Quoted from Pinballs:

If he'd stuck with MG possibly there would have been enough money to finish it,

Quoted from frolic:

That's the real joke. He was funded by MG, RAZA and AIW money, and couldn't even finish the PROTOTYPE for the first machine or knock out 19 Magic Girls paid for by everyone else.
I half expected the money to run out some time before RAZA build, but never dreamed that MG would never get done. I figured once he "dazzled the world" with MG, whatever money issues there were could be dealt with.
But I was going on what he was telling us... MG "near complete" prototypes being built in 2012 (remember that video where he claimed there was a fully working game behind the camera, back in 2012).
Based on that email.... I bet he WOULD show up at expo this year to do an Alice talk. He seems to be working the most on it. Which is another joke, having abandoned the previous 2 games.

Quoted from notaflyingtoy:

If John Popadiuk had only concentrated on Magic Girl he wouldn't have been able to pull in as much money. 19 people in at ?16k? Would barely be enough to produce a production ready (coded) prototype on an existing platform, let alone a complete redesign from the hinges air vents up.

Quoted from frolic:

My point above though was he DID have money from us RAZA and AIW people, and even WITH all that money could not finish MG, let alone the other games.

Quoted from frolic:

It was DOA from the beginning. A boneheaded idea from the kind of bone heads.
My point above though was he DID have money from us RAZA and AIW people, and even WITH all that money could not finish MG, let alone the other games.

Quoted from Pinballs:

In hindsight, I wish the pinball insiders who knew what he's like (even as a pinball designer and nil else he nearly buggered up his projects) had bothered to tell us chumps these facts, as I wouldn't then have touched this flake with a bargepole.

Quoted from Mr68:

According to Pinside (in this thread) EVERYBODY knew Popaduik was a flake in advance INCLUDING US!!! But we were so stupid and greedy we proceeded anyway....
A judgmental Pinside, with the benefit of hindsight, making hateful, inaccurate comments about fellow collectors is my frustration.
Popadiuk is a grease stain on the bottom of my shoe.

Quoted from Pinballs:

Do we know for sure that that email is genuine? Should be forwarded to Bill at least, as confirmation.
It's so sad (if true) that Jpop is saying such things about Bill. Bill achieved closure on the issue one way or the other- an immense achievement. Had Jpop bothered to do more work on MG in the last 4 years, it might even have led to MG being made.

Quoted from Pinballs:

The facts speak for themselves. At the NW Show MG was 40% or less complete, after 4 years. This was never going to happen. Jpop was in a design and foam loop, unable to take it to the next level (manufacturing), but rather instead looping back to design another machine and another and... 7 in total, 3 main ones?
If he'd stuck with MG possibly there would have been enough money to finish it, but even that was unlikely given the expenses and salary Jpop took out of the pre-order money, and his high BOM with customised everything (very expensive), getting stuff (e.g. artwork) done multiple times, making a meal out of the simplest components (3D printing customised basic parts that are available off the shelf). So the money was gone, or at least not enough was left to finish anything. And then he went into denial, started his pre-order ponzi for other machines, tried to hoodwink rich people to be angel investors (hoping they won't do due diligence!). That didn't work because Bill is highly competent.
IMO money isn't the main issue anyway- Jpop can't do this on his own, he needs to be managed by people competent in business and manufacturing. He is not. And to make it worse he's also arrogant with a big ego and inability to self-criticise and take personal responsibility, so he couldn't take advice and accept help.
In hindsight, I wish the pinball insiders who knew what he's like (even as a pinball designer and nil else he nearly buggered up his projects) had bothered to tell us chumps these facts, as I wouldn't then have touched this flake with a bargepole.
Last time I ever pre-order too. Even Alien which I'm interested in, I'll wait until it's shipping before I order, assuming gameplay is ok.
Jpop has done immense damage to pinball, showing that even well-known, allegedly successful pinball designers can't be trusted. Once a zero trust environment exists (with trust replaced by transparency), pinball is in a much sadder place But I guess, on the plus side, it's a place that is at least consistent with good corporate governance, which going forward should improve the business side of things.

