Advice For Pledgers (OR: How I Learnt To Stop Worrying and Love the Crowdfunding)

Having pledged to a significant number of projects over the past year or so, I've discovered many of the ups and downs that come with crowdfunding. With this in mind, I've put together a few points to consider when you are thinking about pledging to a crowdfunded project.

1: You are not placing a pre-order.

It's worth reminding yourself that you may never see anything in return for your money. When you pledge to a crowdfunding project, you are donating. Getting what you pledged for is the absolute best case scenario.

That doesn't mean it's not worth pledging, but you'll have to make a judgement call on the people behind the project and how feasible the project seems. Take a good look at the amount you're willing to throw at it before you commit and remind yourself that it is a donation, not a pre-order.

2: You are not an investor.

Whether you donated to the lowest tier or the highest tier, or anything imbetween, you don't have any control or say about what is done with your money. Your pledge is a donation.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, the project you are backing is likely a creative endeavor, which means the artist remains in control, rather than it being designed by committee. But it is worth remembering that the project could stray away from what you initially felt it was going to be. Sometimes compromises have to be made, or projects run out of time or money. Things go wrong. It's frustrating, but that is sometimes the nature of crowdfunded projects.

3: Good things take time.

Take a look at the estimated time frame for project completion, then ignore it completely.

It is likely an optimistic (if not entirely unrealistic) estimation at best. My advice, look to at least double the timeframe before you expect to see anything back. (and don't forget the first point... You may never see a thing from the project at all).

4: You are not an investor.

This really is worth repeating.

5: It's a work in progress.

When any progress reports and updates are made along the way, remind yourself that the project is still in production. Don't expect perfection. If you do voice any criticism, keep it constructive.

6: The budget may be as optimistic as the time frame.

It's an unfortunate truth that creative endeavors are incredibly difficult to break down into monetary goals and time brackets. Unless the project exceeds the funding goal by any significant amount,  the project may end up being a bit rough around the edges. On top of this, some projects set their funding target lower than the amount they actually need, for fear of people being intimidated by a high goal. This can result in some projects ending up compromising, delivering something less than originally promised.

Whilst it will certainly vary from project to project, it is worth keeping in mind none-the-less.



With those points out the way, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of the project.


1: Support the project

If anything, I'd say this is the most important point; Speak up when you like something.

It's a common occurrence for people to only speak up when they're unhappy. It only takes a couple of seconds to lend your voice to the positive support, but the encouragement goes a long way. Happy, motivated project leaders will be enthused to do the best they can. It may sound trivial, but your support can really put wind in the sails of a project.

Also, if you do have any criticism, try to keep it constructive. Perhaps even send it as a private message to the project manager, where it's more likely to be respected as a legitimate concern, rather than someone trying to 'grief' the project.

2: Enjoy the community


One of the greatest strengths of a crowdfunded projects is the community that thrives with the project. You've pledged, along with potentially hundreds of other like-minded individuals, to help people create something that you want to see. Use this point of interest to start discussions, share similar projects or communities that you think they may enjoy together.

You're part of a community, embrace it. =)