path: root/memos/WM-014.txt

Document: WM-014                                                 P. Webb
Category: Rant                                                2017.08.19

                       I'm done with Kickstarter

Abstract

   Being let down all the time is…a let down.

Body

   Kickstarter is a great place for people to financially support those
   with a great idea and a prototype, but need a little assistance to
   make that idea a reality. This is why I signed up for the platform in
   2012. Five years later and I'm sick of the bullshit that seems to
   emanate from the projects I back.

   Of the 39 projects I have contributed money to, 10 are delayed (some
   are delayed by about a year or more). *Good thing I'm not holding my
   breath.* Let's take a look at those projects, starting with
   the oldest.

   1. Star Citizen

      📸[Star Citizen on Kickstarter][IMG1]

      This game[1], by Cloud Imperium Games Corporation, was
      successfully funded on November 19th, 2012. I backed at the $37
      tier (Digital Scout) for:

      - a digital copy of the finished game (PC)
      - RSI Aurora spaceship ready to fly
      - 1,000 Galactic Credits
      - exclusive access to the Alpha + Beta

      The estimated delivery date for this was November 2014. Of the
      unfulfilled projects I backed, I am the *least* sore about Star
      Citizen because 1) I can play the Alpha when I get a PC (I have a
      Mac) and 2) there are regular updates. Not just, "Oh hey guys,
      here's a wall of text and a pic or two", it's actual gameplay and
      something I can interact with.

      I think the CEO got overly ambitious but at least it's not No
      Man's Sky-tier of fuckedupness.

   2. Mighty No. 9

      📸[Mighty No. 9 on Kickstarter][IMG2]

      This game[2], by comcept, is currently the laughing stock of the
      gaming world and a cautionary tale for game developers looking to
      create a Kickstarter for their game. It was successfully funded on
      October 1st, 2013. I backed at the $60 tier for:

      - a physical game box (Western/Japanese style)
      - printed retro-style game manual (English/Japanese)
      - exclusive in-game golden hero (backer-exclusive color variation
        of Beck, the game's hero)

      The estimated delivery date for this was April 2015. I just got
      the physical rewards a week or two ago. The Nintendo 3DS version?
      Still waiting for it. I have a Switch now…

   3. Sa: The Umbrella Reimagined

      📸[The Sa umbrella on Kickstarter][IMG3]

      This umbrella[3], by Justin Nagelberg and Matthew Waldman, was
      successfully funded on December 1st, 2014. I backed at the $69
      tier for:

      - one Sa (early limited special)

      The estimated delivery date was March 2015. Since being
      successfully funded, backers have gotten ~~updates~~ essays twice
      a year about why shipping has been delayed two years. Basically,
      because the umbrella is so different that factories have to be
      taught how to work on components. Factories is plural because
      they've gone through a couple because of shutdowns. Who the hell
      knows when I'm gonna get this thing.

      - 2017/09/14 update
        - another essay, but with TL;DR version!
        - fully functioning prototype
        - noticed weird things with prototype, fixes for those things is
          in progress
        - shipping has been pushed back to Winter/Spring 2018

      To quote a backer, "Great to see that after nearly 3 years you
      nearly have a working prototype".

   4. The Light Phone

      📸[The Light Phone on Kickstarter][IMG4]

      This phone[4], by Light, was successfully funded on June 27th,
      2015. I backed at the $25 tier for:

      - The Light Book. It documents the process of building the Light
        Phone and includes photos, drawings, and essays. It will cover
        the entire story from ideation to insights into the
        manufacturing process.

      The estimated delivery date was June 2016. I messaged the founders
      last month about the book and this was the response:

      > Not yet. We would like to include our entire journey of the
      > Light Phone and we believe that there is more to come. We will
      > email backers when we plan to release the book. Thank you
      > for asking!

      I'm not sure how much more of "the journey" needs to be documented
      but I hope I get it before the end of 2018.

