[hudpitch]

@palmat - summed up my thoughts exactly. Not entirely sure tweeting ensures a speedy response either.

[simbasimba]

Indeed Palmat!
DW have been great thus far, so we should give them the benifit of the doubt and assume something great is forthcoming... Just hope they respond soon to ease our minds....
DeathWaltz - the guantlet is down!

[dumaisaudio]

I feel bad complaining, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. Spencer did mention that some company was doing screenprinted lithos for the new releases. Maybe we'll get them included in sub 3?

[unpopular_poet]

I am slightly torn -- I do know that it has been mentioned many times that each subscription was going to be different, so maybe this time, there are no lithographs -- personally, I don't frame the lithos, nor the posters, so I am not really sure what point they have for me (other that being super cool for people who do collect them). I started buying DW records because the content of the albums was awesome -- and to be honest, there isn't a release yet that has disappointed me. Obviously I have my favorites, but hell, they are all so well done. I think that we need to trust DW --- If I recall, at some point there was a mention of a DIY record...possibly that is the special treat in this sub. I think the sub also offers something else -- first grab at non-sub releases. There are always going to be problems with releases -- I have yet to encounter a flawless system of releases. Take Castle Face for instance (Thee Oh Sees' John Dwyer's label) --- about a year ago, an entire shipment of records were basically lost -- hundreds of orders -- I lost out on a few super rare records because of it -- but I didn't blame Dwyer for it -- I just assumed it was one of those glitches and the label made it up as best they could. We can't have it every which way -- you can't expect a small boutique label to have the same level of instant support of one of the bigger labels. Keep in mind, I understand people's concerns -- I am not saying you are all wrong -- I am simply saying that supporting a small label is difficult -- it doesn't always go as everyone dreamed. That being said, I am still waiting for that damn House of the Devil release.

[chandler75]

I don't really see the "first grab at non-sub releases" as a big advantage. There haven't really been any truly "hot" items since the first "The Fog" that sold out rapidly.

After the increase from 200-300 copies of each release to 500-2000 copies, most releases sit for weeks/months (years?) before selling out. DWR sent out a email to subbers with a hidden link for EVIL DEAD ("Please don't share this link until after midday"). That was 3 months ago, and it's still available in the DWR store.

I do really hope that Spencer has something cool up his sleeve for the subbers (and not a tote bag...), otherwise I will probably also be getting my future DWR release from Norman or Amazon instead.

[deathwaltz]

Guys
sometimes it would be beneficial to wait instead of immediately going in for the negative comments…

I have never let my subscribers down and we don't intend to do so on Sub 3.

You'll all be getting a pretty bumber package witht he last record of sub 3 at considerable cost to ourselves.

I normally don't get involved in this kind of thing as it actually upsets me to read that people think I would some way rip them off.

Just making an exculsuive colourway in an edition of 300 is way more expensive than doing 1000.

I think if you just sit down , play the records , enjoy the music and the package as a whole that will more than keep you going until the 6th record and goodies drop.

[devilwidget]

Thanks for chiming in Spence.
Sorry if I offended you in any way - its not that I (and I presume I speak for most people here) think your being shady in some way, but more that it's pretty scary forking out for a subscription with the economy the way it is, and its easy to panic when you don't hear much from the label. However, you haven't ever given me a reason to distrust you, so I feel I should apologise if I jumped the gun and assumed the worst. Looking forward to seeing what you pull out next!

[dumaisaudio]

Spencer - please don't take it as distrust or us thinking you'll rip us off. I didn't mean my comments that way, and I for one certainly don't think you'd do that. Sorry to have offended you. I think all we needed was your comments above to let us know what's going on. Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to getting the new releases soon.

[gilsteph]

Can I put a slightly different spin on this.

This forum is meant for these kind of discussions and/or misunderstandings. Clearly a few people felt concerned/worried and voiced their opinion. I for one are glad we have somewhere that we can do that (and interact in a sensible way...not accusing or bullying).

What makes this place special is we hear direct from the horses mouth whats happening. (And sorry Spencer, the horse this time is you)

So lets have a grup hug and get ready for the next release

[RyanPlugs]

To be honest, as much as I like the idea of the lithos and I planned to frame a lot more of them, most of mine are just in a record bag at the moment. I'm really enjoying the booklets that came with the new releases, and wish they were even denser with writing (one big reason I love buying blu-rays from Arrow). I'm not sure how many of you guys have been subscribed from the beginning, but the jump in quality from the sleeves of the original sub to these mental. I'd go so far as wanting to repurchase the the sleeves for the previous releases to bring then up to the sturdiness of the new ones.

I think the spike in interest for soundtrack records is something no one would have predicted, and it has felt a bit like all these release are happening in top of each other (which would explain why we had 3 releases in one go). If the increased quality of the sleeves is anything to go by, the subscriber extras are bound to be amazing.

[bansel]

Spencer, this is the price you pay for putting out such great stuff! For real through, you shouldn't take the criticisms here as negative but rather view them as a compliment. With the great stuff you have done, your products have affected people to the point of insanity. Keep up the good work!

