Since the ‘soft launch’ of botObject’s ProDesk3D 3D printer — there has been some kickback across various channels challenging the viability of the claims that the developers of this machine are making. It has equally been picked up by many media channels that are hugely excited about the news of a full-colour, easy to use desktop 3D printer that offers style and substance the like of which has not been seen before at this level of the market. The main gist of the kickback can be picked up from 3DPI’s original post, subsequent update and the following comments section. I would also suggest you read Joris Peels’ “Doubts” post on this 3D printer.
Personally, I have been in a serious quandary about this — not knowing what to think, or believe, in the absence of any hard evidence either way. Many of the naysayers are people that I know and trust and have done for many years; while the botObject’s soft launch on line, in a podcast with Solidsmack and a press release this morning come from two guys that I don’t know from Adam. However, after doing a quick background check earlier in the week, both of them have credible enough business resumes with numerous successes to their names. Which ever way I look at it, it never quite adds up to a satisfactory answer. In a nutshell, if it is real why not offer some real evidence to stem the increasing levels and volume of cynicism? If it is is vapourware, why would you risk your reputation on such a conspicuous venture?
So …… I emailed (after a bounce back it got through eventually) requesting an interview. I wasn’t holding my breath.
But …… at 6.30 pm GMT yesterday evening I was granted a half hour conference call (it turned out to be to the minute) with both of botObject’s co-founders: Martin Warner and Mike Duma. Mike was in LA while Martin was in New York and on the move as we talked. Despite that, it was Martin that did most of the talking. He talks extremely fast and forcefully, but there was nothing aggressive.
Martin was fully upfront about this soft launch being part of a watertight marketing strategy from very early in the conversation, he offered the information I didn’t even have to ask the question, but he was adamant that the ProDesk3D is the real deal and that patience is the name of the game — a few weeks to be exact — for those demanding proof of concept, me included. I pushed hard for something, anything, concrete right across the half hour, that would stem the tide of cynicism and provide a positive anchor for the cynics. But even when I explained that people that I respect (being a non-techy and all) had me questioning the validity of the printer based on their years of experience and knowledge, his attitude was very much “they are in a minority, let the doubters doubt and carry on talking. If people don’t want to believe, they don’t have to.” He reiterated the nigh on two years of development behind the ProDesk3D that he has cited previously together with an emphasis on the levels of proprietary technology involved and his experience (having “built a lot of products”) and understanding that “information on proprietary tech has to be released carefully. We have a strategy and we are going to stick to it and release it and do it the way we want to do it.”
The current focus of the two founders and their “small team” is on the “1000’s of people expressing an interest.” According to Martin they have also been inundated with 100’s of requests for more information and interviews with media but “we can’t do forever interviews.” Of those “we will probably talk to 5 or 6, and you’re one of them.” Flattery? Yes, of course, as he said he’s an experienced marketer! I get it — I’m a soft option and optimism is my middle name!!
He also reiterated their passion and belief in what they are doing at botObjects and countering on the negativity he talked of risk: “The only people taking a risk here are us, as founders. It’s our reputations on the line. I am proud of what we have done, but it has to managed properly. We are innovative, and we have built in some headroom, but we also have to keep innovating because once it’s released others will go and try and build it.”
I did ask the orange question! I know, I probably shouldn’t have wasted time on that, and asked a more grown up question. As it was Martin laughed incredulously, like it was the most ridiculous question EVER, but replied almost instantaneously: “Why not?” So I gave him the most obvious reason regarding competitors but he opposed that strongly saying that the design “was not based on any competitor, it just looks beautiful. It was a design decision and nothing to do with the process.” They will also be going to market with orange accessories. However, he did reveal, and at the time I felt as though I had prized it out of him, but I’m not so sure with hindsight, that botObjects “is likely to offer a limited edition to do with look and colour — it will affect the colour.”
He also confirmed that pre-orders will come in June with considerably more information, I pushed harder for something now, cringing a tad as I did, but no! Rather: “I promise you it is coming, just be patient with us.”
He also clarified that “delivery is to be managed” with a goal of shipping by the autumn.
As the time struck 7, my time was up. I didn’t get any further insight on the printer itself other than what had been relayed in accordance with the applied strategy. As expected really.
Based on this conversation with Martin, who was personable, enthusiastic, clever and ebullient throughout I think I have decided that I will give him the time that he is asking for. I did point out to him that what is not in dispute is that everyone wants this to be real and wants it to be able to do everything botObjects has claimed. Many would be happy with just some of it. I also gave him the historical perspective, that many people from within the industry that have been around the block a few times, have heard similar stories of THE breakthrough 3D printer many, many times before and none have ever lived up to the pre-launch marketing hype. He accepted that, but finished with what sounded like a smile and “be patient.” Again.
I don’t do patient, not well anyway!
