Competition for K&C (1 Viewer)

[Combat]

Folks,

I'm not really crazy about the direction of this thread so say what you're going to say for another hour or so and then I'm going to remove it.

Why is that?

 

[fishead19690]

I would characterize it more as dismissing the competition simply because it is not K&C, not belittling. There are quite a number of posts for K&C to produce Napoleonic figures from countries other than Britain and France, ignoring the fact that Frontline has a huge Napoleonic range in realistic matt: BAVARIAN, NEAPOLITAN, ITALIAN, POLISH, IRISH, SWISS, SAXON, NASSAU, WESTPHALIAN, AUSTRIAN, PRUSSIAN, RUSSIAN, AND BRUNSWICK. Britains has come out with an early WWI matt line, but its products are mostly ignored on this forum while collectors speculate what K&C will introduce in its own early WWI line. Whether it is not matching K&C's scale (1/30 to 1/31), style of painting, sculpting, investment potential, etc., many K&C collectors simply are not willing to consider other companies. Yes, K&C's sculpting and painting is superior to its competition, its comparable sets priced lower, and the range of themes the most extensive; but it will be a long time before K&C has an extensive Napoleonic line like Frontline, and there are many ideas K&C will not currently consider because they are preceived to be poor sellers.

I,ve always found this forum to be overly K&C dominated, I love K&C also but I like britains frontline and other companies also and I would rather see my figures in 1/32 scale then 1/30.
It seems to me that some members have a K&C tunnel vision and could care less about any other company and to each his own but a lot of these other figures are starting to improve in there sculpting and painting.
Look at figures like the new jenkins french and indain war figures! I think the painting is even better then K&C and the sculpting is just as good. And there are also other new companies like patroit that have taken a major leap in there figures and are up there with K&C.
And like you said about frontline they have a varity in there figures that it looks like andy is unwilling to make with all the various nations of the napoleonic wars. Andy is unwilling to even venture out to making ugly prussains which were a major player in the napoleonic wars and a major part of waterloo the most famous battle of the napoleonic wars.
I,ll buy my prussains from frontline, they may not look as good as K&C but they are willing to fill the gaps that other companies seem to think won,t sell but my frontline collection is munch bigger then my K&C collection and I beleive is at somewhere over 400 figures now.
Andy seems to get a bit to defensive about his figures and has attacked members for posting there thoughts on the forum about his figures. This is a forum to express our thoughts about the figures we collect and I think we should be allowed to post what we think about the figures we collect and tell what we like about a figure as well as what we don,t like.
I know this is small hobby but we should still be able to post our veiws freely.
If this was a fast food forum I would like to be able to say that the whopper is better then the big mack without Ronald Mcdonald wanting to kick my butt!

 

[fishead19690]

Why is that?

I second that! Why is that?

 

[Fubar]

Why is that?

I dont see that anyone has gotten out of line or has their nighty in a knot at all. Everything I've read makes sense if you look at it from each posters perspective.

Fub

 

[Capitolron]

Folks,

I'm not really crazy about the direction of this thread so say what you're going to say for another hour or so and then I'm going to remove it.

Censorship Brad?

The words being spoekn here are not rude - you may not agree with the opinions given - but, free speech is free speech.

So does the moderator not agree with the opinions given - strike down the words written? Now that is just not right.

Nothing has been said in this thread to demean anyone or speak badly about anyone.

Ron

 

[Capitolron]

