Suggestion Box/Wishlist: what do we want from Ultrasabers?

[Cyclops942]

This was brought up by another member in another thread, and shortly after I chimed in enthusiastically, we were nudged over here.  Since I haven't seen this idea added to this thread since that time, I'm going to put it on the list.  It's not my original idea, but I sure would like to see it.

How about a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Build-A-Saber tool, so that as you make choices regarding options, you get to see what those look like?  This would let you swap out emitters and pommels for the MHS-compatible models, or change the blade color, or the color of the greeblies, claws, screws, activation boxes, switches, widgets, and what-not without having any of the items in hand.

This would NOT be easy, I realize; they've already built a heck of a hierarchy into the ordering process, though, so perhaps that would be the easiest/best spot on the website to enable this.  Even starting from that point, where all the dependencies for options are already recorded, there still would need to be a BOATLOAD of images created and added in.  I can't even imagine the effort it would take to blend the images in a realistic fashion.  I haven't work on bill-of-materials software for nearly 30 years, but I remember it's a glorious headache of organization, and this adds the complication of make the images of the various pieces-parts actually look correct.  (Alternatively, someone could spend an incredible amount of time and effort taking a picture of every hilt combined with every conceivable option, a task which would get exponentially larger with every new release.)

[MandaloriansPride]

This was brought up by another member in another thread, and shortly after I chimed in enthusiastically, we were nudged over here.  Since I haven't seen this idea added to this thread since that time, I'm going to put it on the list.  It's not my original idea, but I sure would like to see it.

How about a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Build-A-Saber tool, so that as you make choices regarding options, you get to see what those look like?  This would let you swap out emitters and pommels for the MHS-compatible models, or change the blade color, or the color of the greeblies, claws, screws, activation boxes, switches, widgets, and what-not without having any of the items in hand.

This would NOT be easy, I realize; they've already built a heck of a hierarchy into the ordering process, though, so perhaps that would be the easiest/best spot on the website to enable this.  Even starting from that point, where all the dependencies for options are already recorded, there still would need to be a BOATLOAD of images created and added in.  I can't even imagine the effort it would take to blend the images in a realistic fashion.  I haven't work on bill-of-materials software for nearly 30 years, but I remember it's a glorious headache of organization, and this adds the complication of make the images of the various pieces-parts actually look correct.  (Alternatively, someone could spend an incredible amount of time and effort taking a picture of every hilt combined with every conceivable option, a task which would get exponentially larger with every new release.)

2nd-ed

[Cyclops942]

This was brought up by another member in another thread, and shortly after I chimed in enthusiastically, we were nudged over here.  Since I haven't seen this idea added to this thread since that time, I'm going to put it on the list.  It's not my original idea, but I sure would like to see it.

How about a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Build-A-Saber tool, so that as you make choices regarding options, you get to see what those look like?...     -----8<-----snip-----8<-----

It turns out the person whose idea I stole is Edon Bluewolf.  Thanks for thinking of it!

[Zren Tobas]

Another original katana saber design would be cool too, not that I don't like the Spectre/Kanan design, just something more original looking basically

[Dude]

Mesa want the Dooku lightsaber    .. 

[Darth Logos]

Mesa want the Dooku lightsaber    .. 

Get in line, son.

[Kazuto]

I still want a payment plan...stares at Dark Graflex

[Edon Bluewolf]

That is a dangerous thing I am conflicted about.  On one hand I would have a lot more Diamonds in my collection, on the other hand I would have a lot lower balance in my bank account in the long term cause I would be more likely to overspend. 

[Kazuto]

That is a dangerous thing I am conflicted about.  On one hand I would have a lot more Diamonds in my collection, on the other hand I would have a lot lower balance in my bank account in the long term cause I would be more likely to overspend. 