[Re-animated Cat]

This is simply caused by a lack of communication. If DW can sort that out, keep people more in the loop, then no-one will have these doubts. The same with the mailorder complaints - the customer service just needs to be stepped up a bit, that's all. There are no problems with the actual products, which have now reached an insane level of quality!!

In other news, I've just given AOP13 it's first spin - wow, it utterly rules!

[chandler75]

I like gilsteph's spin on it. You always hurt the one you love, right?

But seriously, I believe the comments/concerns here are very somber and thought out as opposed to some of the comments on e.g. Facebook.

[lazyben]

Anyone in the US received their sub yet? Trying to remain patient

[thedeepness]

@lazyben. I am US as well. I expect it will be end of this week or early next week based on gaps in the past between UK and US arival dates. Man, I can't wait. The record store day stuff I got is keeping my interst but I am sooooo looking forward to this new DW stuff.

[siforster]

I'm currently working on my site Top 50 (and doing the now-traditional "going completely mad" while doing it), so haven't had a chance to do anything with the Sub 3 arrivals so far other than look at them. Playing them and writing about at least one of them might happen sometime next week, but when it's possible to just look at a record and think "yeah, glad I bought that" without spinning the bloody thing, it's pretty obvious that DWR's still on a huge winner with this stuff.

As moderator, member and general outsider, it's nice to see that almost all criticism and - if I must - negativity has been along the lines of "where's mine then? I want it!" which in the greater scheme of things is the sort of negativity that any label should be proud of receiving. The loss of the lithos is a bit of a thing, but these were kind of more importance (as it were) when the house style of the sleeves was different and allowed the artwork to be viewed fully and bigger. Now that the artwork takes up the full front cover, weighing the costs up between the lithos and the new megacovers is something that definitely falls in favour of the latter, and the foldouts included allow for more words from interesting people.
And, speaking solely as a moderator for this bit, I'm overjoyed that the Facebook commentators haven't found their way over here

[Pitch]

Well - yes - to some extent you are right. Though I had hoped my comments might have been taken as 'constructive criticism'.

In summary - the new format is impressive. No complaints from me on that. But it is an identical package - the sub and the standard issue. The same great cover, the same magnificent sound recording (yes, I do actually play it - the music is key for me and is no let down on any of the three new releases), the same impressive art work and the same informative foldouts. The only difference is the vinyl colour. And it is also not a numbered edition of 300. There is not even a sticker on the front saying limited / subscribers edition of 300.

I have only commented that I was expecting and looking forward to a lithograph numbered print. I don't think I am the only person who is disappointed not to receive this element of the previously described package.

I think it is a bit overly defensive for Spencer to say that I am jumping the gun in commenting on the changes to the subscription service. I am delighted that at the end of the subscription there will be some surprises, but I am simply highlighting something that might be helpful for DW. It is good old fashioned customer feedback. Polite. Respectful. Nothing nasty. Nothing accusational.

DW obviously values its subscribers, and together we have funded them £51,000 up front for the future 6 releases. I think a little more communication on what the sub will consist of - and any changes to the plans as they occur would be appreciated. That's all.

By the way - any idea when those that went to the Fabio concert might expect their flexidisc?

[jimmy74]

I think its hilarious that you are all here complaining. You guys look very ungrateful and greedy. Half of you subscribed as an investment, thinking that you would be able to flip your records for big money. I am so glad that the difference between the sub and the stock version is so insignificant. I love Death Waltz. Its my favorite label running today. And I have a record label myself. Still the time, effort and energy put into DW is astonishing for covering such a specific genre. My only problem with DW is the majority of the people collecting are only interested in the records value. Buying up the Fog and then turning around and selling it for $200 the day after it went on sale? Im not talking about 1 or 2 people. There were a bunch and it was followed by even more as soon as people caught on. When I first found DW (Prince Of Darkness, Zombi 2, Let The Right One In) I was stunned to find that there was a community of likeminded music lovers. I was glad to find that I wasnt alone. And then the exploiters came along. Just folks taking advantage of other folks. Its a shame. Not that a lithograph raises value exponentially, but it seems like anything short of a 1 of 1 pressing of Black Rainbow will satisfy some of you. You subscribed. You are insured these pieces. You dont have to face the prospect of spending $200 for a copy of anything the day after its released. You get unique pressings. Who knows, there might be something extra down the line. But dont act so fucking entitled. You got your records, now go listen to them, read them, stare at them and drool all over them. Or keep them sealed and list them on your discogs page and wait for someone to pay way too much. I hope that the value never rises on these pieces and you arent able to recoup your costs and dont subscribe to sub 4. Leave the subs to the diehards who want to own the records. I am sure that this will be considered trolling and you guys are going to line up to flame me, but I follow this thread on my phone. Everytime somebody posts to it a little bell goes off and alerts me and I read and the whining has got to cease. You didnt get what you wanted. Welcome to the real world. I know, a bunch of you are like me and bought these records to listen to because you either love the music or you love the label and trust them to put out quality stuff. This post isnt directed at you. Unless youre whining. Then its aimed directly at you. I like to think that you wouldnt need a number on your record to validate your subscription or a special screenprinted 3mm plastic bag to justify the incredible amount that you spent on your sub. The sub was expensive. It bought peace of mind. Enjoy it. Stop acting so white and entitled. Its embarrassing to be in the same room. Good day. And to you Spence, fuck the haters. Keep on puttin out that good shit and showing everyone how its done. Youre killin it in every way possible. Cant wait to see my sub arrive on my doorstep but until that day, i will wait patiently.

