It is apparent that a number of individuals have unfulfilled orders and, worse yet, little to no communication from Rob as to the status of either their order or any potential refund. Understandably, that is a problem - a big one - and it has been well-documented here in this forum. In addition, the huge red banner warnings at the top of the Lummi threads shout out a buyer-be-warned alert that, in my opinion, serve only to exacerbate the problem. Personally, I wish the forum itself would remain neutral and not bias the reader, but that is an administrative decision that is out of our control.
I don't have any skin in this particular game, but I do know Rob. And the Rob I know is, at the core, a good man, and means well. From an historical perspective, I've dealt with Rob almost since I joined this forum and, in every case, he has come through, eventually. It's obvious to me that Rob is hurting. I believe the more people bash him the more he retreats. And when he tries to post explanations, he gets bashed even more. Many of you will say "well, he's brought it on himself and I have no sympathy for him." Maybe so, but can we please try to show just a little compassion?
Is Rob a good financial manager? Like many entrepreneurs, probably not. Is he a good communicator? To those who aren't throwing rocks, yes. To those who are, no. Is he embarrassed? Yes. Does he want to make it right for everyone? Yes, of course he does. Do I believe, ultimately, he will? Absolutely.
Lummi/Orb products are among the most unique high-end flashlights ever conceived. As Barry mentioned, you won't find them at Wal-Mart and you will be hard-pressed to find them even on eBay. That's because they are still in very high demand, and most owners covet their Lummi collections. Every concept Rob has introduced to market has been successful. To state that Rob is a top designer and creative artist in the custom flashlight arena is an understatement.
History has shown that Lummi has always fulfilled its orders.....eventually. That answer is not good enough for some of you, and of course you're entitled to feel that way. But I say this: give Rob more time. Yes, I know some of you have waited months and have neither product nor money nor communication to show for it, and you're DONE with giving him time. But my money's on Rob making right by you. He will get to you, either with product or refund, as soon as he possibly can. That's the way it's always been, and that's how I personally feel. I know from experience that we CPF'ers are an immediate gratification society - we want our lights and we want them NOW. I'm no different than anyone else in that regard. Prepays drive me crazy. But we must show some compassion and understand that, once in a while, good men suffer. To kick them while they're down won't help. Rob's a good man but a crappy communicator. But, as I said, history has shown that he always comes through.