I,ve always found this forum to be overly K&C dominated, I love K&C also but I like britains frontline and other companies also and I would rather see my figures in 1/32 scale then 1/30.
It seems to me that some members have a K&C tunnel vision and could care less about any other company and to each his own but a lot of these other figures are starting to improve in there sculpting and painting.
Look at figures like the new jenkins french and indain war figures! I think the painting is even better then K&C and the sculpting is just as good. And there are also other new companies like patroit that have taken a major leap in there figures and are up there with K&C.
And like you said about frontline they have a varity in there figures that it looks like andy is unwilling to make with all the various nations of the napoleonic wars. Andy is unwilling to even venture out to making ugly prussains which were a major player in the napoleonic wars and a major part of waterloo the most famous battle of the napoleonic wars.
I,ll buy my prussains from frontline, they may not look as good as K&C but they are willing to fill the gaps that other companies seem to think won,t sell but my frontline collection is munch bigger then my K&C collection and I beleive is at somewhere over 400 figures now.
Andy seems to get a bit to defensive about his figures and has attacked members for posting there thoughts on the forum about his figures. This is a forum to express our thoughts about the figures we collect and I think we should be allowed to post what we think about the figures we collect and tell what we like about a figure as well as what we don,t like.
I know this is small hobby but we should still be able to post our veiws freely.
If this was a fast food forum I would like to be able to say that the whopper is better then the big mack without Ronald Mcdonald wanting to kick my butt!

Agreed.

 

[Capitolron]

I don't think there are any rules about what threads you can go on. I could be wrong but I don't think the forum was set up with that mindset. I like to read about all of the brands.

You missed my point entirely - or do you just want to disagree?

My point is there are many threads for each of the Companies who make Toy Soldiers - so no one should feel that their favorite comapny has been slighted in any one thread.

I think anyone can and should go and read about all the Companies on the forum - just don't come to the K&C forum expecting songs of praise for HB or Conte or etc....... The K&C forum is where you should applaude or comment on K&C figures, direction and the company as a whole. Everyone from HB to Frontline has their forum which most of you particiapte in already and speak your mind on their company.

So dont get offended if "we happy few, we band of brothers" stick by and shout "Hooray!" for King and Country on the King and Country thread.

The interesting thing is what I say here in my strong defense of King and Country will not change on another thread.

Ron

 

[jrsteel]

You missed my point entirely - or do you just want to disagree?

My point is there are many threads for each of the Companies who make Toy Soldiers - so no one should feel that their favorite comapny has been slighted in any one thread.

I think anyone can and should go and read about all the Companies on the forum - just don't come to the K&C forum expecting songs of praise for HB or Conte or etc....... The K&C forum is where you should applaude or comment on K&C figures, direction and the company as a whole. Everyone from HB to Frontline has their forum which most of you particiapte in already and speak your mind on their company.

So dont get offended if "we happy few, we band of brothers" stick by and shout "Hooray!" for King and Country on the King and Country thread.

The interesting thing is what I say here in my strong defense of King and Country will not change on another thread.

Ron

"Strong defense of K&C"? Why do you feel a need to defend K&C? Nobody was attacking K&C, just obnoxious attitudes.

 

[Capitolron]

"Strong defense of K&C"? Why do you feel a need to defend K&C? Nobody was attacking K&C, just obnoxious attitudes.

So if you dont agree with someone's opinion - thats an "obnoxious attitude?"

Please explain - I am interested.

With all due respect of course,

Ron

 

[Njja]

So if you dont agree with someone's opinion - thats an "obnoxious attitude?"

Please explain - I am interested.

With all due respect of course,

Ron

Ron:

Perhaps I can explain, as I encounter this attitude all the time. A lot of

people choose to attack, or explain off any opinions or views they don't

agree with. I get this all the time, I have my opinions explained off more then

the average politician.

I listen to opposing points of view, then make a decision to either continue

with my present opinion or alter it to consider new or different facts.....but

this is not the norm. The norm seems to be to explain off the other guys

opinion because he is:

Pick One.

1. King & Country Insider

2. A Investor just in it for the cash

3. Hell I think he's an Alien

4. He's with them?

5. Or my personal favorite.......I think He's from Jersey!!

Njja

 

[jrsteel]

Gentlemen:

I am the King & Country snob.

I freely admit it and will stand up for my prejudice on the Toy Soldier Industry's number one leader. KING & COUNTRY is by far the best Toy Soldier Company in the World - their product ranges, their figure production and simply their attention to detail surpasses all.

I am sure it is politically correct to be inclusive to other manufacturers - but, the truth be told - they fall far behind.