      - 2018/02/28 update
        - creators are launching a new campaign for Light Phone 2, but
          on Indiegogo[5] this time

      Here's what they had to say about backers that pledged for
      the book:

      > We have users that pledged for a process book in our original
      > campaign, and we want to acknowledge that we have not at all
      > forgotten about you. We've continued to document the process and
      > want the book to encompass the Light Phone journey in its
      > entirety, through this second generation as well. We will offer
      > the book as a pledge in the next campaign as well (a $50
      > donation). We have a few ideas for ways to make this even more
      > special for those of you who originally donated with a limited
      > edition bonus too.

      The end of the Indiegogo campaign is scheduled to end April 2019.
      The Kickstarter campaign ended June 2015. I was supposed to get
      the book June 2016.

   5. ~~Das Keyboard 5Q~~ GOT IT

      📸[Das Keyboard 5Q on Kickstarter][IMG5]

      This keyboard[6], by Das Keyboard, was successfully funded on July
      30th, 2016. I backed at the $139 (early bird) tier for:

      - one Das Keyboard 5Q for $90 off the $229 retail price.

      The estimated delivery date was January 2017. I have a regular Das
      Keyboard (Mac version) at home and I love it. What drew me to the
      5Q was the ability to write scripts to mod the keyboard. You can
      create light shows, make certain keys change color due to a
      specified event, and so on. Super customizable! Anyhoo, people are
      pissed off because the company makes keyboards for a living and we
      *still* don't have ours.

      Welp.

      - 2017/08/25 update
        - Typhoon Hato damaged a factory in Hong Kong
        - no injuries
        - raw materials and critical production equipment were protected
          from damage

      - 2017/08/31 update
        - 5Q pilot production will begin in a couple days
        - full production schedule for the end of September
        - Kickstarter fulfillment in October, barring any pilot
          production issues

      - 2017/09/25 update
        - solder quality for mechanical switches failed QA
        - incorrect product packaging
        - National Day in China for the first week of October
        - production will start the week of October 30th

      - 2018/02/28 update
        - keyboards are shipping!
        - Mac/Linux support is nonexistent…seriously
        - 105-key layout (international) keyboards have damaged switches
        - according to a Superbacker and another backer who got theirs
          already, the keyboard is straight *trash* from the hardware to
          the software

      - 2018/03/13 update
        - I opened a ticket with Das Keyboard's support channel to get
          the address for the 5Q to be changed to one of my best
          friends. I bought WASD's CODE keyboard[7] instead.
        - Roughly 15 months to deliver what appeared to be a lackluster
          keyboard of questionable quality. *Sigh*

      With each update, backers become less enthusiastic or get angry. I
      think it's safe to say that the Das Keyboard team isn't going to
      make another crowdfunded product for a long time, if ever.
      ~~Earlier this summer, I joked about getting my 5Q in time for~~
      ~~Christmas. At this rate, that looks to be the case.~~ Keep in
      mind that these people are in the business of producing keyboards
      and have been doing so since 2005.

   6. ~~TMA-2 Modular Headphone System~~ GOT IT
      📸[TMA-2 Modular Headphone System on Kickstarter][IMG6]

      This wireless headphone system[8], by AIAIAI, was successfully
      funded on December 15th, 2016. I backed at the $65 tier (early
      bird) for:

      - H05 Smart Headband

      The estimated delivery date was May 2017. AIAIAI's TMA-2 is a
      modular headphone system which means if something on my headphones
      breaks, I can just replace a module or two and not the entire
      thing. I already own the TMA-2 so what I paid for was the headband
      to make my headphones wireless. ~~The latest update said this~~
      ~~was going to ship at the end of this month. We shall see.~~

      I'm tired of using Apple's shitty ear buds and I've gone through
      two aux dongles already.

