So I thought it would be a good time to go back and take a look at the things I've backed on Kickstarter and where they ended up:
Random Dungeon Generator as a Dungeon Map
Status: Pretty much complete
Rating: A
Comments: The main rewards were all completed quickly. Some additional rewards have been held up, but I didn't really consider that a big deal, since they are mostly digital stuff not related to the focus of this. The value of what was received was good.
Admiral o' the High Seas - Naval Adventures (Pathfinder, 4e)
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
I got in at a weird funding level, but I have received my map reward and it was nice. I don't like the way they did funding levels in retrospect.
Pure Steam - Pathfinder Compatible RPG Setting
Status: Late but underway
Rating: A
I'm just not going to take off much for being late, if there is communications and progress. I was somewhat disappointed in the early release stuff I saw, but later updates make me think the product is going to be pretty good.
Companions of the Firmament - Pathfinder RPG Compatible
Status: Late but underway
Rating: A
This is running a bit late, but progress in underway and the PDF version looked really good. I can't wait to get the softcover version. My players are pumped about flying.
Dwarven Adventurers Box Set
Status: Complete
Rating: A+++
This set of miniatures was awesome. I have them primed and am working on painting. I would support these guys on anything they throw out in the future. They also have a Gnome kickstarter underway now.
Kaidan Campaign Setting (PFRPG)
Status: Underway and showing progress
Rating: A
The Bestiary of the Curiously Odd
Status: Underway
Rating: C
The best way to give people a bit of a worry is not to update. I think we'll get a product in a reasonable time, but I have't gotten an update in a month. Not cool.
Gaming Paper Pirate Encyclopedia
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
I was just in for the PDF was which released almost immediately. Though it was a good value, it didn't make me feel like I was helping fund much.
Publish the +5 Food Of Eating cookbook
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
This was a hard one. Tiffany struggled a bit with getting the product together, ran into some problems, got some help, and turned out an awesome product. There were some mistakes in the middle with lack of communication, but I think if Tiffany did another project, I would back it, as well, because she owned up to her mistakes, learned from them, and drove the project through to success. Major kudos to Tiffany.
Axes and Anvils
Status: Limbo
Rating: F
This project and Cairn were turned into 'starting a business' instead of making a product. This is a rookie mistake and now the backers are going to pay for it. It irks me that there was no real warning on this one until it was too late. Part of having backers means there is a group of invested people that can help.
To Slay A Dragon: a traditional adventure for PATHFINDER RPG
Status: Underway
Rating: A
The number one rule of kickstarter is show your supporters progress. This project is right on the money with that. The latest artwork looks great.
Numenera: A new roleplaying game from Monte Cook
Status: Underway
Rating: B
With Monte Cook at the wheel, I am sure the end product will be epic. Still, I have to go digging for information on where things are at. With updates few and far between, I have to take off a bit.
The GM's Real-World Reference
Status: Complete
Rating: B+
Getting that complete is always hard and this group did it. The product was okay, but not great.
Red Dragon Inn Pathfinder Sourcebook
Status: Underway
Rating: B-
Low Life Miniatures
Status: Underway
Rating: B+
There was some expectation by the folks doing this one that we were going out to their website for updates. That is a bad assumption, but they corrected it. I think they are on track for a reasonable finish.
Tentacles & Eyeballs: An RPG Horror Miniatures Set
Status: Complete for me, yet still going
Rating: A+++
Rusty the Rust Monster - Plush Toy
Status: Complete
Rating: A
Rusty looked like a no-brainer with quick delivery until an intellectual property problem popped up. I was a bit worried, but the legal stuff was worked through and Rusty arrived. There was a slight lack of communication after the IP problem, but this was later explained, so I give them a solid A.
The Reliquary
Status: Underway
Rating: C
The best way to give people a bit of a worry is not to update. I think we'll get a product in a reasonable time, but I have't gotten an update in a month. Not cool. This is the same group doing the Bestiary of the Curiously Odd. I don't think I would back them again.
28mm Demons & Devils - Center Stage Miniatures
Status: Underway
Rating: B+
I think this is going to be a cool set of minis. Unfortunately updates have been dragging for a while with the problem of getting the surveys out. If Kickstarter could fix one problem, it would be a better survey system. In the meantime, smaller projects have turned out more complex surveys in a lot less time. It is slightly frustrating, but not a killer, since there are content rich updates.
Cairn
Status: Limbo
Rating: F
This project and Axes and Anvils were turned into 'starting a business' instead of making a product. Usually I never back a second project by a group until the first kickstarter is complete, but I was so excited about a reasonable cost replacement for Mouseguard that I broke my rule. Big mistake now with two failed projects from the same short-sighted "business".
Creature Cards - monstrous playing cards for games or rpgs
Status: Underway
Rating: B
Over a month with no update is a problem, but maybe it was just a one time thing. They are slightly behind schedule, but the artwork looks good, and I am sure I'll get a cool product.
