" Mark Lowther is a thieving git " Topic

I'll say it again, Mark Lowther is a thieving git.

His Kickstarter is apparently outright theft and shows no signs of sending the figures that ordinary gamers have paid for.

A Kickstarter is always a bit of a risk, but when a project fails, saying so and being honest is the very minimum we should expect

Worse, he appears to be deliberately ignoring those who have complained.

Overall a despicable man, a lieing thief who steals from fellow gamers.

More, more… tell us more!

Previous threads cover this subject. We backers are getting p#ssed off.

So if a Kickstarter fails to raise the minimum amount, what normally happens? Do you get your money back, or is it a gamble?

TMP link

If it fails to reach the target amount, no money is taken.

Once it funds, technically its a gamble, but if the project fails it behoves the originator to explain and refund any left over cash. In this case he has done nothing and ignores all reasonable requests for information.

This is one of the reasons why we do not Kickstart. We believe that the risk of investment should be ours.

I have always thought of Kickstarter ae the electronic equivalent of The Producers.

Call me old fashioned but I am not happy with a forum that allows unsubstantiated ad hominem abuse……….especially when it could be legally considered slander.

If you have a problem state the facts and let the readers and the person concerned make their own decision/reply, surely that is a better way forward?

yeah, US and UK slander and libel laws are different. Here in the US the OP would be on firm ground, the UK not so much.

Guthroth!

Don't mumble! Tell us what you REALLY think!

As another aggrieved supporter of Mr Lowther's KS, I can understand Guthroth's anger and frustration, especially as all efforts to communicate with Mark have been ignored. I'll fill in the details as I know them and let you draw your own conclusion:

Mark Lowther owns Unfeasibly Miniatures, which has some very nice 28mm figures, mainly Foreign Legion and Arabs (which are, incidentally, manufactured under licence by Black Hat – who are in NO WAY involved in this fiasco).

Mark successfully run a small-scale KS called 'Empire in Peril' raising £2.30 GBPk from 61 backers in Late March 2016, with the promise of deliveries of orders in May 2016, backed with images of completed greens etc.

Several updates followed in April and May, progress seemed to be made but in June the apologies and excuses began. Then Mark pretty much dropped off the radar, ignoring comments and emails sent to him at various addresses until he popped up again in December with more lame apologies, promises and excuses.

Some (small) orders were shipped during January. He claims (in his last update dated 25th January) that 1/3 of the orders had been shipped, with the remainder to follow in the coming weeks. Needless to say, he's not responded to any of the comments and questions raised, even when he has logged in (the last time on March 2nd).

From comments made on the site it's clear that a high proportion of the bigger backers are still waiting for their orders to be fulfilled, and I rather doubt that Mark has (or ever had) many of the figures or moulds needed to ever meet his commitments.

It's the lack of communication that's most annoying, given the relatively small amount of money involved. More so as it's clear that he was happily getting on with his life during the summer of 2016 if his Facebook posts are anything to go by, and pursuing his other hobby (running) on an almost daily basis. It beggars belief that someone would be so daft to trash the reputation of a niche company that makes great figures in a small industry over such a small amount of money.

We've done all we can to communicate with, and work with Mark to make this project a success but he's got no-one to blame but himself after a year of prevarication and downright stupidity – but I'd be delighted to hear the other side of the story from Mark, though I doubt he's got the cojones to respond here.

happily getting on with his life during the summer of 2016 if his Facebook posts are anything to go by, and pursuing his other hobby (running) on an almost daily basis

That scoundrel is running while this is going on!!?? What kind of world is this…

Sorry, that just caught me by surprise. Fact after fact of information, then 'and all the while he's been taking care of himself!'

Take the high road guys and don't muddy the water with personal attacks. While you are under no obligation to act like professionals, it sure helps people to listen to you.

I hope you get your money back or the figures in hand.

Fergal, nothing personal intended in that comment. I was only pointing out (in an overly long post maybe) that there has been no real evidence of the sort of major 'real life' crises (financial, health, family etc) that can happen to any of us and might explain both why this project has come off the rails and Mark's complete lack of meaningful communication.

He's alluded to some problems in his personal life being behind the delays but it just seems his time and money are being spent pursuing things of more interest to him right now than his KS project and his figure company. I'm sure you wouldn't treat your paying customers in the same way, would you?

The Small Claims Court seems a way forward if someone has taken your money and not provided the goods or a refund. Also Trading Standards via the Local Authority.

