Kickstarter Game Update: Week 9

[spacealien_vamp]

Looking back: Week 8

Game I Viewed:
Star Realms

Status: 72% funded

This is a deckbuilding game with a science fiction theme in which backers can choose to purchase the base game, for 2 players, or add more copies of the game to accommodate greater numbers of players. The art is fantastic, and comments from people who played at GenCon are positive. If it weren't for the federal shutdown putting my paycheck at risk, I probably would have pledged this (if only to reserve an early discount slot).

Edited 10/6/13 to add funding status.

Update from last week: The struggling Allegiance campaign was cancelled, with plans for a later relaunch. If they start off with gameplay videos, third party reviews, and lower international shipping charges, they should get a much better initial boost. If they lower their goal at the same time, I have no doubt they will fund.

Comments

[mangaroo.livejournal.com]

If it weren't for the federal shutdown putting my paycheck at risk

I was hoping you would comment on this. Are you at risk of furlough, or are you a necessary employee essential personnel who will have to work without pay until Congress does its job?

It sounds heartless to say I'm glad Allegiance had to cancel, but I am relieved to have an opportunity to reconsider and possibly pledge the relaunch. The art was just soooo pretty.

[spacealien-vamp.livejournal.com]

Are you at risk of furlough

I'm considered "excepted," which means I'm allowed to work. However, I only earn money as long as I am actually working (i.e., all annual leave and sick leave is unpaid).

The problem is, the people who do our payroll (USDA clerical workers) are not necessarily excepted. That means that although I'm earning the money, the payroll department may have put a halt on sending out paychecks until the shutdown is resolved. We've been told that we're guaranteed money earned through September 30 (they will make a special exception for the payroll employees to do that much), but the rest is unknown at this point. I'll find out next Saturday when my paycheck shows up in my direct deposit account.

Best-case scenario, I'll still be getting my basic pay for all hours worked. Extra pay (overtime, night differential, Sunday premium pay, possibly holiday pay) will be deferred until the shutdown ends. Worst-case, all funds will be postponed until one huge paycheck after the shutdown, so I'll be working for an IOU.

I've figured out that I should be able to last two months on my savings, if it comes to that. (The $3000 property tax coming up in a few weeks will hurt.) My parents are willing to kick in some funds if the shutdown ends up lasting longer than that, but I sure hope it doesn't.

I am relieved to have an opportunity to reconsider and possibly pledge the relaunch.

I'm really glad they're relaunching. They weren't prepared the first time. It sounds like they've learned a lot since then, and they should do much better now.

[wednesday-10-00.livejournal.com]

Ugh, this whole thing is such a mess. I'm glad you at least have a chance of getting paid on time; last time I talked to Jim and Meredith it sounded like the VA only has enough money to pay him for a few days. I got so mad when I was watching the Daily Show and the played the clips of the Fox News commentators laughing the situation off like it was no big deal. Ugh. UGH.

Anyway: I pledged for a two player set of Star Realms, but if you want me to up to a higher level to get a set (or two) for you, I'm happy to do so and you can pay me back whenever it's convenient for you.

I'm also glad Allegiance cancelled and is planning a relaunch. I think they'll have a much better chance of succeeding this way. I'm looking forward to their new campaign (hopefully in a month when I have more money...)

[spacealien-vamp.livejournal.com]

if you want me to up to a higher level to get a set (or two) for you, I'm happy to do so and you can pay me back whenever it's convenient for you.

That would be awesome. If you could pledge for two sets for me, I'd appreciate it. (With luck, the shutdown will end before the kickstarter does...)

[wednesday-10-00.livejournal.com]

Done! (Actually I did this yesterday, but when I tried to comment my phone did something weird and LJ ate the comment. Anyway...)