Also for future videos, it would be safe to have an additional device that records a backup (video & audio) - can be a simple smartphone, just in case.
I don't think you should feel the need to apologise for this, Gerald. I think you've acted totally fair in this situation and as you said, it basically doesn't have anything to do with you apart from you making a video on a good product that you received - I think any other content creator would do the same thing. Thanks for addressing it, and thanks for being really transparent here. Sorry you received some harassment from some people - as you said, I think your core audience are rational and understand that the delays and issues with the Kickstarter have literally nothing to do with you. I for one still deeply trust your opinion and input on gear and continue to really enjoy your content, whatever you make! Cheers!
I bought it because of your video, but I made the decision to buy it knowing the risks; you're not responsible for other people's decisions, and we're not victims, so you're good. I appreciate all you do Gerald.
Hey Gerald, I jumped in the Indiegogo for this product based upon your recommendation and my need. Honestly it's been so long, I had forgotten how I came across the campaign until you made this video which reminded me. Reasonable people appreciate all you have done for this community and do not hold you accountable in any way for Padcaster's shortcomings. Shake this off and continue what you do best! You are appreciated!!
I am not a buyer of this podcaster thing, but I watch your videos for years. I am working in a camera store myself and love your reviews on cameras. It gives a great overview. How you handled this „problem“, shows me how honest, upright and caring you are. How a person reacts, when it comes to handling mistakes or problems often shows the true self of this person and you are doing a great job. 🙏❤
Not sure why folks are holding you responsible for a kickstarter. Kickstarters are inherently high risk. My wife waited SIX years for her "bird buddy". The padcaster wait was long, but at least they kept us reasonably up to date.
I got mine yesterday. I’m not too sure why people are crying. This is kickstarter and not a store. We got the product and it’s fine. I’ve gotten screwed on kickstarter at least twice. Parrot actually shipped.
I ordered a Parrot Pro due to your video. It arrived as promised. There were many email updates along the way. I think it is a more than fair price such a niche product. I hope it helps my productions as much as it helped yours. Thanks for being ahead of the curve in your field. That's the benefit of finding insiders with insider info.
Really well said. You have probably the most mature response possible for the situation. And the “waiting” for more info and “not a drama channel” comment make way more sense for why you didn’t say anything at first which I can definitely empathise with.
I made the decision to back the product on kickstarter based on your video. I do not blame you at all. thankfully, my unit gets delivered to me tomorrow.
No need to apologise. You made the video in good faith, for a product that had a good record. Indeed, four years into YT my original Padcaster is the only piece of equipment I bought when I started that I still use. It is brilliant and so like you and others I was pleased to hear about an upgrade. I haven’t got mine yet, but I never thought it was a scam. It just ran into problems. It happens. Don’t feel bad about it.
Anyone who has watch at least 5 of your videos knows you consistently go out of your way to be ethical and transparent. Im sorry you were compelled to make this video. Keep up the good work.
You are a respectable and honest person Gerald. Keep up the good work. I think it’s great that you decided to set the record straight and this only continues your amazing track record.
I did order one a long time ago, and got it a week or so ago, and it works fine. Yes, it took time and I got many emails. I took it as the regular course of events in kickstarter campaigns. The product works great and saves a lot of space relative to my other teleprompter.
Ordered my Padcaster Pro last week based on the strength of Gerald’s recommendation, so I panicked when I saw this video. I ordered it overseas, and the shipping prices were indeed insane; but their customer service was very helpful and quick to respond, double checked the shipping calculations for me. Those costs are out of their hands. As for delivery, I just checked, and my Parrot Pro has already cleared customs, should be out for delivery today or tomorrow. So no complaints about order fulfillment here. FWIW, I didn’t go through the Kickstarter channel; I ordered direct from their website.
Appreciate that you took the time to do this livestream. You went above and beyond for your subs. I enjoy your content and your solid reviews. Keep up this good work. Don't change. UPDATE: shortly after posting I received notice that my unit shipped. Received it today. I think it’s pretty solid. I see the ghosting but only if I’m close. For me this will work. I don’t do much scripted work so having a small super portable prompter will be great when the need arises.
I am an owner of the V2 Padcaster because of your original video. Yep, I listened to the TH-cam influencer (that's you Gerald!) and I bought one. Surprise! it was fine, I've used it and it's served me for what I wanted. Buying it was a bit jenky back then because it was not in stores in the UK. But I kind of knew what I was getting in to. Kickstarter is a bit more of a gamble, I didn't go with this new Padcaster because it was a Kickstarter, I didn't want that risk. I think you gotta appreciate how you're trying to buy something with Kickstarter.
Big companies pay pennies on the dollar for shipping, while UPS/Fedex collect all their income from smaller users like us. When I worked for one of the big ones, we shipped for dell. A giant computer box with monitor and everything would ship for $10. If an average consumer sent the same thing it would be over $100. Business envelope? $20. The envelopes paid the bills, the big companies filled the trailers. Just wildly uneven pricing. Amazon likely pays shockingly little for their shipments. All that being said, this puts Smaller manufacturers at a Massive disadvantage, as they don't have enough throughput or influence to leverage a wildly cheap shipping agreement like the big ones, so they have to eat shipping a Padcaster for $20-40, while Amazon or B&H could ship it for just a few bucks.
I am a professional teleprompter operator and owner and my $3500 teleprompter has “ghosting” if you are looking super close at proper distance it is not an issue. I’ve had Arri Alexa’s shooting through my glass and experienced talent and never received a complaint. I bought a podcaster and just received one and am happy with it for what it is. The reason I bought one is to use in my travel kit. Thanks for your work!
I've pledged to support one product on Kickstarter in 2020 before COVID and got it only in the middle of 2023. And another one, ordered at the same time was never produced.
I trusted your opinions and reviews before, I will trust them in the future. That you are so cut up about the negative comments speaks volumes of the professionalism and care that you take in your reviews. Keep going!
15:25 - This is why I found myself exercising patience beyond my usual impatience. For some reason, I had a gut feeling that Josh might be in a bit over his head with this project. I couldn't shake the mental image of some guy stacking boxes up to the ceiling in every corner of his house, lost in a daydream. 😀haha. I've been using the smaller version for quite a while now. When I watched Gerald's 'promotional video', I was convinced-it was time for an upgrade! So, I promptly placed my order. Yet, here I am, still waiting for it to arrive... since June 2023 I've never harbored any doubts about this project; it's just required a lot more patience than my ego would prefer! 😋 Nothing to blame or Gerald or Josh.
Absolutely not your fault Gerald, so funny I'm specking out a studio for a client and was looking into a mobile teleprompter setup and I remembered your video on this and almost bought it but saw the insane reviews. So glad you came back to make this video and thats all you can do. We are here for you and you have never let us down. Dont worry about the 5%. They dont know you and are just angry. Been here for too many years watching you make great content!
