That is the funniest ever! JPOPeye!
Well executed joke,i laughed my ass off!

JPopeye is awesome - I hope the DMD is in color

Its available with any color you want as long as you want purple.

What do you mean "somebody?"

DUDE.. you want a refund, do something about it.

If it were my money, I'd have it already. If you want your money back, do something. Contact the media, call the Attorney General. I don't have standing. You do.

I live 2000 miles from J-scam, if I was closer to him I would be at his shop everyday! I have already filed a complaint with the AG in John's state.. It sounds like they will do nothing more than forward my complaint to John (I'm sure he promptly threw it in the garbage)

I'll give 1/2 of my $$$ if you can get me a refund.

LOL... send me a PM... let's talk... I may be able to do that...

We are witnessing an implosion of the industry.

It's really a shame.

Y'all have no idea how many opportunities these people are letting slip away.

I think we have some idea, and yes it is sad.

I hope this is not an implosion per se, but definitely the end of a pinball era (the "shut up and take my money" era of loose pinball wallets.

Assuming games as interesting as KISS keep coming out, we will be fine.

Anyone doing a Google search for John Popaduke will not see anything bad on the first page, they will see an article comparing him to Steve Jobs however.

Page 2 and 3 will mention the failed bailout attempt.

If you type in John Popaduke thief or John Popaduke jerk you will get better results but still mostly positive, a few about the bankrupsy.

Even typing in Magic Girl pinball will only yield positive results on the first page.

image.jpg

Perhaps Robin should add something to this page to say JPop appears to have squandered hundreds of thousands of dollars of pinball fan's money on Magic Girl and RAZA so that Google will have something negative for John on the first page of the search results.

Capture10.JPG

His name is John A. Popadiuk, Jr.

Maybe if you spelled it correctly, your online research might be more successful?

Even spelling it correctly, Google's first page of return results is all positive.

Only a single negative on the 2nd page of returns.

Contact the links and ask them to post a notice on those pages.

Maybe a Wikipedia page for John would come up higher in the search engine rankings. Would like to read Ben Heck's draft wiki entry.

Pinball news broke the skitb news. Maybe they could do something on jpop

Hey look... it's exactly the 4 year anniversary of announcing Magic Girl.

http://www.pinballnews.com/news/popadiuk1.html

suprised they haven't TBT

What's the point, it'll all be softball questions anyway and won't really expose anything that everyone doesn't already know...

I can't imagine JPop's lawyers would let him talk to Pinball News at this point, so there will be no rambling Kevin-style interview. The main value would be to get word out to people that don't follow Pinside, and also to have a concise summary to point interested parties to instead of this massive thread.

All this talk about Lawlor pins tells me software is still vastly under-appreciated, as the primary issue with Road Show lies in its linear ruleset rather than layout design. Keith is doing the software on Pat's next game, so the comparison isn't useful.

That is certainly true.

But, you know how big personalities don't listen to counsel - they've got an important story to tell.

Hopefully Pinball News can get that story.

the audio and rules in road show are its worst points. it would be a great game to P-ROC.

It's FuhRRIIIIDAYYYYy <AAARGGGH>

Maybe swap heads so it's not Ted that swallows

-c

The rules on RS are great other than limited stacking ability and linear progression. Two tweaks to do. I actually really enjoy the audio too...it's intentionally campy. Music is average and theme stinks, those are the games worst points.

Hmm. I love Road Shows rules & audio! I wouldn't change a thing on it.

You can get your balls in Red's mouth, too - you just have to have good aim! ...she always spits it out, though.

The linear setup of roadshow is why it's a good game. It was designed as all pins are for location use.The linear nature many that you had to get really good (costs money) or buy in more balls (more money) to see the further west cities and wizard modes. It's design is great. Country music, not so great. But software wise it's unabashed in it's "gimme your money-ness" it's great.

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

Somone, anyone, please buy this man a cold beer!

Everyone link to this in your blogs and Facebook, right now.

The more links it gets, the higher it will rank on Google.

Thank you!

Just for the record, I'm not affiliated with that site, just posting the link I found on the Internet .

I was going to say, if you were you might get banned from Johns blogs.

No really I was going to say if you were you should add this:

https://pinballsupernova.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/john-popadiuk-another-one-bites-the-dust/

It looks like John Popadiuk and his company Zidware are having financial problems which will affect the release of the Magic Girl Pinball machine. Vendors have been complaining on posts via Pinside that payment was not being given for services and products Zidware was using. It’s very sad with the demise of Skit B Pinball (Predator Pinball) and now John Popadiuk president of Zidware. It seems that John is looking or has investors to back his company financially. My opinion is that it is hard to believe that this is true since no communication was present during the hard times with Skit B and now Zidware. Hopefully this does not affect the platform of pay before you get boutique pinball companies. Personally I would never pay for a product being produced by a start-up company before actually seeing it.

Below is a statement released from John Popadiuk, president of Zidware.

