ConManKen PSA for Those That Don't Watch the Tavern on YouTube

I only follow a handful of blogs, of course the Tavern is on that short list. I can also be kind of lazy and tend to go and review a whole week of posts on these blogs over the weekend, or when I have a quiet moment at lunch.....well, allegedly I'm on lunch.

Imagine my surprise when I'm going through the last week of posts here at the Tavern and I simply cannot find the post I'm looking for. I could've sworn that there was an update regarding Ken Whitman, er Con Man Ken? What is it that Erik calls him....Whitless? I know I could do a search and figure it out, but lazy and I'm already on the blog, posting.....

....of course I forget that most every web browser has something call "tabs". Maybe I should have more coffee before hopping online....

OK, ConManKen and Whitless are things and not my creation or imagination. Was it my imagination that there was an update? I could've sworn I heard about one and Whitless is really where my introduction to the Tavern, as a guest poster, began. Kenny managed to bilk my household out of $450 on the KoDT: LAS Kickstarter and Erik let me rail on about it.

The thought that Kenny might get back into our community, in ANY capacity other than as an inmate requesting we send him gaming materials to make his cell time more comfortable (hey, a guy can dream, right?), well it gives me chills.

I did find the info I was looking for....it was on the Tavern's YouTube channel. Not listed here in any easy capacity. No, that will not do:

I know this is essentially double-dipping, but it's not Erik's fault.....it's mine. Kenny is working an angle...has to be, he's done it before, actually multiple times IIRC, and him popping up to solicit Erik for an interview cannot be a good thing. You have to dig through the YouTube comments, well all 14 at this point, to see that info.

While I should really have, well a "real" post for today, I can't let this one go. The thought that this KickScammer might circle back around to us......*shudder*

If Kenny does an interview, I really hope it is documented online outside of YouTube. 

Ken Whitman - Looking for New Fools - Involved with yet ANOTHER Kickstarter

I will say this about Ken "Whit" Whitman, he is stubborn and persistent. He simply can not give up Kickstarter. I suspect he keeps telling himself: "I'm only one project away from hitting it big!"

Ken's latest project "not his project but maybe" is Unmortal : Out of Time Short Film. Ken is listed nowhere on the Kickstarter page, but his LLC (or expired LLC) Little Monsters Entertainment, was involved in the worthless trailer.

The creator of the Unmortal Kickstarter, Robert Kostner, was also the creator of The Whittler Kickstarter, which Ken was most certainly involved in.

So, what did Mr. Kostner have to say when an inquiry was made about Kenny's involvement in the project?

"Thank you for reaching out to me. Our company has contracts with many independent companies, actors, and crew members, and we do run background checks on all of our contractors. Mr. Whitman has no legal or criminal activities on his record. During past meetings, he seems very respectful to all that attend. I do know of his past Kickstarter failures and assure you that Mr. Whitman is not involved with our company's business practices and is merely part of the creative team along with several dozen other talented contractors. Once again, thank you for your concern, and have a wonderful day."

Yep, I guess Robert left the "go fuck yourself for even asking!" part silent, but man, it still came through.

As I stated in the vidcast, I recommend backing for a buck just to follow this trainwreck.

Here's the accompanying vidcvast:

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat cast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar

Ken Whitman's Deck Dice are At The Printers! ROFLMMFAO!!!

I was sent the above screenshot by a Taverner. Apparently, Kenny has a new scam scheme, deception, criminal enterprise, crowdfunding idea he intends to spring on his adoring fans.

I expect Ken will be seeking additional funds. This Kickstarter was due back in August of 2015.

If any readers backed any of Ken's other scams Kickstarters and he updates the project, I'd appreciate a screenshot. I can be reached at tenkarsDOTtavernAT that gmail thing. Put "ConMan Ken" in the subject to make sure I see it :)

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  You can catch the daily Tavern Chat podcast on Anchor, YouTube,  or wherever you listen to your podcast collection. - Tenkar

Ken Whitman is Apparently Giving Away IQ Points

Ah, sweet, sweet Ken Whitman. Ever so generous Ken apparently awarded Marcus King some bonus points in IQ. I guess Marcus made IQ his dump stat and Ken was being a generous GM. Seriously, other than how to effectively scam people via Kickstarter, the local film industry, and/or comic book sales, what else can Ken really instruct anyone on? How not to run a Print-On-Demand business perhaps? Maybe how to print your own copies of rare cards for collectible card games? The mind boggles at the very thought...

