Dark-Platypus Studio Blog

Yes, I am Still Alive over here! :)

2010-03-01T18:37:00.002-05:00

Every now and then, people notice that the website hasn't been updated in a while, and wonder if I am still in business. I assure you, I am! I have been keeping very busy just filling orders for my current product line, coming up with some cool new products for this year's upcoming convention season, and even trying to get a little painting, sculpting and writing in edgewise.

An entire website overhaul is on the list of things to do, but it's a big list. Please be patient with me, and hopefully someday I'll manage to get on top of everything and even do frequent updates (and maybe even get that webcomic going!).

In the meantime, I am still in business over here, and all orders are filled and shipped promptly (even if the website isn't updated)!

Thanks!
-Andy

OFF TO GEN CON!!!

2009-08-11T11:55:00.003-04:00

Woo-hoo! Goin' to Gen Con!!!

All orders placed between now and August 16 will be shipped upon my return on the 17th.

If you are going to the Con, come say 'Hi!' and check out all the cool new products we have at booth #1303

Hope to see you there!
-Andy

Trouble at the ISP

2009-07-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Sadly, instead of getting my promised updates finished yesterday, I spent a good chunk of the day trying to figure out why I was having trouble getting my emails. Turns out, there was a fire near my service provider's physical location, and it disrupted power to many of their systems, including the email servers.

I'm still trying to get the updates up before the weekend is out, but at the current moment, my website's email addresses are still down. If anyone out there needs to get in touch with me, you can reach me at majorplatypus (at) comcast (dot) net. That one's still working.

Thanks!

Back from Origins! (Whew!)

2009-06-29T21:08:00.002-04:00

Just got back from Origins, and I started putting together the orders that came in while we were gone. Everything should ship out tomorrow!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at Origins, and double thanks to those who bought something from us. Your support keeps me alive!

We had a very good show, and our Bendy Dungeon Walls and Magna-Maps were popular as ever, but I think our new big hit was our next generation of magnetic Action Stands and Status Markers. In fact, we sold out, and I had brought way more than I thought we'd even need.

If you saw them at the show, or heard about them online, its a good bet you've come here looking for them. I do apologize...I put all my time before the show into just getting the things ready, and didn't have time to get them up on the site. I will do my darndest to get them up here in the next couple days! In the meantime, its not too late for me to change the mix around on the Status Flags sheet, or add a couple more flag designs, so if you did see them at the show, or happen to get a set, please feel free to drop me an email with any ideas you might have!

Thanks!

The Magna-Map is Dead, Long Live Magna-Map 2!

2009-04-21T20:10:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to report that the Magna-Map Combat Grid has had a very successful run, and has completely sold out of it's first printing. Since I had to buy more anyways, this seemed like the perfect time to see if I could make some improvements. I now have in stock the new and improved Magna Map Combat Grid 2!!! This new map has all the same great features as the original (wipe off surface, flexible and portable, magnetically receptive), but it also boasts an improved 'textured' floor appearance, and is 8 inches longer! That's right, a full 24" x 36". And the best news of all: It sells at the same price as the original Magna-Map! (Only $30).

Note that I've had the new maps in stock for a week or two, but have been too busy to make the announcement. Just so you know, if you've ordered a magna-map in the last couple weeks, you will have gotten (or be getting very soon) one of the new maps!

Dark-Platypus at BASHCON

2009-02-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

Dark-Platypus Studio will be set up in the Dealers' Area at the University of Toledo's BASHCON gaming convention this weekend (February 20-23). We will have Bendy Dungeon Walls, Magna-Maps, Dice Bags, and many other of our products on hand. We will also have a ton of great new 4th Edition products from our good friends at Goodman Games!

Come on by and say 'Hi!' if you can!! (and stay for some gaming fun, too!)

Two New Sculpts Added

2009-02-09T18:34:00.002-05:00

I have added (finally, right, Larry?) a couple of sculpts I did last year as commissions. You can check them out on the Miniatures page. The new pieces are Jasryn Storm, a human air wizard with a pseudo-dragon familiar, and the Phaerimm, a big scary spikey army toothy monster!

Also, I updated the 'About Andy' page to reflect the fact that Erica and I got married last year! :)

Bugfixes, Round 2

2009-01-19T12:55:00.002-05:00

Okay, this time I think I've got it (I think)!
I was able to find and duplicate the problem that was happening for some people trying to buy Micro Counter Sets, and was able to track down a bit of code that was missing in the Add to Cart button that seemed to be responsible. I replaced the missing code for all the microcounter sets, and also in several other places on the site where it was missing. My own tests seem to indicate that the problem is solved!

Of course, I've been there before, so if any of you out there do experience any more problems with the checkout system, please do let me know!

Micro-Counter Sets STILL Messed Up

2009-01-18T18:24:00.002-05:00

Sorry everyone, I'm no webfu master. My first effort at fixing the Skull Micro Counter Set of 4 code was not as successful as I thought (i.e. not at all). In fact, further testing reveals that all the sets of 4 buttons are having some trouble. I'm on the case, and will try to get it all fixed in the next day or two. In the meantime, if you want to order microcounter sets, or have trouble with any other Add To Cart buttons, please email me and I will take your order that way and send you a paypal invoice to get it all processed.

Thanks for your patience, folks!

T-Shirts are Now Orderable! (And minor bugfixes)

2009-01-14T12:04:00.002-05:00

I did some more work on the website today, and all the T-shirts are now orderable directly from my Site! They are still produced by the fine folks at It's A Gamer's Thing, but now you can order all on one site and all your purchases will ship together! (There may be a slight delay on shipping orders with shirts, as I am still building up my inventory, and may not have your shirt in stock. However, It's A Gamer's Thing has very fast turnaround, so delays should be minimal).

Also, I fixed a couple minor web glitches, including one with the Skull Micro Counters that was keeping a couple people from ordering. Try it now, it (fingers crossed) should work! If you find any other problems, do let me know!

Thanks!

A New Blog for Dark-Platypus!

2009-01-09T14:33:00.002-05:00

The biggest hassle with maintaining a website, I've found, is actually maintaining it. You know, putting up new content, etc. It is difficult and time-consuming, and there is almost always something else I'd rather be doing. On the other hand, it is also important, so that people can see (and buy) the new things I've made, and just so that you all know I'm still alive over here...

To make life a little easier in this department, I have created this blog, which should now show up on my homepage. This will be a faster way for me to post little minor tidbits of news to keep everyone up to date. I will still be updating the website as I can with new products, pics and news, but look here first to find out what's been added! Other than this blog and a little re-arranging, not much new today, but many new things are coming, including: pics of some new sculpts, a couple new token and dice bag designs, and a fantastic new accessory line for the Magna-Map Combat Grid!

Thanks, and keep visiting!