I am firmly in the camp of people who saw your video and bought the thing. At this point, I've accepted that this Kickstarter might not work out, and if they got my money and can't deliver, it sucks, but I've got content to make and I'm not gonna let this be a bigger issue than it is. I'm not going anywhere, man. I appreciate that you're trying to be transparent, and I wish more people respected your efforts in transparency and didn't immediately jump up conspiracy theories over a $100 hunk of glass. Hopefully a Padcaster shows up, but in the production-related world of "things that don't work out," this is barely a blip, and no real producer has time to be hung up on something like this. Best of luck to those folks at Padcaster, and I'll see you on the next video, Gerald.
So while I first saw the product via your channel... I did my own research and came to the conclusion that it was going to be a solid product and worth the risk that comes with Kickstarter. I just received mine today (Feb 6). I paid $139 US for product, taxes and shipping ($30 US for shipping to Canada is def high) but I have to say that I'm impressed with it. It works great! Materials seem quality (the remote is a bit flimsy feeling but works well). The app is simple and intuitive. The step up rings are great and the carrying case is also excellent. All in all I think it's a quality product that will work great for in studio settings but also for any situation that requires portability. Set up is fast and easy. The whole ghosting thing is like pixel peeping. Everybody needs to relax. So at the end of the day, it was a good decision. And apart from the high shipping cost, provided everything lasts, this seems like a good investment. Time will tell. So I'm glad I saw your video. Thanks for all the great work. It's much appreciated
I really hate people are passing their judgement on a Kickstarter purchase onto you. I was excited for this opportunity to get an updated padcaster. Was a disheartened by the way the Kickstarter went... Yes but it's like the 3rd crowdfunding product I've purchased & everyone has went similarly. That's on me for hoping this time would be different. I still love your genuine reviews & takes on things & feel you've maintained your integrity for that throughout all your videos. With new camera tech you're still the first place I check & will always be. Thanks for all your hard work.
Completely fair and considered response. I was one who bought a unit based on your video. It arrived this week, so just trying it out. The shipping thing was pretty surprising. But considering the circumstances, this is just the risk you run with Kickstarter.
Gerald you’re a standup guy who honestly reviewed a product he was given to review. You’re not at fault, definitely not responsible for a manufacturer’s QC issues and IMO you didn’t even need to address the haters here.
Hey Gerald. I backed this kickstarter because of your video. Even thought it was a little annoying to deal with the delays, I don't blame anyone. I received my padcaster today. It looks and works amazing. I tested it our at about 4 foot lenght and see no issues. Thanks for putting in the extra work to explain the situation. I don't think you need to defend yourself. You did nothing wrong. Your reputation is still 100 percent with me.
My Kickstarter Padcaster is arriving today. I have the same older one you have (I believe I discovered it on your channel) which gets me by. The Kickstarter Padcaster looks good, I didn't need it desperately, and I know how Kickstarter works. It can take a while to get your stuff. The only thing was that ElGato came out with their new teleprompter, which looks interesting too, I would have loved to compare both before buying. I wouldn't blame you for production issues that delayed the delivery. Hopefully it gets here today and works well, and then you will have given a good recommendation.
Nobody should “loose faith” not your product, not your problem and appreciate you made this video but you shouldn’t have to and if someone doesn’t trust you at this point there is nothing you can do for them. Thank you for everything you do, you’ve help me a lot. Because of your videos I’ve been informed and felt confident in making purchases. Kick started sucks, it’s not a store, there are no guarantees. Thank you for everything you do.
Thanks for sharing, and I noticed changing the background to white in the app solved the ghosting problem for me since the front is fairly close in my very small studio with the Batis 25mm Lens...
I don’t blame you at all for what happened, though I find the product all around very disappointing. Like you, I was under the impression they were much more established as a company than they were, and thought this was one of the safer kickstarter projects to back. I learned my lesson, I’m never using the platform again and DEFINITELY never buying from padcaster again. Your video was in good faith, thank you for the follow up.
$125-150 for a prompter, a few months of waiting, effin’ ghosting (df?!) caused so much whine that Gerald had to come up with almost an hour’s worth of explaining and apologies? Jeez guys how do you ever take the real sh!t life throws at you? I pledged a few hundred (~$800) bucks to a company that designed tracking PTZ cameras called Soloshot. I went with the “Pro” model and a bunch of accessories. They ended up scrapping the model and only releasing the “consumer” ones. They shipped to the cheaper models customers, but not to those who paid for the pro one one, so I didn’t’t get neither the gear nor my money back. The company’s alive and kicking, active on social media and continuing sales, they just gave me (and I supposed the rest of the “Pro” pledgers) the bird and used our money for margins. So Gerald, I’m a hundred percent with you on this whole Kickstarter model.
This was super interesting. I ordered one based on your video, but yeah, it’s Kicksterter so there’s always a risk for anything. It’s a real bummer you got left to the wolves because of manufacturer issues. For Padcaster, the bigger bummer is that the Elgato Prompter came out and is amazing. I’ll still be curious to tinker with it whenever it arrives though. *”Kicksterter” was a typo but it’s too funny to fix.
@@tombuck Your video actually put me over the edge and I ordered. It says they should be shipping mid to late February which isn’t bad since I’ve been waiting since May of last year for the Parrot 🤣. Will be interesting to see which one gets here first. Appreciate your channel. 🍻
I’ve never understood people’s impatience with Kickstarter. It’s possible, and Kickstarter spells this out, that you never get anything at all. You’re supporting a product because you want it to come to market. You’re not *buying* anything. Pretty sure most people know this…
Watching this recorded and Levi calling in to inform of the audio is awesome. Knowing you've got a guy that important to interrupt a livestream is great...
Dude you're amazing bad spot you were put in. Love the honesty and being forthright. Also love the location in Kickstarter as my hometown of Brooklyn, NY..... 🤣🤣
I think it's admirable of you to make this video to go over what transpired. For me, it was an exercise in patience. Sure, the $27 upcharge to cover shipping was understandable. But being told certain ETA's and those dates coming and going.. after a while in my mind I wrote off what I had spent with Padcaster mentally.. Just this week I received a tracking number indicating the unit is on the way.. My Elgato teleprompter will arrive around the same time.
The problem with reviewing a sample product ahead of production is that the reviewer will OF COURSE be sent a unit that works. This is how cons work- build enthusiasm based on something good, and then watch the funds roll in as other people are encouraged in by the first suckers. This is why it is not ethical to accept prototype products for early review, especially where that review will be responsible for pulling more suckers (ahem… investors… ).
Hey Gerald, you’re a great guy, and I really felt your heart on this matter. Your viewers know now if they didn’t before that you actually care and that’s huge. Thank you for being so honest and transparent. Keep up the incredible work my friend and next time I’m in Canada maybe we can collab on a video. That would be awesome.
Sorry people were so rude to you over this. I got my padcaster a couple of days ago from the kickstarter. I have done many kickstarters before so this seems pretty par for the course for a well doing one. Not trying to be an apologist, I wonder if people hadn't been burned before or considered it a preorder vs what kickstarter is actually is.