I understand that Marcus feels indebted to Ken for apparently saving his life many years ago when (details of which are vague), but this is some cult-like adoration at this point.

In any case, thank you Ken (and Marcus) for closing out 2020 (a hellish year, pandemic or no) in a very appropriate way ;)

Tip of the hat to one of The Taverners for the above screenshot

The Tavern is supported by readers like you. The easiest way to support The Tavern is to shop via our affiliate links. DTRPG, Amazon, and Humble Bundle are the affiliate programs that support The Tavern.  

You can catch the daily Tavern Chat podcast on Anchor, YouTube, 

or wherever you listen to your podcast collection.

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Like a Hydra, You Just Can't Kill the Beast - Ken Whitman "Claims" to have Found the "Lost to a Fire" KotDT Live Action Footage

I kid you the fuck not!

Ken "I only lie when I talk" Whitman now claims to have found the Knights of the Dinner Table: Live Action Series footage that he claimed in court was lost in a barn fire. Kenny, we all know this is yet another attempt to milk money from those you have already scammed.

Kenny had been silent for over four years on the KotDT: LAS Kickstarter, but look what Mr. "The FBI is waiting for you at your doorstep" Whitman has updated with today:

Hey Everyone,   

This morning I recovered the original files for KODT Live Action series.   I am copying the files and shipping them to Jolly on Monday.   

I have reached out to Jolly and Dave and have asked for permission to remaster the product, however, my contract ran out years ago.   If I can get their permission to work on the footage I would love to finish and distribute the project.  

I do ask for your forgiveness, and hope I am allowed a way to make amends for my shotty business performance.   

I will keep you updated, and hope all of you are still enjoying one of the best damn comics ever made!

-Ken Whitman 

Ken does nothing out of the kindness of his heart. It has always been about separating many fools (and some not so foolish) from their money. Highlander Collectible Card Game and printing off rares to sell? Allegedly. Rapid POD Printing Company and books that fell apart the moment you cracked them open? Allegedly. Using Kickstarter as a pyramid scheme to bilk honest folks out of their hard-earned cash? Most definitely!

So Kenny, where did these files come from that allegedly went up in smoke when your friend's barn burned down? That was your testimony in NYS Court. 

I can guarantee that ANYTHING of potential value that Ken is willing to give to the backers of the KotDT: LAS will come with a new price tag. That simply is Kenny's way.

My advice? Don't give him a cent. He preys on the gaming community, then hopes the community will forget the transgressions and theft that he committed in the past. Kenny will never be reformed. 

Don't forget to subscribe to The Tavern's weekly Newsletter! We currently have 92 subscribers. When we hit 100 subscribers, I'll award a random subscriber a $10 DTRPG Gift Certificate. We'll do the same at 200 subscribers, but then it will be TWO Gift Certificates given away. So on at 300 subs and beyond.

 Note: This week's newsletter went out Sunday night. If you are a subscriber, check your spam folder - Tenkar

#ConManKen Comes Clean - He IS the Biggest Loser

When all you do is lie, when you suddenly come clean and tell the truth, it's almost too incredible to believe. Yet the evidence is clear, Ken Whitman lost / misplaced / broke two 4 TB hard drives that contained KotDT: LAS and possibly other videos from other Kickstarters BEFORE Gen Con 2015 and the KotDT Release Party.

The attempted shakedown of Kenzer Co for an extension to Ken's contract at the end of 2017 in return for the HD video? All bluster. There WAS no video. It was already gone.

The court case is basically done. There is nothing to be recovered.

Huge thanks to Louis Desy - without you, we'd never have closure. Without you, Kenny would still be lying.

Link to latest court update:  https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/fbem/DocumentDisplayServlet?documentId=nWcYcjVwzRXtn7pcdY4bDQ==&system=prod

From Louis Desy (highlighting is me):

If we assume that Whitman is lying about the files being gone, but no one can get him to tell them what he wants to turn the raw footage over, none of anything going on makes sense. 

BUT once we realize that Whitman is telling the truth to some people at times about the files being gone, then everything he has done and is doing makes perfect sense.
It also explains why no matter what I did over the months, including offers of money, I could never get Whitman to name a price or say what he wanted to turn over the raw footage. Why? Because if Whitman named a price, and I said OK, and sent ZOE to make the transfer, it would have been discovered that Whitman had been lying about having the raw footage and lying to make it look like he was holding it hostage. 