Ah but with a Kickstarter you are technically an "investor" so small claims is no use, at least in the US.

Completely off topic, but can you explain if the "g" in "git" is pronounced with a "j" sound or with a hard "g" sound?

g as in golf is how I pronounce it.

thefreedictionary.com/git

Pronounced with a "j" sound, it means a French bed-and-breakfast.

Definitely a hard 'g' in this case then, I think, though I'd probably prefer ' pillock', 'wazzock' or 'barmpot'.

Hmmm, wonder what the bleep-o-matic will make of English colloquialisms…

Ah, haddaway and shite, man

There speaks a true Geordie, DG.

Definitely a hard G, as in "Gate" A long time ago some people would say "Get" instead, doesn't really translate to the written word as well as it sounded.

Fergal, I'm a runner. I'm also a commercial banker. I seriously doubt any of my clients would understand if I decided to ignore their requests because I chose to spend the time preparing for a marathon. It's a matter of having your priorities in order and doing the right thing. Failure to do so results in the loss of reputation and credibility. And once lost, each is extremely difficult to regain.

I contributed to a kickstarter almost three years ago for some dungeon tiles from Itar. Only thing I ever got was updates about how life issues were causing delays. Never did get my stuff.

I'm not defending him or his actions, just saying that FB stalking the guy is kinda creepy. Also, you really don't know what running is for him. Is it the key to his mental health? Is it a personal goal he promised to a dying friend? Most likely not so dramatic, but the point is you don't know. Next thing I'll hear is "why doesn't he say so?" Giving someone some money for a product doesn't entitle you to know someone's intimate details even though a lot of creators give them out when things fall behind.

From what I can tell he stinks at communication and seems to be a very poor businessman, but I haven't dug in to the story much. I'm just saying, keep the complaints about the facts.

I'm a KS creator and have run 8 successful projects and have moved from 6 days late for my first project to now finishing early on a regular basis. I work very hard during the fulfillment months BUT I would not neglect my health or my family to make toys for people. Anyway, ignore me, I probably just got into the conversation because there was nothing else going on on TMP today.

Like I say, I hope you guys get satisfaction and the figs get made and sent out.

Checking what a person who don't fill his obligations is doing is not creepy or stalking. How else are you going to see if his life is in shambles for one reason or another?

It is not like he is in contact with the people he owes to…

If you look at the Connan KS we are still waiting for the last part over two years later (wee have had most of it now) but communication is the key, I got burnt in the past by not communicating.

Jules

If the legal definition of a backer is Investor then I regret you invest your money 'At Risk'……….however as has been clearly stated by some Good and Accurate Communication is Best Business Practice……….If however the Scheme never existed in the first instance then Fraud might be regognised.
Dependent on how individuals paid for the scheme then seek redress via ones Card Provider., who can seek to chase the money…..but if fraud is suspected report it go the police obtain a crime ref number

I hasten to add, this is not indicative of most kickstarters. I've been involved in half a dozen or so with no problem whatsoever.

I mainly agree with JARROVIAN. I've pitched in for 30+ KS projects and only two have failed to deliver. One was a con artist in the US, this was the other. I'm more annoyed about this one because he's in the UK and is clearly just swanning along with his life ignoring us.

Being active on Facebook is just rubbing our noses in it.

By the way, his FB page is listed on his contact/bio page on KIckstarter.

Of the 43 Kickstarter's I've backed, only one has become this kind of ongoing problem – and had I done due diligence, the problems of the creator's previous KS should have been a tip-off. I've had KS's delivered late, but almost always with clear and honest communication.

How did you find the creator's previous KS? I did a search and found "Empire in Peril from Unfeasibly Miniatures" as a First Created project. Thanks.

I usually avoid First Created KS projects, and the only one I've lost money on was a First Created project, on which I didn't pledge much money.

Hi ced1106, I think nvdoyle is referring to a different KS to the one from Unfeasibly Miniatures, but rightly pointing out that the majority of them do run relatively smoothly. They do also enable some great products to reach market that might not otherwise see the light of day.

In the case of Empire in Peril, I liked the idea (German invasion of England c. 1900), recognised the company that was already producing some nice stuff, had links with other reputable companies in the hobby and who was using a well known sculptor, so it seemed a low risk way of encouraging the release of figures I'd like to see in production.

Yes, these things are a gamble, it's not a lot to lose but it would be a shame if gamers were deterred from investing/supporting start-ups like this one because of the irrational and unprofessional actions of the likes of Mr Lowther.