I’m in Mississauga, ON 🇨🇦. Happy to report, my unit arrived yesterday. Set it up today, and: - no ghosting on mirror that I noticed. - hold remote ON button for a couple of seconds, CONNECT to pair via Bluetooth. - didn’t come with an instruction sheet. Q: there is a small rectangle near the mirror. Does it flip up? To control iPhone positioning? A bit tight in the wedge where it is. Any hints?
I remember completing the survey but I don’t recall receiving a request to pay an additional amount for shipping so now I’m completely lost. I just sent a message to Josh. Hoping to get this resolved so that I can receive my order as quickly as possible. I gave up on the Parrot and have since ordered and received the El Gato Prompter. This is the second time that I’ve backed a Kickstarter product and both have been seriously delayed and flawed. I won’t back another product no matter how wonderful it seems. I appreciate your follow-up because I would still be thinking that mine was finally on the way to me.
My only beef is the livestream format…it took a really long time to get down to what was actually going on. I’m a backer and it felt like forever until finding out what the supposed controversy was, then had to sit through the audio diagnosing. I basically troubleshoot for a living so I didnt want to sit through someone else doing it lol. Love your recorded videos and you’re one of the #1 channels I recommend to others getting started in video so I love ya…just keep that editor busy 🤘
So I just got mine few days ago but haven’t opened it yet. After waiting for such a long time, when it finally arrived, the project I had intended it for was already in the past. I wasn’t mad about it as I just rationalized it by saying it’s an inherent risk with backing on kickstarter. I had no idea the guy sent units to stores before fulfilling all the kickstarter orders first. I just saw on B&H that it’s on sale for just under 150, which would be about 10 bucks cheaper than what I ended up paying via kickstarter. I’m blessed to not have to lose sleep over something like this, but that’s such a disrespectful move to those who backed the company. I’ll never buy their products again out of principle.
I ran into a similar issue with the Jack the Bike Rack. Suppler issues, strap redesigns, Covid, and then the delay ran into shipping cost increases. It sucks but happens. I was happy when it finally showed many months late. I can't remember anyone blaming PathLessPeddled for reviewing a pre-production unit. Now I will never purchase from Padcaster again (bought two full iPad stands for our company previously) based on how they handled this. Kickstarter and IndieGoGo do seem to protect some bad actors though. Famous comic book creators B. Clay Moore and Tony Harris each took tens of thousands they got for projects and ran. At least Josh is answering messages on KS and not ghosting or worse to people asking what's going on on with their purchases.
Still waiting on the one I bought after your video (in Australia), don't really care about the delay, it'll come when it comes or whatever, you didn't do anything wrong, it's kickstarter. I've never used one before so don't have any expectations on quality, it is what it is.
It would have been so easy for Josh to communicate these problems to his backers. It is not unreasonable to have problems with a kickstarter but what is not reasonable is to leave your backers in the dark when you have these problems. The explanations that Josh was giving felt defensive and sounded like BS because he refused to keep people updated. Transparency is not hard. I don't blame you in any way for their problems, your video was made in good faith . If Josh had communicated like a normal person and explained the issues your DMs and comments would have been far less and much less angry. They just needed some more regular updates and this car crash would be far less of a problem.
Imagine my surprise when Vistek was selling a kickstarter product I had sponsored was selling the item I had yet to see. I picked on up and it had double vision so I had it exchanged. I still have not received my actually kickstarter package. Never once would i be so foolish to blame your review for anything other than what it was. A honest review and nothing more.
Great video, glad that you made a response answering everything. I agree not to make content for the 5% but it is also good to remind people of the risks with Kickstarter. I am a backer and did so on your recommendation. You aren't PadCaster so you didn't do anything outside share your opinions. It does give me some caveats to remind people of Kickstarter's risk if I ever want to recommend a product. I've backed a handful of projects and gotten all of them ... well minus the ParrotPro, but I am still hopeful I will get it soon - but if I don't it happens and its not your fault!
I have backed this product also, but not upon your recommendation, but of the good people at Ripple Training. I am pleased to say that my ow Padcaster is on the way to me and should arrive in Japan circa the 9th of February. I expect it to be a bit later because of the let's say, overly thorough way, the Japanese customs work. Whilst I do find it a bit frustrating that it took so long, not once during this process did I think to blame Ripple Training. I and I alone made the decision to back this project and I knew the risks going in even it being my first use of Kickstarter. I have seen some of the comments blaming your good self Gerald on the Padcaster project page and to me they appeared as people who are unable to accept responsibility for their own actions and have never heard of personal accountability. In harsher words, spoilt brats that desperately need to grow up and mature - regardless of how old they may be. If people want a guaranteed purchase, they should wait until it is available in a high street shop or at a reputable online shop. That's all there is to it.
It was funny listening tom complaints about delivery times. I am in New Zealand and we are used to supply chain delays. All the time we stuff launched on TH-cam and it doesn't arrive here until 3 months later, and that can be with big name brands too. So a small niche Kickstarter company delivery being late is no surprise. Great video.
Wow, Thank you Gerald Undone. Crazy respect from the community unlike Matti Haapoja dude sold people on OneWheel which had tons of issues and #1 comments on his video were people asking for help and to address it Matti just responded I didn't know people had issues. With laughing emotes. To see an TH-camr address the issues with a product they promote is major to someone like me. Huge respect and thank you, even though non of it is your fault.
I backed the padcaster because I'd seen their brand around for a long time + I saw your video and a couple others + their delivery date was about a month away from the backing date. I'd already sworn off kickstarters and this one took me by surprise and just put the nail in the coffin with KS for me, NEVER AGAIN! Never pointed the finger at you or any other creator for covering it, it's just unfortunate that the padcaster guys fumbled the whole thing so hard. Who would have guessed that by them getting an influx of orders it meant the people that got them there are paying the price for it (literally)
Hi Gerald, so I did back the kickstarter bc of your video and bc I happened to be in the market for a teleprompter. I don’t think you had any fault in this and there’s no way you could have known. It’s unfortunate that it happened but I do appreciate the video and how open you have been about the situation. I’m probably gonna sell my copy whenever it does get here bc the wait and shipping has been so long that I’ve ordered a different prompter so I can actually have something to use.
Fairplay Gerald, but you shouldn't have to go through this, let's face it this could happen to any product from any company and from any retailer, worry less keep them coming much love
You are still the most trustworthy TH-camr period. At least for me I didn't back this but I have bought products based on your thorough reviews, and they all turned out to be the best decisions I have made as a business owner. It is impossible for someone in your position to be perfect but you do go above and beyond and you don't need to worry about the 5% please just keep doing you. If anything you opened my eyes to possible issues withkickstarter because I have backed expensive projects. Rotolight anova 3 pro and the komet trigger. But screw the unreasonable people I appreciate you
Your video did get me to kickstart this. I don't blame you for the issues with the kickstarter. Did get mine in today and it has REAL bad text doubling unless Im like 6 feet away, and then the text just looks blurry. Again, not your fault, it's just a terrible kickstarter that resulted in a subpar product, at least in a large batch of them. I had the original padcaster and used it all the time with no ghosting at about 2-3 feet.
