Hasbro and Fun Publications threaten legal action against people selling stolen test shots

Nevermore · Post by **Nevermore** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:10 pm

http://newsreader.visualmedia.com.hk/vm ... e_id=86372

secretcode · Post by **secretcode** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:17 pm

I... Kinda posted that in the BotCon thread earlier. I figured since it has to do with BotCon, I'd add it in there.

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:30 pm

Between international jurisdictions and the authorities involved, eBay VERO is probably as far as it'll get.

Do not ever purchase ANY Transformers from Chinese auctions or vendors

If there was anything that could be done about retailers selling normal stock before a US street date, it would've already happened.

Nevermore · Post by **Nevermore** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:53 pm

Someone should tell Brian Savage that there are quite a few legit sellers in Hong Kong that get their stock totally officially through Hasbro.

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:26 pm

Some people can only communicate in broad, sweeping (and commensurately dumb) statements.

Doubtful it's going to be very successful in convincing anyone to not deal with an entire country.

Speaking of broad statements, anyone on other forums called him racist yet?

Cliffjumper · Post by **Cliffjumper** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:36 pm

I can do that, if you want. I mean, if you think it'll help.

And be fair, the Chinese are brilliant, but evil.

secretcode · Post by **secretcode** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:41 pm

Cliffjumper wrote:I can do that, if you want. I mean, if you think it'll help.

And be fair, the Chinese are brilliant, but evil.

And they outnumber everyone in the USA 5-to-1. Once they realize that the Red Dragon will strike

Sir Auros · Post by **Sir Auros** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:55 pm

I already knew he was an idiot (he works for FUN Publications, that's proof enough), but using "here" instead of "hear?" I am shocked and appalled.

Jaynz · Post by **Jaynz** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:05 pm

It does seem pretty... stupid... to attack the 'collectors' this way for leaked copies and prototypes. For all the good it will do (which is none), it makes FP look foolish, litigious, and makes the convention and club again look like it's all about selling the toys.

And how many toys and attendees did FP LOSE as a result of these leaks? What was their actual LOSS here?

They could have QUIETLY gone to eBay when the auctions are brought up... but...

martyboy70 · Post by **martyboy70** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:37 pm

Maju Garzett wrote:I... Kinda posted that in the BotCon thread earlier. I figured since it has to do with BotCon, I'd add it in there.

Yes but you have clearly failed to realise "If it aint Nevermore-it aint news people"

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:53 pm

See if you can get the chip off with a dremel.

martyboy70 · Post by **martyboy70** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:01 pm

Denyer wrote:See if you can get the chip off with a dremel.

As far as Im concerned if he hasnt posted the thread it just doesn't hold water for me or in other words I just dont believe it-its that simple.
He is The Telegraph or The Times to everyone elses Sunday Sport.

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:07 pm

The club's a separate entity to the convention at their own insistence. Their PR is itself newsworthy at times... though this isn't quite in the same category as spamming their customer base with political email forwards.

secretcode · Post by **secretcode** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:10 pm

martyboy70 wrote:As far as Im concerned if he hasnt posted the thread it just doesn't hold water for me or in other words I just dont believe it-its that simple.
He is The Telegraph or The Times to everyone elses Sunday Sport.

Wait, who was that directed at?

Post by **Denyer** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:13 pm

Maju Garzett wrote:Wait, who was that directed at?

Stillborn attempt at sarcasm.

secretcode · Post by **secretcode** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:23 pm

Denyer wrote:Stillborn attempt at sarcasm.

Actually I'm being serious.

Heinrad · Post by **Heinrad** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 12:50 am

I got my BotCon Ironhide from a Chinese seller. I think he showed up shortly before BotCon. I've always been of the opinion that he was either A)a first run test, B) an over-run(instead of making, say, 1500 of them, they made, say 1510 or 1520, which were either given to employees or thrown to children outside the factory), or C) he was part of a case that fell off of the back of a truck on it's way to Honshu. Given the limited production run, I figured A or B was more likely than C, to he honest. They'd notice a case of missing Ironhides.

The bag was all stamped Hasbro, BotCon 2005 Ironhide, etc, but there was no attendant paperwork.

And it's not like it stopped me from going to the convention. I couldn't afford to go anyway.

Edit: Just read the letter. Wow, he really sounds like a total jerk, doesn't he.

Jaynz · Post by **Jaynz** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:17 am

I really liked the 'Never buy anything from China 'cause they're all thieves' bit...

Post by **Clay** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:49 am

Copied and pasted, for historical purposes:

寄件人: "Brian Savage" <brian@mastercollector.com>
收件人:
標題: Stolen BotCon items
日期: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:43:20 -0500
This is going out to each Ebay seller who has recently tried to auction
BotCon toys. All of they toys you are selling are stolen. You know
this
when you buy them out of the package.

As you see, I have the power to cancel your auctions and I have each of
your personal information provided by Ebay.

If you do not want us to continue prosecuting you through the police
and
Ebay (who will cancel your account), you need to return the stolen
property to me or to Hasbro in China.

If I don't here back from you that you have shipped our items back in
48
hours, I will press forward with both Ebay and the police. Consider
this your only warning.

You can send the items to me at:

Brian Savage
Fun Publications, Inc.
225 Cattle Baron Parc Dr
Fort Worth Texas 76108

or

Antony Bao
Hasbro
$)AIn[Z;*GH3G6+2?9$R5Gx6~:E3'7?NeB%/ Antony Bao/ 0755-26901222-693

Thanks for your attention in this matter. Even if YOU didn't steal it.

Selling stolen property is a punishable offense.

Do not ever purchase ANY Transformers from Chinese auctions or vendors
as Hasbro is also looking to prosecute.

Regards,

Brian Savage

It's a fair, if wildly over-reactive, stance. But this bit:

Do not ever purchase ANY Transformers from Chinese auctions or vendors as Hasbro is also looking to prosecute.

Is what broadcasts the "throw them all in jail and sort it later" style cock-monkey attitude.

martyboy70 wrote:As far as Im concerned if he hasnt posted the thread it just doesn't hold water for me or in other words I just dont believe it-its that simple.
He is The Telegraph or The Times to everyone elses Sunday Sport.

It was a simple mistake, so let it go.

Ackula · Post by **Ackula** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:09 am

martyboy70 wrote:Yes but you have clearly failed to realise "If it aint Nevermore-it aint news people"

martyboy70 wrote:As far as Im concerned if he hasnt posted the thread it just doesn't hold water for me or in other words I just dont believe it-its that simple.
He is The Telegraph or The Times to everyone elses Sunday Sport.

Why don't you try dropping the attitude, or maybe post some news yourself if you have a problem of how others do it. That kind of shit is not really needed, just relax man.

On topic... The whole manner in which the letter is presented is just unprofessional in its tone to me. I really think that it could have been worded much better and more tactful than it was.