The Sega Neptune Prototype is now for auction!

[ooXxXoo]

Hi!
As requested from some of you guys,The sega Neptune prototype in now for auction,Don't miss out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260207925548

Vectorman Edit - Read the rest of this thread for clarification of what is actually up for auction.

[The 1 2 P]

Hi!
As requested from some of you guys,The sega Neptune prototype in now for auction,Don't miss out!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260207925548

So you made this? I thought it was a real prototype.

[Savedman]

That's pretty sweet. More than I would pay since I already have the Genny with the CD and 32X attatchments.

[InsaneDavid]

Dude, it's not a prototype, it's a homebrew. :p

[Bratwurst]

Calling it a prototype is a gross misrepresentation of what you're selling here.

[InsaneDavid]

Calling it a prototype is a gross misrepresentation of what you're selling here.

QFT, I think I was a little too light in my first comment but I didn't want to sound like I was sale spoiling. The wording of this really does piss me off though.

[Kitsune Sniper]

QFT, I think I was a little too light in my first comment but I didn't want to sound like I was sale spoiling. The wording of this really does piss me off though.

Well, I for one don't mind sale spoiling. I'm going to get yelled at... or worse... but in this case, I don't care.

The seller is a scammer of the worst kind - he's going to lure people into thinking his mod is the real thing, when it's not. Say goodbye to whatever credibility you might've had, OP.

[Bratwurst]

Well, I for one don't mind sale spoiling.

The seller is a scammer of the worst kind - he's going to lure people into thinking his mod is the real thing, when it's not. Say goodbye to whatever credibility you might've had.

Those might be your sentiments, but they're not mine. ooXxXoo is selling something that works and functions as advertised. I think it's more a case of someone being overly proud of their work. It might be a prototype to HIM because it's the first one he ever made, but it sure ain't an original Neptune.

[-_-Nintendo-_-]

Well he does say he made it in the auction, but I don't think it is as clear as it should be. Still a nice piece though

[Bratwurst]

Plus I feel if he was really out to scam the video game world at large, he wouldn't have been showing off his accomplishments for the past month.

[Dark_Sol]

Yes he does say he made it in auction. But he also says it's Sega Neptune. Which is not true and is only written to lure more funds

[ooXxXoo]

Ok guys...Bratwurst is somewhat correct.To my eyes this is my prototype of what could have been the Neptune.I not saying in any way that it is the Original one...I'm sure someone with a good common sense will realize this and probably do his own research before going into conclutions...The only reason why this system is for sale,is because I have been asked to do so from other members on these great forums,assuming that they'll know it is homebrew.Pay close attention to the main title of the auction description(Sega Genesis system,Sega 32X System built into 1)since,thats what it is.The word prototype only comes as a second category.If you all noticed,The first thread that I ever posted about it,I clearly stated that "I built it over the past weekend"....The System(whatever you want to call it) works like a charm and I'm sure someone will proudly display it in(his,hers) domains......Good Luck when making yours!

[ProgrammingAce]

I thought it was pretty weird a bunch of people were telling him to sell it as a prototype in the other thread. Big money on Assembler and all that...

To call something a homemade prototype neptune is incorrect, and liable to piss off a number of potential buyers.

I'd recommend removing the word "prototype" from the auction, eBay has a habit of taking down auctions for prototypes.

[ooXxXoo]

If it sells..it sells..If not,..Oh well,not a biggie...I don't have any problem having this around...

"Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans"-John Lennon.

[DreamTR]

You're using the NEPTUNE name and calling it a prototype. Since YOU made this, it would be called Genesis 32X 2 in ONE console or hybrid or NEVER BEFORE SEEN, something of that nature.

Asbury probably does not even know what the heck he is bidding on.

[MachineGex]

Very cool product. But the auction is very misleading.

The sub-title of the auction states: "Sega Neptune Prototype ". Which is simply not the case. Using those words implies it is an offical Sega prototype, not a homemade product.

Also, the first sentence is also misleading: "This is what everybody has been waiting for,The Sega missing Link,the "SEGA NEPTUNE" prototype....Hystory in the making"
It very clearly implies this is Sega's prototype, the Sega Neptune. You have no right to call your product a neptune. It isn't.

The wording is very misleading and most sellers would correct this as soon as it was pointed out. Best of luck with the auction, but I truly hope you change the wording.