The same thing happen to the SLATE LED panel I bought. They had numerous problems with quality control, manufacturing and getting enough made and into the hands of all their backers. The two I receive are basically junk. Kick Starter is very risky, even when the big boys are using it, let a lone the little guys. It's a gamble and that's what people don't understand about it. As for me, I'll just wait till a product is released in to the stores and then wait for a sale. I don't need to be the first kid on the block with the new tech. Sad to see they had this problem. I just sold my old one. Had it for years and loved it.
I bought this product as a result of your video and completely accept what you’re saying Gerald. What I would say however, is to send the units to retail and receive new income from those units before sorting out those people that had already paid is fraud. The reason they gave is not good enough. It’s okay, lesson learned, I’ll never use kickstart again, but I will always watch your videos mate.
I’m done with Kickstarter after watching this. I’ve backed two campaigns so far. First one worked out fine. Second one, not that happy about the shipping cost. It is due to arrive next month.
I freaking love the videoes where you are just rambling along unscripted :D would like more of those in genral. Gerald! you are awesome.. and just forget the haters 😁
Yikes... now I'm worried that the glass is going to be an issue, even though we've waited specifically to get the glass right. I have a Desview T3 that's pretty decent but I was hoping for better. Cool that Levi Allen called to tell you about the crackling... what a guy!
I am a backer, still haven't received mine but I don't and can't blame you. I also put a deposit on a Tesla Cybertruck around 3 years ago and never hear from them. I feel like you stated unless it is from a longstanding company I don't usually buy from them. If I do I realize that I may never see a product, or it wasn't to the quality that they described. Thanks
As frustrating as this whole process has been I have never felt you (Gerold) were at fault. What bugs me besides the crazy delay and the over 50$ charge for shipping to Canada is that between my Kickstarter order and now, the Elgato Prompter came out and looks to be a much better product. On top of that, it comes with it's own screen and not that much more expensive than What I'll end up paying for the Parrot Pro. I had great experience with Kickstarter in the past (Peak design) but this will be the last time I "invest" on anything from Parrot or Kickstarter. Appreciate this follow up video 🍪
Really NBD, I ordered, yeah it took forever, yeah the elgato came out that I want more, yeah they up charged.. all bad business but crap happens, I got mine, will use it and get the value i paid... life goes on.. we will all survive..
Although I’ve never trusted Kickstarter and I did decide to back a product this one time because of your video, I can’t blame you for the turn of events. I think the points you laid out were valid and reasonable and I don’t hold anything against you. After all, the opinions were based on the specific unit you received. It did however solidify in me the murky waters that is Kickstarter.
Like @JonAdamsTech, I knew it was a risk. With that said, I received mine a couple days ago. I remained positive throughout this process. I was at ease because I knew that you had done a video about it, so I knew you'd embarrass the company if they didn't deliver. About the ghosting, I checked and mine has it. I may not have noticed it much if I didn't know about all the other problems. But I am surprised about it. I'm used to a truly pro one at a television broadcast studio, and I thought that's how they all were. But I guess not, lol. In any case, you're a good person and you still have my trust.
I have the regular Padcaster and I have NEVER noticed the ghosting when reading. It's there, but expecting there to be no ghosting on something this cheap is unreasonable. I would like to buy the Pro version, for all the reasons you complained about the regular version, but I'm glad I didn't go through Kickstarter and decided to wait to buy it on Amazon.
It looks to be better. Haven't got mine yet either so I just gave up after watching this video and ordered the Elgato too. How do you like it so far? I have the older Parrot and while it works, I get really frustrated with the app on my phone. Changing scroll speed and other things while the phone is attached is a real PITA.
Never blamed you once. Actually, felt bad that the company didn't live up to you and your brand. Based on "their" actions I will never buy from Padcaster again, but I will trust your recommendations. I see the two as separate matters. Keep up the great work Gerald.
expecting taxes like VAT to be included is not stupid but very common in Europe. Webshops from the UK had to do it to avoid losing the EU market after Brexit, larger platforms like Aliexpress were forced to include VAT a few years ago. Granted, not all webshops do it, but it is very common.
I did pledge after watching your initial video supporting them. Though I knew pledging on a Kickstarter I still ran the risk of running into delivery issues and falling short of promises. So of course I didn't hold anything against you, and this video is unnecessary but still appreciated. In the end the teleprompter, when I eventually get it, I'm sure will still be a decent product but definitely not worth the trouble and cost of doing it through the Kickstarter. Once you factor in customs and shipping, it would have been cheaper to order it from B&H than it was supporting the Kickstarter. At least as a Canadian and not American. I've been burned by Kickstarters before but just thought this one seemed more promising than others.
Providing a live updated shipments queue or date may avoid « scam » feelings / comments. Even if for someone the date or shipment # is far away, seing it coming gradually would relieve frustration and increase trust about the process heading in the right direction. Currently it is so opaque that I understand it may bring so trust question and scam feelings.
I also ordered the Padcaster Pro the minute I saw Gerald’s original video. Seemed like a great product. Well that was what feels like five years ago. I still haven’t received the product. My last four emails have gone unanswered. I’ve had to also pay additional billing charges which have taken the total price up to $180. For that price, I could’ve bought any other prompter on Amazon and I would’ve had it by now. Gerald, I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, but I’m really hoping something more can be done. This company shouldn’t be able to get away with this. It’s an absolute disgrace, especially as many people who have received them say that they were ghosting issues. Perhaps you can use your platform and reach to make them understand the extent of peoples anger here. Of course it’s not your fault but we would not have ordered this product. If it didn’t have your seal of approval. With great power comes great responsibility, or something like that…
The audio crackling starts at 10:55 and lasts until 28:16. No idea what caused it. Sorry for the annoyance.
Appreciate the timestamp, was starting to get annoying to listen to on headphones haha
Windows' faulty OS Scheduler?
I would suggest you edit the audio track & reupload (automatic crack removal)
Also for future videos, it would be safe to have an additional device that records a backup (video & audio) - can be a simple smartphone, just in case.
With 1/2 MILLION folowers, can be worth additing some redundancy :)
I don't think you should feel the need to apologise for this, Gerald. I think you've acted totally fair in this situation and as you said, it basically doesn't have anything to do with you apart from you making a video on a good product that you received - I think any other content creator would do the same thing. Thanks for addressing it, and thanks for being really transparent here. Sorry you received some harassment from some people - as you said, I think your core audience are rational and understand that the delays and issues with the Kickstarter have literally nothing to do with you. I for one still deeply trust your opinion and input on gear and continue to really enjoy your content, whatever you make! Cheers!
I bought it because of your video, but I made the decision to buy it knowing the risks; you're not responsible for other people's decisions, and we're not victims, so you're good. I appreciate all you do Gerald.
My Parrot Pro was delivered on Thursday, Feb 8, 2024. I've inspected it and everything looks great.
