Kraken Opus: March 5 2010 Communication with Karl Fowler (Thread 1) re: MJ Opus orders

Since the *uber* post is taking much longer than I originally anticipated, I thought I would share some of the written communications between myself and Kraken Opus, since they speak for themselves.  The first is the entire thread re: my followup to Karl Fowler, CEO/Founder, Kraken Opus/Kraken Media Group, UK from our first phone conversation last year, March 5, 2010.

I have redacted certain information related to fans to protect their privacy.  Other than that, there are no changes to these emails, and appear in order of oldest to newest.  [sic] not corrected either.

Please note:  While this communication appears to confirm certain things such as the MJ Opus Reality, the apology prints, etc, in GOOD FAITH I took Karl at his word, knowing full-well the truth behind each of these issues.  Many of these "promises" made have never been fulfilled to this day.

As of Sunday, March 27, 2011:  There are STILL customers/fans waiting for their order from the lists sent previous to this email/conversation with Karl Fowler, as well as some after this email.  Promises Promises!


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From: Cali MJ Fan

Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:20:42 -0800 (PST)

To: Karl Fowler OPUS UK

Cc: andy@krakengroup.com

Subject: Follow up 5 March 10 call

Karl,

Again, as I mentioned in my reply to your text, thank you for taking the time to talk with me in detail about the outstanding deliveries and other outstanding issues surrounding The Official Michael Jackson Opus.  So that we all remain on the same page, here is a summary of our phone conversation this afternoon (US). 

1.  You have confirmed with Fed Ex that current oustanding deliveries will be handled, as you said, with kid gloves and placed at the top of the list.  Your expectation is that most outstanding deliveries will take place by Thursday, 11 March, possibly into Saturday 13 March.  As I mentioned, to prevent the fans, your customers, from sitting on top of their doorsteps waiting for Fed Ex, my communication will detail a date Andy and I agreed upon-- Monday 15 March (padded date).  Under promise and over deliver is my motto.

    Exceptions to this:
        1. Netherlands customer, [redacted].  You will be contacting Fed Ex to determine if a confirmed shipment can be delivered Monday 8 March.  If this can not be accomplished, you will, at the cost of Kraken Opus, fly the book to [redacted] doorstep for Monday delivery.  For that, I thank you.  I have privately notified him of this.
        2. United States customer, [redacted].  I emailed her and cc:'d you and Andy on the information.  I did not mention a 'flight' for delivery.  Thought I would give you the opportunity to confirm that is possible for her order. 

2.  The countries I know to be oustanding for any deliveries at this time are Russia, Ukraine, Brazil and Argentina.  One I failed to mention was republic of Georgia.  (I keep forgetting about little [redacted].  *slaps self in head!*)  Can you please look up an order for there-- it is in her family's name-- so the name [redacted] won't help you.  I will try to contact her or see if I have her email information.  But you should be able to filter through a country in your order system (based on emails sent to specific regions for the special Nate print in Japan, etc).  Thanks!  Deliveries, as mentioned in #1 above, unless otherwise notified, should also be by Monday 15 March. 

3.  If there are any changes to what we have discussed, our lines of communication will remain open.  You will communicate to me and I in turn will communicate to the fans. 

4.  Russia fees:  Two [redacted] customers, while the Opuses were in Fed Ex, paid the full $175 fees.  One, name [redacted], will need to have the difference of what the remaining customers will pay in duties and her total.  This will be determined once the books reach Russia.  The other customer, [redacted], (entire following paragraph redacted for privacy). 

5.  Opus Reality site:  You are anticipating a 14 day time frame to have new content available.  As we discussed, I will not be communicating this to the fans outside there may be word within the next 2 weeks about the augmented reality.  This will allow you the needed time in the event there is any further delay.  You will keep me abreast of potential delays as they occur, and I will ammend my communications and the fans' expectations.

6.  The Nate Giorgio special prints offered, including but not limited to: France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan.  Those are in the early stages process of distrbution.  You are going to  get the actual status and when those customers can expect them and let me know on our Monday update.

7.  One issue we did not discuss, is the customers who have received damaged Opuses.  I know of 2 that I can immediately forward to you that both fall into a category of requiring a replacement sent at no cost to the customer.  I will do that under separate cover.  (One customer is based in Hong Kong, the other in Philippines).  I know there is one that just received hers that I have asked her to send me pictures if possible so I can access the damage and if it would qualify for replacement.  (This customer is in Chile--no it was not [redacted] nor was it damaged in the earthquake.).  However, I do know this is a category that I have not documented outside the 3 people I've mentioned, but there are others out there I have seen.  Perhaps we can come to an agreed upon method to deal with these quickly.  Let's discuss Monday.

Karl, I know that Andy has done his utmost to help each and every one of the customers.  I want you to know and realize that I do truly value his help.  Sadly, I think the volume of issues and customers for this, the most successful production of Kraken Opus' history in terms of volume, was more than one person could bare.  I truly hope not only do you personally realize the value you have in him as an employee (and a faithful one at that for sticking by you through this whole ordeal, likely at the expense of his health and mental well being) but that you provide him an extended vacation when this has been completed on your dime.  I mean that.  The fans themselves have really enjoyed working with Andy, despite his name being the face of the frustrations they have felt for your company.  You truly owe Andy more than an immense amount of gratitude and I hope you take care of him in kind! 

