Okay to post this?

[a5cent]

Hey Folks

I’ve been working on a little side project, building my own mini-ITX PC case. I’m currently in the design phase, so it is just in its early stages. Nevertheless I’d like to get some feedback before going further.

I don’t know if many WPC members would be interested in taking a look at something like this (I know there are at least two or three), but before I introduce my current pet project, I’d like to get official permission to do so.

I could build this case myself if I had to, but I’d prefer to outsource that task to professionals with better equipment. Unfortunately, doing so for just one case is prohibitively expensive. So, if feedback is positive and I can pique other’s interest, I intend to start a crowd funding campaign to turn it into reality. So at least in that sense this would be a self-promotional thread. That is why I'm asking for permission.

Is this acceptable? Is there anything I need to be aware of? I hope you see it as just another thread like the concept phone posts, or the UI design studies many WP fans make. However, I’ll harbour no ill will if you folks see any reason why this isn’t a good idea.

I suspect I’ll eventually move the main discussion over to another site that is more geared towards PC enthusiasts, like www.hardforum.com, but I thought I’d like to start here, simply because WPC is where I am most at home.

Design Philosophy:

• High quality and uncompromising mini-ITX case built specifically for the water cooling enthusiast.
• One of the easiest mini-ITX cases to build in, despite also being one of the smallest.
• The only things more important than size reduction are silent operation and cooling performance.
• Cost is important, but it is less important than quality, design, durability, craftsmanship and spirit.

I won't get into specifics or preliminary specs here. If you know a little something about PC cases, taking a look at the pictures below should give you a first impression of how it differs from most other offerings on the market.

What do you guys think? Is this okay to take to the Off-Topic-Lounge?

 

[HeyCori]

Sounds like a cool idea but I do worry that it would set a bad precedent for crowdsourcing.

 

[a5cent]

Sounds like a cool idea but I do worry that it would set a bad precedent for crowdsourcing.

Thx! I'd take the project elsewhere before I'd get to that part. I'm not intending to misuse WPC as a crowdsourcing platform. All I'd do here is introduce the project, show other members what I'm up to, and hopefully get some early feedback from the group of people I know best on the internet.

I'd mention crowdsourcing as an eventual goal if people are interested, but not as something that is relevant at this time or on this site. It's hard to get feedback on something like this without it being promotional in some way, so like I said, I would understand.

I assume Laura decides, or is this something James needs to know about?

 

[Laura Knotek]

My suggestion would be to ask James.

I do not have any issues with it, but James would know the specifics regarding crowdsourcing promotion.

 

[Muessig]

Honestly I wouldn't put this in off topic. I'd put it here: PC Gaming - Windows Phone Central Forums where there are already threads discussing similar things so you'd be getting an audience that already participates in these things.

I can't really see any reason why you shouldn't do this. I for one would enjoy it!

 

[a5cent]

Ok. I'll send James a link to this thread later on and see what his take is. Thx to all of you so far, for letting me know where you stand.

@muessig
You're right. That is the better forum. Good idea!

 

[a5cent]

Okay, I'll be going ahead with this folks. I'm posting Jame's response below, just to make sure all of us are on the same page:

> Andreas,
>
> Thanks for reaching out!
>
> I don't have a problem with this, so long as you're looking for feedback from the community.
> If any attempt to profit is made from the community, that's where things get a little dicey!
>
> I've cc'd Laura on this note to make sure we're on the same page here.
>
> Sounds like a cool project. Laura will keep an eye on the thread and let me know if there's anything that requires mod action!