May 21, 2015

RE: PLAN OF ACTION FOR PURCHASERS OF MAGIC GIRL™, RAZA AND AIW

It is with great excitement, determination and love for pinball that has led me to pursue and find a possible solution that can be announced to you today. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who believed in the magical designs that have been created. I acknowledge and appreciate the faith you have in placing deposits with Zidware, Inc. (“Zidware”) to deliver to you incredible machines that take pinball to another level. Thank you for your patience and support …this well-deserved update will give you a good idea of where we have been and where we are headed in the future.

First and foremost, my apologies for not being a better businessman. In the past, great success was accomplished by focusing on what I do best… design and artistic direction of games. The business mechanics were left to the executives at companies such as Williams and Bally. I did not realize what it entails to run a company and get a machine designed and produced from start to finish. At the rate that I have been going, bankruptcy would be inevitable absent some type of corrective action. Zidware no longer has the ability to get Magic Girl™ (“MG”) into production let alone Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland™ (“RAZA”) and Alice in Wonderland The Pinball™ (“AIW”). A copy of current financials will be available evidencing the impossible predicament Zidware currently faces. Further, the delivery of machines to my customers who have placed orders and provided deposits has always been my primary concern and a responsibility that I take very seriously.

Therefore, I have sought out a solution to bring these games into production and to benefit all purchasers who have continued to believe in me. Apologies for the lack of communication, however it was best to find a workable solution first, rather than to string everyone along on false hopes. At this point I have a plan in place and therefore am taking this opportunity to share it with you. My hope is that with this solid plan, you, as a purchaser, will be supportive of this endeavor and remain patient and work with this plan to achieve the desired goal of producing MG, RAZA and AIW machines.

What is the plan and how will it help the purchasers of Zidware products?
In a call for help, one of my customers, a businessman specializing in the restructuring of companies, realized that there was no way Zidware could get this project over the finish line and into production. He was saddened by the fact that many would suffer a loss and it would be a black eye for the pinball industry and my reputation.

Over the last month or so, this individual and his associates have done extensive due diligence on Zidware to determine the best plan of action. They have assembled a team of professionals capable in bringing pinball machines to production under a new, unrelated company. I have granted this new company (“Licensee”) an exclusive license for MG, RAZA and AIW. They will then be able to take MG from its current state to the point of production, along with potential orders for RAZA and AIW. Once these machines are produced, the Licensee plans to continue and grow to become an industry leader in creative unique pinball design.

What can you expect next?

The Licensee is now underway to complete a master prototype Magic Girl™. An announcement will be made as to when this will be, however the goal is to have it ready in time to unveil at an upcoming show. From this point forward, information and progress will be provided by the Licensee as Zidware is no longer in control.

This group is currently in the process of negotiating with proven known quality manufacturers to get the games produced. As soon as this is contracted, purchasers will be notified and given a forecast of the timeline to complete development as well as release dates for final product. As it stands today, the anticipated timeframe until production of MG is approximately 2 years or sooner.

As for the other 2 games, art work will be under the Licensee’s direction and prototypes will be forthcoming. I have agreed to independently consult with the Licensee for continuity to complete the pinball designs for all 3 games. The timeframe until production of AZA and AIW product is 2 to 3 years post MG production.

I encourage fellow Pinheads to allow this team to help make these games come to life. The Licensee has already made significant investment in both time and money to get where we are today. They have acquired the licenses for these games not motivated by profit, but to make the designs a reality and forge a viable path for production of these products to Zidware customers. The only other alternative is that Zidware would be forced to file for bankruptcy, resulting in virtually nothing to the purchasers and none of the games that we have worked on all these years will ever be produced.

We need patience, positive input and support from you and all of Zidware’s customers. Once each purchaser has responded back with positive intentions, the Licensee will be formally announced and be able to continue to move forward. However if there are any clarification uestions regarding this letter or agreement, please do not contact the attorneys directly, instead you may send an email to: Magic Girl Info <[email protected]>. The Licensee has already indicated that they will be opening the doors to share the progress with customers and welcoming everyone with open arms!

To be clear, there will not be any refunds as Zidware lacks the cash reserves necessary to return any customer deposits. The Licensee is here to create and build pinball machines and it is not responsible for Zidware’s liabilities. Nonetheless, working together, the Licensee will have the ability to produce machines and Zidware customers will be provided credits for deposits made. We are very lucky that the
Licensee started down this path to help the pinball community by trying to rectify this situation.

This is what we need in order for the Licensee to move forward, please take advantage of this opportunity and complete the attached agreement prepared by the attorney for the Licensee. This is what is required from you in the attached agreement in order for the plan to succeed:

1) Confirmation of your intent to complete the purchase of the ordered item(s) by executing and returning the attached agreement so that the Licensee does not expend resources for customers who may not wish to complete their order.

a. Magic Girl™ – original purchasers. The Licensee is already in talks with potential manufacturers to create a Magic Girl™–Collector’s Edition, limited to only 199 worldwide for those who have already purchased or provided deposits. This is first come first serve
as we will close off as soon as we reach 199 orders. Zidware deposits will be converted to credits dollar for dollar.

b. RAZA or AIW purchasers. For those who have placed a deposit on RAZA or AIW, the Licensee is allowing these purchasers to convert their deposits to credits towards:

i. Magic Girl™–Collector’s Edition ($15,995) – Limited to only 199 worldwide, this is first come first serve as we will close off as soon as we reach 199 orders. Zidware deposits will be converted dollar for dollar, 1 (eg. $6,500 deposit = $6,500 credits).

ii. Magic Girl™-Classic (TBD estimated at between $9,995 to $11,995) – We are offering a new edition of Magic Girl™ with all of the same functionality and quality, since the final product is yet to be finalized and we don’t have actual BOM, we can only provide the price range. Any customers interested in this option will have opportunity to confirm their purchase at time of release of actual price. Zidware deposits will be converted 1:2 (eg. $6,500 deposit = $3,250 credits) for this option.

