Wow, that is a beautiful set you are getting. I wish they had that set when I'd ordered from them. That combination of the golden yellow shin-kaya and reddish bamboo bowls is fantastic.

You can always buy double convex stones latter if you find the single convex aren't as nice. From a practical standpoint single convex do have an advantage over double: you can flip them over when playing out variations so you don't mess up your board position.

I think it's interesting that the 9x9 board doesn't have 5 star points. However, I know some people don't like it that 9x9 star points are on the 3-3 instead of the 4-4.

The set you have currently is the set our university club president first had that he later donated to the club. We rarely use it now that we have nicer club boards (from YMI actually), but it is fine for a first go set. My first set was foam.

_________________
"You have to walk before you can run. Black 1 was a walking move.
I blushed inwardly to recall the ignorant thoughts that had gone through
my mind before, when I had not realized the true worth of Black 1."
-Kageyama Toshiro on proper moves

This was also the first go set that I ever purchased, although I found it at a holiday Game kiosk in a mall. I used 1 or 2 times before the size made me hate it. The feeling of a real sized board is much better. My actual board was ordered from YMI and it was a great set.

I was really hopeing to hear something today or for UPS to drive up, alas no such luck. I really hope UPS picks up their heels so I can get my refund or the items reshipped. I think it's the not knowing that makes it worse.


Edit: I'm still stumped how they could loose a 31 lbs package that's roughly 2'x2'x1'that had tracking......it baffles me.

If I were you, I'd remain hopeful. At the very least, I can say that YM Imports was exceedingly helpful when I ordered my Go set two years ago. They even worked quickly to correct a shipping error that ultimately got me two sets of bowls!

I have full faith in YMI, its UPS I'm worried about.

YMI shipped a replacement package last Friday and it arrived in Atlanta yesterday. However, in line with UPS's crappy service it has been delayed another day (Due to increased volume), it was to be delivered today.

I'll be at work tomorrow so hopefully Ill come home to a nice package waiting on me when I walk in the door.

*I'm still really anxious after the last package loss and will not be able to rest easy until it actually arrives. Something about that big yellow 'Exception' emblazoned across the screen when I check the tracking makes me nervous.

Since on the 19th of December you're talking about crappy service due to increased volume I'm going to make a safe assumption that you don't work in logistics.

No, I don't work in logistics. I'm sure they are swamped, I was just pissed I have to wait another day to get what UPS lost in the first place.

If you're talking about working in logistics, I'm going to make a safe assumption that you aren't proficient at "managing expectations."



(In case it isn't clear, I'm just teasing.)

To be honest I feel like a kid again, I'm so excited to get this set I can barely stand it. Which I think is compounding my frustration at the whole thing. I'll be okay once it arrives (although I'm going to be a wreck at work, waiting for that long 12 hour shift to pass by), I'm just worrying that the same thing has happened again and need to think positive.

I know what you mean and I'm particularly a fan of UPS, I'm just a bit turned off by the idea of calling a company crap for late deliveries at this time of the year if you didn't shell out the considerable money needed for guaranteed delivery. Sorry if I came off a bit snappy it reads a lot more severely than I intended it to be.

I think the bigger problem was losing the package the first time, not taking too long around Christmas.

_________________
"You have to walk before you can run. Black 1 was a walking move.
I blushed inwardly to recall the ignorant thoughts that had gone through
my mind before, when I had not realized the true worth of Black 1."
-Kageyama Toshiro on proper moves

Obviously.

I have that set too but I found the small stones and board were only a minor annoyance. The instruction booklet that comes with it is embarrassingly bad though. It just blabbers on and on annoyingly.

_________________
Poka King of the south east.

In the US, at least, I know there's an only slightly smaller than normal sized set that Barnes and Noble is selling as one entry in what appears to be a classic games collection (along with chess, backgammon, etc.). I haven't tried it, but it may be a better place to point people looking for a first set than that one on amazon with the 12" board.

This is it here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/toys-ga ... 0594497097

The box is probably about the size of a scrabble set, maybe a tad bit larger.

I think the criticism is justified.

UPS should be able to plan ahead. Christmas is predictable: it happens at the same time every year. If they are caught by something unexpected, such as a hurricane, then we should cut them some slack.

My business gets busy every Christmas too. I don't let the customers get screwed. I schedule extra employees, stock up on consumables, etc. When the surge in business occurs, we can handle it.

I plan ahead. UPS can do it too.

_________________
Help make L19 more organized. Make an index: https://lifein19x19.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5207

How many thousands does your business employ? How many millions of parcels will it move around this month? I'm curious.

Okay, let's move away from the direction the conversation is moving in. It's a moot point now as I have my package waiting on me at home.

Now for my shift to end so I can try out my shiny new goban! I'll see about posting some pics later.

Sorry, Rowen and others, I apologise. I'm being overly snappy.

Enjoy the new goban.

Let's see some pics! I'm excited for you.