Hey Lighthouse--- 3 months have passed, and still no book or refund...

[sckao]

 

I'm still waiting on the 1602 set, the JLA/Avengers sets, and Superman I guess. I'm in no hurry to get them since I already have them anyway. (Just back-up sets.)

 

I've gotten everything else I've ordered though so far (dozens of TPBs, Gerbers, Overstreets, etc.)

 

Is there a reason for this?

 

Does someone know what's actually going on with Lighthouse? (If so, drop me a PM, thanks.)

[Verbow]

Superman...6 month option...

 

I've had one other experience like this with a board member and, after enough hassling and the threat of mail fraud, I finally got my books. It just shouldn't have to be that way. If I wouldn't have heard the reports of San Diego I would have been cutting more slack...

[Silver Surfer]

If some one spent hundreds and item wasn't delivered then this becomes a fruadd case and Police complaint.

You can only wait so long but if he does not answer any corrsepondence he is avoiding!

 

I hate to keep harping on this but there is no excuse for not returning email communications, especially when people have been openly complaining on these boards. I almost order stuff from House at the recommendation of others but I'm glad I did not as I would be livid by now. The fact he even went to San Diego just speaks to his total disregard for YOUR money and more importantly his reputation. Its just criminal. Sorry but I just can't believe these kind of business practices are being condoned, friends or not.

[uclapeterg]

How many of us are waiting for Superman orders? And did you choose the one year or 6 month option? I would like to gather a list, if possible. I will include the names of peoples I gather here in any future correspondence.

Ouch, for a minute there I was thinking you were going to put a class action suit together.

 

damn, FFB went on vacation...

[BassGMan]

How many of us are waiting for Superman orders? And did you choose the one year or 6 month option? I would like to gather a list, if possible. I will include the names of peoples I gather here in any future correspondence.

Ouch, for a minute there I was thinking you were going to put a class action suit together.

 

damn, FFB went on vacation...

 

Talk to Foolkiller, he is also an attorney, I think there is another one or two here as well.

[uclapeterg]

I am kidding (I think??!!) But it would be interesting to get an amount that 'House has "borrowed" from people here an amount for his outstanding orders.. Are we talking hundreds? Or thousands?

[Stronguy]

I would venture to guess that it's in the low $1,000's.

 

He doesn't own me any money outright but he has promised (several times) to make good on a deal we did several years ago.

[BachelorOfComix]

I am kidding (I think??!!) But it would be interesting to get an amount that 'House has "borrowed" from people here an amount for his outstanding orders.. Are we talking hundreds? Or thousands?

I was kidding around.

[greggy]

I am kidding (I think??!!) But it would be interesting to get an amount that 'House has "borrowed" from people here an amount for his outstanding orders.. Are we talking hundreds? Or thousands?

I was kidding around.

[BronzeBruce13]

I don't know how/where to begin. So try and "stay with me" if my thoughts are all over the place. Forgive the length of this post also, I just don't have the gift for concise writing.

 

I too have a sizable comic order pending (that has been held up over a misplaced "1602" issue). However, I agreed to wait until it was located when 'House offered to send the rest of my order out about 2 months ago or so. In addition, since I was aware of some of the developing personal difficulties he's been experiencing going back even further, I offered (was not solicited in the least) to help him financially with a significant loan. I've been through what he's going through and know how tough it can be when loved ones have serious health issues and no immediate answers/solutions are available. The purpose of the loan was to help counter-balance both the loss of time/income he suffered while spending time tending to these matters, and secondarily, to help keep his new venture TPBKing in a position to fulfill all its incoming orders/requests for product not yet in stock. Basically, to keep the ball rolling. Point being, I have as much at stake as most here, probably quite a bit more.

 

I've been out of touch with 'House for awhile and hoped his situation was improving. When this thread surfaced I was surprised by it all and immediately concerned about the loan and my outstanding order too . My initial reaction was frustration that he had not made good on satisfying his customers as was the plan... and admittedly concerned/suspicious too (I'm sorry to say) as the additional enormity of the complaints naturally made me consider the worst was a possibility. I barely thought about the above-mentioned health matters I knew about and did not consider that they may have contributed to the further deterioration of this situation.