Ehdrigohr: The Roleplaying Game
Status: Underway
Rating: A
Good sharing of progress. Good interaction. I'm not real sure about all the content, but I am constantly intrigued by this project. I really just can't wait to see the end product, because I know it is going to be something different.
A Gallery of Rogues: Solomon Guild
Status: Underway
Rating: A
At first, I was a little disappointed that the artwork was going to be line drawings and not full color, but the content is growing on me. They share lots of details and artwork all the time. I think the product will be a nice addition to my collection and very usable.
Gnomish Adventurers Box Set
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
The Ultimate Gamer's Storage Bag
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
Sometimes limiting a kickstarter to just one thing really helps, and this one is a good example of that. The product is a bag for gaming supplies. The updates have been great and I event got an invoice back for my pledge items. I am positive I'll get a quality product in short order. This is another person I would back again.
Interface Zero 2.0: Full Metal Cyberpunk
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
It is impressive when a project responds to backer feedback like this one has. The updates are flowing, and I get a real sense of progress. Also, getting all of the 1.0 content was a nice way to start. There is a long way to go, but I am sure they will get there. I am really excited about have this cyberpunk style of play for Savage Worlds.
Free Trader / Grendel - Starship Deckplans
Status: Complete.
Rating: B
Flawless execution and things arrived quickly. In fact, I got a product so fast, that I wonder what I was funding. Kindof expensive for what I received.
There are a few newer ones that are just getting underway, so I won't include them for now, but maybe in the future. Overall, I think there are some real lessons learned from all of this:
Random Dungeon Generator as a Dungeon Map
Status: Pretty much complete
Rating: A
Comments: The main rewards were all completed quickly. Some additional rewards have been held up, but I didn't really consider that a big deal, since they are mostly digital stuff not related to the focus of this. The value of what was received was good.
Admiral o' the High Seas - Naval Adventures (Pathfinder, 4e)
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
I got in at a weird funding level, but I have received my map reward and it was nice. I don't like the way they did funding levels in retrospect.
Pure Steam - Pathfinder Compatible RPG Setting
Status: Late but underway
Rating: A
I'm just not going to take off much for being late, if there is communications and progress. I was somewhat disappointed in the early release stuff I saw, but later updates make me think the product is going to be pretty good.
Companions of the Firmament - Pathfinder RPG Compatible
Status: Late but underway
Rating: A
This is running a bit late, but progress in underway and the PDF version looked really good. I can't wait to get the softcover version. My players are pumped about flying.
Dwarven Adventurers Box Set
Status: Complete
Rating: A+++
This set of miniatures was awesome. I have them primed and am working on painting. I would support these guys on anything they throw out in the future. They also have a Gnome kickstarter underway now.
Kaidan Campaign Setting (PFRPG)
Status: Underway and showing progress
Rating: A
Getting some stuff up front that's already done always boosts the feel of a kickstarter, so getting some stuff for Kaidan that was already made was nice. This kickstarter has done an awesome job of sharing content as they progress. I look forward to the end product.
The Bestiary of the Curiously Odd
Status: Underway
Rating: C
The best way to give people a bit of a worry is not to update. I think we'll get a product in a reasonable time, but I have't gotten an update in a month. Not cool.
Gaming Paper Pirate Encyclopedia
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
I was just in for the PDF was which released almost immediately. Though it was a good value, it didn't make me feel like I was helping fund much.
Publish the +5 Food Of Eating cookbook
Status: Complete for me
Rating: B
This was a hard one. Tiffany struggled a bit with getting the product together, ran into some problems, got some help, and turned out an awesome product. There were some mistakes in the middle with lack of communication, but I think if Tiffany did another project, I would back it, as well, because she owned up to her mistakes, learned from them, and drove the project through to success. Major kudos to Tiffany.
Axes and Anvils
Status: Limbo
Rating: F
This project and Cairn were turned into 'starting a business' instead of making a product. This is a rookie mistake and now the backers are going to pay for it. It irks me that there was no real warning on this one until it was too late. Part of having backers means there is a group of invested people that can help.
To Slay A Dragon: a traditional adventure for PATHFINDER RPG
Status: Underway
Rating: A
The number one rule of kickstarter is show your supporters progress. This project is right on the money with that. The latest artwork looks great.
Numenera: A new roleplaying game from Monte Cook
Status: Underway
Rating: B
With Monte Cook at the wheel, I am sure the end product will be epic. Still, I have to go digging for information on where things are at. With updates few and far between, I have to take off a bit.
The GM's Real-World Reference
Status: Complete
Rating: B+
Getting that complete is always hard and this group did it. The product was okay, but not great.
Red Dragon Inn Pathfinder Sourcebook
Status: Underway
Rating: B-
Updates have awesome content, but need to happen more often.
Low Life Miniatures
Status: Underway
Rating: B+
There was some expectation by the folks doing this one that we were going out to their website for updates. That is a bad assumption, but they corrected it. I think they are on track for a reasonable finish.