[Kevincal]

AW, the poor RICH collectors get their panties in a bunch because he's linking his creation to the neptune.. Give me a break, you people are over reacting. It's blatantly obvious he's not selling a Neptune, but it functions just the same as one. Besides, anyone interested in Neptune or searching for Neptune will know right away when seeing this that it ISN'T a Neptune.

[InsaneDavid]

AW, the poor RICH collectors get their panties in a bunch because he's linking his creation to the neptune. WTF are you talking about?

[Vectorman0]

InsaneDavid, Bratwurst, Kitsune, ProgrammingAce and DreamTR are all right.

Simply put, the word prototype shouldn't appear in the auction. It's not a Sega prototype, but a home-made hardware "creation" or project. As much as I want to believe you aren't trying to mislead people, I certainly think you are, and will continue to think so until the word prototype is removed from the auction, the whole description is redone and it is made clear in the first few lines that you made this by putting a regular 32X inside of a regular Genesis.




Asbury probably does not even know what the heck he is bidding on.

This made me laugh. It's so true.

[jb143]

I just read the auction and I must say that I don't get the impression that it's the "real deal"

The term "prototype" might be a bit iffy since game collectors use the term for official but never released stuff. But other than that it's quite clear that he built it. Maybe change "just a protoype" to "just my protoype"

My only other suggestion would be to break up your disciption. It's hard to read it all together like that. I actually had to force myself to get to the end. This might cause people to skim through it and think it is the real thing. Happens a lot in the last minutes.

BTW...nice job. I wish I had the time and patience to build something like that.

[ooXxXoo]

Sounds good to me.Finally someone came up with a decent idea,I'll try to modified that as soon as possible!.

Tried,but I couldn't really do it all the way at Ebay.So I added a big bright NOTE at the end.

[InsaneDavid]

Sounds good to me.Finally someone came up with a decent idea,I'll try to modified that as soon as possible!

You'll go through and change the wording yet refuse to remove the word prototype? That pretty much proves right there you're out to scam, because if it didn't say prototype then you know you wouldn't have half the bid attention you've gotten.

You were so proud to post pictures of the construction for an ego boost here, so why don't you provide those pictures on the auction page? That way the potential buyers will see that what they are bidding on is something constructed of commercially released off the shelf Sega devices. ...or is that what you're trying to avoid?

I mod systems myself, you should get paid for your work, yes. However I've never claimed that I have prototype AV Atari 2600's or development multi region Saturn's, etc. It's called integrity and credibility.

[ooXxXoo]

Do me a favor!..Look up the word prototype in the dictionary and post your results.Thanks in advance!

[ooXxXoo]

You'll go through and change the wording yet refuse to remove the word prototype? That pretty much proves right there you're out to scam, because if it didn't say prototype then you know you wouldn't have half the bid attention you've gotten.

You were so proud to post pictures of the construction for an ego boost here, so why don't you provide those pictures on the auction page? That way the potential buyers will see that what they are bidding on is something constructed of commercially released off the shelf Sega devices. ...or is that what you're trying to avoid?

I mod systems myself, you should get paid for your work, yes. However I've never claimed that I have prototype AV Atari 2600's or development multi region Saturn's, etc. It's called integrity and credibility.

Sorry Mate,Ebay doesn't let you modified the item description after bids have been placed on it.Do some research!...

[InsaneDavid]

Sorry Mate,Ebay doesn't let you modified the item description after bids have been placed on it.Do some research!...

But you can always add additional information. :ass:

[ooXxXoo]

But you can always add additional information. :ass:

That's what I did

[Kitsune Sniper]

WTF are you talking about?

I think he meant that whoever owns the only Neptune prototype in existence will see the value of his system drop because of this.

Which makes no sense, there IS no Neptune prototype, there's just that case design thing that's been shown at CGE a few times. :p

If -I- was the OP, I'd relist this thing with a proper description, and without mentioning the word "prototype" AT ALL.

[ooXxXoo]

Once again,I suggest you to look up the word prototype in the dictionary(Webster dictionary,old and most trusted)Thanks!

[Kitsune Sniper]

Are you that dense?

Nah. You're just a scammer. Your refusal to listen pretty much confirms it.

I'm sure lots of people find your work impressive, but the way you worded the auction and the title implies this is not a homebrew project. If it WAS advertised as homebrew from the start, then nobody would be so displeased at this auction of yours.

