Bicycle Total Eclipse (KS)

[amosyzk]

Another lazy project.The backs just look so weird.....
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2134501481/eclipse-playing-card-deck









Credits to "Magic and Playing Card News, Info, and Sneak Peaks"

[Michael]

Something with the theme of "Eclipse" can have potential. This, in my opinion, is just done very badly. Doesn't take much effort to make an inverted deck and change the ink colors. The two pips on the spot cards and court cards that are, I guess, eclipsed is different but not interesting to me. The design idea no doubt has potential I think but this is not the way to execute it.

[Bill Collins]

The black, red, yellow kind of works for me, But not in this way

[Don Boyer]

I contacted the creator, informing him that there's already a deck, created from a KS project, no less, that has the same name.  He said that thankfully, that project is no longer active - to which I scratched my head and wondered if he had a clue of what I was talking about.  I went on to explain that it's a trademarked name, and one that he doesn't own.  He simply stated that USPC approved his deck.

I'm guessing he's not familiar with USPC's history of reversing its own approvals... 

There's no way the deck will remain "approved" when the Legal Department gets into it, unless this guy changes the title.  Then again, this deck's pretty amateurish in the design department.  Perhaps three or more years ago it would have been thought of as innovative - today, it's just plain lazy.  Standard faces recolored in an unattractive manner, AND one or two "unique" individual pips on each card, made "unique" by inverting the color and placing a halo around it?  I'm no artist, but given the right software and hardware, I could make this deck design in maybe a day if I took my time about it.  Hell, these concepts are so overused, he practically didn't need to design it - just copy one of the similar decks from a couple of years ago and add minor tweaks.

The one thing I love about Kickstarter is that any lazy design that's destined for a print run with USPC if it succeeds will usually fall flat on its face, miss its goal and never see the inside of the print shop in Erlanger...

[MrMollusk]

Honestly? I don't mind this one so much.

Sure, it's lazy, but it's not hideous. It's a really cool idea, but he didn't quite make it in the execution.

Might be a nice deck just for casual magic. It's different, it's a black deck, and it isn't too elaborate. The pip customization could prove tricky, though...

EDIT: I just realized the "spokes" on the number card's customized pips overlap the non customs. That's just obscenely lazy.

[Alex Willis]

I contacted the creator, informing him that there's already a deck, created from a KS project, no less, that has the same name.  He said that thankfully, that project is no longer active - to which I scratched my head and wondered if he had a clue of what I was talking about.  I went on to explain that it's a trademarked name, and one that he doesn't own.  He simply stated that USPC approved his deck.

Where can i find said list of Trademarked deck names?  I'm concerned for my next deck, The Joker Deck.  I'd hate to call it the Rekoj Deck.

[Don Boyer]

I contacted the creator, informing him that there's already a deck, created from a KS project, no less, that has the same name.  He said that thankfully, that project is no longer active - to which I scratched my head and wondered if he had a clue of what I was talking about.  I went on to explain that it's a trademarked name, and one that he doesn't own.  He simply stated that USPC approved his deck.

Where can i find said list of Trademarked deck names?  I'm concerned for my next deck, The Joker Deck.  I'd hate to call it the Rekoj Deck.

You can find registered trademarks with the US Trademark Office.  Unregistered ones, however, are a different story.  There are lawyers that specialize in that sort of research.

You could ask USPC if they printed such a deck before, but they might not even remember.  Their records of older decks are dreadfully spotty at best, totally missing at worst.

EDIT: Just got a message from Caleb Gates via KS...

I contacted Bicycle and while the artwork is different they've suggested I edit the name to remove any confusion. The new name will be Total Eclipse. Hope you'll support the project. Have a great day.

It takes some people longer than others to figure it out, doesn't it...    I'll change the title of the topic to match the new deck title.

LATER EDIT: OMG - I just watched his intro video!  It's got the lamest magic trick I've ever seen!  I mean, sure, he was trying to be funny/ironic/whatever, but it was soooo bad...  I get the biggest laugh about how he says "how hard can it be?" referring to designing a custom deck.  Now we know why the deck looks like it does.

[Alex Willis]

You can find registered trademarks with the US Trademark Office.  Unregistered ones, however, are a different story.  There are lawyers that specialize in that sort of research.

You could ask USPC if they printed such a deck before, but they might not even remember.  Their records of older decks are dreadfully spotty at best, totally missing at worst.

I was just hoping you had a special database.  The trademark office is worse than USPC records, however there is already a deck called Joker deck.  Not a problem, I had an alternate name anyway:  The Ultimately Coolest Deck Of Jokers Ever Made By Man - II

[Alex Willis]

So I'm tired of spending thousands of hours creating custom decks (okay, so maybe it's just hundreds of hours), so that decks like this can succeed and get feedback about how "incredible" and "beautiful" the deck is, and I know that people all have their own taste, but if I need to do next to nothing to get people to give me money for a mediocre deck, then I'm all in.  I spent 3 whole minutes making my first card for my new lackluster deck I am calling, Dark Side of the Moon, I was going to call it Lunar Eclipse but I was afraid of trademark infringement.

