QuicKutz

Next release is January 19. But for us on the west coast, that means 9 p.m. on the 18th!! This will be the last of the large releases, I've heard. Beginning next month, there will be fewer dies in each new release. I'm sure a lot of us won't mind too terribly as this will mean a smaller dent in the wallet on release day. LOL

On the other hand, I'm a tad bit concerned after hearing the news of the latest lawsuit against QK brought about by Spellbinders. I still am not sure how SP can even have a suit, but I'm not a lawyer either, so I guess we'll have to wait and see how it plays out. Apparently, Spellbinders feels QK has infringed on their nesting dies idea or a patent of some kind. Frankly, I don't see how anyone can own a patent on a circle or square or any other shape for that matter, but what do I know.

In the meantime, QK is also dealing with the backlash of the, IMO, too-soon released EpicSix that has been taking a beating like a red-headed step-child. {No flames please, it's just an expression, ok.} I, myself, purchased the EpicSix when it first came out, and quite honestly, I was not at all impressed. IMO, they didn't do nearly enough testing before marketing this machine as the problems are not only wide-reaching, but also very inconsistent from machine to machine. Some of them cut fine (though very few from what I've heard), but most of them were either too tight or too loose. My machine works fine if I cover the platform with cardstock (which I just leave taped in place) and then cut as usual but some were not so easily revamped. Regardless, like everyone else who had a defective machine, I applied for a replacement. I received the "new and improved" EpicSix and boy what a disappointment.

Now, you all know how much I love QK--they are a wonderful company, the best customer service I've ever received, and they really have tried to make this right for their customers. That said, however, I was so completely disappointed in the new machine I sold it immediately. After two test cuts with thin paper, the mat warped so terribly I couldn't imagine using it even half as much as I used the Revolution as I would go through at least a few cuttings mats every day! It was so tight I didn't even want to run cardstock through it much less the chipboard that was made specifically for use in this machine for fear of breaking it. I know I have been spoiled by the Revolution and it's a real shame they weren't able to get the rights to manufacture a larger version of it. Can you imagine how wonderful a 6-inch wide Revolution would be. That would have been a dream come true. Instead we got the EpicSix. Sigh.

On top of that, since the Revolution is no longer manufactured, anyone who needs to take advantage of the lifetime warranty on their Revolution should it break, will now be offered, in lieu of a replacement Rev, the EpicSix at 50% off. Not only will they not receive replacement parts or a replacement machine, they'll have to pay for a machine that has already been labeled inferior {and worse!} by those who have already purchased one. Ouch.

I have a second Revolution in the closet for backup. Yes, I'm a junkie, I admit it. The gears in my first one finally broke (it was a real workhorse for me and as much as I used it, I was surprised it lasted so long!) so I bought a replacement. Then I freaked when I heard they would be discontinued and snagged another for a song just to have for security. ;) I'm good for a while now.