporting the full CD specification should not be the reason for you to keep me liable for a master failure, especially after assuring me that replicating this format of CD would not be a problem.  David knew ahead of time that this format was not within the realm of what Eclipse deems "Standard," and failed to mention that there would be any additional fees for replicating this format of CD.

I asked for the Eclipse error that you encountered (Apr 8: "Can you provide specific error information?") and I never did receive a reply to that question.  I was asking in an effort to help sort things or, or find an alternative layout that would be acceptable to both Eclipse and the systems for which these CDs are intended.

I went through a lot of effort to get the CD and artwork ready (ahead of my expected schedule) in order to meet the guidelines you have set out for replication.  Changing those guidelines and prices at this point is not appreciated.

Please advice on what we can do to resolve this issue as quickly as possible with a minimal amount of risk to both of our interests.  I have made every effort possible to show goodwill and work with you through this order, and would appreciate the same in return.

Fingers crossed.

[Arkhan]

Here's hoping.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Ugh, too bad you can't go to the factory itself, or maybe Skype them while they're working on it!

[bt]

They basically wrote back and said I had  three choices.

1.  Fix the errors so that eclipse did not give errors, or
2.  Pay the one off fee (which went up to $350) or
3. Have the order canceled

Considering that I cannot fix the Eclipse errors (since I do not even know what they are), they really did not give me any choice at all.

Last I heard, my masters were going to be returned to me.

[vestcoat]

Don't throw in the towel over one email exchange.

What your contact is calling a "fee", the contact for MSR simply recommended. You're dealing with the Three Stooges over there. They'll get it right eventually, but you've got to be persistent, take your time, and keep talking to multiple people until you find someone more accommodating. If you had been here for the hundred-plus-page MSR thread, you'd have a better perspective.

1) Keep talking to people until they give you the errors. When you find out what the errors are, forward them to Aetherbyte.
or
2) Insist that you don't need a test pressing and tell them to replicate the order. I have the MSR test pressing and it plays like a champ.

[TheOldMan]

You're dealing with the Three Stooges over there.

I couldn't have said it better myself

[Keranu]

Also, very important, try to call them whenever possible! They're still pretty dumb on the phone, but at least you won't have to wait a week or longer for a response. I have no idea what this fee they're trying to pull on you is, it was never brought up to us during MSR, and we're getting the same old Eclipse shit too. As long as your time gaps and whatever else is accurate, there should not be a problem.