Crowd Funding or Sourcing sites such as Kickstarter or IndieGoGo are just that, sites where people pitch their project, in various states of readiness or completion, to the masses in the hopes the masses will be excited by their project, as well as enticed by the rewards given, enough to actually want to help fund the project.
Largely most projects I have no interest in. But I do occasionally come across the ones that I think are a good combination of a/ solid idea and b/a reward commensurate with your funding dollars.
Here are the ones that have grabbed me recently:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/282006
A gravity light project for areas of poverty and conflict in our world. The $50 and $60 reward levels allow you to fund the light for a needy family, as well as get one for yourself.
http://www.indiegogo.com/robotdragonfly
I only recommend Indiegogo projects that have reached or appear they will reach their goal. Because unlike Kickstarter, failed Indiegogo projects get to keep funding even if they don’t meet their goal (ie don’t actually produce anything to give you) which doesn’t sit well with me at all. So for a crowd funded project to get my money I need to have some contractual certainty I’m either going to get the item I’m funding, or my money back.
Going along with that idea, the Robot Dragonfly campaign is an out of the ballpark success. With less than 40 hours let as of this writing, it has already reached its funding amount some ten times over. A drone spy plane, in the size and shape of a dragon-fly; the concept, perhaps unfortunately, feeds right into the heart of modern society’s obsession with gadgety toys and the proliferation of concealed cameras; feeds into this 21st cocktail of a security scared populace and privacy eroding governments and corporations.
http://www.indiegogo.com/euouae
Ancient Music Resurrected-A World Premiere recording from medieval vocal ensemble Euouae.
The description along with the reward amount of $15 for an Eco-friendly CD makes this a very attractive project for fans of Gregorian chants.
This graphic novel project boasts not only great art but some really attractive reward levels.
Well that’s this installment’s selection of the most intriguing Crowd Funded projects. Feel free to suggest some favorites of your own!
Heroic Times 