It is also why Whitman only told me late yesterday afternoon the number of devices and what happened to each. Whitman figures, as I did, that the case was going forward and it was going to now come out that he was lying about still having the footage shortly. If Kickstarter PBC had filed their appearance and motions several hours earlier yesterday, and Whitman had seen them, Whitman would have continued to refuse to detail the number of devices and what happened to each. On this I got lucky in how the timing played out plus Whitman start to cave on the court issue. Where last week Whitman was telling me that 'I want you to have to drive to court in New York', then on Monday, after I had given up on getting either defendant to do anything on appearing in person for about the Preliminary Conference, Whitman is all of a sudden calling the court clerk about arranging a telephone conference for the Preliminary Conference? Whitman is 'crying' in his filings that his car can't make the trip and he is so broke that he can't afford the trip, yet still will not try to get money for transferring the files? This is probably the most sincere and truthful any of us have ever seen Whitman in a long while. Whitman was not telling a 'sob story' in the hope of getting the court to agree to a telephone conference, his car is probably really not suitable for any long distance travel and Whitman was starting to fear that the case was going to require personal appearances in New York at some point and he was not capable of such a trip, even later this year, in all probability. 

As more examples of how 'the files are really gone' makes sense and answers the questions as to why Whitman is acting the way he does: 

1: Offer of ZOE to make the transfer. ZOE had a standing offer to make the transfer whenever Whitman would agree to allow that to happen, They even offered to have someone drive to where the files were and make the transfer. All of this was going to be FREE to Whitman, BUT Whitman refuses to let this happen and will not tell anyone anything he wants, why?  

Answer: Because the files are gone. Whitman can't agree to this because ZOE would find out the files were gone. 

2: I try for months to get Whitman to say what he wants, but Whitman never says anything definite or keeps making excuses as to why and how he can't do a transfer to anyone and talks in circles all the time on issues, why? 

Answer: Because the files are gone. Whitman can't tell me what he wants, because if I give it to him, I will find out the files are gone. 

3: I ask Jolly plus Kenzer and Company if Whitman wants anything. There are reports that Whitman wants to sign another contract but that Whitman wants to bar Jolly plus Kenzer and Company from talking about the project for five years, plus who knows what else, why? 

Answer: Because the files are gone. Whitman has to name terms that Jolly plus Kenzer and Company would never agree to because if they did agree, they would find out the files are gone. Whitman also asks for something that makes little to no sense, what difference does it make it if Jolly or Kenzer and Company talk about the mess, over 3,000 people know and it is all over the place, yet somehow one is to believe that it would really help Whitman if they stopped talking (if they do at all) online about the project? Plus, once it came out that the files were gone, any talking online by Jolly or Kenzer and Company would pale in comparison to the fact that Whitman lost the files. 

4: Whitman is offered 20 hours per week to work on the project by Marcus King, at Marcus King's expense, but Whitman turns King down, why? 

Answer: Because the files are gone. At least for KODT:LAS, Whitman CAN'T work on that project because he does not have the files anymore. If Whitman takes Marcus King up on the offer, eventually Marcus King will wonder why no progress is being made on KODT:LAS, which Whitman can't make any progress on if there are no files to work with.

5: Whitman is asked multiple times by various people but changes his answer as to whether or not the files exist, why? 

Answer: Because the files are gone. Whitman can't have people believing and knowing that he is so incompetent that he lost files that can not be recreated, but he can't just out and out tell everyone they are gone, Whitman has to be evasive as to whether or not they exist so no one is really sure of the status of the files. Which makes no sense when it is clear Whitman is broke but will not even name a price to transfer the files, but DOES make sense once you realize the files are gone and Whitman CAN'T deliver the files for any amount of money!  

6: Why doesn't Whitman try to negotiate a price for the transfer of all of the raw footage? 

Answer: Because the files are gone. If Whitman names a price, and someone meets that price, they will find out Whitman does not have the files anymore.

Ken Whitman Responds and Answers Some Questions

The following comment was left by Ken Whitman on yesterday's post regarding the sale of Little Monsters. I'm reposting it here with minimal commenting as I feel it should be shared and read and not lost in the comments section of a prior post. The following is unedited - Tenkar

Jesus H Christ... Do you guys just speculate and make stories up for no good reason?