Hey Gerald, I jumped in the Indiegogo for this product based upon your recommendation and my need. Honestly it's been so long, I had forgotten how I came across the campaign until you made this video which reminded me. Reasonable people appreciate all you have done for this community and do not hold you accountable in any way for Padcaster's shortcomings. Shake this off and continue what you do best! You are appreciated!!
Exactly the same story here. From France. 😅
I am not a buyer of this podcaster thing, but I watch your videos for years. I am working in a camera store myself and love your reviews on cameras. It gives a great overview. How you handled this „problem“, shows me how honest, upright and caring you are. How a person reacts, when it comes to handling mistakes or problems often shows the true self of this person and you are doing a great job. 🙏❤
Not sure why folks are holding you responsible for a kickstarter. Kickstarters are inherently high risk. My wife waited SIX years for her "bird buddy". The padcaster wait was long, but at least they kept us reasonably up to date.
If they couldn’t handle the orders, they should have shut down the orders. This isn’t your problem, Gerald. I’m glad you cleared the air.
I got mine yesterday. I’m not too sure why people are crying. This is kickstarter and not a store. We got the product and it’s fine. I’ve gotten screwed on kickstarter at least twice. Parrot actually shipped.
I ordered a Parrot Pro due to your video. It arrived as promised. There were many email updates along the way. I think it is a more than fair price such a niche product. I hope it helps my productions as much as it helped yours. Thanks for being ahead of the curve in your field. That's the benefit of finding insiders with insider info.
Really well said. You have probably the most mature response possible for the situation. And the “waiting” for more info and “not a drama channel” comment make way more sense for why you didn’t say anything at first which I can definitely empathise with.
I made the decision to back the product on kickstarter based on your video. I do not blame you at all. thankfully, my unit gets delivered to me tomorrow.
Just got the V2 Padcaster today. Looks to be a nice update to the V1 which has served me very well. Thanks for all you do. Cheers, Nico
No need to apologise. You made the video in good faith, for a product that had a good record. Indeed, four years into YT my original Padcaster is the only piece of equipment I bought when I started that I still use. It is brilliant and so like you and others I was pleased to hear about an upgrade. I haven’t got mine yet, but I never thought it was a scam. It just ran into problems. It happens. Don’t feel bad about it.
Anyone who has watch at least 5 of your videos knows you consistently go out of your way to be ethical and transparent. Im sorry you were compelled to make this video. Keep up the good work.
You are a respectable and honest person Gerald. Keep up the good work. I think it’s great that you decided to set the record straight and this only continues your amazing track record.
I did order one a long time ago, and got it a week or so ago, and it works fine. Yes, it took time and I got many emails. I took it as the regular course of events in kickstarter campaigns. The product works great and saves a lot of space relative to my other teleprompter.
Ordered my Padcaster Pro last week based on the strength of Gerald’s recommendation, so I panicked when I saw this video. I ordered it overseas, and the shipping prices were indeed insane; but their customer service was very helpful and quick to respond, double checked the shipping calculations for me. Those costs are out of their hands. As for delivery, I just checked, and my Parrot Pro has already cleared customs, should be out for delivery today or tomorrow. So no complaints about order fulfillment here.
FWIW, I didn’t go through the Kickstarter channel; I ordered direct from their website.
"Kickstarter is not a store. It's a way to bring creative projects to life."
21:46 "It's a joke... 'cause it's a live stream" =)) explaining it was so funny
We love you Gerald
Appreciate that you took the time to do this livestream. You went above and beyond for your subs. I enjoy your content and your solid reviews. Keep up this good work. Don't change.
UPDATE: shortly after posting I received notice that my unit shipped. Received it today. I think it’s pretty solid. I see the ghosting but only if I’m close. For me this will work. I don’t do much scripted work so having a small super portable prompter will be great when the need arises.
I am an owner of the V2 Padcaster because of your original video. Yep, I listened to the TH-cam influencer (that's you Gerald!) and I bought one. Surprise! it was fine, I've used it and it's served me for what I wanted. Buying it was a bit jenky back then because it was not in stores in the UK. But I kind of knew what I was getting in to. Kickstarter is a bit more of a gamble, I didn't go with this new Padcaster because it was a Kickstarter, I didn't want that risk. I think you gotta appreciate how you're trying to buy something with Kickstarter.
Big companies pay pennies on the dollar for shipping, while UPS/Fedex collect all their income from smaller users like us. When I worked for one of the big ones, we shipped for dell. A giant computer box with monitor and everything would ship for $10. If an average consumer sent the same thing it would be over $100. Business envelope? $20. The envelopes paid the bills, the big companies filled the trailers. Just wildly uneven pricing. Amazon likely pays shockingly little for their shipments. All that being said, this puts Smaller manufacturers at a Massive disadvantage, as they don't have enough throughput or influence to leverage a wildly cheap shipping agreement like the big ones, so they have to eat shipping a Padcaster for $20-40, while Amazon or B&H could ship it for just a few bucks.
I am a professional teleprompter operator and owner and my $3500 teleprompter has “ghosting” if you are looking super close at proper distance it is not an issue. I’ve had Arri Alexa’s shooting through my glass and experienced talent and never received a complaint. I bought a podcaster and just received one and am happy with it for what it is. The reason I bought one is to use in my travel kit. Thanks for your work!
I've pledged to support one product on Kickstarter in 2020 before COVID and got it only in the middle of 2023.
And another one, ordered at the same time was never produced.
Very professional response - A credit to you and your integrity.
I trusted your opinions and reviews before, I will trust them in the future. That you are so cut up about the negative comments speaks volumes of the professionalism and care that you take in your reviews. Keep going!
15:25 - This is why I found myself exercising patience beyond my usual impatience. For some reason, I had a gut feeling that Josh might be in a bit over his head with this project.
I couldn't shake the mental image of some guy stacking boxes up to the ceiling in every corner of his house, lost in a daydream. 😀haha.
I've been using the smaller version for quite a while now. When I watched Gerald's 'promotional video', I was convinced-it was time for an upgrade! So, I promptly placed my order. Yet, here I am, still waiting for it to arrive... since June 2023
I've never harbored any doubts about this project; it's just required a lot more patience than my ego would prefer! 😋 Nothing to blame or Gerald or Josh.
Absolutely not your fault Gerald, so funny I'm specking out a studio for a client and was looking into a mobile teleprompter setup and I remembered your video on this and almost bought it but saw the insane reviews. So glad you came back to make this video and thats all you can do. We are here for you and you have never let us down. Dont worry about the 5%. They dont know you and are just angry. Been here for too many years watching you make great content!
I am firmly in the camp of people who saw your video and bought the thing. At this point, I've accepted that this Kickstarter might not work out, and if they got my money and can't deliver, it sucks, but I've got content to make and I'm not gonna let this be a bigger issue than it is.
I'm not going anywhere, man. I appreciate that you're trying to be transparent, and I wish more people respected your efforts in transparency and didn't immediately jump up conspiracy theories over a $100 hunk of glass.
Hopefully a Padcaster shows up, but in the production-related world of "things that don't work out," this is barely a blip, and no real producer has time to be hung up on something like this.