[ooXxXoo]

Oh well,if you can't afford it,dont buy it,If you dont have the skills to make one,I'm sorry for you,If you don't like it,dont look at it!...I just can't please everbody...I'm not trying to,!

[InsaneDavid]

When you first came to these forums I was suspicious. I made an out of line comment over in Technical when you started your first thread. Omnedon basically told me to cool out, which is exactly what he should have done, and what I did. We're all supposed to be equals here and I was making assumptions that go against that general theme with very little to back them up other than a hunch.

After this thread and that auction listing I now know that I was correct in my original perception. No big deal though. Sucks that you're going to rip someone off on eBay but it only makes my mod work and sales here look better. :)

[ooXxXoo]

Yes,all you need is a photo with Schummager(true champion) and you are ready to go..
Jealous?...

[All Things Sega]

Is this turning into a pissing contest of who can create the perfect mod? Some idiots will think they have a prototype, just like the ones who bought nes california raisins game. Ignorance is bliss if the ebay buyer to stupid to see what auction really about. I admire the work he did on this project but wouldn't necesarrily call it a "prototype". To many people are stupid and assume anyway. If your work is as good as Insane David, then lucky ebay buyer is getting a good system

[The 1 2 P]

So it's not a real prototype collector wise, but it is his prototype(first kind build). I get that but hopefully the winning bidder understands this as well. And although I agree that the wording should have been made more clearer, I don't think he's really trying to scam anyone.

[MachineGex]

....It might be a prototype to HIM because it's the first one he ever made, but it sure ain't an original Neptune.

I agree that calling his Mod, a Sega Neptune Protoype, is a poor decision. I think the OP doesn't agree with most collectors terminology. Unfortunately, most buyers see it the other way. He is definately not trying to rip anyone off, but refusing to list(or re-list) it without the confusing terminology is a problem.

Also....if only 3-4 people out of 100 are lead to believe it is a Sega Neptune Proto, there could be a huge bidding war. Why take the chance of misleading anyone? It is refered to as a Sega Neptune in the subtitle and the first sentence refers to it as a Sega Neptune Prototype.

Doesn't ebay require: "the title and description should reflect exactly what each bid winner would receive." ???

[evil_genius]

Let me get this straight, you made this and are calling it the Sega Neptune prototype. If I made something so cool I would call it the sodomizer and superglue spikes all over it.

[Nikademus1969]

Let me get this straight, you made this and are calling it the Sega Neptune prototype. If I made something so cool I would call it the sodomizer and superglue spikes all over it.


Ummmm.....ouch?

[ProgrammingAce]

For those who don't see the issue with this being called a "Neptune Prototype":


This is what everybody has been waiting for,The Sega missing Link,the "SEGA NEPTUNE" prototype....Hystory in the making

This is what the auction says.


A real working neptune proto would sell for $10,000+. If even 2 people believe this rubbish, the system will sell for well over what it should. I'm personally not a big fan of people profiting from misrepresenting items.

I'm not saying it'll sell for $10,000 but i'm damn sure it's going to sell for a lot more then it should because the seller is deceptive.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

For those who don't see the issue with this being called a "Neptune Prototype":



This is what the auction says.


A real working neptune proto would sell for $10,000+. If even 2 people believe this rubbish, the system will sell for well over what it should. I'm personally not a big fan of people profiting from misrepresenting items.

I'm not saying it'll sell for $10,000 but i'm damn sure it's going to sell for a lot more then it should because the seller is deceptive.

Yes, ABSOLUTELY. You need to get the word PROTOTYPE off of that auction post-haste.

Prototype would imply that it was at the very least developed for mass-production (in this case by SEGA), and since there is evidence that at least the plastic casing for Sega's ACTUAL Neptune existed in prototype form - you're calling your combo unit something that it isn't on two counts.

1.) It's not a prototype. (Unless it was crafted with the express intention to continue producing them ... which in your other thread there doesn't seem to be any indication of.)

2.) It's not REALLY a Neptune.

It's a Neptune-like custom-built 32-X/Genesis 2 combo.

Even if you claim that people should have "common sense" to know what it is and what it isn't - using the phrasing "Sega Neptune Prototype" is like saying you have a "Nintendo World Championship Cartridge" when you're really selling a flash cartridge containing dump of the ROM and a paper label photocopy that LOOKS like the original.