I do think it is great we have other Toy Soldier Companies and I am sure they try hard to keep up with Andy. I am not putting down other companies - just recoginizing what is GOLD PLATED and what is not.

No Other Toy Soldier Company has as many ranges and production line on such a large number of historic events - THAN KING & COUNTRY.

No Other Toy Soldier Company pays as much attention to their clients and seek information on production lines - THAN KING & COUNTRY

No Other Toy Soldier Company has done more for the industry as a whole for increaing quaility, content and apprearance - THAN KING & COUNTRY

Like the old porche commercial : KING AND COUNTRY - THERE IS NO SUBSITUTE !

Those are my two cents from a loyal K&C fan.

Ron

This is an obnoxious attitude. We've had these arguments on this board before and I think everyone now realizes it's pretty stupid. I think the tone of this thread started out conciliatory and then it went down the crapper.

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

I’ve been following this thread closely...for obvious reasons! And here is my tuppence worth...

1. Competition is healthy!

For me, King & Country and all of our competitors. It’s what drives the business and hobby forward and keeps us all on our toes.

Some people on this forum seem to think that “competition” is something new on the scene and has only appeared since “Figarti” and “Honour Bound” arrived. Not so, K&C has been “in competition” since the very day we were founded over 20 years ago. Back then it was companies like “Britains”...“Tradition” and “Trophy” (to name but 3).

A few years later it was our Hong Kong compatriots “Frontline”...a couple of years after that it was “Conte”. Today, it’s “Figarti”...“Honour Bound”...and a revitalized “Britains” (again to name but a few).

Am I or K&C afraid of our competitors? No way! Do I respect them? **** Right! Do I watch what they’re doing? Like a hawk!

Does anyone seriously believe or think that K&C got to this stage in the “great game” of toy soldiers by being complacent...self-satisfied...or smug? K&C are where we are today because we’ve been consistant...innovative...and, I believe, intelligent in our choices and, very, very importantly, providing excellent value for money and choice.

I don’t pretend our approach is “brain surgery” but there it is...

2. Andy’s reaction to criticism

Am I overly sensitive to criticism? Sometimes I am...but K&C is my baby and I care passionately about her. And if someone says something I don’t like or agree with I’ll reply to it.

That’s one of the joys of this Forum in particular...you actually get to talk to the collectors and they to you.

I would say the vast majority of my posts on this Forum have been polite...friendly...and I hope informative. A small minority have been less so...especially when I think the reply deserves to be “dished back” in the same manner as it was originally “dished out” by one of the forum members. I’m sure most of us know who my favourite critics are...

Everyone has a right to an opinion and the right to express it freely...but that right should also extend to me if I disagree...Or is that me being too “defensive”?

So, there you have it...

Best wishes and...happy collecting!

Andy C.

 

[Rob]

I think Andy has a very healthy attitude to this and its probably why he's done so well.Never underestimated the opposition sort of thing.As for the forum,one of the things i like so much about it is the freedom of speech.If you only collect K&C and want to say it loud and proud you can.Or if you have various faves you can say that too.I know i am not alone in feeling passionate about my collecting in my case mostly K&C,but i enjoy and appreciate the views of others and enjoy looking at other products.Even if i don't dip my toe so to speak.I really don't think anyone intended to be "thought Police".

Rob

 

[Rob]

Its a shame people have argued on this thread.Its really not what i started it for.Just wanted to say whatever our faves all views are valid.

Rob

 

[maddadicus]

.......I think He's from Jersey!! That has always been my favorite too, although I am leaning toward you being an Alien from Jersey Michael

Ron:

Perhaps I can explain, as I encounter this attitude all the time. A lot of

people choose to attack, or explain off any opinions or views they don't

agree with. I get this all the time, I have my opinions explained off more then

the average politician.

I listen to opposing points of view, then make a decision to either continue

with my present opinion or alter it to consider new or different facts.....but

this is not the norm. The norm seems to be to explain off the other guys

opinion because he is:

Pick One.

