Kickstarter: My Kind of Crowdfunding Source

In two weeks, I intend to visit the international headquarters of Kickstarter in Brooklyn, New York City. 

Having participated in the successful launching and funding of two Kickstarter projects, I now see quite a number of possible creative endeavors that could be coursed through Kickstarter. I hope to explore these with Kickstarter people during my visit.

The Kickstarter website claims that they ‘welcome and support projects in the diverse categories of Art, Comics, Crafts, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film & Video, Food, Games, Journalism, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, and Theater.”

My list of projects belongs to some of the above categories. So, I expect plenty to discuss.

I notice that Kickstarter expect that for anyone who is proposing a project, he or she must follow certain rules. For the benefit of our readers, their website enumerate three rules that every Kickstarter project must follow.

1.    Projects must create something to share with others.

Kickstarter can be used to create all sorts of things: art and gadgets, events and spaces, ideas and experiences. But every project needs a plan for creating something and sharing it with the world.

2.    Projects must be honest and clearly presented.

Our community is built on trust and communication. Projects can’t mislead people or misrepresent facts, and creators should be candid about what they plan to accomplish. When a project involves manufacturing and distributing something complex, like a gadget, we require projects to show a prototype of what they’re making, and we prohibit photorealistic renderings.

3.    Projects can’t fundraise for charity, offer financial incentives, or involve prohibited items.

We’re all in favor of charity and investment, but they’re not permitted on Kickstarter. Projects can’t promise to donate funds raised to a charity or cause, and they can’t offer financial incentives like equity or repayment.

Projects that are prohibited are those that are illegal, heavily regulated, or potentially dangerous for backers. Specifically included as prohibited but not limited to them are: Political fundraising; Pornographic material; Resale; Drugs, nicotine, tobacco, vaporizers and related paraphernalia; and Weapons, replicas of weapons, and weapon accessories.

I am looking forward to greater participation by Filipinos in creating Kickstarter projects.