1. Marcus sold me the store for $320 a week for three years.
2. I have not been able to make a payment since January, and defaulted on the loan.
3. Marcus had me stay on until he found a new buyer.
4. A few weeks ago, Jim wanted to be bought out from Marcus (he was Marcus minority shareholder, he got a percentage when sold Little Monsters Comics, LLC to Marcus), so Marcus paid him money and gave the old store back to Jim.
5. Jim found a buyer. yesterday was my last day as manager as I was training everyone with the new management.

TA DA!

Q. Did Ken own the store.
A. Yes till I defaulted on the contract.

Q. Does Ken have anything to do with Little Monsters Ent?
A. No.

Q. Is Ken still working on Kickstarters?
A. Yes

Q. Is Ken going back to GA?
A. None of your damn business.

Q. Has Ken answered the NYC Lawsuit?
A. Yes Amazing how no one posted anything about it.

Q. Why did you shut down your facebook?
A. So I can move around the country, make money and finish my kickstarters without Harassment!

Q. What about the $250k in GA?
A. The woman drop charges when she figured out the files were on the disk, but she was using a PC & not a Mac and could not see them. Look using a Mac and TA DA! Why was that never posted?

Q. Do you ever get tire of people making stories up about you and then trying to convince others they are true.
A. There is no such thing as bad publicity.

Q. What do you think about the disbarred Attorney that keeps filing suits against you.
A. I think its a shame that he wasted $250k+ on a law degree, and then disbarred for being an aggressive bully asshole.

Take care you speculating libel bastards.

#ConManKen - Marcus King Throws Ken Under the Bus - Time to Protect the Assets

The following is from Marcus King, posted on Facebook earlier this afternoon. I am sharing it with some commenting by your favorite bartender:

Marcus King
Admin · 1 hr

Ken Whitman, Kickstarters & Marcus.

Ken has been my friend for about 20 years.

In 2006, as I have described elsewhere in detail, Ken Whitman spent about 3 hours preventing me from committing suicide. Consider, if you can, what you might do to repay such a debt.

Ken and I never worked on any kickstarters. I never backed any of his kickstarters, either. In fact, I have backed about 5 or 6 kickstarters, ever. Two from Reaper, one of two from Dwarven Forge, a couple others. Maybe.

I never received money from Ken about or over or from his Kickstarters. (Please DO NOT consider my assets as a liability to Ken's current lawsuit)

About a year and a half ago I absorbed the assets (and not the liabilities) (Good deal if you can work that out) of another store, the owner, whose name does not need to get muck/dragged - we will call him JIM. He owned Little Monster in Somerset, KY. About that time, Ken Whitman came to work for me as an employee because he needed to work to eat, plain and simple. (Ken could have gotten three squares and a cot another way...) I hired him to work in my store. He did some good work for me for a few months. But, some of my staff did not like working with Ken. (Wow! Is Marcus saying that Ken does NOT work well with others? What a surprise...)

After a few months of Ken working with me, he had proven capable when on his meds, and erratic when not (Oh My! This says so much. Perhaps we are setting up a possible defense for the lawsuit). I suggested to Ken that I pay him $8 an hour (what most of my 12+ staff get paid) for 20 hours a week to do projects for me (like casting terrain, and making comic lots, etc), and also pay him 20 hours a week to work on old kickstarter projects (and thus allowing him to work for me, but not with my other staff) (if Ken was really such a liability, why hire him at all?). I was willing for him to start using my computers or equipment, paying him $8 an hour for 40 hours, and he could live in my home if need be (in most states, after 30 days you cant evict him, either). Thus, using his pay to buy whatever other supplies he needed (like pencils or what have you). Ken went off to work for Troll and Toad instead. (uhr?)

Meanwhile

My plan for the Little Monster location was to close it, but my new partner (JIM), wanted to keep it open, so we tried. But, MOST of what I acquired by merging with Little Monster was their inventory, and their customer base, and their manager (Jason, still works for me, does a great job). I did not want to keep the store open. So, we tried making it a pallet store, didn’t work. I tried to gift it to my daughter and her boyfriend, and give them a good start. REALLY didn’t work.

