Uncle Gert’s “Shares for Support Medals Giveaway”

Sounds interesting, I must say. :)

I'm littlebit affraid from officials and taxes. It's too much complicated for me. I do not fully understand this kind of business. I would prefere some colourful certificate or diploma on a fency paper than problems with Czech/EU customs.

Awesome!

One thing however, does this mean that all shares are actually b-shares with no voteing rights or does the thing with having more than 1020 support medals still mean having a-shares and thus voting rights?

Sounds like a good plan to put a time limit on it so you dont have a ton of legal stuff and ekstra work to do all the time.

@ forgefire

The 10,100 share certificates are B-shares.

The 1000 share certificates are A-shares.

@ Marcus_de_Tycho

Gert has checked all this with the ZPH-Lawyer, so I don't think you have to worry all that much.

And you can just print out your certificates, since they are registered with the Danish authorities, and not only with ZPH, you can make your ownership known very easily.

...

Wow, this is really cool :) curious with the B-Share is it only the voting rights you loose? or do you loose dividend payouts as well. (sorry if that was a dumb question never bought a share before.)

b shares gives you dividends, so yeah voting rights is the only difference as far as i know.
(but yeah...keep in mind that dividens isnt likely to happen anytime soon ;) )

A-shares ( 1000 ) = FULL voting rights + FULL dividend

B-shares ( 10 + 100 ) = NO voting right + FULL dividend

Yeah, it may be some time for the dividend to show up, but when it does....

Hmm, me thinks I may need to get into this investing. At least I believe in the product

It's time to start a revolution. Let's do it together.

well, i think its time to buy some medals! :)

Let's make the counter go down to zero in no time!

An incredible idea Nocheiner. Kudos. After reading the article/email - I went ahead and I'm now supporting ZPH.

Now does the B-Shares (100 medals) include the 20 initial medals? Or would being entitled to the B-shares start at the minimum of 120 support medals?

Very good idea but even if i wanted to participate on this, I just don't have the money , i'm currently unemployed :( .

But for others it is really a good opportunity.

It seems like there are no voting rights due to Mr. Gert stating the voting rights will be given to him via a Proxy. Also - I have 70 medals. Minus the initial 20, does it mean I'll receive five 10 certificates?

@ GMneku

To get the 100 shares certificate you will have to buy 120 medals.

B-Shares ( 10, 100) have NO voting rights, only the A-Shares ( 1000) certificate have voting rights, and anyone who has them will be asked to give his vote, by proxy, to Gert to keep the bureaucratics to a minimum.

@ GMneku

Edit: Yes, with your current 70 medals minus the intitial 20 you now are eligible to 50 shares of ZPH, which you would now get as 5 x 10 B-Share certificates.

Interesting idea. I would need to research more about shares

Well, I was thinking about investing in something next time I have money, I can't think of anything I'd rather invest in then Interstellar Marines. I'm just hoping I have the money by May 31st. Which, coincidentally, happens to be my birthday.

@ starduke

THAT would certainly be a nice present for yourself :)

That is fine and unusual idea, I am one of the old school gamers started back in 1980's on that funny ZX Spectrum and I must say that is smart idea to rais funds from players and let us feal like we are some part of the game and it's creation

I think that this is a great concept to give an opportunity for IM supporters to earn stock in ZPH. I'll probably buy a pile of support medals when I feel rich enough.

My biggest concern is that at this current rate, it's essentially 1 support medal per share, at a price of $5USD per share. I don't know about you guys, but $5 a share for shares in a privately owned startup seems very high, at least from my experience and perspective.

@Kafelnikov: As these are basicly gifts from gerts own share of stocks he told us what he had paid for them, which was basicly between 3 and 7 USD.
In case you havent seen the forum I suggest you check out this thread where the idea was made and gert announced it: http://www.interstellarmarines.com/forum/threads/i
d/1130/?page=2#snap_post30057


Personally I am still considering how many I should get. I really wanna support these wonderful guys but I have always been a cheapskate :P

@ forgefire

You say that now, but when I.M. sells it 20th million copy....

If Gert paid between 3 and 7 for his shares then $5 apeice seems reasonable. I didn't know that was the price.

