I did a Kickstarter to raise funds for a paperback version of my mystery novel ebook. Despite some rookie mistakes, I raised 106% of my campaign goal of $1500 in just 21 days–an unusual outcome. I wrote a brief ebook about my experience and the crowdfunding movement, "Kickstarter Success Secrets" (2012 Caroline Street Press). I was interviewed recently by a business radio show about my experiences and shared my tips for success. I think crowdfunding is in a bit of a "Wild West" phase at present, but the market will weed out the desperado types as backers become more sophisticated about projects. More info: http://www.alexgpr.com/2013/03/crowdfunding-veteran-interviewed-about-kickstarter/

I know what can possible help all of us on this page a little, what if we all cross-backed or promoted one another? I share your projects with my friends on FB or wherever, and you guys do the same. I know that we do not know one another, but as an artist, we gotta have some level of trust and a level of networking to get heard. I share and back yours and I will encourage others to do the same, if you do the same. BTW, here is what we have been working on in Kickstarter. This talented crew of actors, producers, crew, etc., worked on weekends, holidays and after work to pursue their dreams. Lets support one another guys!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vladellapresents/vladella-presents-season-i-post-production

I'm trying to use kickstarter to raise funds to paint 500 paintings this summer and so far have had zero luck. It seems as if the most successful projects all involve zombies, hobbits, etc. still hopeful, or perhaps delusional. If you want a portrait of yourself or a family member you should check it out.. You could tell your friends too, that'd be cool.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1989286610/500-painting-summer

I've backed about 50 or so projects on KS over 3 years and I can understand the difficulty in getting a project completed to the artists original expectations, but the biggest slap in the face has been when they have done so, but then moved on to another project without even spending the time to fulfill the pledges that they drew up. It's really heartbreaking and frustrating to see not only this lack of care, but also blatant disregard for those that got them where they are. Most of it has been for projects and people I still follow, but find it increasingly harder now to believe in or respect.

Thank you for the very interesting program. I am currently running a crowdfunding campaign for a new child carrier on indiegogo. While there are many ways to raise capital we found that after the credit crunch it was extremely difficult to pursue the bank route. Further, this allows people that are close to us or believe in our concept to contribute. The main drawback that I can tell thus far, is that the first month after the campaign ends will be spent fulfilling the orders for perks. Many of the perks we offer have little to do with our main business model. It appears the first month will be spent not pursuing our main objective, which has the capacity to distract at such a critical time. But we will manage and all in all it has been an extremely rewarding and thought provoking experience.

I've contributed to almost 100 KS projects, sometime just a dollar if I like the concept, other times significantly more. There have been a few times where the final deliverable was well below expectations, and there were times where the rewards were delayed over a year.
KS has been improving their guidance for project starters, but I do feel it could be stronger. Project management is hugely important to a successful project. And many people have no idea of the true time and cost of their proposal.
There is a balance between KS curating proposals, and KS overregulating to the detriment of projects. There are going to be a few bad apples, but there are going to be more project failures due to project management. Both can be mitigated with different means, and neither should be allowed to poison the viability of the good projects.

The scam for me came after. I raised over $13,000 through KS and continue to get emails from folks who claim to have missed the campaign but want to pledge. But the emails are sketchy, non-specific. Aside from this and some disappointment over limitations in the support KS provides, my overall experience was very good. And I am grateful for what KS allows independent artist to achieve.

We're building an art pavilion out of 53,000 bottles (the number thrown away in NYC in just 1 hour) on Governors Island this summer- it looks like a huge cloud, and is part of a giant, free arts festival sponsored by the not for profit arts organization, FIGMENT.

They asked us to create a kickstarter account to help raise money to fund the construction. This is our first interaction with kickstarter, and last week we raised around 3,000 dollars- or about 30% of what they need. check it out:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/64242464/head-in-the-clouds-2?ref=live

I think kickstarter is excitng, empowering, and risky- all good things in my book. I hope this campaign is a success, and we will definitely propose other art projects to the kickstarter community in the future

-jason

I contributed to a successful kickstarter a comic book titled "Halloween Eve" which came out in October 2012 by Amy Reeder and Brandon Montclair, comic book artists who've also worked on major projects for DC Comics.

I contributed to a music festival through kick starter... It succeeded in raising the capital but the person who offered the donation gifts (a la public radio thank you gifts) neglected to clear some of them with the folks who owned them (CDs mostly) and so there were misunderstandings at the end... I ended up donating my thank you gifts back :) The cause was more important. I chalk it up to the learning process... On both ends. It was such a new concept that people didn't know how to use it.

I heard about Kickstarter from a New York State Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) program for artists and my project relating to my Far East-set novel "Memoirs of a Eurasian" was fully funded. My overall experience with it was good.

VivianYang.net

I'm raising money on Kickstarter to pay Amanda Palmer NOT to make another recording.

Hello Studio 360,
I enjoyed listening to your program about Kickstarter. I'm working on a Kickstarter project right now actually.... It's a great process, and you really get involved in communicating with backers. They can provide feedback and suggestions throughout the project.