GenCon files Chapter 11

[Michael Dean]

It seems likely that this means either A) they tried to build other Cons than GenCon and they didn't work out so well, which also explains the Lucasfilm situation, or B) the unforeseen expenses ARE the Lucasfilm situation.

Didn't they cancel Gen Con So Cal? I thought I read that recently, which was my first thought as to why the bankruptcy filing, since they were talking about "one-time" expenses from expanding the brand. It also makes sense that they are trying to insulate themselves from the lawsuit by Lucasfilm.

Overall, I don't think people should be too worried over Gen Con itself; that's a pretty big money maker. Before I went to law school, the word "bankruptcy" always seemed to mean "company in its last death throes." But now I realize it's more of a "let's get some breathing room so we can get out from under a too high debt load."

 

[smootrk]

***** Posted in the other appropriate thread as well.

I would not be surprised if GenCon is over now. Taking cash for a charity (a substantial amount mind you), not paying it out, getting sued over it, and ultimately deciding to file bankruptcy rather than paying it back.... wow.

I doubt you will see me supporting that kind of organization any time soon. A completely new organization will probably need to fill that void, lest similar practices continue with that organization's team.

 

[Qualidar]

***** Posted in the other appropriate thread as well.

I would not be surprised if GenCon is over now. Taking cash for a charity (a substantial amount mind you), not paying it out, getting sued over it, and ultimately deciding to file bankruptcy rather than paying it back.... wow.

I doubt you will see me supporting that kind of organization any time soon. A completely new organization will probably need to fill that void, lest similar practices continue with that organization's team.

We'll all miss you at GenCon!

 

[tennyson]

***** Posted in the other appropriate thread as well.

I would not be surprised if GenCon is over now. Taking cash for a charity (a substantial amount mind you), not paying it out, getting sued over it, and ultimately deciding to file bankruptcy rather than paying it back.... wow.

I doubt you will see me supporting that kind of organization any time soon. A completely new organization will probably need to fill that void, lest similar practices continue with that organization's team.

Unfortunately, I would have to agree. The practices are shady at best, and it's a shame everything went down the way it did.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

We'll all miss you at GenCon!

Yeah, unfortunately, most gamers simply won't care if they are supporting a company that shafted an amazing charity and then used a legal wiggle to get out of being held responsible*. They have a service people want and people will buy that service.

*yes, it remains to be seen, that's part of the "if".

 

[Friadoc]

You know, last time I checked, folk (which includes companies in the US) are innocent until proven guilty and although media outlets love to convict in the court of opinion, it's not how it's done here.

I'd still like to see things playout before I force surge-jump my way to conclusions. *chuckles*

Seriously, though, let things playout and then decide if you should demonize GenCon and the folk who run it. It's better to wait and be right in your decision, than rush to it now and look a fool.

Actually, a slight addendum here, wasn't there an RPG company a few years ago that suffered from an embezzelment situation? Perhaps something similar is happening here and maybe GenCon waited to long, for LucasArts' tastes, while trying to sort it out internally and thus the lawsuit?

See, you can jump to conclusions in both directions. *chuckles*

 

[smootrk]

In criminal cases you are correct...

civil cases (such as being sued) are not so.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

You know, last time I checked, folk (which includes companies in the US) are innocent until proven guilty and although media outlets love to convict in the court of opinion, it's not how it's done here.

As has been pointed out in the other thread, a legal guideline for criminal cases doesn't have to be applied to every facet of life, even financial or civil law. But I'm glad you are gaining amusement.

Edit : and no, companies are not "folk". They are legal constructs, which represent and shield the folk who make them up.

 

[Brian Compton]

This does sound like a bad deal. However, for those of us just tuning in, what's the backstory? Why is LucasArts suing GenCon? And what's this about bailing on a charity?

 

[Dragonhelm]

Even Marvel had to declare Chapter 11 at one point. It's not the end of the world. In fact, it may just save them.