Finally, Ken not wanting to work for Troll and Toad any longer, he asked about buying the store (oh boy). Jim wanted to get out of the lease. I agreed to sell it way below value to Ken, as long as he covered the lease. We agreed, signed documents, etc.

A year went by. (I thought it sold in July of 2017. We are in April of 2018)

Jim decided he wanted OUT of being my partner. Suddenly. Like, about two weeks ago. (because lawsuits are scary, especially when you might be liable)

I paid Jim some money, and gave him back controlling interest in the debt owed by Ken to us. He worked something out with Ken, which documents I have not seen, the details of which I am not privy to. (I need to protect myself and my assets. I am not and have not been linked to Kenny financially or legally. For realz!)

This is where things stand now. (sure they do...)

I am no longer associated with Little Monster. (because that might cost me money)

I am no longer financially associated with Ken. (ditto)

I am 100% owner of Mad Ox. (and nothing else, and all of this went on BEFORE Ken was served, I swear!)

Jim is bought out and now has only to deal with Ken. (But wait! I thought the business was sold by some Jim Sears! Oh wait, it was. Ah, so Ken's debt is owned by Jim Sears, and Jim sold Ken's current girlfriend Little Monster out from under Ken. But wait, Ken claims he sold the store...)

Ken blames me for his financial troubles (heh heh - Ken blames everyone but himself), even though I had recently agreed to buy the pencil machine for him to make pencils for his old Kickstarter thingy (mostly because he now has financial responsibility to Jim, instead of me, and I had not required him to make a payment in months, and had previously said I never cared if he made another payment to me or not). (so Marcus bought Ken a pencil machine BECAUSE Kenny was not making monthly payments for the purchase of the store. Sure, makes perfect fucking sense)

My long term loyalty to Ken has been because he saved my life.
It is not because we are tied at the hip financially (please PLEASE don't include me in Ken's lawsuit, which looks valid to me and I REALLY don't want my assets on the hook for Ken's shenanigans) . His buying the store from me/us at the time really was only of benefit to Jim, because it relieved Jim & Ken - allowing Ken a source of income (but will the associated costs, what real income was there - oh, that's right, Ken wasn't making payments), and relieving Jim from the financial responsibility of the lease, which I never was party to or responsible for (see me wash myu hands of as much financial responsibility as I can)

I just wanted to post this to let there be a public record of what has transpired (keep this in mind with Ken's lawsuit. I beg of you!) 

If you want to bash me for my past blind loyalty to someone who saved my life (eh, I'll leave that to others. besides, this is just an attempt to protect yourself from Ken's liabilities), I reckon I got it coming from many of you.

I now wash my hands of all association with Ken (I think its too late for that Marcus. Seriously, if any part of the lawsuit against your were to stick to Mad Ox before, this doesn't chance shit), other than being his friend, if he decides he wants to remain friends.

Marcus King
Owner
Mad Ox Games & Comics

#ConManKen Goes to Ground - Deactivating Facebook Accounts - So He Can Finish Kickstarter Projects...

So, this has nothing to do with Kenny being served. I mean, he's going to work on Kickstarter projects. He says so, so it must be true. Kenny never lies.

Let's see. Since being served Ken has "sold his business" and is deactivating his Kickstarter accounts (I THINK he still will have one left, as last I checked he had two as Ken Whitman). Kenny is looking to escape justice it seems. Ken, why don't you just close your eyes and cover your ears - might be as effective and be a whole lot simpler.

We may need to GoFundMe a Private Eye to keep an eye on #ConManKen ;)

Edit: Forgot to add my last words to Kenny - Get yer shinebox!

Edit edit ;) 

#ConManKen Goes on the Lam - Little Monsters "Sold" - Ken Looks for a New Community to Grift

It's been a busy day here at The Tavern. Beleive it or not, now we have some news from our very own #ConManKen that he posted on Facebook. Actually, I'm surprised it took this long:

As of 6pm tonight, I am no longer manager/owner of Little Monsters Games & Comics, LLC. I will be staying on till the end of the month to help with the transition of new owners. I will begin persuing a full time career in the motion pitcure industry as well as finishing up some unfinished kickstarter business. I appreceate all of you who have helped my time at Little Monsters an incredable experience.

Yep folks, its time for a new episode of ConManKen Goes on the Lam with Marcus playing the part of the chief enabler.