Best of luck to those folks at Padcaster, and I'll see you on the next video, Gerald.
So while I first saw the product via your channel... I did my own research and came to the conclusion that it was going to be a solid product and worth the risk that comes with Kickstarter. I just received mine today (Feb 6). I paid $139 US for product, taxes and shipping ($30 US for shipping to Canada is def high) but I have to say that I'm impressed with it. It works great! Materials seem quality (the remote is a bit flimsy feeling but works well). The app is simple and intuitive. The step up rings are great and the carrying case is also excellent. All in all I think it's a quality product that will work great for in studio settings but also for any situation that requires portability. Set up is fast and easy. The whole ghosting thing is like pixel peeping. Everybody needs to relax. So at the end of the day, it was a good decision. And apart from the high shipping cost, provided everything lasts, this seems like a good investment. Time will tell. So I'm glad I saw your video. Thanks for all the great work. It's much appreciated
I really hate people are passing their judgement on a Kickstarter purchase onto you. I was excited for this opportunity to get an updated padcaster. Was a disheartened by the way the Kickstarter went... Yes but it's like the 3rd crowdfunding product I've purchased & everyone has went similarly. That's on me for hoping this time would be different.
I still love your genuine reviews & takes on things & feel you've maintained your integrity for that throughout all your videos. With new camera tech you're still the first place I check & will always be. Thanks for all your hard work.
This was excellent. Thank you.
Completely fair and considered response. I was one who bought a unit based on your video. It arrived this week, so just trying it out. The shipping thing was pretty surprising. But considering the circumstances, this is just the risk you run with Kickstarter.
Gerald you’re a standup guy who honestly reviewed a product he was given to review. You’re not at fault, definitely not responsible for a manufacturer’s QC issues and IMO you didn’t even need to address the haters here.
Hey Gerald. I backed this kickstarter because of your video. Even thought it was a little annoying to deal with the delays, I don't blame anyone. I received my padcaster today. It looks and works amazing. I tested it our at about 4 foot lenght and see no issues. Thanks for putting in the extra work to explain the situation. I don't think you need to defend yourself. You did nothing wrong. Your reputation is still 100 percent with me.
My Kickstarter Padcaster is arriving today. I have the same older one you have (I believe I discovered it on your channel) which gets me by. The Kickstarter Padcaster looks good, I didn't need it desperately, and I know how Kickstarter works. It can take a while to get your stuff. The only thing was that ElGato came out with their new teleprompter, which looks interesting too, I would have loved to compare both before buying. I wouldn't blame you for production issues that delayed the delivery. Hopefully it gets here today and works well, and then you will have given a good recommendation.
Nobody should “loose faith” not your product, not your problem and appreciate you made this video but you shouldn’t have to and if someone doesn’t trust you at this point there is nothing you can do for them. Thank you for everything you do, you’ve help me a lot. Because of your videos I’ve been informed and felt confident in making purchases.
Kick started sucks, it’s not a store, there are no guarantees.
Thank you for everything you do.
Great job. I appreciate the video. I always thought of kickstarter as giving a relative money. It may or may not workout. 👍
Thanks for sharing, and I noticed changing the background to white in the app solved the ghosting problem for me since the front is fairly close in my very small studio with the Batis 25mm Lens...
I don’t blame you at all for what happened, though I find the product all around very disappointing. Like you, I was under the impression they were much more established as a company than they were, and thought this was one of the safer kickstarter projects to back. I learned my lesson, I’m never using the platform again and DEFINITELY never buying from padcaster again. Your video was in good faith, thank you for the follow up.
$125-150 for a prompter, a few months of waiting, effin’ ghosting (df?!) caused so much whine that Gerald had to come up with almost an hour’s worth of explaining and apologies? Jeez guys how do you ever take the real sh!t life throws at you?
I pledged a few hundred (~$800) bucks to a company that designed tracking PTZ cameras called Soloshot. I went with the “Pro” model and a bunch of accessories. They ended up scrapping the model and only releasing the “consumer” ones. They shipped to the cheaper models customers, but not to those who paid for the pro one one, so I didn’t’t get neither the gear nor my money back.
The company’s alive and kicking, active on social media and continuing sales, they just gave me (and I supposed the rest of the “Pro” pledgers) the bird and used our money for margins. So Gerald, I’m a hundred percent with you on this whole Kickstarter model.
This was super interesting. I ordered one based on your video, but yeah, it’s Kicksterter so there’s always a risk for anything. It’s a real bummer you got left to the wolves because of manufacturer issues.
For Padcaster, the bigger bummer is that the Elgato Prompter came out and is amazing. I’ll still be curious to tinker with it whenever it arrives though.
*”Kicksterter” was a typo but it’s too funny to fix.
Still waiting on mine too, hopefully it will arrive soon so I can sell it and buy the one from Elgato ☺️
Hah, I just watched your video on Prompter! Would be great if you end up comparing both products. I have a feeling on which will come out on top. 😉
@@MisterChibs hey thanks! Even before receiving the Padcaster, the Elgato Prompter is the clear winner.
@@tombuck Your video actually put me over the edge and I ordered. It says they should be shipping mid to late February which isn’t bad since I’ve been waiting since May of last year for the Parrot 🤣. Will be interesting to see which one gets here first. Appreciate your channel. 🍻
I’ve never understood people’s impatience with Kickstarter. It’s possible, and Kickstarter spells this out, that you never get anything at all. You’re supporting a product because you want it to come to market. You’re not *buying* anything. Pretty sure most people know this…
Watching this recorded and Levi calling in to inform of the audio is awesome. Knowing you've got a guy that important to interrupt a livestream is great...
Dude you're amazing bad spot you were put in. Love the honesty and being forthright. Also love the location in Kickstarter as my hometown of Brooklyn, NY..... 🤣🤣
I think it's admirable of you to make this video to go over what transpired. For me, it was an exercise in patience. Sure, the $27 upcharge to cover shipping was understandable. But being told certain ETA's and those dates coming and going.. after a while in my mind I wrote off what I had spent with Padcaster mentally.. Just this week I received a tracking number indicating the unit is on the way.. My Elgato teleprompter will arrive around the same time.
Mine will arrive this week (Germany) - really looking forward to it.
The problem with reviewing a sample product ahead of production is that the reviewer will OF COURSE be sent a unit that works. This is how cons work- build enthusiasm based on something good, and then watch the funds roll in as other people are encouraged in by the first suckers. This is why it is not ethical to accept prototype products for early review, especially where that review will be responsible for pulling more suckers (ahem… investors… ).
Hey Gerald, you’re a great guy, and I really felt your heart on this matter. Your viewers know now if they didn’t before that you actually care and that’s huge. Thank you for being so honest and transparent. Keep up the incredible work my friend and next time I’m in Canada maybe we can collab on a video. That would be awesome.
Sorry people were so rude to you over this. I got my padcaster a couple of days ago from the kickstarter. I have done many kickstarters before so this seems pretty par for the course for a well doing one. Not trying to be an apologist, I wonder if people hadn't been burned before or considered it a preorder vs what kickstarter is actually is.