 

I emailed and tried to call him, but did not hear back immediately. So, I then spoke with some board members who are closer to 'House than most and who have been in contact with him recently. I learned that things have become progressively worse since last we spoke. He did not want to make a sob story here and asked for the others not to make a drama on his behalf. Later that day, I heard from him and he explained a great deal more to me. The man who wrote that email was clearly in despair and I feel for him. It was obvious that he was going through a great deal of mental anguish over both his wife's medical situation (that I knew of) and now some of his own health issues in addition (that I was unaware of). Not to mention a myriad of other lesser problems (in comparison) that all seemed to have converged to kick him in the balls all at once. He said he just could not handle speaking with anyone on the phone or respond to the thread personally as he felt emotionally unstable and overwhelmed. He asked me not to post all this detail/drama as well, as he felt the board was not meant for his problems. I disagree. As I see it, the continued lack of communication and answers that many deserve would only allow things to snowball further. It would be more damaging if nothing was said, as it can be assumed to be "apathy" or "criminal"... which I just do not believe is the case. He's trying to resolve matters as we speak via email, although he can't address everyone at once. So, I'm sorry 'House for not honoring your request, but I feel I'm doing the right thing. I don't believe the people that know, trust and consider you a friend are being given the opportunity to understand what you're going through and possibly rally and offer you emotional and other support when the chips are down for you.

 

If memory serves this is the same online community that I'm extremely proud to be part of (particularly when its at its best ) that has rallied behind many worthy causes. These include various comic and non-comic related charities (David)... helping orphaned children (Mike Shuley)... helping comic legends of old who are seriously ill... helping Rick (when he lost $1k while scambusting)... and most impressively, and most recently helping Joanna to the tune of thousands in her moment of need.

 

What's the difference here?

 

Only these 3 things as I see it:

 

1. Most of you don't know that a "perfect storm" of serious hardships have assembled and are now wreaking havoc on 'House's life and that the man is doing his best to keep it together. You have not been given a chance to consider this and show the compassion I know most of you would have otherwise.

 

2. 'House has a track-record of being a habitual procrastinator and poor prioritizer. His business skills and communications need a serious overhaul when he returns. Presently, there are a multitude of people that have been very patient and still have outstanding orders and they are justifiably frustrated and angry.

 

3. Obviously, the worst timing possible... "House's procrastination and mismanagement of his time and completing orders prior to, and as his problems were escalating, have now put him in a very bad spot. He is responsible for this wholly, has no one to blame but himself and will have to answer for it. However, now there are indeed very legitimate reasons for his inability to deal with his business problems as effectively as everyone would like. Unfortunately, they directly follow a period of time in which he should have. Thus, without information and a response, it all has been morphed together and multiplied tenfold in its perceived magnitude. This situation appears to be one long unjustified, "unimportant to him", delay (or worse to those that don't know him very well).

 

That said, I want to be clear that many good points have been made about his behavior and the way he conducts business. Everyone that has lodged a complaint has certainly been patient enough... and have more than good reason to be pissed off for the delay before the "perfect storm" hit. Now that most of you have got it off your chests, I ask you to consider the big picture and see if you feel any differently. If a friend of yours does something that has angered you (but always makes right afterwards) and is then hit by a car or something... do you abandon him or write him off because you were angry the last time you spoke.... OR do you have faith that the matter will be resolved and send well-wishes and support his way?

 

I will not accept that 'House is a thief or an immoral POS that has plotted to make off with 3K or so. This is one of our own that has been here a long while. He has helped people. He fulfills orders (eventually). He's donated to the charity drives and has again currently. He is not everything that all this appears to make him look like. Not that its anyone's fault for being angry and concluding otherwise. I can surely see how it can look that way, especially with no response. Nearly every complaint, criticism and hostility in this thread are valid and justified by those that issued them. All those save this being a plot or a scam.

 

I'm sure some of you already think I'm a gullible insufficiently_thoughtful_person... or worse.

Even so, I'm suggesting we look beyond the mistakes he's made and rally again and show 'House some support and compassion. Show him that although we demand he get his business priorities straightened out when this all shakes out, that we still know him to be a good person, will not abandon him when he's down, and have empathy for his current hardships.

 

To those that "know" 'House, consider him a friend, or at least believe he's an honorable man that will make right, I hope you'll join me in sending him some support. I'm starting a thread.. sort of a "We're with you" online card where anyone that wants to send over a positive message should.

 

To those that do not "know" 'House well and just took advantage of some good offers in the marketplace and can't wait any longer, please PM me your order information and I'll see what I can do to help expedite a resolution. Its certainly understandable for you not to have the faith I'm asking for. If you can muster some additional patience, it would be appreciated.

 

Anyone that still feels the need to vent, please keep it here. I understand that I may have not answered everyone's concerns and that there are more questions. There's more I could say, but this is already too bloody long.