Maybe if I'm careful with my money I can afford to buy 100 before may...

19 million copies could do as well ;)

@Kafelnikov yeah my thinking as well. $5 seems fair.


@Gert Have you considered the fact that paypal "eats" part of whatever we buy from this site? Maybe it would be worth considering an other way to transfere the money if the person buying medals are in the 1000+ range? Not that I got enough money to buy that many medals myself at the moment but if i understood it correct paypal takes up 2,9% of your income, which if all shares are sold is quite a lot of money in the end. Of couse the question is if the extra work that would be involved with getting the money in an other way is more trouble than those 2,9%.

Dunno if you already thought about this, but just wanted to mention it anyway :)

@ forgefire

It is doubtfull that you will get a much better deal anywhere else, since a normal bank also charges for transfer + the exchange from one currency to another.

I tried it one time to do it without paypal, and the problems to transfer money to another country and another currency where such a hassle that I eventually ( after trying it for 10 days! ) just said "FORGET IT" and went with paypal.

@ all - Thank you so much for the brilliant reception!! I have been very worried about how to get the honest intentions across without sounding cynical or desperate - I see now all those fears are missplaced and that there are so many true (and old) fans that know what we are about, to have to worry!

Big thanks to Nocheiner - we have obviously had extensive email communications before he "jumped" and you can see by his accurate responses that he has investigated the scheme thoroughly

Regarding the comments on Paypal - I know it is a "millstone" but as mentioned it is the only halfway practical means we have at the moment - appreciate your patience and helping us helping others through this

I will keep responding here daily (as much as my business travels allow) so keep the questions coming (there are NO stupid questions!) - and if I'm not immediately on hand, maybe one of the Dev's or Nocheiner can "deputise" for me

If (when) we succeed it will all be down to us (all collectively!)

g

"WE" ARE THE INTERSTELLAR MARINES!

I am so very glad that you did this! I just made my own investment ^_^ This makes me wonder: what if video games were sold this way via purchasing shares? It would be curious and probably hectic if they didn't handle it like you guys heh.

I love how this is one of the few Indie companies that have investigated the legal aspect of game development throughly, and that this isn't just a blind leap of faith. For the love of the game I salute you!

@ JerreyRough

Up until now, you could invest in a publisher like EA, but I don't know about any developers you could invest in.

Although this project here is not the "normal" way to invest in a company :)

@ALL

I made a FAQ:
http://www.interstellarmarines.com/forum/thr
eads/id/1243/

Thanks Gert - I am all in

@ Lobengula

Welcome aboard marine!

Wow, Welcome to the party Lobengula! I suggest you join us on the forums!

Many people have risked and lost money on much stranger schemes than this. I firmly believe in this product and in the genuine dedication and verisimilitude of the fine folks at ZPS. Gert, you totally sold me. Count me in. Just bought another 26 medals, and I honestly don't care about the greed factor (the hope that I might get something someday for this). Its really simple: I want to see you guys succeed. Please PLEASE, just make this game.

@ Hot4Darmat

That's the beauty of this project, everybody wins with it. ZPS can make the game, WE get the game, and those who risk more, will be rewarded for taking a big risk on something never done before!

I want stock.....I don't have the cash :(

@Noch... Sir yes Sir..Glad to be aboard Sir (yelling as loud as I can)

@ RockingKraut

You have until the end of May to get shares.

Look what you have left at the end of each month and save up, maybe it will be enough for 30 support medals and the resulting 10 B-shares :)

@ Lobengula

At ease, marine.

We are not scheduled for a mission yet, but keep at the ready, we could be called upon soon!

hi all.
love the idea i have my first 10 shares. and tink ill by 10 more next mount ( efter my next pay chet )

@ Netrom6000

Welcome and Thanks for believing!

g

Dang I don't have the money after I bought that 194$ air soft gun.

@ Nicholas

Still 3 full months time for this, no need to rush!

I'm all for this project, but at the going rate of shares sold, and one more with the faith like nocheiner, it's going to be more like 25,000 shares sold after 3 months. Will that be enough to satisfy the feasibility of the project, legal costs and so on ?

