Thank you Jack T Chance

This morning Jack T Chance posted the following on Replica Prop Forum:

"After thinking about my actions of the last few days, I've realized that I personally may have overreacted to the situation.

CT didn't HAVE to share this information with me via email the way he did, he CHOSE to do so. After reading his blog, it's become clear to me that he really HAS done a TON of research on this prop, and he comes across as someone that is really passionate about making the best possible recreation he can, to get this project right. He has shared information about the filming props on his blog that I certainly never knew, and has thus increased my own knowledge about this prop considerably. In that way, is he REALLY so different from the rest of us? I don't think so.

On the subject of aluminum vs. stainless steel, let us never forget that another VERY popular unlicensed prop maker, the infamous (and sorely missed) Larbel Plasma Blade, did, at times, offer his Star Wars Prequel Trilogy lightsabers in both aluminum and stainless steel! To be fair, at the time, I never saw the discussions here in regards to the stainless steel models. I wasn't a member here at the time they were made, so I have NO idea what the reaction to them was like. I only found out they existed years after he was shut down and "assimilated" by Master Replicas! But the stainless steel Obi-Wan saber I saw on eBay when someone decided to sell it a few years ago was GORGEOUS and I would LOVE to own one! I'll never be able to afford it at the prices it commands on the after market, but that's beside the point. The point being that the stainless steel model looked JUST AS GOOD, to ME, as the normal aluminum ones did. So I can totally understand CT's decision in that regard.

Celestial Toymaker, I said some unkind things towards you, and regardless of how you treated others on this forum, it was still wrong of me to say those things. While I still disagree with the way you chose to respond to the criticism you received, I do understand the strong emotion behind your words. A far wiser man than I once said "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." I foolishly let myself briefly forget that philosophy, which has been a guiding principle in my life. I believe that I owe you an apology. Whether or not you accept it is irrelevant. I believe that I owe it, so I am offering it to you.

I wish you well in your efforts to recreate these props. Your passion for creating the best possible recreation is now quite obvious to me, and I look forward to seeing the final product. I know it will be a beautiful prop.

Also, 2 last things: I have reworded my edit to my first post. And in hindsight, I realize that when I posted the Work In Progress pictures of the prototype sonic, I probably should have labeled them even more clearly as being Work In Progress pics. Doing so might have prevented some of the drama that has since gone on in this thread. That was my mistake, and I take responsibility for that. "

 

Thank you Mr Chance, apology accepted and I apologise likewise for my reaction.

 

To be honest, I've never had any problems with Jack T Chance. I've had cordial communications with him in the past and I've always considered him one of the good guys. Where our disagreement comes is in the field of customer (or in my case, people who would probably never be customers) relations. I accept that my attitude towards detractors has always been somewhat abrasive but if they have a point, I always listen and I will always be the first to point out a fault with my products. A point has been made over the past few days that is that constructive and valid criticism is different than sheer ignorant, unsubstantiated and malicious comments do not, and never will, constitute criticism. I am old fashioned in my approach to customer service in that it is decidely non-corporate. I will sell to whomever I choose and I do not brown nose the tiny but vocal Internet minority who feel entitled to a bit of sucking up. Owning certain prop replicas are a privilege, never a right, and the relationship between customer and vendor/make is a two way street. Paying money to someone does not buy the right to give the seller abuse or make slanderous comments about them. The same is even more true if you never even spend any money with them or intend to. Two way communication is key and whilst I disagree with Mr Chance's 'customer is alway right' approach, I do see how customer service is vital to a successful business. However, every business reserves the right to refuse to serve irritating customers/non-customers and that should never be forgotten.

 

It is funny that Mr Chance mentions Larbel. Larry Leung has been an inspiration to me for nearly a decade and his lightsabers were (and still are) the arguably the best ever produced and I feel honoured that I have owned several of his pieces and to know the man himself. His attention to detail and sensibilities directly influenced me when I first set about creating my replicas and if my pieces achieve even a small level of the fame that his lightsabers achieved, I feel I would have done my job.