Today is a fresh start with our new understandings.  As I mentioned on the phone, I will (and have) call off the dogs with the following understanding.  As long as the actions match the words and promises, our lines of communciations are open and true, and we work together to eliminate all the other outstanding issues your customers have regarding their purchase, I will take no further steps to pursue legal action and those fans who are within my reach will do the same.  I do not say this to stir a hornet's nest, just to confirm in writing my promise to you based on our call today.  If things however turn back and the words become just that- words- then I will resume the legal recourse that I as a customer, and the other customers have at our disposal.  Not meaning to threaten-- please understand that.   I am shooting straight and not mincing my words in order to be as clear as possible.  Again, we start fresh today and the above is our current game plan.

I am hopeful that we all soon will be able to resume our normally scheduled lives and enjoy the intended purpose of this tribute to Michael Jackson that is so beloved around the world.  I must also commend Mr. Wald on getting this deal approved, along with Mr. Sommers and everyone involved in the production of this book.  Mr. Wald did in fact make good on what he set out to accomplish: a fitting tribute to our King of Pop that his children could be proud of and his fans would treasure for generations to come!   A tip of the hat to them.

To a new day!  Thank you Karl.
Best,
Cali

From: Karl Fowler
To: Cali MJ Fan
Sent: Fri, March 5, 2010 5:49:39 PM
Subject: Re: Follow up 5 March 10 call

Dear Cali,

I agree with a lot of what you say. I mean that and I will be working to make those things that are wrong right. But there are some things that I just don't agree with.

Mr Wald and Mr Sommers were part of a large team. An international team. There were and still are a host of very talented people that gave more than you will ever know to make this opus production possible. The vision and drive for this opus came from the UK not the US. You aren't privy to a lot of things and I would want you to know from me that if it wasn't for (and iam not being arrogant here) MY drive, and MY teams passion and dedication to the project this project would not even have seen the light of day.

For you to single out Mr Wald for special mention in the way that you have does a massive dis service to every other memeber of the team both creative and non creative that made this happen.
Please remember Cali that the perception is not always the reality.

I will honour what I have set out to deal with outlined in my call with you this evening. That I stand by. However, I will not just sit idle and take threats like this. If any customer wishes to cancel their order and have their funds returned thrn as their right they can do so. That's all they need to do and that will be honoured. So the threats of legal action are not needed and not warranted. As I have said we will look to get things right this week and I agree that its good to have a fresh look at this, but please Cali your continued threats like this are not welcome .

I will call you Monday as promised
Karl Fowler
CEO
Kraken Opus

From: Cali MJ Fan

Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:48:48 -0800 (PST)

To: karl@krakengroup.com

Subject: Re: Follow up 5 March 10 call

Karl,

I learned this long ago:  A first rate manager hires first rate employees.  A second rate manager hires third rate employees.  Therefore in commending each of the people I did in this email, I was commending you for hiring them.  I did make an attempt in the statement below to include everyone involved in the production of this book.   The statement I made about Jeff is based on the multitude of articles in print and interviews I have seen over the course of time since I ordered my MJ Opus last August.   I do understand that Mr. Wald did have a relationship with Michael himself throughout the years, partly due to his work but also "back in the day" when he was married to Helen Reddy.  I was in no way trying to insult anyone by leaving them out.  

You are correct there are many ends to this that no one is aware.  Twice now when I have tried to say something kind about Jeff and Jordan, based on my personal experience dealing with them and have been met with immediate pushback.  Yet I dedicated an entire paragraph praising Andy with nothing said.   In an effort to hide any potential issues between the two offices, perhaps it would be best to have a better poker face to the topic of Los Angeles.  This has now confirmed to me something is going on behind the scenes between UK and US.  However, I do not care to know about it or be involved in it.  Period! 

As for the paragraph about the legal action, I said it VERY clearly in my opening statement So that we all remain on the same page, here is a summary of our phone conversation this afternoon (US).   My entire email, with exception to complimenting your selection in employees by way of Andy, Jeff, Jordan and the entire team and the issue about how to deal with damaged Opuses, was to reiterate and ensure each of us were on the same page, especially since Andy was not included in that call.  I made that promise to you exactly as I stated and I confirmed it by putting it in writing! 

So Karl, let's return to the pleasant feelings we had at the end of our call and move forward.  I am delighted with what we agreed to and have been busy updating many behind the scenes initial status reports so they can be forwarded around the globe.  Again, I truly look foward to the fresh start that began with our conversation this afternoon.  Have a great weekend and talk to you on Monday.

Best,

Cali

From: Karl Fowler
To: Cali MJ Fan
Sent: Fri, March 5, 2010 6:58:14 PM
Subject: Re: Follow up 5 March 10 call

Cali,

Thank you for your email. I didn't mean to be rude to you in my last one. Its very late here and I also have had a really bad family issue to attend to.no excuse.so please accept my apologies if I came across as rude...I didn't mean so.
I second you on let's get this all sorted and stay on the realy friendly terms we started out together.

Thankyou sincerely Cali and have a realxing weekend
Look forwards to talking with you monday

Karl Karl Fowler
CEO
Kraken Opus
/end
.............. more to follow in the coming days.