As an investment opportunity for private investors, the price tag of the first 20 medals may scare of a quite a portion, even though they are avid gamers.

If the gamers want this to succeed, the gamers need to organise an effort to market this deal. Question is how do you present this deal coupled with the chosen media of communication...
When having made an investment, I think we all have an incentive to see that the rest of the shares are sold, and ZPS get the capital injection.

@ Hral

I agree that the entry-level requirement for this "exclusive" club is not ideal, but a lot of people where buying support medals( a lot!) even before this project started, so this shouldn't be discounted either.

And regarding the marketing effort: I think there is something in the making regarding this, so stay tuned!

Fully upgraded now.

I hope to be able to buy some shares before the month is out, but Im not sure about uk law on this type of thing at all.

@ Niyoru

It's best if you go to your bank and ask them what is needed regarding shares.

ut

Thanks for the opportunity to invest! I'm going to spend a few days looking into my legal obligations and then put a bit of cash in to support. Love the idea that I can be a part of the success that this game will be if it makes it to completion. It also obligates us as shareholders to push the game and ensure that it is successful in the wider market.

Godspeed.

Hmm Sounds good :)

**ATTENTION EVERYONE**

Everyone who will get shares will recieve A-shares with FULL voting rights!

There will be NO B-shares.

Gert mailed me this morning, stating that the legal problems regarding the two different share-models where "too tricky and not legally binding anyway" so he decided to make everyone happy by simply giving A-shares to all supporters.

@ Nocheiner:

why didnt this com from gert ????

doesnt look like it's going so good with the seals :( many try and get IGN or other gaming magasin to write aboute i

best of look

Nocheiner operates comms for Gert, as Gert has a big company to run.

Support medal sales rating could be a lot better, but still 2 months left and the capital raised as of this is moment is almost 50,000 USD*.

6,880 shares given * 35 dkk support medal cost = 238,000 dkk = 46,000 USD

minor error;
6,880 shares given * 35 dkk support medal cost = 240,800 dkk = 46,000 USD

I am a big time fan and supporter of not only IM but also of Zero Point.

Zero Point is without question being very innovative not only on the production side but also on the business side as well. It is very good to see, hope it is successful and more follow.

I am very much considering getting in on owning some shares but before I do I need something cleared up.

I see talk on here from fans/supporters that if you own over 1k shares (from buying the right amount of support medals) you get voting rights in the company.

But from what my understand is (based on what Gert's article said) that not matter the number of shares one owns you still do not have voting rights because part of the deal (Transfer Agreement) is that you have to hand over all your voting rights by proxy to Gert.

It would be very helpful for all I am sure if someone from Zero Point could clear this up.
Do we (If we own more then 1k shares in Zero Point) get voting rights in the company?

AFAIK, it has been changed, and all shares are now A-shares with voting rights. However all shareholders have a "gentleman's agreement" with Gert and Zero Point, to forfeit their voting rights.
This ensures that I don't show up at shareholder meeting and make random demands, and bandy my tiny winy amount of voting power around.

@ Hral

It is best if we NOT guess at this and get an official yes or no to the question at hand.
Preferably before the hour glass is done.

Remember all we ARE dealing with real money here and a real company that wants to make a real good game.

After a plush Land Shark, can we have a Plush "Rich Uncle" Gert :)

Can you extend share purchases further? I want to buy more, but need more time. I believe in this game. I believe in ZPS. I can't state it strongly enough how much I think this is a great idea, and still think its a great game that will ultimately be compared to a host of great FPSs. think Gert is on the right track with his business model. Just need more time. These are bad times for many potential investors. So more time to find that extra cash would be appreciated.

I hope this will continue after December 2011.

+1
Please ZPS extend purchase time for 1 year for example :)

The "Shares for Support Medals Giveaway" has been officially extended by Gert until 31.12.2012.

See the post here: http://www.interstellarmarines.com/forum/threads/i
d/1377/?page=8#snap_post69120

Happy new year!

HAVE THE PEOPLE ACTUALLY GOT SHARES NOW?
Because slowly but steady, I feel this is kind of a hoax. It is getting extended and extended and extended, are people reciving anything?

I received my share certificate last summer.