Quoted from Honch:

Whatever happened to his best bud, StevenP?
That guy was on here (daily ) laying into anybody who didnt believe that JPOP could get it done. It's amazing how all of JPOP'S cheerleaders scattered like roaches when the lights come on. I'd love to hear what some of these clowns have to say, now that the truth is out there.

Quoted from tdunbar:

seems like John should get a good paying job somewhere

Quoted from rai:

I'm surprised he hasn't got a knuckle sandwich yet.

Quoted from Honch:

Whatever happened to his best bud, StevenP?

Quoted from Mr68:

I can speak to that as Steve and I worked together behind the scenes trying to salvage this fiasco.
In brief he was also duped. And Steven's disappointment was the worst kind. He believed and trusted his friend only to discover that things were not as he was led to believe. And if any of you out there has ever been betrayed by a friend you can understand the disappointment and confusion that goes with it. I'm out the money but in some respects, Steven has lost more.
Heres another thing I learned from all of this. John Popadiuk is not only a liar but he uses and manipulates people. Uses everybody it seems and he's very good at it.
The lost money is simply a way of keeping score. Popadiuk's real crime is being a horrible human being.
Note to John Popadiuk: Just so you know this isnt some anonymous poster on Pinside. My real name is Kim Mitchell and you know who I am. See you in court.

Quoted from judremy:

not in on this, but this sounds like total BS. How do you say that you have seen something 90% complete off someone's word?

Quoted from judremy:

not in on this, but this sounds like total BS. How do you say that you have seen something 90% complete off someone's word?

Quoted from Mr68:

I can speak to that as Steve and I worked together behind the scenes trying to salvage this fiasco.
In brief he was also duped. And Steven's disappointment was the worst kind. He believed and trusted his friend only to discover that things were not as he was led to believe. And if any of you out there has ever been betrayed by a friend you can understand the disappointment and confusion that goes with it. I'm out the money but in some respects, Steven has lost more.
Heres another thing I learned from all of this. John Popadiuk is not only a liar but he uses and manipulates people. Uses everybody it seems and he's very good at it.
The lost money is simply a way of keeping score. Popadiuk's real crime is being a horrible human being.
Note to John Popadiuk: Just so you know this isnt some anonymous poster on Pinside. My real name is Kim Mitchell and you know who I am. See you in court.

Quoted from Honch:

That may all be true, but forgive me if I don't feel the least bit bad for him. JPOP probably didn't tell him to come on here and boast about how HE HIMSELF was privy to the prototype, that it is 90% finished and youre talking out your ass if you say otherwise. He may have been duped by JPOP about the finances, but laying false claims about progress he claims he saw, is his own damn fault. Not to mention he likened this thread to a sewer and insinuated Pinside was/is toxic, even though it was all true. Poetic justice if you ask me.

Quoted from Honch:

That may all be true, but forgive me if I don't feel the least bit bad for him. JPOP probably didn't tell him to come on here and boast about how HE HIMSELF was privy to the prototype, that it is 90% finished and youre talking out your ass if you say otherwise. He may have been duped by JPOP about the finances, but laying false claims about progress he claims he saw, is his own damn fault. Not to mention he likened this thread to a sewer and insinuated Pinside was/is toxic, even though it was all true. Poetic justice if you ask me.

Quoted from Wolfmarsh:

If anyone learns anything, let it be the truth about John Popadiuk. He is a terrible person at his core

Quoted from Pinballs:

Jpop has done immense damage to pinball

Quoted from frolic:

If we did a search for StevenP's posts on here, at the height of everything, they are pretty damning. I believe Kim though and what he's said about the current state of their relationship, but Steve did not do anyone any favors back in the day. But Steve is not the only person to have this done to them.
It upsets me that after all this, John may very well end up bankrupt living in a van, ruined professionally and personally, and still have zero remorse or ownership for what has happened.

Quoted from frolic:

If we did a search for StevenP's posts on here, at the height of everything, they are pretty damning. I believe Kim though and what he's said about the current state of their relationship, but Steve did not do anyone any favors back in the day. But Steve is not the only person to have this done to them.