Mind you, all that follows are a whole bunch of suppositions. Strong ones, sure, but still suppositions.

Now, let us be real. Ken was NEVER the owner of Little Monsters. It was a shell game that benefited both Ken and Marcus UNTIL Ken was served last week with a lawsuit. The store being in Ken's name, even if only on paper, put Marcus in an awkward spot. Spotting Kenny a few bucks and giving Kenny a place to sleep (even if it was a cot in the store's office) is one thing - being on the hook to lose a whole business because of Ken's past shenanigans is a totally different ballgame.

Full time career in the motion "pitcure" industry? Where? He has a rep in Atlanta and it isnt a good one. The West Coast won't take him. Vancouver, maybe? He can claim refugee status in Canada ;)

As for the unfinished Kickstarter business - it's ALL unfinished. Not some of it - ALL of it.

Psst! Kenny - the business you sold may still be at risk from your current lawsuit, as the "sale" happened after you were served. Just a thought...

edit- I originally had "Lamb" instead of "Lam" in the post title. I blame it on Ken ;)

Ken Whitman - You've Been SERVED!

Holy shit! Huge thanks to David Flor and his A Walk in the Dark Blog for getting @ConManKen talking and forwarding me the information shared below. Even greater thanks to Desy Louis Jr for doing what many have wanted but not have been able - serve Ken / Whit Whitman legal notice of a legal action against him. At his shop. How appropriate.

Yes, Virginia, there is a special place reserved for @ConManKen. It isn't the North Pole, either.

No Ken, you can't sue me for sharing this. You can't have me arrested for sharing this. Just finish packing up your shop, put your head between your legs and await the summary judgment as I KNOW you won't be coming to NYC to answer this.

Wish I had been there to witness the expression on your face when you were served. See, this is what happens Kenny when you fuck with people. They use the law to fuck you back.

There is a 14-page legal action against Kenny. I'm only sharing a few pages here. The rest can be found as a linked PDF file on The Tavern's Discord Server in the Common Room text channel.

Link for the Tenkar's Tavern Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/CF6aCc

Yeah, I think I have an idea about tonight's Tavern Chat topic ;)

Filing an FTC Complaint Against #ConManKen? I'd like to Keep a Tally

As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers.

Yesterday, we posted how backers of the KotDT:LAS Kickstarter could file FTC complaints against Ken Whitman as he is now legally required to refund backers. I would like to keep a tally of such complaints as they WILL result in a criminal investigation of #ConManKen.

Just to make things simple, here's the link again:

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/GettingStarted?NextQID=251&Url=%23%26panel1-6#crnt

If you would be so kind as to email me at tenkarsDOTtavern at that Gmail thing with "ConManKen" in the subject of the email we can get the list going.

All I ask is for your first name / pen name and backer level for tracking. I'll post a running tally as to the number of complaints made and total backer dollars of the complaints on one of The Tavern's sidebars.

There are 9 backers of $1k or more on KotDT, including one $5k+ pledge. If you can't get what you backed for in the past you can help Kenny to three hots and a cot in the future...

Edit: Kenny, just so you know. THIS is how you get legitimate federal charges filed. Not threats of imaginary FBI agents waiting at someone's door for Coffee & Donuts to investigate laws that you either made up or fail to understand. You REALLY should never have made those threats Kenny, because the threats themselves are a violation of federal law. Oh, and they pissed me off. Yes they did.

2nd Edit: No, you don't own the copyright to the above image.

So, ConManKen DID NOT Buy a Store? Color Me NOT Surprised

With the New Year the entertainment from #ConManKen is simply priceless, Well, Marcus the Enabler is certainly skilled too and together they are simply gold.

Gotta love it when Marcus expects the blowback right from the start.

Remember when Marcus was going to sell close his second location at the end of last July?

Then Marcus decided to sell it instead (after clearing dead inventory from both store and selling it as clearance in the soon to close store - allegedly)

Then Ken bought the store...

for no money down at that. Little Monster is the new name of the store under Ken's watch - I mean ownership - or is it simply management?

See, look at the first screenshot. "He (Ken Whitman) is the manager of a store in Kentucky" - emphasis is mine. The follow up to that screenshot is priceless as Ken's rep is apparently well known and hasn't gotten better with age (i have more screenshots), but I'm more concerned that Marcus would attempt to add Ken to a Facebook Group for hobby store owners and yet introduce Ken as a manager.

