BBC News reports that Indiegogo has blocked further donations to the crowd-funding campaign for the Spectrum ZX Vega+. The project, which according to the article is "backed by Sir Clive Sinclair," had received £513,000—more than its funding target—but shipments had not begun in spite of a promise to "ship after 20 Feb 2017."
The Spectrum ZX Vega+, backed by Sir Clive Sinclair, had achieved its original crowdfunding target. But then Indiegogo halted further fundraising because of delivery delays and a lack of communication to backers. The project's organisers had asked the BBC not to reveal the development.
The BBC understands no consoles have been delivered to backers, despite a pledge last month that they would "ship after 20 Feb 2017". And the company behind the project - Retro Computers Limited - suggested these details might put its team at risk.
"Following a credible threat of violence against personnel of Retro Computers Limited, including threats made as recently as last night, we asked [technology desk editor] Leo Kelion and the BBC to refrain from publishing a story we believe to be factually inaccurate and might put people at risk of physical harm, alarm and distress," Retro Computers Limited founder David Levy said in a statement on Wednesday. "Since December 2016 the BBC have formally been on notice that this is a police matter, and we ask that the BBC and Mr Kelion do not compromise the police investigation."
The BBC delayed publication of this report to give RCL managing director Suzanne Martin time to provide evidence of the threats, but she did not do so
(Score: 2) by FakeBeldin on Saturday March 11 2017, @12:33PM (2 children)
I've read the article. Seems like the company wasn't able to deliver on time and hardly communicated with backers. When Auntie Beeb contacted them, they got a response from a legal firm demanding to see any coverage at least 48hrs in advance.
From the updates page it looks like the company is getting stuck in litigation left and right. Their former directors are suing the company (which sounds really weird) in April 2016. The latest updates read like a legal update interspersed with some mudslinging.
Even in the best case, this company is fighting both its former directors (who still own a 25% share each) and their former marketing company in court. I'd want my money back too - if their product works, I can buy it later, without gambling.
(Score: 2) by FatPhil on Saturday March 11 2017, @11:07PM (1 child)
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 12 2017, @02:35AM
Not sure it was a totally interesting market it anyway. That segment is getting a tad saturated. Looks like they were a bunch of idea guys who forgot to hire a bunch of dooer type guys. The pocket chip computer looks more interesting anyway.