You having a lack of self control is not a valid reason

[Edon Bluewolf]

I was being figurative as I've always spaced out my purchases comfortably to never run into any troubles from overspending or money troubles down the road.  But then think how many customers would try to cancel on the payment plan when they realize they didn't budget appropriately or when "life happens" and they suddenly realize they need the money for something else.  That is the real reason I think no saber vendor offers payment plans.  Too many would flake on spending hundreds on a saber if they had too much time to wait while they paid it off.  But yes it is a self control issue at the core.

[Kazuto]

I was being figurative as I've always spaced out my purchases comfortably to never run into any troubles from overspending or money troubles down the road.  But then think how many customers would try to cancel on the payment plan when they realize they didn't budget appropriately or when "life happens" and they suddenly realize they need the money for something else.  That is the real reason I think no saber vendor offers payment plans.  Too many would flake on spending hundreds on a saber if they had too much time to wait while they paid it off.  But yes it is a self control issue at the core.

Then layway, and they don't get the saber until it's paid off

[Edon Bluewolf]

Essentially that is what I meant, payment plan and then receive (aka layaway).  There is absolutely no way US or any saber vendor would send you the saber first off of an initial nominal payment and then allow you to pay off after.  Way too much risk involved for the vendor in that scenario.  But I guess it would start a new line of work for some, saber repo men! 

[BlindJedi]

I think I need to explain myself a little more.  Below is a post I made a few days ago with some more detailed explanations.
There are a few things I would like to see.
•First, a new Emerald driver with some functionality like the Diamond board but without the sound.
I would like to be able to hold in the button for a few seconds and then with a click of the button cycle through a few preset or user colors.
•Second, being able to choose my blade color  for a stunt saber using an RGB scale on the website, so I can get the color I want everytime.
After further thought on this idea, using resisters to create a color is a little harder than using a control board, so this is one of those ideas that sounded better in my head.  So I retract this thought, because it would be hard to pull off.
•Third, I would love the option to add extra LEDs in the pommel end of the hilt with the Diamond Driver, for flash on clash, or pulsing.  Just think it would be cool to see some animated lights glowing in the pommel end of the hilt.  Either that or some lights on other parts of the saber.
Basically when the blade hits something, the pommel would emit a flash of light, like the power cell inside the saber was experiencing a power spike.  Or the pommel could simply emit a soft glow when the saber is active, not sure why, but it would look cool.

[ThreadJack]

Okay now, I'm just gonna go ahead and lock this for now. I'm going to converse with the other mods, get this thread cleaned up, and hopefully we can get back to the suggestions.

[ThreadJack]

Thread cleaned. I'm going to reopen this now, but before we get back to the topic, there's a few things that need to be said.

1) This is a thread for suggestions about US products, services, the website, etc. It is not a place to complain about said products, services, the website, etc. I've seen a trend recently and had to delete a few posts that were simply complaining. There's a fine line between constructive criticism and out right complaining. A few of you have been doing the latter. Us has a customer service email, or if you MUST post it on the forum we have a general "venting" thread. It's not what was said in most of these posts, it was how they were worded.

2) Please understand that this is a thread to make friendly suggestions about US products, as well as discuss things that we wish to see. Please be more respectful in discussing these ideas. Discussion is fine, however I've seen some who simply shoot down other's ideas with a snide remark. That is not cool, please do not do that. "Good idea, but here's why that might be tough to implement" vs "Yeah sure, not gonna happen, you're stupid/lazy/crazy for wanting that, because..." are very different. Once again you can say essentially the same thing, but word it in a way that is more kosher.   

3) Again, this is a thread for discussion and suggestion, meaning it is possible that you will both have your own ideas shot down, as well as shoot down other's ideas. If you aren't prepared for the fact that your ideas may be discussed and even shot down, perhaps don't post them here? That or learn to live with it. Conversely, if you can't discuss other people's ideas in a polite and friendly manner, then don't post here. We all have bad days, but taking it out on other forum members is not cool. If there is really an issue, report the post to the mods, let us deal with it, and hash it out in PM if need be.

The other mods and I are watching this thread closely. If we see this becoming an issue again, we will take action, up to and including a thread deletion.

-Regards,
Brooke