But I am pretty fucking pissed. I was one of the first wave of people to sign up with the CTU. Everything seemed peachy keen. So much so that I decided to branch out from the usual Mighty Mugg Forums since there was an overwhelming amount of artistic talent here. I contacted CUCURACHA BORACHA to work on a Blizzard Noobz for me. That was almost over a year ago now. I have to hear "He's busy" or "He's been under a lot of stress" from AVATAR666 (who apparently sees him at local events and keeps in contact with). I've asked politely several times for him to reply with a quick e-mail, stating if he cant handle my project to at least return my figure ( limited since that particular was only sold during a Blizzard sponsored event some years ago). Still nothing. I just checked his website and after a quick translation found hes been blogging since July of this year. Fan-fucking-tastic. This is the 2nd time this shit has happened to me with a customizer, first being on the MMForums where I actually payed in advance since I was so pleased with the first piece I bought (not a commission though). Luckily I just threw $$$ away getting a figure and sending it to Mexico this time. Long story short, I really want to give more people opportunities to work on pieces for me or as a collective with other customizers but I think im spent. I dont know if there is a feedback system in place that ive overlooked but lets say im not aiming to give a stellar review of our time together. That is all. Carry on with your lives.

This guy posts here (cucaracha)....i'd like to know what's up with this. and a rating system sounds the tits...something like points out of five or ten for speed, communication, etc.

Glad someone finally read this. Was starting to think this board doesn't care about this kind of crap. I don't think he has posted recently on these boards but his blog is very much active. I mean honestly, if you cant handle the workload, just say so. If you dont want to do it, just say so. If you want your damn money upfront, just say so. Last thing I need is someone turtling into the deepest parts of Mexico's internet, dodging me and keeping a figure I bought and payed postage to ship.
And yes, a better rating system is in order. I know Kidrobot is the main push on Vinyl here but where gonna get nowhere close to the KidrobotForums without drastic improvement.

i do not necessarily think that the kidrobot forums are superior to what we have here at Custom Toy Union (actually, i believe quite the opposite - there are far less uneducated opinions / empty posts here, less bickering by far, and a higher standard of quality). Aside from the rating system, what do you feel is lacking about the CTU?

I'm sorry to hear about your commission. I am friends with him on FB, and he seems to be fairly active on there. Maybe try to contact him through there?

Well obviously the notoriety but that cant be helped since its been around longer and more established. I feel that more artists are drawn to it, thus having a good pool or talent. I think the CTU though is very, VERY close. There are some amazing artists and pieces displayed here. My main gripe is the rating system basically. I just doubt Ill take a leap of faith here again for a while, especially with nothing but words and promises over the internet to protect both parties interests.

Please message him for me. I doubt if hes willing to return my e-mails, both directly and through AVATAR666, then I doubt a friend request will be accepted. I just want my figure back so another artist may try their hand at the project, most likely from another forum now since this experience has been pretty aggravating and unfortunately associated with the CTU. Much as id wish it wasnt, its definitely making me look elsewhere from here on in.

sucks that there is no response from the artist. a year is a while but not unheard of. i think i have 3 customs out that have been in the works for over a year. @my Ruppel finally answered my emails this week and i commissioned her in November of 2009.

anyway getting off topic. i hope this all works out for you.

A year is a disgusting amount of time to wait. I have a trade I'm working with a guy on mmf and I've been the one dragging. But I told them up front that this is how it would be and I've been sending him wip pics the whole time so he knows I'm not being lazy. It's actually why I don't like doing commissions. I'm a busy guy but I wouldn't want to wait a year for something I pre-paid for. I hope it works out and I'm not trying to bash anybody.

i got a reply from him on the KR board.

I was just coming here because I saw him post a thread over on KR. I guess we all look out for each other.

Glad to see this moving forward. Really hope you get this resolved.