Relying on people's "common sense" yet still mucking around with being deceptive is ASKING for trouble.

If you're technically proficient enough to do all that great work to that Genesis and 32-X (and it's pretty awesome work that in any other area outside of how you're handling this auction you should be proud of) ... come on you should know better to list it like that.

[ooXxXoo]

It is a fine piece of work,but give it a rest,..You guys are making this system more and more popular than it should be ...Thanks for all the comments!

[Nicola]

I'll add mine too. It took some days, but I finally decided to post what I think.
I think that who may be going after a Neptune can easely understand that this is just a mod.
The seller, as ProgrammingAce quoted, has used some words that may lead to think it's the real Neptune, and I'm almost sure that this has been made to bring more attention, excitement and money. The word prototype can be used, it's meaning can be used in this case. But "This is what everybody has been waiting for,The Sega missing Link,the "SEGA NEPTUNE" prototype" means to me "it's the original Sega's Neptune".
If then you read all the remaining description, you'll realise that it's an homemade cool mod. He even added informations that clarify all this.
It's near the "I sell just the picture" auction style. But it has been clarified. The only person who can bid too much is the one who reads the title and bids. Noobs must make many mistakes before the removal of the "noob" mark.

[ooXxXoo]

Nicola is a very observative and WISE person!....I was definately trying to put some exciment into the auction..

[InsaneDavid]

I was definately trying to put some exciment into the auction..

By the eBay equivalent of stuffing your crotch.

[Kevincal]

Wow talk about overreacting... LOL Calling him a scammer is going way overboard. Unless you are a friggen idiot, you can clearly see it's not a Neptune after looking at his auction for 3 seconds. So you people are trying to tell me there are people so stupid out there that they would bid $10,000 on this thinking it was a real Neptune!? LOL GET REAL. You are all just jealous or constipated or a combo of both. Who cares if he used one little spam word "Neptune" WOW it must be the end of the world...

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

For those of you on the "this is totally acceptable" side of things ...

... where does the gray area begin and end?

In the use of mis-representational information (ie the use of the phrase "Sega Neptune Prototype") to quote-unquote "generate excitement" for the auction ...

would it be okay if I listed an auction in the following manner:

Auction Title : Heath Ledger Autograph!
Auction Subtitle : One of the recently dead actor's final signatures!

Item Description : This is an auction for a tracing I made of Heath Ledger's autograph off of one that he actually signed. Of course, I don't want to confuse anybody, he didn't actually SIGN this ... but it's essentially exactly what it would look like if he did!

See, it's not what the item is or isn't - it's the INSISTENCE of the seller to leave the needlessly deceptive subtitle on the auction.

Yes, it only takes 2 seconds to see that it's a mod and not an actual prototype, but if that's the case, then the un-willingness to admit that leaving the auction up as-is shows a clear desire to entice higher bids through (initial) mis-representation.

And, honestly, I don't think it's matter of "over-reacting", it's more of just "normal-reacting" to somebody doing something less-than-100%-honest ... since I'm not going to bid on it, report it as mis-representational, or alert any of the bidders ... I'm just making an observation as to how some people choose to handle their eBay business, and subsequently make the service worse for all of us.

[raregamergirl]

If he had just called it a prototype of a console he had made (and given it his own name), I do not think that would be a problem. The problem here is the wording- neptune prototype. it is NOT a neptune prototype. It is NOT a neptune. Using that word was 100 percent wrong and false. It may act as a neptune, but it is still not a neptune. Using the prototype phrase is misleading, but technically true. It may be homebrew, but it is technically his own prototype (although even that gets messy). Referring to it at any point as a Neptune IS deceptive and wrong, though.

[Vectorman0]

Regarding it being his "own prototype," it is a non issue and there is no reason to describe it as such. It is the opposite of a selling point, and makes it out as inferior to a final product. You wouldn't want potential buyers to think there are kinks that need to be worked out.

ooXxXoo, you aren't going to last long here if you always conduct business like this.

[ProgrammingAce]

Philosophical question,

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that i work in the video game industry. Would it be ok for me to take a beta version of a game i worked on, make a couple of copies and then sell it on eBay? I mean, all i'd really have to do is go into the source vault, pick a date, compile the code, and burn off a couple dozen DVDs.