I’m in Mississauga, ON 🇨🇦. Happy to report, my unit arrived yesterday.
Set it up today, and:
- no ghosting on mirror that I noticed.
- hold remote ON button for a couple of seconds, CONNECT to pair via Bluetooth.
- didn’t come with an instruction sheet.
Q: there is a small rectangle near the mirror. Does it flip up? To control iPhone positioning? A bit tight in the wedge where it is. Any hints?
I remember completing the survey but I don’t recall receiving a request to pay an additional amount for shipping so now I’m completely lost. I just sent a message to Josh. Hoping to get this resolved so that I can receive my order as quickly as possible. I gave up on the Parrot and have since ordered and received the El Gato Prompter.
This is the second time that I’ve backed a Kickstarter product and both have been seriously delayed and flawed. I won’t back another product no matter how wonderful it seems. I appreciate your follow-up because I would still be thinking that mine was finally on the way to me.
Gerald, you are amazing TH-camr, it's sad that you had to go through this. I wish you best and hope for new videos.
My only beef is the livestream format…it took a really long time to get down to what was actually going on. I’m a backer and it felt like forever until finding out what the supposed controversy was, then had to sit through the audio diagnosing. I basically troubleshoot for a living so I didnt want to sit through someone else doing it lol. Love your recorded videos and you’re one of the #1 channels I recommend to others getting started in video so I love ya…just keep that editor busy 🤘
Well done Gerald, you kept it classy. Thanks for the video.
So I just got mine few days ago but haven’t opened it yet. After waiting for such a long time, when it finally arrived, the project I had intended it for was already in the past. I wasn’t mad about it as I just rationalized it by saying it’s an inherent risk with backing on kickstarter. I had no idea the guy sent units to stores before fulfilling all the kickstarter orders first. I just saw on B&H that it’s on sale for just under 150, which would be about 10 bucks cheaper than what I ended up paying via kickstarter. I’m blessed to not have to lose sleep over something like this, but that’s such a disrespectful move to those who backed the company. I’ll never buy their products again out of principle.
I ran into a similar issue with the Jack the Bike Rack. Suppler issues, strap redesigns, Covid, and then the delay ran into shipping cost increases. It sucks but happens. I was happy when it finally showed many months late. I can't remember anyone blaming PathLessPeddled for reviewing a pre-production unit. Now I will never purchase from Padcaster again (bought two full iPad stands for our company previously) based on how they handled this. Kickstarter and IndieGoGo do seem to protect some bad actors though. Famous comic book creators B. Clay Moore and Tony Harris each took tens of thousands they got for projects and ran. At least Josh is answering messages on KS and not ghosting or worse to people asking what's going on on with their purchases.
Still waiting on the one I bought after your video (in Australia), don't really care about the delay, it'll come when it comes or whatever, you didn't do anything wrong, it's kickstarter. I've never used one before so don't have any expectations on quality, it is what it is.
It would have been so easy for Josh to communicate these problems to his backers. It is not unreasonable to have problems with a kickstarter but what is not reasonable is to leave your backers in the dark when you have these problems. The explanations that Josh was giving felt defensive and sounded like BS because he refused to keep people updated. Transparency is not hard. I don't blame you in any way for their problems, your video was made in good faith . If Josh had communicated like a normal person and explained the issues your DMs and comments would have been far less and much less angry. They just needed some more regular updates and this car crash would be far less of a problem.
Imagine my surprise when Vistek was selling a kickstarter product I had sponsored was selling the item I had yet to see. I picked on up and it had double vision so I had it exchanged. I still have not received my actually kickstarter package. Never once would i be so foolish to blame your review for anything other than what it was. A honest review and nothing more.
Great video, glad that you made a response answering everything. I agree not to make content for the 5% but it is also good to remind people of the risks with Kickstarter. I am a backer and did so on your recommendation. You aren't PadCaster so you didn't do anything outside share your opinions. It does give me some caveats to remind people of Kickstarter's risk if I ever want to recommend a product. I've backed a handful of projects and gotten all of them ... well minus the ParrotPro, but I am still hopeful I will get it soon - but if I don't it happens and its not your fault!
I have backed this product also, but not upon your recommendation, but of the good people at Ripple Training. I am pleased to say that my ow Padcaster is on the way to me and should arrive in Japan circa the 9th of February. I expect it to be a bit later because of the let's say, overly thorough way, the Japanese customs work. Whilst I do find it a bit frustrating that it took so long, not once during this process did I think to blame Ripple Training. I and I alone made the decision to back this project and I knew the risks going in even it being my first use of Kickstarter. I have seen some of the comments blaming your good self Gerald on the Padcaster project page and to me they appeared as people who are unable to accept responsibility for their own actions and have never heard of personal accountability. In harsher words, spoilt brats that desperately need to grow up and mature - regardless of how old they may be. If people want a guaranteed purchase, they should wait until it is available in a high street shop or at a reputable online shop. That's all there is to it.
It was funny listening tom complaints about delivery times. I am in New Zealand and we are used to supply chain delays. All the time we stuff launched on TH-cam and it doesn't arrive here until 3 months later, and that can be with big name brands too. So a small niche Kickstarter company delivery being late is no surprise. Great video.
Thanks, appreciate your candour! You still have my interest and confidence, keep up the good work!
Wow, Thank you Gerald Undone. Crazy respect from the community unlike Matti Haapoja dude sold people on OneWheel which had tons of issues and #1 comments on his video were people asking for help and to address it Matti just responded I didn't know people had issues. With laughing emotes. To see an TH-camr address the issues with a product they promote is major to someone like me. Huge respect and thank you, even though non of it is your fault.
I backed the padcaster because I'd seen their brand around for a long time + I saw your video and a couple others + their delivery date was about a month away from the backing date. I'd already sworn off kickstarters and this one took me by surprise and just put the nail in the coffin with KS for me, NEVER AGAIN!
Never pointed the finger at you or any other creator for covering it, it's just unfortunate that the padcaster guys fumbled the whole thing so hard. Who would have guessed that by them getting an influx of orders it meant the people that got them there are paying the price for it (literally)
Hi Gerald, so I did back the kickstarter bc of your video and bc I happened to be in the market for a teleprompter. I don’t think you had any fault in this and there’s no way you could have known. It’s unfortunate that it happened but I do appreciate the video and how open you have been about the situation. I’m probably gonna sell my copy whenever it does get here bc the wait and shipping has been so long that I’ve ordered a different prompter so I can actually have something to use.
Fairplay Gerald, but you shouldn't have to go through this, let's face it this could happen to any product from any company and from any retailer, worry less keep them coming much love
Still waiting almost a year on mine. Fingers crossed it works out of the box whenever it shows up.