[Rob Wright]

So I'm tired of spending thousands of hours creating custom decks (okay, so maybe it's just hundreds of hours), so that decks like this can succeed and get feedback about how "incredible" and "beautiful" the deck is, and I know that people all have their own taste, but if I need to do next to nothing to get people to give me money for a mediocre deck, then I'm all in.  I spent 3 whole minutes making my first card for my new lackluster deck I am calling, Dark Side of the Moon, I was going to call it Lunar Eclipse but I was afraid of trademark infringement.

Alex,
I would defiantly back that crap you just put up.

NOT!

 Kicktraq has him projected to 16k. Only 7 days in, I'm sure that will drop considerably in the next few days. He may reach his 10k goal. I just hope he realizes that it will cost more than that to get it done. With the amount of time he's spent designing, I'm sure he hasn't researched all the cost.

[Alex Willis]

Alex,
I would defiantly back that crap you just put up.

NOT!

You sure Rob?  I'll sign the uncut sheet in Gold (colored) magic marker!  In fact, this is so easy I made card number two.  At this rate I'll have a deck done by midnight.

[Bill Collins]

So I'm tired of spending thousands of hours creating custom decks (okay, so maybe it's just hundreds of hours), so that decks like this can succeed and get feedback about how "incredible" and "beautiful" the deck is, and I know that people all have their own taste, but if I need to do next to nothing to get people to give me money for a mediocre deck, then I'm all in.  I spent 3 whole minutes making my first card for my new lackluster deck I am calling, Dark Side of the Moon, I was going to call it Lunar Eclipse but I was afraid of trademark infringement.

at the rate of speed you are going you will be ready to launch tomorrow, will there be poker chips and art prints? If so please tell, so I can grab an early bird special.

[Alex Willis]

at the rate of speed you are going you will be ready to launch tomorrow, will there be poker chips and art prints? If so please tell, so I can grab an early bird special.

Hell, I'll give you a deal on a brick.  Not a brick of cards, an actual brick made from the mud of a south American village where it bakes in the sun all day.  $90 is a deal for that kind of labor, and most importantly, I didn't do any work to make it!  I just call the guy at the hardware store and tell him where to mail your brick.  If you want me to sign it, it'll cost another $45.  But poker chips... I think I can print round labels and put them on plastic chips ... and i've already found a crescent moon image on google that has no rights on it, so sure, I can do poker chips.  Oh, and a poster of the moon!  Because the deck would not be complete without a poster of the moon. 

[Don Boyer]

at the rate of speed you are going you will be ready to launch tomorrow, will there be poker chips and art prints? If so please tell, so I can grab an early bird special.

Hell, I'll give you a deal on a brick.  Not a brick of cards, an actual brick made from the mud of a south American village where it bakes in the sun all day.  $90 is a deal for that kind of labor, and most importantly, I didn't do any work to make it!  I just call the guy at the hardware store and tell him where to mail your brick.  If you want me to sign it, it'll cost another $45.  But poker chips... I think I can print round labels and put them on plastic chips ... and i've already found a crescent moon image on google that has no rights on it, so sure, I can do poker chips.  Oh, and a poster of the moon!  Because the deck would not be complete without a poster of the moon.

OK, guys, we've all had our fun - let's rein it in to just stuff dealing with this deck and not MMG's totally awesome future deck...  He can make a nice, new LOLAQ topic for that... 

[magnacat]

there is a deck on kickstarter that has been around for a week or two, now, but i haven't seen noticed by anyone here, though it seems to be getting noticed by everyone from the website Tuck Case, to a kickstarter movie that includes many magicians (like Dan and Dave) and martial artists. the guy that is working on getting these cards made is a real nice guy, he has always been very quick to answer questions, and to reply to any thought from his backers. btw, if anyone wants to hear more about the movie/total eclipse tie-in, you can go to Tuck Case, but since i am using a damnable device to write this(xbox, which is why you haven't heard from me before now, anyway), i can't post you a link, sorry. please give the cards a look, i am personally backing them, and since i haven't seen them mentioned here, i thought i would take a second to bring them to your attention. i want to see them made, and the more of you who see them, and like them, the better the chance of this happening. thank you all for your time, and if there are any specific reasons you are not into these cards, please let the designer know, or reply to this post, and hopefully he'll find it before it's too late.

[MrMollusk]

We already have a topic about it. It explains our opinions on the cards fairly well.

http://aethercards.com/discourse/playing-card-plethora/'eclipse'-playing-card-deck/msg73739/#msg73739

In fact, one of the site's most prominent members, Don Boyer, alerted the creator that the name of the deck should be changed, to avoid confusion and copyrights.

You'll find that because the forum is alerted to just about every card deck created, it's pretty hard to get a "wow" reaction. While the deck may have been a big deal some time ago, there are just so many card projects out there with amazing designs and brilliant themes. Take the Federal 52 deck, the Royal Optik deck, or the Whispering Imps deck. Days upon days of work put into the artwork. An inverse color, some moderately custom pips, and a variant on the Bike Rider back just isn't going to make the cut for many.

