A Kickstarter Thought (Minor Rant) II

[jkahane]

Some time earlier in the month, I wrote a bit of a rant about Kickstarter. You can read about this in this blog entry. I've also realised there is one other problem with Kickstarters at this time of year

Comments

[gavken]

I must admit I don't mind this too much. I'm not usually in such a hurry for a RPG product that I need to get it 3 weeks earlier.

I am a little miffed with one particular Kickstarter who finished the main book in April 2013 but the writer hadn't finished the Appendix. We got the PDF of the book in April but we were told that the hard copies wouldn't be available till September as the Author couldn't get the appendix done till then.

Other than that I'm fine. Waiting for Sixcess Core and Numenera to come flying my way in the next few months.

[jkahane]

Everyone has different ideas and thoughts on this matter, and that's cool. But sometimes I have to wonder what the point is.

[tashiro]

Huh. I guess you and I see Kickstarter completely different. If I fund an RPG, it is because I'm interested in the RPG. If I like the perks involved, I'll fund more to get to the perk level I want / can afford, but I don't go in with any preconceptions.

For example, Lords of Gossamer and Shadow - you don't get the book for your donation. Instead, you can buy the book at cost. That's the perk. I donated at the level that I get the main book and all future books at cost, but that doesn't mean I'm guaranteed the book at all (I still have to buy it).

For John Wick's game, I'm getting the book when everyone else does. I'm fine with that. :)

The idea that we will get the book 'sooner' than anyone else? I don't consider that a necessity. I don't even consider getting the book a necessity, depending on the game in question.

[jkahane]

Yes, I guess we do see Kickstarter somewhat differently, but that's okay. :)

I fund an rpg because I'm interested in the rpg, too. But I also find lately that folks tend to forget the product they're funding and seem to concentrate on the stretch goals that go with it.

Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule.

[jagash]

I understand. I practically killed myseldf to get my own game out to backer prior to GenCon so I would be able to sell the game at the show.

It's not an easy decision to work with. One of the bigger challenges is that you need to book a booth _well_ before you know if you will have time to send the game to backers.

Messy situation, and I empathize.

[jkahane]

You seem to be the only one to empathise with me so far on this matter. Thanks for that. :)

[jagash]

Pretty much everyone empathizes. It all depends on how much of a premium you feel Kickstarter backers (who took the risk and made it possible) should have over normal customers.

Sometimes, recieving the PDF's ahead of time is enough of a consolation prize. Sometimes it isn't. All I know is it's taken a month solid for me to ship out my books and that was only possible because Spark went to the printers early. Even then, people will only have the game for a 2-3 weeks before it goes on sale at GenCon.