Tentacles & Eyeballs: An RPG Horror Miniatures Set
Status: Complete for me, yet still going
Rating: A+++
I can't say enough good things about Dark Platypus on this one. We got regular updates showing progress. They had a intellectual property problem, which they handled by changing things and increasing the rewards. They offered discounted prices on their already existing items. I received all my miniatures and they were awesome. AND this week I got a survery to let me go back and buy items that I didn't originally sign up to get rewards for. This is really the way to run a project.
Rusty the Rust Monster - Plush Toy
Status: Complete
Rating: A
Rusty looked like a no-brainer with quick delivery until an intellectual property problem popped up. I was a bit worried, but the legal stuff was worked through and Rusty arrived. There was a slight lack of communication after the IP problem, but this was later explained, so I give them a solid A.
The Reliquary
Status: Underway
Rating: C
The best way to give people a bit of a worry is not to update. I think we'll get a product in a reasonable time, but I have't gotten an update in a month. Not cool. This is the same group doing the Bestiary of the Curiously Odd. I don't think I would back them again.
28mm Demons & Devils - Center Stage Miniatures
Status: Underway
Rating: B+
I think this is going to be a cool set of minis. Unfortunately updates have been dragging for a while with the problem of getting the surveys out. If Kickstarter could fix one problem, it would be a better survey system. In the meantime, smaller projects have turned out more complex surveys in a lot less time. It is slightly frustrating, but not a killer, since there are content rich updates.
Cairn
Status: Limbo
Rating: F
This project and Axes and Anvils were turned into 'starting a business' instead of making a product. Usually I never back a second project by a group until the first kickstarter is complete, but I was so excited about a reasonable cost replacement for Mouseguard that I broke my rule. Big mistake now with two failed projects from the same short-sighted "business".
Creature Cards - monstrous playing cards for games or rpgs
Status: Underway
Rating: B
Over a month with no update is a problem, but maybe it was just a one time thing. They are slightly behind schedule, but the artwork looks good, and I am sure I'll get a cool product.
Ehdrigohr: The Roleplaying Game
Status: Underway
Rating: A
Good sharing of progress. Good interaction. I'm not real sure about all the content, but I am constantly intrigued by this project. I really just can't wait to see the end product, because I know it is going to be something different.
A Gallery of Rogues: Solomon Guild
Status: Underway
Rating: A
At first, I was a little disappointed that the artwork was going to be line drawings and not full color, but the content is growing on me. They share lots of details and artwork all the time. I think the product will be a nice addition to my collection and very usable.
Gnomish Adventurers Box Set
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
This is the same group that did the dwarven set, and this kickstarter is going well too. Lots of updates showing progress. I am always amazed how fast they seem to get things done.
The Ultimate Gamer's Storage Bag
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
Sometimes limiting a kickstarter to just one thing really helps, and this one is a good example of that. The product is a bag for gaming supplies. The updates have been great and I event got an invoice back for my pledge items. I am positive I'll get a quality product in short order. This is another person I would back again.
Interface Zero 2.0: Full Metal Cyberpunk
Status: Underway
Rating: A+
It is impressive when a project responds to backer feedback like this one has. The updates are flowing, and I get a real sense of progress. Also, getting all of the 1.0 content was a nice way to start. There is a long way to go, but I am sure they will get there. I am really excited about have this cyberpunk style of play for Savage Worlds.
Free Trader / Grendel - Starship Deckplans
Status: Complete.
Rating: B
Flawless execution and things arrived quickly. In fact, I got a product so fast, that I wonder what I was funding. Kindof expensive for what I received.
There are a few newer ones that are just getting underway, so I won't include them for now, but maybe in the future. Overall, I think there are some real lessons learned from all of this:
- Kickstarters should focus on 1 product, not on many products, and not on starting a business.
- Kickstarters should have something to develop. They shouldn't be ordering a finished product.
- An organization that needs a kickstarter is probably only big enough to do one kickstarter at a time. If they haven't delivered on a previous kickstarter, don't back them until they do.
- Kickstarters need to be careful with intellectual property. If there is a problem, there are good ways to recover.
- Rewards should be tiered so the different levels always gain the previous levels rewards plus something. Don't break this model unless you have a really good reason, or you risk having unhappy backers.
- Weekly updates that show progress are mandatory. Engagement is important too.
- Kickstarters will have struggles. Take every schedule and double it. Successful kickstarters will communicate their troubles and get help when they need it.
- Kickstarters should keep it simple. Complicated = failure.
- Kickstarter needs a better survey system.
- Back kickstarters you have a passion for. Anything less has a good chance of being disappointing.
- Save all your update emails with artwork, content, intermediate releases, etc. If something really goes south with a Kickstarter, this stuff might end up being your reward.
- I have a problem with backing way too many kickstarters.
- I have a really good knack for kicking successful kickstarters. 2 possible failures out of 26 = %92
- My biggest regret in Kickstarting is that Braille Dice didn't get funded, which was going to release poly dice for blind gamers. I backed buying some sets just to try to help get it funded. I hope they found a way to make these available anyway.
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