It brings up some interesting questions:

Who REALLY owns Little Monster?

Who actually runs Little Monster?

Did Marcus retain defacto control of the shop when he "sold" it to Ken for "no money down"?

If Ken doesn't own the shop, why make it look like he does?

What are the tax implications?

Is There a Project Creator with more Abandoned / Failed Kickstarters than d20 Entertainment?

+Jolly Blackburn asked the following last night on Facebook and I thought I'd give the question some wings:

Someone brought up an interesting question a few moments ago. Anyone know of an individual or company with more abandoned/failed kickstarters than d20 Entertainment? (they have six failed projects and had two more readied to launch). 

I can't think of anyone that comes close. 

This is really a question about Kickstarter's ability (or inability) to get in front of project creators with so many red flags around them.

As I recall, there was a 7th Kickstarter that was quickly shut down by Kickstarter for "pop-omatic" dice, as Ken had the lead on a hoard of these sitting in a warehouse somewhere. Kickstarter shut it down as it wasn't funding something new or some such reason. The don't call him #conmanken for nothing ;)

Some quick recaps for the curious:

Knights of the Dinner Table: Live Action Series - 795 Backers, $69,525 raised
      59 Day funding period - Dec 8, 2013 through February 5, 2014

Spinward Traveller - 827 Backers, $49,588 raised
      44 Day funding period - June 1, 2014 through July 15, 2014

Castles & Crusades: Beyond the River - 125 Backers, $6,001 raised
      30 Day funding period - October 3, 2014 through November 2, 2014

Pencil Dice - 1351 Backers, $38,161 raised
      30 Day funding period - January 29, 2015 through February 28, 2015

RPG Pencil Dice - 337 Backers, $8,623 raised
      20 Day funding period - February 18, 2015 through March 10, 2015

Deck Dice - 184 Backers, $5,197 raised
      30 Day funding period - March 8, 2015 through April 7, 2015

Some random observations:

-Ken didn't want to wait too long for the monies to come in, thus going from 59 days to fund and gradually cutting to 30 days (with a 20 day in there for good measure)

-The last three projects overlapped in funding periods. Because, you know - the monies.

-Not one of these projects has completed, although some Traveller ship models have shipped. Some even shipped to backers.

Ken Whitman now Produces Commercials - Using Equipment Paid for by Kickstarter Backers

Ah, you really have to give it to Ken / Whit Whitman. Having burned every possible bridge in the film industry in Atlanta (Ken, how many folks are trying to track you down for services paid for but never fulfilled?) has now landed in the area of London, KY. I'm guessing Toronto actually has standards and that's why "Con Man Ken" didn't make it to our neighbors up North. Shame really, as I suspect Ken would have had a great time with the Toronto film industry.

In any case, Marcus King has gone "full enabler" now, which is a damn shame, because if it weren't for "Ken, I Allegedly Bilked Honest Folks Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars to Make Myself Great" I've heard only good things about Marcus. But then he became Ken's Uber Enabler, and now, sorry to say, Marcus is going to have his rep tarnished by none other than one of Kickstarters most prolific con artists - allegedly.

At least backers know what their monies paid for - the equipment Ken is using for these cut rate commercials.

Here's the link for the commercial Ken did for Marcus. Aren't you proud of your Kickstarter dollars at work?

Ken Whitman's Biggest Enabler Writes About Personal Accountability.

There's an article your should read at ICv2. Really. Its eye opening.

I'll copy the first two paragraphs here:

Personal accountability is a concept my father drilled into my psyche starting when I was about nine.  I didn’t feed the dogs one day before I went to school.  That Saturday, he did not allow me to eat or drink anything from 6AM until 4PM that day.  It taught me not only personal accountability, but also the concept that what YOU do affects OTHERS.  It taught me that failure was unacceptable. 

Fast forward 45 or so years, and I still believe in personal accountability - or, I guess, in the personal accountability of retailers.  Because I am a retailer, and I don’t think it is anyone else’s job to provide for me.  And I STILL find failure to be unacceptable.

For the writer of this article to talk about "personal accountability" and still be Ken Whitman's biggest enabler, having customers pay for photos with "Whit" the actor, the con man, the flake, Mr Snake Oil Salesman himself - ironic seems to fall short of the gall embodied by this.