I think the point made about Mark Lowthers continued 'advertising' of his ongoing running pastime was relevant because he had claimed that he couldn't pack figures because of ill health but continued to run during that time.
He has failed to fulfill the Kickstarter requirements of communication and keeping backers informed of reasons for delays.

An interesting link from the UK FSA: link

An interesting link from the UK FSA: link

As it ststes " Invest At Risk "

If Mark had complied with the requirements for failed or failing Kickstarters then I would not have an issue with the project, other than disappointment.
However he has not provided information regarding where the money has been spent, his time put in, what he has done and why the project has not been completed. This is something that Kickstarter requires of failed projects or, it does point out, the project originator lays themselves open to legal action.
Terms and Conditions:
"If a creator is unable to complete their project and fulfill rewards, they've failed to live up to the basic obligations of this agreement. To right this, they must make every reasonable effort to find another way of bringing the project to the best possible conclusion for backers. A creator in this position has only remedied the situation and met their obligations to backers if:
they post an update that explains what work has been done, how funds were used, and what prevents them from finishing the project as planned;
they work diligently and in good faith to bring the project to the best possible conclusion in a timeframe that's communicated to backers;
they're able to demonstrate that they've used funds appropriately and made every reasonable effort to complete the project as promised;
they've been honest, and have made no material misrepresentations in their communication to backers; and
they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.
The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they're unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers."

Has anyone received any figures from the kickstarter?

There seems to have been a few sent out, mostly single figure orders. Someone even reported receiving a figure taped to the outside of the package! What is also worrying is that there seems there might be a certain amount of petulance at play. Some having received, two or three months ago, figures pledged for and exactly the same 'reward' as others who have received nothing but who have previously raised reasonable concerns to try to keep the project moving along.

I received my entire order from this Kickstarter – some 24 figures and a field gun and limber on February 3rd. I can confirm, however that there has been no updates on the Kickstarter since 25th January. The man has gone silent which is odd. I would have bought many more figures from him. Not now. I suspect he just didn't make any money on the KS (onoly 61 backers) so abandoned it.

And spent the money on a rather nice gazebo for his garden instead, if his FB page is anything to go by.

It'll be a nice surprise if my figures ever turn up but I'm not holding my breath – in the meantime, my German invasion of England c. 189x will continue with Ironclad Miniatures and the new Perry plastics instead.

I don't do kickstarters for this very reason

Legatus, that is what makes this such an odd way to run the project. I had the same pledge as you but have received nothing.
I suspect that this represents a bit of petulance on Mr Lowthers part in not fulfilling pledges of those who have asked 'what is happening?'.
Like Simon says above it's pretty clear that lack of funds, overall isn't an issue as Mr Lowther is clearly enjoying a luxury filled, active, life. KS requires that those who start projects should make every effort to finish them or enable others to finish them, just walking away from backers is not how it's meant to work.

Looks like Mark has simply given up and walked away from this project to focus on more enjoyable parts of his life – hasn't bothered to log into KS since March 2nd, has ignored all attempts to contact him etc.

Wonder what would happen if I just turned up at his house one evening to ask for my money back?

So long as you were civil and non abusive and non threatening you might succeed in embarrassing him in front of family or friends which may be enough! Even better get a friend to film his response and post it on the FB page for Unfeasibly and send it to Kickstarter if it demonstrates what appears to be his dishonesty. Just stay within the law.

Mark Lowther (the aforementioned 'thieving git' allegedly) logged into KS for the first time in 2 months yesterday.

Unfortunately he failed to reply to any of the comments made in his absence, or provide any update or explanation for his recent actions (or inaction!)

No evidence of 'reaching out' to his backers, that's for sure.

Looks like he's walked away, kept his head down but couldn't resist coming back for a sneaky peek at the car crash.

Sadly, looks like Guthroth's character assessment was spot on. It's 'only' £70.00 GBP in my case he's taken, so I'll survive the experience, but it's annoying, to put it mildly.

I hope KS ban Mark Lowther and the now apparently defunct Unfeasibly Miniatures from starting new projects. He appears to be a fantasist with no real plan as to how he was going to deliver the project.
Conspicuously and boastfully spending large amounts of money in his private life whilst refusing to meet the obligations he had to people who invested in his company is ddisgusting….is it fraud? Damn close in my book as he had the ability and finances to complete the project but chose not to and just took the cash to support his way of life.

What is weird about it was he delivered some of the pledges in full. I can sort of understand it if he didn't do any at all but why just do some?