[S. Carey]

I wrote about this deck on my site. I think the thing to note is his age. He is only 19 and already attempted a custom deck. Whether you like the design or not, that is subjective. Currently he has over 300+ backers who seem to dig it. He seems like a total go getter given the fact that he taught himself how to use illustrator for this. You all may call it lazy but I call it a solid first try for someone just starting out. I think he has a lot to learn and is eager to learn it.

Instead of berating him and mocking him, I think if we want the card community to grow (some may not) we should be reaching out and offering advice/support.

[kdklown]

I've yet to see anyone who asked for input or help be denied on this site.  Seems like the folks on here have a lot of experience and are more than willing to share.  However they are also going to give their honest opinions,  however unpleasant you or the designers may find them.  With that being said, I don't feel like coddling designers is a good way to grow the card market at all.  Just waters things down.  None of this means this guy doesn't have potential.

[magnacat]

thank you for your opinions, guys, though i have to say that i am refreshed by s. carey's reply, given that he also knows what potential this guy has. also, though, i did put this up for exactly the type of reply i got to start. thank you for bringing the earlier thread to my attention, had i known of it, i certainly would have used it to make a point about the news surrounding this deck. i haven't been around for a while, because of a lack of a pc, which should soon change, but i have every bit as much drive, as most, to be a part of something i feel is so great (this community and the things it stands for). if you have any constructive criticism, i'm sure Caleb (the deck designer) isn't going to blow you off. i myself had a few suggetions for him, but i think he is headed in a really good direction, and i would hate to turn him off to the future he may have with this. and yes, i did back the Royal Optik, with much enthusiam, it's a true sight to behold, as well as the Federal 52 decks, as i can't currently think of a project that i would have wanted to see more if i had had my pick before i saw it. it was really strange to have an idea i believed would work, appear, and be even more great than i had pictured it being. both Uusi and Jackson have intense talent, there is no arguing that. anyway, thanks for the replies, and keep them coming if you have them, i'll advise Caleb to check this board again if i think he needs to read anything specific. thank you for your time,

S. Michael Wood
 

[Don Boyer]

I wrote about this deck on my site. I think the thing to note is his age. He is only 19 and already attempted a custom deck. Whether you like the design or not, that is subjective. Currently he has over 300+ backers who seem to dig it. He seems like a total go getter given the fact that he taught himself how to use illustrator for this. You all may call it lazy but I call it a solid first try for someone just starting out. I think he has a lot to learn and is eager to learn it.

Instead of berating him and mocking him, I think if we want the card community to grow (some may not) we should be reaching out and offering advice/support.

I make a point of letting newly-arrived designers know that what we say about their decks are never meant as personal attacks but are merely reflections of the seriousness with which we pursue this hobby of ours.  Anyone coming in with a sincere desire for suggestions and possible improvements need only ask.

if you have any constructive criticism, i'm sure Caleb (the deck designer) isn't going to blow you off.

Actually, when I brought up the matter of the pre-existing deck of the same name this deck originally had (Bicycle Eclipse), that's precisely what he did - he brushed aside my suggestion about a name change, stating that he had prior approval of USPC Legal.  Little did he know, however, that USPC Legal's "approvals" have a way of being less than entirely final in the early stages of a project.  It wasn't until USPC themselves "suggested" that he change the project's name that he did so.

As I mentioned above, if someone sincerely wants recommendations, we're happy to oblige.  On the flip side of that coin, when we offer recommendations and get blown off, we don't exactly go out of our way to offer more.  I'm a reasonable man, as are most of us here, and would certainly reconsider if approached by the designer, but I've personally encountered just a rare few cases where the designer practically ignored anything I had to mention, at which point I wished them well and stopped commenting on their project.

[magnacat]

well, after reading the now-connected page, and seeing that he did blow you off, Dan, i can totally understand your lack of any enthusiam for continuing to help someone who is "beyond reproach". i was simply unaware of this, and i apologize for being uninformed before i posted. to be honest, i was excited about the project's connection with the potential movie, and the designer's total openness to my points when i contacted him. i had no idea that he had treated anyone else this way, as he was always very nice and open to criticism when i talked with him. i will say, though, for his first shot at this, his potential, and his -seeming- devotion, i am glad he was unaware of the existance of this thread, and honestly, this type of criticism could have very well destroyed his dreams at a very early stage, or anyone's, for that matter. but once again, Don, you are very nice in mentioning how the comments are not meant to demean, or hurt, but are a product of your fellow poster's enthusiasm for what they love, which is understandable, even if it can get very ugly at times when left unchecked. knowing what i now know about the situation, i'm bowing out of this conversation, as there is no real productive reason to continue it, that i can see. all the best to everyone involved in this discussion who had helpful views to relate, and to anyone big enough to give people second chances. i'm sure he had no idea who he was talking to when you emailed him about the name problem, either, Don- that is actually kinda funny in retrospect. btw, i can't wait to see what the Sin cards are going to look like when they restart the campain. thanks again for your time,

Michael Wood   

[Ben Taylor]

I just got my decks today. I have to say he did a very good job on the shipping, and overall project management. Proof that it can be done at $11k funding and $9/deck.