I've moved this post from another thread because it belongs here.
There's chatter today about the lack of a prize. There could be personal reasons why Rick AND Slade haven't delivered. While I share everyone's unhappiness that Urs hasn't received his prize that we all paid for, given Rick and Slade's history on the forum, I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Having said all that, I'm more perturbed that Rick has only communicated to us a couple of times that there are issues, and I haven't seen anything from Slade (maybe I missed it?). Rick's last post on the forum was 25 Nov, and Slade's was 12 Dec. I assume that they're breathing. And those communications didn't have enough information in them to reassure us that Urs would receive his prize soon.
So Rick and Slade, I trust that there is a good reason why the prize hasn't been shipped to Urs. This not only affects Urs, but also all of the contestants who in good faith paid for the prize. It's time to man up and admit what the problem is.
If there's a personal problem in your lives that is embarrassing, just say so. We don't need details. If there's a problem between the two of you, let us know. If the partnership has dissolved or if it's a matter of procrastination, own up to it and do what's necessary to get the thing to Urs. Whatever the problem, tell us when he can expect to have it.
If the problem is something that could drag the wait out indefinitely, say so, and we'll figure out some way to deal with it.
There is a saying, " A man’s word is his bond". A bond is a guarantee of performance of a contract or obligation. Your word is valuable because behind it is your integrity. The purpose of giving it is so that you deliver exactly what you promise. I have faith that you guys will live up to your word, but if you can't, at least admit that you failed.
BTW, I'm saying this in public and not in a PM because it involves all of the contestants.