Quoted from StevenP:

With all the bitching and moaning and accusations here, would YOU want to post here if you were JPOP? Heck, I barely want to enter this thread but then I see stuff like the b*llsh*t I quoted above and had to respond to.
Short story: Games are coming along nicely, like 80% and 90% at this point, will be like no other game you've seen, great details and innovation everywhere, all done with quality talent and assistance on a frugal budget (no, there is NO cash crunch--I believe Ice will confirm soon), and anyone who sees the current status would be very happy indeed. How do I know this? I just spent 2 full days in JPOP's workshop. And I think Kim will be able to confirm in a day or so, after his visit.
The only thing John is guilty of is being overwhelmed a bit with all the crap while he's trying to make great games. Yeah, he should show more and many of us are trying to convince him to do so. But then again, there are still a few reasons why he isn't.

Quoted from LTG:

Now that is funny. What could he do other than ask if you want fries with that. And who'd hire him ?
LTG : )™

Quoted from Honch:

Whatever happened to his best bud, StevenP?
That guy was on here (daily ) laying into anybody who didnt believe that JPOP could get it done. It's amazing how all of JPOP'S cheerleaders scattered like roaches when the lights come on. I'd love to hear what some of these clowns have to say, now that the truth is out there.

Quoted from Pimp77:

As long as we're posting juicy JPOP quotes:
"Thank you for the email. At this time I am unable to offer refunds today. As you know we had a small marketing group called Pintasia come to to handle the business, sales, marketing, accounts and game manufacturing. I put my full faith and trust in them (signed a bad deal) as we spent a lot of time together, went over all documents and game development before the NW Show. I did my very best to show all in the proper stages at the studio during their visits. Actual the Alice game was their favorite of the 3. The magic girl preview was poorly done at the NW Show, all the booth items, promos, banners, prints and outreach they promised to do was never done.
Their one main person to run the new entity had a questionable background and resigned just before the show. I was even told not to attend, which now was a mistake. They did not know how to do this at all. Since then they have abandoned our deal, do not reply to any contact and left me to scramble now as the online forum rancor since march has just about gutted everything I have built the last 3 years. Only 1 of my owners has actually called to offer help and business ideas, as folks get I am a good designer but not so good a CEO.
One thing I have learned is that "outsiders" think all this pinball making is easy money (john is rich and must drive a Porsche), but once they spend a few weeks with me they understand that it is difficult and endless hard work to do this. So they then bail or go online and post something negative. And yes many people offer to help, bash me online "I offered john help but he's an idiot" but forget to mention they want a fulltime gig, 80k a year to then come in only 2-3 days a week and work remotely. Many also come to look around, get a free lunch but have no intention of working at all. This does not work at all.
But nicely all has been documented from day 1, all business items, working arrangements and even all the partner meetings and investor presentations as my attorney helps on all. And is always available. I had hoped a small group of owners would propose some "take-over" to reorg and move forward as the IP created is well done. This was never a money making venture for me at all. Actually I will be living in my van soon.
Currently we are battling a complaint filed by 20 owners and sadly it is taking all our time and resources (which I told folks it would), and has pushed away 3 "other" fantastic partner companies in the months recently. The work I am doing was to better the pinball community and make new games. I have been updating the (pinballinventor.org) site as I work thru development (blogs are closed), new meetings also with some other new groups to assist me in building the business the next 3 weeks. But I have you at the top of the refund list.
I was thinking of coming to pinside with an update and some thoughts on how to move forward, but I do not think it would turn out to be "positive" for the sake of the IP or the owners.
John"
This was an e-mail John recently sent to a non-pinside friend of mine. So he's blaming Bill and Pinside as well as the 20ish people suing his ass...he really is unbelievable. You can't make this up!

Quoted from PismoArcade:

"I was even told not to attend, which now was a mistake."
In addition to the horrendous grammar, what difference does this delusional zero think he would have made had he shown up?

Quoted from PismoArcade:

"I was even told not to attend, which now was a mistake."
In addition to the horrendous grammar, what difference does this delusional zero think he would have made had he shown up?

Quoted from tdunbar:

seems like John should get a good paying job somewhere, liquidate all his non essential assets and try to repay pre purchasers and also what is owed to companies that he bought parts from. If he failed at producing any of these pins then he should IMO stop working on any thing pin related by himself and try to make up for his losses by getting a real job and move on and try in at least in some way to repair the grief he has caused.