1. King & Country Insider

2. A Investor just in it for the cash

3. Hell I think he's an Alien

4. He's with them?

5. Or my personal favorite.......I think He's from Jersey!!

Njja

 

[Capitolron]

This is an obnoxious attitude. We've had these arguments on this board before and I think everyone now realizes it's pretty stupid. I think the tone of this thread started out conciliatory and then it went down the crapper.

No what that statement from me was a logical argument on why (in opinion) King and Country is the best Toy Soldier Company in the World.

You my friend took my opinion and crapped on it.

I deal with these tatics everyday in the Halls of Congress - people who dont agree with logical opinions of a differeing view and because they personally dont like it - they personally attack the person who makes the argument.
It really is the last gasp of a losing position. But, enough of that - lets keep to the REAL SUBJECT of why KING AND COUNTRY IS GREAT.

My opinion of course and thats why it is on the K&C Thread.

 

[Rob]

With regards to the company who many see as K&C's biggest competition HB,as anyone seen pictures of their forthcoming Shermans yet.?.I for one am really interested to see if they would sit nicely next to K&C.

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

No what that statement from me was a logical argument on why (in opinion) King and Country is the best Toy Soldier Company in the World.

You my friend took my opinion and crapped on it.

I deal with these tatics everyday in the Halls of Congress - people who dont agree with logical opinions of a differeing view and because they personally dont like it - they personally attack the person who makes the argument.
It really is the last gasp of a losing position. But, enough of that - lets keep to the REAL SUBJECT of why KING AND COUNTRY IS GREAT.

My opinion of course and thats why it is on the K&C Thread.

You both need to tone it down, now!

 

[jazzeum]

With regards to the company who many see as K&C's biggest competition HB,as anyone seen pictures of their forthcoming Shermans yet.?.I for one am really interested to see if they would sit nicely next to K&C.

Rob

Rob,

They're just starting to build it. There are no real models yet.

 

[Capitolron]

Ron:

Perhaps I can explain, as I encounter this attitude all the time. A lot of

people choose to attack, or explain off any opinions or views they don't

agree with. I get this all the time, I have my opinions explained off more then

the average politician.

I listen to opposing points of view, then make a decision to either continue

with my present opinion or alter it to consider new or different facts.....but

this is not the norm. The norm seems to be to explain off the other guys

opinion because he is:

Pick One.

1. King & Country Insider

2. A Investor just in it for the cash

3. Hell I think he's an Alien

4. He's with them?

5. Or my personal favorite.......I think He's from Jersey!!

Njja

Njja:

I appreciate the insight. I by the way have enjoyed reading your opinions and words on this forum - with appreciation of your views. Its a shame others cant structure themselves the same.

With answers to the list of opitions on WHY ? - I Love King and Country:

1. I am a Lobbyist in Washington - not in the Toy Soldier Business. The only insider that I know is (I haven't even met him yet) is Louis - I mean he has got is own museum

2. My investments are in New York in Stocks and Bonds and in Florida Land. Not in the success or failure of K&C - although it brings me pleasure to be able to sell some of my old stuff on Ebay and buy new stuff with those dollars - but, if anyone thinks thats a business for me - hahahahaha My money is made on K Street.

3. I am a Republican Capitialist - yes I am sure that is Alien to some of you.

4. I freely admit - I AM WITH ANDY - I AM WITH KING AND COUNTRY - I have never met the man and the last time I was in Hong Kong - K&C hadn't even started. I think Andy at that time was knocking down beers with the Royal Marines. But, I am not in the company anyway - Although Andy if you want to go public - I think Louis and I want to sign up first.

5. No not from NJ - I am from FLORIDA - learn my political trade in the campaign battlefields of Florida and other States in this Union - Although in my business to call someone a "guy from New Jersey" is quite a compliment. Tony Sopriano and I thank you.

So for all you out there who speak of Capitolron in your PM's out of the light of day - hopefully this answers all your questions.

Gentlemen - I have strong belifes and stand by what I think is right. I also believe strongly in friendship. Seek not to tear anyone down and protect my right to speak freely. So lets have a cigar and agree that I LOVE KING and COUNTRY and you have the right to LOVE whatever Company you choose.

Ron