Runamuck registration cut-off update

[liegeprime]

Hey RD,

Good news is that alot of OTCA members will get beta access in the coming weeks. We have so many great things to show you all, but we have to be quiet.

In 1 month expect to be launched into space.

Sweet!!


Back on topic though, well from what Ive read in TFW they expect people to "call" them for the registration, but from my undestanding they would still need your card details and then what? enter it in a database that is as per previous demonstaration quite antiquated and so open to hacking..... I can see why a lot of people aint renewing their membership especially overseas fans - they don't deserve such abuse from supposedly an "official" fan club.

[griffin]

If I had a choice I wouldn't renew either... but I need the membership for BotCon, and for group orders (as well as the magazine and annual toy).

[Hursticon]

If I had a choice I wouldn't renew either... but I need the membership for BotCon, and for group orders (as well as the magazine and annual toy).

Which such burdens would be lightened for you mate if they'd simply introduce something as simple and far reaching, not to mention secure, as PayPal.

But you know what they say; "De Nile is in Egypt".
(I don't buy the 'Too Expensive' excuse myself)

[griffin]

Poor Angie at FunPub, who is getting a lot of phonecalls today (it's just Monday Morning there as I type this).
I asked...
(answers are paraphrasing - they aren't exactly what was said, so don't quote these to them)

Q - How can I renew (register) right now, as a non-US member?
A - The only option is to post in a cheque or Money Order in US$, using the renewal form posted out about a month ago.

(not exactly easy to do for non-Americans, without a hefty fee, or sending a Money Order carrier that they may not accept)

Q - If you don't have a renewal form (which was posted out to existing members about a month ago), what do I post in with the money?
A - Just write down on a piece of paper, the membership option and your details (name, postal address, email address) and we can sort it out later.

Q - Will this affect my membership and access to the Club Website if I miss my renewal date (as it is 2 weeks before the 16th)?
A - It shouldn't. The only thing to worry about is renewing by the 16th, as that would affect getting the membership toy.

Q - Any idea when the Club Store will be back online, for those who can wait until the 16th?
A - As soon as possible, as we need to make sure everything is safe and secure before re-opening the site.

Q - Will they extend the 16th March cut-off if they don't have the Club Store back online by then?
A - We can't, because we need to get the orders into Hasbro by a certain date.

(that seems odd, as they have had heaps of extras in every year except 2009 & 2011, suggesting that they ordered an estimated number or a rounded-up number that was significantly more than what they needed - they had heaps of 2010's figure, which is still available, as if their ordering is a bit hit & miss)

Q - Any talk at the office about adding Paypal to the system, as a secure and safe option?
A - It is something long-term, but for now we are working with the current system in place, as it is easier to keep track of payments and orders.

So I suggested...
BigBadToyStore have a Paypal system in place that seems to keep track of orders quite reliably, perhaps you could approach them for ideas on how to set it up, as it would make you more reliable and convenient to fans, especially those outside of America.

But I've found that suggestions in the past take forever to be implemented, if someone high up there doesn't think of it, or made to realise it's value (like online registration for BotCon).
Since they are keen to "fix" their current system, we aren't likely to see Paypal added any time soon... and I'd be surprised if they "fix" it enough to have the Store back online before the cut-off. At least they have an incentive of lost revenue for this year, as past membership drives at this time of year have resulted in a lot of people joining in time for the cut-off (of both Clubs - TFs & GIJoe). Being offline for a month before that date could well affect a quarter or more members, many of whom won't renew if it requires more effort... and won't renew until the following year's cut-off.

If they don't have the Store online before the cut-off, I'll register soon after it is, and chase up the Runamuck toys (for me and others) later.

[UltraMagnus]

If I am mistaken crave.com is also fun pub which has been sold. The company seems to be in deep trouble due to this credit card situation. To me it screams opportunity

[kup]

If I am mistaken crave.com is also fun pub which has been sold. The company seems to be in deep trouble due to this credit card situation. To me it screams opportunity

You want to see if we can take over it

[UltraMagnus]

You want to see if we can take over it

Exactly - the domain name is great, and I'm really surprised it has not taken off as fast as it should have. My guess is they got funding, spent heaps, didn't make the desired return and are selling it.

[griffin]

They've just put up the PDF form, and again stressed that people should mail in their registration and cash if they want to make the deadline (as there is no hint or reassurance by them that they are going to have the system back online in time for March 16th).

For those keen here, that should be enough time for airmail postage... but make sure you make out the Cheque or Money Order in US$.
Otherwise, wait and see if and when the Store Site goes back online.