I think the drama around this project is due to the combination of "uninspired" art and a price jump to $80.  Factor in that we jumped to 70 copies and this project looks a bit fractured.

First off, the art. Face it guys, this piece just is not what we were anticipating, or maybe I am alone on this. While not to the degree of the L4 debacle - the irony is not lost on me. The art seems to have fallen a bit flat. Maybe that is just me, but it just does nothing for me. And while I am not a huge EO fan, I do like many of his pieces. So I will chalk this one up to my expectation.

Secondly, the price. I don't think $80 is the problem, but going from $50 to $80 is a problem. People do not like negative surprises, and they really don't like surprises where money is involved (in outgoing form). If we would have said $75 from the start, no big deal. But this jump is eye-catching. When you combine the large price increase with what I will call a very bland piece of art that to me is anything but acaeum-like, you get controversy and disinterest.

So I am left feeling like I am shelling out $80 for a mediocre piece of art that, to me, does nothing to capture the spirit of the acaeum.

All of that said, I am not knocking the committe or EO. Clearly, the committee worked very hard and will continue to work hard to make this effort a reality. The committee had to adjust on the fly and hang on to the learning curve that this type of project demanded. For that I am very appreciative.

When the time comes, I will plunk down the cash.

And to be honest, I would love to see another project with another old school illustrator. Now that we have started the ball rolling and gained that valueable experience, we should put it to good use. And I am not even an art collector!

Thank you committee.

Sorry for the delay in my response, but I've been giving this a lot of consideration and have looked at the piece numerous times over the past couple days.  Regretfully, I'm going to elect to decline.  

Many thanks, however, to the EO committee for all your hard work and efforts.  I hope you don't feel underappreciated due to some of the negative comments.

Nice post Brian.

Phaedran wrote:Everyone keeps saying the Cleric is healing the fighter. The way I see it is the Fighter got in the way of the Cleric casting a spell at the dragon, at the same instant the dragon blasted him with his breath weapon.

Maybe we could find out what Erol's take on it really is.

The cleric is healing the fighter.

Hi All

Apologies for the very belated response - I'm definitely still in.

(Finally go away on holidays for a week and this happens    great timing on my part).

Thanks heaps too for all those that emailed me to let me know to respond.

Badmike wrote: ...makes those that screamed and whined and complained about a waiting list look awfully silly now...... .

The "list" can be criticized from many perspectives.  Most anyone could have guessed that you would have "list melt" because the image was an unknown.   Starting the list now - knowing and showing the image - would have yielded the same end result.  

I think, like many, my heart sunk a little seeing the final product.  Of course, expectations have had months and months to build.  Unless it was a near exact replica of a "classic" image I imagine you are going to have disappointed people.  (Although he did that for the Hackmaster Basic cover and that stinks too).  

All that said, I think the print is fun, quirky and a true conversation piece.   $80 for this limited edition Otus is still a steal for those lucky enough to snag one.

I'm so glad I signed on today. I thought I wasn't goign to make list and I haven't signed in for months.

I love the print. You people are all nuts!

COUNT ME IN!

also im in USA (seattle, wa)

Here is who I have purchasing a print at this point.  This is also likely the print number you will receive.  We are ordering 65 prints.  The last three prints will go to ScketreWhisp for raffling at future NTRPG Cons!

1.        Benjoshua
2.        Mars
3.        smarmy1
4.        le Rahib
5.        bombadil
6.        misterspock
7.        simrion
8.        grodog
9.        PaulKM
10.        mdr003
11.        Badmike
12.        jasonw1239
13.        stratochamp
14.        dbartman
15.        carrejo
16.        Serleran
17.        mbassoc2003
18.        Center_Stage
19.        Kingofpain89
20.        Prufrok
21.        Yaya
22.        FoulFoot
23.        Grug Greyskin
24.        Blackmoor
25.        AdderMcOne
26.        lawrenson
27.        JohnGaunt
28.        The Collector's Trove
29.        Ekim Toor
30.        Phaedran
31.        jonjhargreaves
32.        bbarsh
33.        Nice Hantlers
34.        ScketreWhisp
35.        ExTSR
36.        JasonZavoda
37.        HermitfromPluto
38.        Lucyjoyce
39.        dsaunders
40.        Gnat the Beggar
41.        Deogolf
42.        Bracton
43.        Avurax
44.        Pipswich
45.        davidc
46.        The Egg
47.        mark1107
48.        brute
49.        TheMilford
50.        Ector
51.        kgreene
52.        simonmwh
53.        silver
54.        GreyM
55.        Ligmancer
56.        nevcoup
57.        burntwire brothers
58.        b-36
59.        GamesGuy
60.        sleepyCO
61.        improvstone
62.        Paul Reiche (friend of Erol)
63. Edit: Gus Landt

Gus Landt, Rakeesh sah Tarna, and deimos3428 stated they only wanted the print to help with maintaining the print count.  The committee did not want anyone buying a print when they really didn't want one.

The committee has not heard from PR III or Busman, and unless there are unusual circumstances, they have missed the window of opportunity to buy in.

Final cost assessments and totaling is underway, and we will issue a request for payment soon.  The cost likely will remain at $80.00 plus shipping.

Final corrections, additions, and subtractions are requested.  Send no money now, and no private messages.  Thanks!  

Mars wrote:Isn't PR III the same person who is #62 Paul Reiche III ?

Yup.  My bad.    Thanks!