Ken Whitman - American Success Story - How to Build a Career Off of Other Peoples Money

Kenny boy, I know you read The Tavern like its Variety - I mean, where else do people actually know your name?

Here - let me tally up Ken's successes:

- Non-speaking part in a McGuiver episode
- Three appearances as a mope in The Walking Dead
- Keeping one step ahead of AGs and process servers
- Selling photos of himself

Now - let me tally up Ken's failures - if I miss any, please add them to the comments below - note: we are only referring to Ken's failures in business ventures, and remember, just because Ken made money does not make it a success:

- Deck Dice
- Pencil Dice
- RPG Pencil Dice
- Castles & Crusades: Beyond the River (T.V. Pilot)
- Knights of the Dinner Table: Live Action Series (KODT: LAS) (this should count as multiple fails)
- Spinward Traveller (T.V. Pilot)
- Every other KS project Kenny had his grubby hands on
- Directing
- Editing
- Managing
- Producing - anything of value
- RapidPOD - MIA since 2004 - dust in the wind

Yes Ken, you have that certain look. I'd define it for you but such words are no longer considered politically correct these days. I'll leave it that have a "special" look.

Still using the equipment paid for by your Kickstarter backers to further for your career? You lovable lug you! You get to insult your backers AND your viewers. Lets see, make a livable salary and pay off your debts or have the sense of responsibility of a 5 year old and take up acting?

Yes, punting projects to Summer of 2017 with NO posted plans on how to actually complete such projects. The World According to Ken. That sir, is a fucking bucket of hubris.

Alert - Thief Steals Free Comics - Meanwhile, An "Alleged Thief" Takes Real Money - Ken Whitman appears at Games & Comics, London, KY

Now, I've heard of strange disconnects, but this one really strikes my fancy. I wonder why?

Now, isn't it interesting Marcus is willing to spend the time to take some random mope to Small Claims Court and prosecute him for taking a $3 comic and a stack of "free comics." Nor saying the man's actions were right, just trying something for perspective.

Then we have this post, an hour after the first one, where a real "Alleged Thief" shakes people down for money:

Gee, how many tens of thousands of dollars has Ken bilked folks out of? Yet a $3 thief needs an all points bulletin. Markus, I think your priorities are fucked up. Next time that $3 thief returns, give him the keys to your store. He still won't steal enough to reach the heights of Ken.

"Kids, let me tell you about the time I funded my acting career with money I misappropriated from Pencil Dice.
You won't believe how easy it is to get folks to give you money on a promise when you are a lovable lug like me!"

Pinch Those Pennies - It's 18 Bucks for a Signed Pic With Ken Whitman - Will Work (heh) for Food

I'm not sure what else I can say that isn't obvious from the screenshot above.

I mean, we all know Ken needs a cash infusion to ACTUALLY COMPLETE HIS FUCKING OBLIGATIONS. But no, that isnt what this is going to pay for.

Please, I beg someone to record this shit - audio only is fine - and we'll make Ken the Youtube star he deserves to be.

Yes, you too can be an extra on The Walking Dead. For just $499 Ken will tell you all of his secrets. Sure, I made that part up, but you know his advice will be short on advice and long on "pay me and I'll help you. I know a guy who knows a guy."

Of course it won't be the last time Ken finds a way to remove cash from the gaming public without giving value back in return.

Thanks to yet another Taverner for the info :)

PSA - Ken Whitman is Making a Public Appearance in London, KY on November 19th

Now I know, many of you are huge Ken Whitman / Whit Whitman / Ken Whitless fans. I know this because I've been told so. Why else would folks be asking for his latest location constantly if not to meet and great the lovable lug.

It is my understanding some folks may be looking to give ken some papers - reading material if you will. Others may wish to encourage Ken to continue to strive for the successful completion of his various Kickstarters. Well, now you can in person (as Ken pretty much ignores emails from what I gather)

Notice Ken can't say shit about season 7 of The Walking Dead? That's because he was a zombie edit - goon in season 6 - he can't say shit because he doesn't know shit. Wait, did I just blow that up on Ken? Sorry dude.

Anyhow, Ken wants to meet you so you really should make the effort to meet Ken. All he wants to be is liked. All he wants to do is make money movies. Well, makes movies with equipment paid for with your money, but really, who's paying that close attention?

Now, who wants to place a bet that Ken is charging for those autographs and photos...