Kickstarter Simplifies Rules, Adds Launch Now
Yesterday Kickstarter announced the results of a self-diagnosis with simplified rules and the new "Launch Now" option. Rules have been boiled down to three and that's removed restrictions on certain kinds of project such as bath and beauty and some forms of software. Launch Now is an algorithmic filter that identifies projects that are ready to launch without having to wait for a Kickstarter review putting a bit more scheduling power in the hands of crowdfunders.
Kickstarter's New Rules
Kickstarter's announcement includes the new rules in brief:
- Projects must create something to share with others.
- Projects must be honest and clearly presented.
- Projects cannot fundraise for charity, offer financial incentives, or involve prohibited items.
They do still have a list of prohibited items and say, in the announcement but not on the rules page, that they're "now allowing hardware projects to offer multiple quantities of a reward."
It should be noted that the core focus on crowdfunding projects, as opposed to businesses or ongoing activities, remains.
You May Launch Now
Kickstarter says their new Launch Now option is "currently available to 60% of projects, and we’ll be expanding it to more projects in the weeks to come." I'm not sure if that means that 60% qualified or if 60% have been evaluated algorithmically but, either way, Launch Now will be a welcome option for those who tend to also launch a bit late or who just want more control of the process.
Kickstarter math "incorporating thousands of data points to check whether a project is ready to launch [will evaluate] things like the project’s description, rewards, funding goal, and whether the creator has previously launched a project."
You will also have the option to seek help from Community Managers at that stage if you wish.
Given that Kickstarter's rules and regulations have often been cited as confusing, this move is a nice step forward. Launch Now is also quite positive giving more power to crowdfunders to plan their own timetable.
More:
- Enter The Haggis Compares Crowdfunding Experiences On Multiple Platforms
- Music Crowdfunding: Why You Should Include Stretch Goals In Your Plans
- Crowdfund Your Brick & Mortar Record Store Or Club With Local Lift
Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith (@fluxresearch) also blogs at DanceLand. To suggest topics about music tech, DIY biz or marketing for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