[ghostfires]

@jimmy74 - I don't ever pick up the subscriptions for DW, so I'm not speaking from experience, but I think you're quite wrong about guys buying into the Subs because they're trying to flip them for money. I almost never see Subs up for sale, and when you do - it is almost always on this forum, and it seems like every time the price is very low...basically they need to get their money back so they're unloading something they really don't want to sell. They're hoping it goes to a good home, someone that will appreciate the quality like they did.

When you're pointing at people for flipping - that happens with every single label, you can't isolate the DW buyers as being at the root of that problem. You're acting as if it started only once you found out about DW...like the world was waiting on your lone discovery. Sorry to break the news - but flipping was happening before you were born, and before discogs. If you don't like that - move to a third world country, and get out of a free market society.

Also - what does being white have to do with buying records? I didn't realize there was a need to bring something so trivial as race into a complaint about vinyl prices. You ruined your entire argument right there just by sounding so ignorant and childish. You complaining about people complaining becomes silly noise at that point, and adds zero value to the discussion.

[devilwidget]

Hi Jimmy!
Its great that you have such strong opinions (I am firmly of the belief that strong opinions make the world go round), but as Si pointed out, this forum has thus far been a pretty cuddly place, even when people disagree or feel disgruntled. I think if you could try and be less rude in future it would really help us to focus on the point your trying to make.
As far as your point goes - and I can only speak from personal experience - I'm not planning to sell my Sub anytime soon, and I don't care how much it is worth. I just really love art prints.

[deathwaltz]

Guys
Like I said I always look after subbers .
So you like surprises ruined fine…

The last record will come with a set of six lithos in an embossed envelope and will also include a DW print so 7 in total, you'll also all get a copy of the Fabio Frizzi flexi (DW13) so you collection will be up to date. It will all be delivered in a nice tote bag.

Jimmy74 I think you are being overly harsh the folks here are certainly not flippers, they are people that have supported the label since day one and I am very grateful to them for doing so…..

Re: Mail order / E-mails I know we are bad at this , We are workig hard to get this right my web guys are fitting new back end (!) this week which should stop lost orders and make it way easier for me to seperate US/Canadian & rest of the world and that should in turn make it easier for our partners (LITSA/Townsend) to fulfil orders. We will also not be putting things up for pre order , the continued delays of these releases have taught me a very valuable lesson indeed. So thing will only go on sale the day we recieve them in our warehouse. This will ensure that people are not waiting for months after they have paid for a record for it to arrive.

I think people still forget that I am the only member of DW that is full time (Carlos works a full time job as well as his DW duties). My aim for 2014 is that mail order turnaround is 5 days or less and enquiries are answered within 24 hours.

I do take on board your thoughts, suggestions and opinions (The reason re orders will be crystal clear are due to an email from a very member of this forum).
I do (kinda ) like hanging out here although I don't really have the time, hence why I might think it is a wave of negativity when I log in. I will try and hang out here a bit more but I do try and let people know when we have manufacturing delays and other things that are out of our hands.

Hope that addresses and concerns any of you might have

[simbasimba]

Thanks mate!
That does sound very fine indeed!
Looking forward to it!

[Pitch]

Hi Spencer - Thanks for the prompt and full response! Really good to hear the plans ahead - and yes I/we realise that DW is a tight and stretched ship.

A ruined surprise becomes a treat to look forward to and anticipate - which is exactly what I'll do!

I'll go back to the fan boy group hug over there in the corner now [insert smiley emoticon].

(I might steer clear of Jimmy though..... I'm a fan of DW - the music, the enthusiasm and the passion. That's why I subscribed from the beginning). I have one copy of all the subs - and certainly don't flip. I have one extra copy of Fog (splatter) as I panic bought from 2 sources - that's it!)

[chandler75]

I've bought a few extras of some of the DW releases, but primarily to trade, not resell (though I won't rule out that possibility if I need money for new release).

And the three subs just arrived safe and sound here in Denmark and they look AMAZING! I like the colorways and I REALLY like the booklets - I love to read these while listening to the music for the first time. Stellar job as always Spencer!

[RyanPlugs]

There we go. Everyone simmer down and enjoy the music, go back and re listen to some of the previous releases, invest time in tracking down copies of the films you may not have seen, put together wish lists of releases you'd like to see in future, and have a whiskey.

Enjoying music isn't meant to be a headache.