Once you take delivery of your machine, you have an asset in hand and the ability to keep it or sell it for cash. You will also have the ability to sell your position. Should you wish to wait for the possible creation of a RAZA or AIW, that option is also available.

2) Agreement that you will not bring any action for money damages or specific performance against Zidware, the Licensee, the manufacturer, or any of their directors, officers or members during the earlier of:

(i) delivery of the product or
(ii) 4 years

This is what we need to move forward; we ask your cooperation to support us and allow Zidware to get the Licensee what is needed at this time. This is the only plan that will possibly get these machines produced. It is time sensitive as we need to move quickly or I will have no choice but to pursue a chapter 7 bankruptcy filing resulting in the liquidation of Zidware without delivery of any of the games and virtually no cash to Zidware customers.

This plan is for you, the Pinheads that want something that is a true work of art, quality built that can be treasured for years to come. I have now found the right business team that is dedicated to try to get my work to the finish line and into production. Help me to help you get what you came to Zidware for…a pinball machine that you will be very proud of to have in your collection!

To Our Success!

Best Personal Regards,
ZIDWARE, INC.
John Popadiuk
President
.

We knew that.

It's hilarious that domain was never registered before...

Whoever set up that site is keeping themselves secret.. lol

Domain Name: JOHNPOPADIUK.COM
Registry Domain ID: 1948763032_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN
Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.bluehost.com
Registrar URL: http://www.bluehost.com/
Updated Date: 2015-07-23T18:59:04Z
Creation Date: 2015-07-23T18:59:03Z
Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2016-07-23T18:59:03Z
Registrar: FastDomain Inc.
Registrar IANA ID: 1154
Registrar Abuse Contact Email: [email protected]
Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1 801 765 9400
Reseller: BlueHost.Com
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited (https://www.icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited)
Registry Registrant ID:
Registrant Name: DOMAIN PRIVACY SERVICE FBO REGISTRANT
Registrant Organization:
Registrant Street: 1958 SOUTH 950 EAST
Registrant City: PROVO
Registrant State/Province: UTAH
Registrant Postal Code: 84606
Registrant Country: UNITED STATES
Registrant Phone: +1.8017659400
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax:
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email: [email protected]
Registry Admin ID:
Admin Name: DOMAIN PRIVACY SERVICE FBO REGISTRANT
Admin Organization:
Admin Street: 1958 SOUTH 950 EAST
Admin City: PROVO
Admin State/Province: UTAH
Admin Postal Code: 84606
Admin Country: UNITED STATES
Admin Phone: +1.8017659400
Admin Phone Ext:
Admin Fax:
Admin Fax Ext:
Admin Email: [email protected]
Registry Tech ID:

They should also register:

www.johnpopadiuksucks.com

Utah, huh? Must be McCune.

McCune? Never heard of the guy. Papapuke on the other hand is a POS.

Is there a Kevin Kulek page like the Jpop warning page set up above?

These people's names should ALWAYS be synonymous with being defrauded. Others NEED to know who they are dealing with before more good, honest folk get the shaft.

John has added a "preview" site for magic girl now
http://www.pinballinventor.org/games/magicgirl/preview/index.html

He's gone as far as uploading images of all the artwork, and embed quicktime movies (that PC users typically can't see), and giant .WAV files of game music (oh but then a few mp3's mixed in, just to be consistent)

Wow- he's been working harder the last few weeks on the website than the last few years it would seem!

Everyone has different tastes, that's what makes pinball great. It's definitely a fun playfield to shoot around on, maybe it's that i'm just not into country music? though i do dig fish tales (a lot) go figure. .

the theme i don't mind that much, just that it seems to be the same modes every time.

-c

Agreed, the more activity it gets the sooner it comes up in Google searches, the better. Don't know how that stuff works but hopefully many of you do. Kudos to whoever started this page, seems long overdue!

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

I'm thinking about adding this to the bottom of every post I make in Pinside...
http://www.johnpopadiuk.com/

That's a good idea, or at least every post on this thread.

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

How to increase your google search ranking:
http://www.mtu.edu/umc/services/web/seo

Whoever is running that site, add links back to all the high search rankings:
http://www.ipdb.org/search.pl?searchtype=advanced&ppl=John%20Popadiuk
http://www.pinballinventor.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpopadiuk
https://pinside.com/pinball/archive/john-popadiuk

John Popadiuk
http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com

That should add about 1000 posts to this thread......oh and before I forget:

http://www.johnpopadiuk.com/