 

Thanks for listening,

Bruce

[Illiterati-migration]

Bruce, I appreciate your empathy for 'House's situation... I really do, but it still just doesn't wash. I'm going to go ahead and play the "villain" here because I don't think that most of the people who are feeling ripped-off are going to be comfortable speaking up about it at this point.

 

I'm VERY, VERY sorry to hear that he's having personal problems... but if he had MY money and he was just SITTING on it while he went to San Diego and did all that, well, I'd be SUPER-pissed.

 

Again, I'm sorry to hear that he has all these vague issues going on right now, but, it's time to start refunding money. If he can't find the time to fill orders, he needs to just start refunding. I'm sure there are many people here who would like nothing more than to get their MONEY BACK from this apparent black hole.

 

Maybe none of you guys who are backing 'House and his business practices are broke enough right now to appreciate this?

[Marvel 25th-migration]

I'm sure I'll just be dismissed as a newb but I don't give a shizzle. This is [!@#%^&^]. We're all busy. We all have sad stories. The original poster has waited 3 months. That's too long. Even his supporters have labeled 'House' as lazy (at best). At this point I'd say he's a poor businessman (at best). He'll get around to it eventually is not good enough and neither is boo hoo I've got a sad story.

[BronzeBruce13]

Bruce, I appreciate your empathy for 'House's situation... I really do, but it still just doesn't wash. I'm going to go ahead and play the "villain" here because I don't think that most of the people who are feeling ripped-off are going to be comfortable speaking up about it at this point.

 

I'm VERY, VERY sorry to hear that he's having personal problems... but if he had MY money and he was just SITTING on it while he went to San Diego and did all that, well, I'd be SUPER-pissed.

 

Again, I'm sorry to hear that he has all these vague issues going on right now, but, it's time to start refunding money. If he can't find the time to fill orders, he needs to just start refunding. I'm sure there are many people here who would like nothing more than to get their MONEY BACK from this apparent black hole.

 

Maybe none of you guys who are backing 'House and his business practices are broke enough right now to appreciate this?

 

A fair point MK and well-put. Especially since I always considered you and 'House to be friends.

 

I'm not suggesting anyone that can't afford to, should be indefinitely patient. The issuing of refunds should be far less time-consuming if the funds are available and I'm hoping 'House can get to it regardless of circumstance if he has the means. It sounded like he has begun contacting some of the people on this thread already. Can anyone confirm? What is also a possibility is he may not have all the funds to send refunds because he has not been able to put in the time to do business. If that's the case, we sure have a problem without an easy answer.

 

I asked those ready to "cash out" to PM me with the order and amount so I can compile it and send it to "House and see if I can help expedite a refund. Maybe just helping him get organized and prioritize will make it easier? In fact, if its not too staggering a sum, I'm willing to put up additional funds to get money back to those that really need it asap. Perhaps others that feel as I do, that 'House just needs some support and maybe a little time/help to get through this will PM me and offer additional assistance in this regard... if it turns out 'House is not able to satisfy all the cash debts immediately.

 

I really don't know all that is going on here, but the email touched me and I felt for the guy. It took me back to a similar time and place and I can relate to even the simplest tasks not being easy to accomplish in that state of mind. I don't think it was BS.

 

I really don't want to come off as though I feel no one has a major gripe here. I thought I made the point that they certainly do and 'House brought much of this on himself. I just gotta' go with my gut here MK... and it tells me this guy is in a tough spot in his life and I'd feel terrible if I didn't consider that and offer help instead of assuming the worst. I certainly don't expect my post to change everyone's position. It was more an appeal to those of us that have known him longer. Those that don't... I can see where they are coming from and am trying to help them too.

 

As far as San Diego, I hear you. I also felt the same way when his posting on the forum came before sending out tardy orders or answering PM's. I posted here a couple of times irritated and looking for a return contact too. It sucks to feel ignored while someone communicates with others.

 

Also, I'm not backing his business practices, they need to be improved dramatically as mentioned.

 

Bottom line, like you, something doesn't wash with me either... that he's a POS scam artist. I hope I'm proved right and all outstanding debts and/or orders are taken care of soon. if I lived near they guy, I'd just go help him pack.

 

[BronzeBruce13]

I'm sure I'll just be dismissed as a newb but I don't give a shizzle. This is [!@#%^&^]. We're all busy. We all have sad stories. The original poster has waited 3 months. That's too long. Even his supporters have labeled 'House' as lazy (at best). At this point I'd say he's a poor businessman (at best). He'll get around to it eventually is not good enough and neither is boo hoo I've got a sad story.