They'd be legitimate betas, since they're coming from someone on the original production team. Let's say it'd be something that would go for a few hundred, if not thousand dollars... like... the Alpha version of Halo that runs on the Alpha xboxes?

I could make a couple hundered copies, there'd be nothing wrong with that... right?

[ooXxXoo]

Controversy...There is always have been and it will always be...For those in favor,that directly asked me to listed as Neptune Prototype good luck,you will get a detailed good working system!....Ebay 100% feedback(Priceless)tells the history...For those against,Don't worry it won't be there for long.Even thought,I have been getting a few outside good offers,The system was aimed and intended for some of the members of these forums....Thanks again for all comments!

[jb143]

The system was aimed and intended for some of the members of these forums

That would be very difficult to control though. There's many more non-DP members on ebay than there are DP members.

I am currious though what people would think if this was listed as a homemade "Neptune Prototype Clone"? Because that's essentualy what this is.

[Niku-Sama]

holy cow theres some up tight people here, i may need to take another leave of absence because of it.

[Kevincal]

It's the east coasters... I think they are bitter because of the weather. :D ;)

[Kitsune Sniper]

Philosophical question,

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that i work in the video game industry. Would it be ok for me to take a beta version of a game i worked on, make a couple of copies and then sell it on eBay? I mean, all i'd really have to do is go into the source vault, pick a date, compile the code, and burn off a couple dozen DVDs.

They'd be legitimate betas, since they're coming from someone on the original production team. Let's say it'd be something that would go for a few hundred, if not thousand dollars... like... the Alpha version of Halo that runs on the Alpha xboxes?

I could make a couple hundered copies, there'd be nothing wrong with that... right?

Well, you'd be hunted down and slaughtered by the company you worked for because when you worked on that game, you signed NDA documents forbidding you from doing such a thing.

[Mianrtcv]

holy cow theres some up tight people here, i may need to take another leave of absence because of it.


Life without conflict is death. Or not. JMO. :)

[ProgrammingAce]

Well, you'd be hunted down and slaughtered by the company you worked for because when you worked on that game, you signed NDA documents forbidding you from doing such a thing.

The company i used to work for is no longer in business. Because of the way they closed shop, the legal agreements are no longer binding.

[grolt]

Yeah, the wording is (intentionally) hazy and more misleading than it ought to be, but I haven't seen semantics so hastily deconstructed since my grad level post-colonial film theory class. Lighten up, fellas.

I'd say it's perfectly acceptible (and recommended) to use the word "Neptune" in the listing, since that's essentially what this is, and that's what people will be looking for. However, the caveat is that there should be specific mention that this is "like" one, and not the actual one. Sell it like that and you still get all the same interest, but don't have to worry about any problems of understanding later on.

That said, I don't know too many people who'd bank $10,000 in the credibility of an auction erroniously stating/spelling "Hystory in the making." Hiperbole?

It's a great piece of work, and it would have sold just as well had you listed it without the clouds of confusion, but hey, I've seen sellers do far worse.

[Kevincal]

You nailed it, grolt. :)

[InsaneDavid]

holy cow theres some up tight people here, i may need to take another leave of absence because of it.

By all means.


It's the east coasters... I think they are bitter because of the weather. :D ;)

Read the location just to the left.

[Niku-Sama]

By all means.
.

dude you dont need to be a jerk, i mean for gods sake you think a senior member would be a little more respectful.

i wasnt even refering to you to begin with, i dont like using it but it looks like i'll have to start using my ignore list.

sorry ooXxXoo not trying to get your thread off topic.
you going to let us know its final result

[Vroomfunkel]

What a fuss over nothing.

Anybody who even knows what a "Neptune" is would know without a second thought that this is not a 'real' Neptune. Anyone who does not know what a Neptune is, is not likely to bust out big bucks to buy one.

Sure, the text is badly written and slightly unclear, but to suggest that there is any likelihood that someone is going to be fooled into bidding it up hundreds of dollars is slightly ridiculous.

[Kevincal]

By all means.



Read the location just to the left.

Were you born on the east coast then? ;) You must have some connection! :D

[MachineGex]

Kevin, do you have a picture of yourself? I am sure I have meet you.

[Kevincal]

Here's my demon look... :D

[MachineGex]

Nope, I thought you would be really skinny, have glasses(with or without tape) and be about 5'2". So close, but sorry, no love connection.

[Niku-Sama]

heh love connection