You are still the most trustworthy TH-camr period. At least for me I didn't back this but I have bought products based on your thorough reviews, and they all turned out to be the best decisions I have made as a business owner. It is impossible for someone in your position to be perfect but you do go above and beyond and you don't need to worry about the 5% please just keep doing you. If anything you opened my eyes to possible issues withkickstarter because I have backed expensive projects. Rotolight anova 3 pro and the komet trigger. But screw the unreasonable people I appreciate you
Hahaha Sony ships cameras without shutter buttons, ya that sounds about right 🤣🤣🤣
Dude screw these other people. You are good man! These people suck at life and are not worth your time. Real ones are with you!
$30 shipping to California on a $100-130 product was way too high. Other small companies shipping similar products are never that expensive.
Your video did get me to kickstart this. I don't blame you for the issues with the kickstarter. Did get mine in today and it has REAL bad text doubling unless Im like 6 feet away, and then the text just looks blurry. Again, not your fault, it's just a terrible kickstarter that resulted in a subpar product, at least in a large batch of them. I had the original padcaster and used it all the time with no ghosting at about 2-3 feet.
The same thing happen to the SLATE LED panel I bought. They had numerous problems with quality control, manufacturing and getting enough made and into the hands of all their backers. The two I receive are basically junk. Kick Starter is very risky, even when the big boys are using it, let a lone the little guys. It's a gamble and that's what people don't understand about it. As for me, I'll just wait till a product is released in to the stores and then wait for a sale. I don't need to be the first kid on the block with the new tech. Sad to see they had this problem. I just sold my old one. Had it for years and loved it.
I bought this product as a result of your video and completely accept what you’re saying Gerald. What I would say however, is to send the units to retail and receive new income from those units before sorting out those people that had already paid is fraud. The reason they gave is not good enough. It’s okay, lesson learned, I’ll never use kickstart again, but I will always watch your videos mate.
I’m done with Kickstarter after watching this. I’ve backed two campaigns so far. First one worked out fine. Second one, not that happy about the shipping cost. It is due to arrive next month.
I freaking love the videoes where you are just rambling along unscripted :D would like more of those in genral.
Gerald! you are awesome.. and just forget the haters 😁
Yikes... now I'm worried that the glass is going to be an issue, even though we've waited specifically to get the glass right. I have a Desview T3 that's pretty decent but I was hoping for better. Cool that Levi Allen called to tell you about the crackling... what a guy!
I am a backer, still haven't received mine but I don't and can't blame you. I also put a deposit on a Tesla Cybertruck around 3 years ago and never hear from them. I feel like you stated unless it is from a longstanding company I don't usually buy from them. If I do I realize that I may never see a product, or it wasn't to the quality that they described. Thanks
As frustrating as this whole process has been I have never felt you (Gerold) were at fault. What bugs me besides the crazy delay and the over 50$ charge for shipping to Canada is that between my Kickstarter order and now, the Elgato Prompter came out and looks to be a much better product. On top of that, it comes with it's own screen and not that much more expensive than What I'll end up paying for the Parrot Pro. I had great experience with Kickstarter in the past (Peak design) but this will be the last time I "invest" on anything from Parrot or Kickstarter. Appreciate this follow up video 🍪
Really NBD, I ordered, yeah it took forever, yeah the elgato came out that I want more, yeah they up charged.. all bad business but crap happens, I got mine, will use it and get the value i paid... life goes on.. we will all survive..
Thanks for making this video, still trusting in your review n extra efforts taken, the “purchase” process on crowdfunding sites is always tricky.
Although I’ve never trusted Kickstarter and I did decide to back a product this one time because of your video, I can’t blame you for the turn of events. I think the points you laid out were valid and reasonable and I don’t hold anything against you. After all, the opinions were based on the specific unit you received. It did however solidify in me the murky waters that is Kickstarter.
Like @JonAdamsTech, I knew it was a risk. With that said, I received mine a couple days ago. I remained positive throughout this process. I was at ease because I knew that you had done a video about it, so I knew you'd embarrass the company if they didn't deliver. About the ghosting, I checked and mine has it. I may not have noticed it much if I didn't know about all the other problems. But I am surprised about it. I'm used to a truly pro one at a television broadcast studio, and I thought that's how they all were. But I guess not, lol. In any case, you're a good person and you still have my trust.
I have the regular Padcaster and I have NEVER noticed the ghosting when reading. It's there, but expecting there to be no ghosting on something this cheap is unreasonable. I would like to buy the Pro version, for all the reasons you complained about the regular version, but I'm glad I didn't go through Kickstarter and decided to wait to buy it on Amazon.
I really expected you to say „alright, I’m done“ at the end 😅
Can't believe you said the thing about cookies at the end. Trust destroyed.
I backed the KS and haven’t got mine yet… they took so long I ended up getting the Elgato Prompter. You live and learn though right?
It looks to be better. Haven't got mine yet either so I just gave up after watching this video and ordered the Elgato too. How do you like it so far? I have the older Parrot and while it works, I get really frustrated with the app on my phone. Changing scroll speed and other things while the phone is attached is a real PITA.
I bought a similar phone teleprompter called Desview back in the early months of the pandemic.
Never blamed you once. Actually, felt bad that the company didn't live up to you and your brand. Based on "their" actions I will never buy from Padcaster again, but I will trust your recommendations. I see the two as separate matters. Keep up the great work Gerald.
Nice job handling this. You did great. Don't sweat the trolls.
expecting taxes like VAT to be included is not stupid but very common in Europe. Webshops from the UK had to do it to avoid losing the EU market after Brexit, larger platforms like Aliexpress were forced to include VAT a few years ago. Granted, not all webshops do it, but it is very common.
Thank you for this
I did pledge after watching your initial video supporting them. Though I knew pledging on a Kickstarter I still ran the risk of running into delivery issues and falling short of promises. So of course I didn't hold anything against you, and this video is unnecessary but still appreciated. In the end the teleprompter, when I eventually get it, I'm sure will still be a decent product but definitely not worth the trouble and cost of doing it through the Kickstarter. Once you factor in customs and shipping, it would have been cheaper to order it from B&H than it was supporting the Kickstarter. At least as a Canadian and not American. I've been burned by Kickstarters before but just thought this one seemed more promising than others.
Providing a live updated shipments queue or date may avoid « scam » feelings / comments.
Even if for someone the date or shipment # is far away, seing it coming gradually would relieve frustration and increase trust about the process heading in the right direction. Currently it is so opaque that I understand it may bring so trust question and scam feelings.
I also ordered the Padcaster Pro the minute I saw Gerald’s original video. Seemed like a great product. Well that was what feels like five years ago. I still haven’t received the product. My last four emails have gone unanswered. I’ve had to also pay additional billing charges which have taken the total price up to $180. For that price, I could’ve bought any other prompter on Amazon and I would’ve had it by now.
Gerald, I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, but I’m really hoping something more can be done. This company shouldn’t be able to get away with this. It’s an absolute disgrace, especially as many people who have received them say that they were ghosting issues. Perhaps you can use your platform and reach to make them understand the extent of peoples anger here. Of course it’s not your fault but we would not have ordered this product. If it didn’t have your seal of approval. With great power comes great responsibility, or something like that…
It took 9 months, but today the product arrived on my doorstep. Josh lived up to expectations…