I've contributed to three Kickstarter projects, but in each case it was for people who were known to me -- personal friends.

It's a great way of organizing support from friends and family and incipient fans. When you start getting money from strangers who want something back, you need to be careful.

There were "benefits" defined for different giving levels in the ones I gave to. Two of them included copies of CDs that were being produced with the funds, and admission to a CD release party (which were held in cities I couldn't get to easily but I appreciated the invite). The other was a writing project and I was given access to early drafts for comment.

I certainly didn't give because of the "benefits" but it is important, I think, to deliver something of perceived value.

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2007 Grand Prize Winner International Songwriting Competition

Avatar Photo by Diana (used with permission)