 

I'm not dismissing you at all. I think your statements are fair and I would be perhaps less tolerant than you if I didn't know 'House. Stronguy is good friends with 'House I think, so his comments are probably defensive. Please forgive him... you certainly have a right (like anyone else in the same boat) to present your gripes without being jumped on. My post was not meant to silence anyone, just bring another perspective and more information to the table since it was missing.

 

Please PM me your order info and amount you're owed.

[Illiterati-migration]

Right on, BB... I fully understand what you're saying.

 

I don't want people to get the wrong idea here; I like 'House a lot. He's always been extremely kind to me (even when I've been an enormous pain in the [!@#%^&^]... 'nuff said). Hell, he even tried to call me once, though he failed to reach me and the results were quite comical. (No pun intended.)

 

That being said, it's hard to temper my tone when it seems like everyone is very willing to just "let it slide." I can't stomach that. How many people OFF the boards have placed orders and not received their books?

 

He's a buddy, but it's time for some "tough love." I know you're probably on the right track in thinking that he just needs some time to get his act together and he's NOT a crook and all that, but at this point, he's more crook than not. That makes me sad and I hope he gets things straightened out, but that doesn't mean people should be "bullied"* into keeping silent on the matter... particularly if he has their money.

 

 

 

*I don't actually think that people are being "bullied", but the influence of the Grandfathers Of The Board is apparent and very strong... and when the GOTB are saying to "give the guy a chance", I think that goes a long way toward shutting various peoples' mouths.

 

Again, this is not intentional on anyone's part (except for Strong Guy at this point, but that's almost to be expected-- not in a bad way), but it's an unfortunate social dynamic here on the forum.

[bubbagump]

For those of you who question why he went to San Diego, he seriously considered not going due to his circumstances. He had already made the financial commitment to go and do the convention. Ultimately, he decided it would be more damaging to not go.

[BronzeBruce13]

Right on, BB... I fully understand what you're saying.

 

I don't want people to get the wrong idea here; I like 'House a lot. He's always been extremely kind to me (even when I've been an enormous pain in the [!@#%^&^]... 'nuff said). Hell, he even tried to call me once, though he failed to reach me and the results were quite comical. (No pun intended.)

 

That being said, it's hard to temper my tone when it seems like everyone is very willing to just "let it slide." I can't stomach that. How many people OFF the boards have placed orders and not received their books?

 

He's a buddy, but it's time for some "tough love." I know you're probably on the right track in thinking that he just needs some time to get his act together and he's NOT a crook and all that, but at this point, he's more crook than not. That makes me sad and I hope he gets things straightened out, but that doesn't mean people should be "bullied"* into keeping silent on the matter... particularly if he has their money.

 

 

 

*I don't actually think that people are being "bullied", but the influence of the Grandfathers Of The Board is apparent and very strong... and when the GOTB are saying to "give the guy a chance", I think that goes a long way toward shutting various peoples' mouths.

 

Again, this is not intentional on anyone's part (except for Strong Guy at this point, but that's almost to be expected-- not in a bad way), but it's an unfortunate social dynamic here on the forum.

 

 

MK, I don't want to silence anyone. I want to help >everyone< involved in the situation as much as I can. I think this is a bad situation destined to get worse if we don't try to problem solve. Its clear to me that 'House need some assistance. Maybe the well-wishes will provide enough encouragement for him to get going. Who knows? What I do know is that people can do far more if they have a support group that believes in them. I'm not judging anyone here... lets just see what we can do.

 

I repeat... those that are ready to cash out please PM with your order info and I'll see what I can do.

[deathlok]

In a way I am torn. I really do feel for House and what he is going through. I don't mind being very lenient with giving him time to get his life in order. I am in no rush to get the stuff right away.

 

On the other hand his decision to remain silent in all of this doesn't ease the unpleasantness. I have frequently sent him PM's and E-mails just asking for a sense of what the situation is. Often he will eventually respond with information. Even if things do seem bleak and out of control, he should take the time to at least communicate with people. He just needs to respond.

 

I do know that he was having computer problems and was having difficulty comiling a list of people he owed books to. You mentioned that he has notified some people, yet nobody has seemed to come forward with these communications.

[ArAich]

On the other hand his decision to remain silent in all of this doesn't ease the unpleasantness.

 

My guess...(and it is just a guess)...is that 'house is presently in "I don't give a [!@#%^&^] mode"....

 

Been there...done that...

[BachelorOfComix]

House is a cool guy & I do hope he gets through whatever it is he's going through. However, when he gets back on his feet it wouldn't surprise me to see these customer service issues arise again (& again...).