Vidmaster, due to the most recent SITREP (number 31) i believe the shares are given away every once in a while. possibly every six months? just a guess, nothing backing that up. but i do know they are giving them out before this support medals-shares thing ends.

For anyone who is wondering if the shares-certificates have been sent to the supporters, here is a [picture](http://www.lejtelte.dk/shares.JPG "picture") of community-member [Hral](http://www.lejtelte.dk/shares.JPG/Hral/ "picture")
with the digital version of his shares certificate.

Just a question: If I would buy at least 30 medals within the next couple of weeks (having my holiday in the back of my head as major spending point) I would still be eligible for receiving the shares?

I am uncertain as to how it works though, I think I understand how it works and would love to support you guys even more, and this plan sounds very interesting to me :)

In one way or another, keep up the good work guys!

@ ViFFeX

Yes, you would, as the Giveaway goes on until at least the end of 2012.

If you have more questions, there is a link to the FAQ below the picture.

I'm curious.. I bought enough to qualify for some shares last year but I've not had the money to get my passport etc done up to register and claim my shares... will they still be earmarked for me until I can claim them or am I SOL?

@ General_Dodanna

No worries, you have the support medals, that means you get the shares.

How does one go about purchasing these shares?

If only I had found out about this last year, I could've went all out and gotten 1000+.
Having just started my own company, my funds have been drying up too rapidly for my liking so for now, only 100 badges purchased, hopefully as my funds start coming back; I'll continue to make more purchases!

I didn't realize this was accessible through paypal...until now! Spearhead + 30 support medals purchased! Love it all!

For some reason, it only lets me purchase 3 support medals at a time...weird.

For the game, for the Indies.
What's up everyone, I'm a new supporter, I love independent game creators, they are always the ones that look out for number one as they create a game. Us Gamers.
I'm looking forward to this.

Interstellar Marines is a look at what Indie developers really can accomplish with today's tools and with the support of the gaming community. I am so glad that I learned about this company, and as a supporter I cannot wait to see what they will do.

Good luck to you developers at Zero Point.

Bottom Line Up Front: When is the next time shares will be distributed based on user medals?

I only found out about this game AFTER May 2012, and don't fully understand the shares system. It seems like there's a culminating point and then shares are released all at once to their new owners based on their collaboration of medals... when is the next culminating point this will happen? I purchased Spearhead and some medals, and I'm actually planning on snagging one of the $1,000 tiers on the KickStarter very soon - If I have one last chance to get some shares with those 250 medals, that'd be nice... I'd at least have a small amount of shares for coming in so late to the scene. Not sure how shares work, at all; but it'd be cool to own something.

Semper Fidelis.

Cool

i havent checked in, in a while!! there seems to be some progress...slow...but moving forward!! i am still hopefull this game will the light of day on the next 3yrs

I have been following for a number of years, have just purchased some additional support medals as the Kickstarter unfortunatly did not acheive its desired goal. I will support this project until its installed on my nice shiney new PC, and then i will be supporting "Interstellar Marines - The Return" (part II) :)

Gert you are great!

Too bad about kickstarter, but I doubled my amount from $30 on kickstarter to $60 on here :) Hope it helps!

Been a Spearheader for over a year. But since kickstarter unfortunately fell through I threw my money (and then some) into some more supporter medals.

Hello from a fellow Dane

Read about this game in a gaming magazine a few years back and found it very interesting, but then it dissapeared and I feared it had gone to the abyss of lost promising games. Then I read at the Grim Dawn forums the game had shown up on Kickstarter and found out there were only 8 days left and way too far from being funded. Kept an eye on the website and today found they had re-activated their own funding process again.

Just bought Spearhead and 8 Support Medals

Just have to say this is an awesome idea. Makes me wish I knew about this game before the Kickstarter campaign (still bummed that it failed). I did have a question about the dividends. Is there a way to have it setup so that instead of a dividend check we would have the option of having that money reinvested into ZPS? Either as a purchase of additional stock or as a putting it back into the development budget?

Do I have to do something now to sign up for the shares or will everything happen automatically in may?

PLEASE WRITE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS IN THE FAQ!

Thanks.