So there's this thing called Kickstarter...

So there's this thing called Kickstarter.  And its going to make me go broke.

Kickstarter is a way to fundraise for creative projects.  Creators post information about their project, set a goal for how much money they need to raise for the project, and set a deadline in which to reach it (usually 30-60 days).  To entice as many people as possible to support a project creators offer different rewards depending on the amount pledged to the project.  People can view the project, usually with a video, and decide if they want to offer money in support of it. 

Kickstarter is unique because the creator retains the full rights to their projects and because of their all-or-nothing funding system.  If a project does not reach its goal, then no money changes hands.  This way no creators are stuck trying to fulfill rewards promised to backers when they didn't earn enough money to complete the project and do so.  It also encourages all of the backers to help advertise for the Kickstarter campaign, as, if the project does not reach 100% funding, they do not get their rewards.

Rewards vary from simple thank you notes to preorders of the finished products.  And as a bonus sometimes creators offer content that will be exclusive to backers of their Kickstarter project.  For example, many board game projects include exclusive cards or playing pieces that will never be released again.

There are so many great projects on Kickstarter.  I only joined the site last week and have already backed four projects, with plans to back several more in the next few weeks.  My interests tend to lie mostly in the comics and games sections, but I can easily see myself funding projects in all the categories at some point (with the possible exception of fashion).

For me, backing a Kickstarter project comes down to one of two things.  I either really want the product offered and want to help support it get made or I appreciate the cause and want to donate in order to help out.  Examples of the first include a collection of Ninjasaur comics, a Steampunk tabletop RPG rulebook, and a set of cards to help brainstorm while writing.  Examples of the second include supporting the purchase and restoration of Victorian era candy equipment and funding some children so they can travel to Korea and perform there.

All in all, its a fun site.  You get a great feeling helping someone to reach their goal and make an idea a reality while also getting some neat stuff along the way.  If I had a creative endeavour and needed some extra funding I would definitely consider using Kickstarter.  As it is, I'll stick to backing the projects of others and trying not to go broke on all of the cool things that other creative people are producing. 

If you've got a little spare cash and like to see the creative things that people some up with (and possible acquire some of them yourself) then I recommend checking out Kickstarter for yourself.


Note: This will be the first in a random series of "So there's this thing" posts from me (and Amy if she likes) where I talk about...things.  It might be something new, it might be something new to me, it just might be something I feel like talking about or sharing with people.