      - 2017/08/21 update
        - mass production has been moved to September 11th
        - Kickstarter orders (1436 of 'em) will ship out September
          18th - October 6th
        - I've already confirmed with them that orders will ship in
          order of pledges (I'm backer 46)

      - 2017/09/13 update
        - mass production started but minor things needed to change on
          assembly line
        - 7-10 day delay

      - 2017/09/27 update
        - headphones are shipping ~~(hope to update this post in a~~
          ~~couple days)!~~

      - 2017/10/18 update
        - I got it! 5 MONTHS LATER

   7. Indie Microblogging

      📸[Indie Microblogging on Kickstarter][IMG7]

      This social network and eBook[9], by Manton Reece, was
      successfully funded on February 1st, 2017. I backed at the $10
      tier for:

      - PDF and ePub versions of the book, plus early access to
        Micro.blog

      These are some of the book topics:

      - how to adapt blogging tools like WordPress and Tumblr to work
        with microblogs.
      - the important role of cross-posting to Twitter, and the best
        tools out there.
      - tips for integrating a microblog into an existing weblog.
      - architecture for microblogs, with a behind-the-scenes look at
        how Micro.blog was built.
      - overview of the latest IndieWebCamp and W3C proposals for indie
        microblogging, such as Webmention and Micropub.
      - Manton's personal stories on why it matters so much to preserve
        content on the Internet.

      The estimated delivery date was March 2017. Like Star Citizen, I'm
      not sore about my eBook reward being delayed. Manton is creating
      an entire social network by himself and managing a Slack group for
      backers. I haven't setup this blog with micro.blog yet either so
      it looks like we're both delayed, haha! He's actively working on
      finishing the book though.

   8. ~~Jack: Make Any Headphones Wireless~~ GOT IT

      📸[Jack on Kickstarter][IMG8]

      This Jack adapter[10], by Podo Labs, was successfully funded on
      February 25th, 2017. I backed at the $25 (early bird) tier for:

      - one Jack adapter

      The estimated delivery date was June 2017. The latest update
      promises that I'll get this by the end of October at the latest.
      You might be wondering why I backed two Kickstarters that are
      headphone-focused. I like music and I'm beginning to despise
      wires. Should the battery on my H05 run out, I can attach a cable
      to it and that cable to the Jack. I'll have to stuff the cord in
      my bag or someplace but it'll still be wireless!

      - 2017/10/06 update
        - Delays of course, but the team makes it seem as though they
          were blindsided by a Chinese holiday. This isn't their first
          KS and from the comments, they have a history of making
          promises they can't keep, having tons of delays, and
          announcing new projects before the current one is fulfilled.
        - "Production" unit shown doesn't match prototype, and while
          understandable to a degree it's disappointing.

      - 2019 May update
        - This was sent to my old address so it took a couple weeks to
          get to me. Eighteen friggin' months for this thing? SMH. They
          even had the nerve to advertise new Kickstarter campaigns
          while I waited.

   9. ~~Steadicam Volt~~ GOT IT

      📸[Steadicam Volt on Kickstarter][IMG9]

      This smartphone stabilizer[11], by The Tiffen Company, was
      successfully funded on March 5th, 2017. I backed at the $139
      (early bird) tier for:

      - Steadicam Volt for $60 off the planned $199 retail price

      This includes:

      - Steadicam Volt Stabilizer
      - 5x magnetic and 1x starter balance weight
      - 2x batteries
      - battery charger
      - Micro-USB cable
      - quickstart guide
      - carrying pouch

      The estimated delivery date was June 2017. Because retailers like
      B&H received Steadicam Volts before backers, we all get a premium
      carrying case for free. Not bad, but I expected to get the Volt
      before this month so I could get awesome beach footage of my kids.
      It's now the middle of August so that plan was ruined. When
      companies show prototypes that are *super* close to the finished
      product and show they have years of experience doing things, and
      yadda x3, I expect to get rewards in a relatively short timeframe.
      Like the Das Keyboard, this is not the case here. Apparently,
      shipping is supposed to start this month.

      - 2017/09/08 update
        - shipping warehouse is overbooked
        - shipping will start on the 11th
        - everyone should get tracking information shortly

      - 2017/09/14 update
        - I don't have tracking info

      - 2017/09/21 update
        - I got it! THREE MONTHS LATER

  10. ~~Black Ink~~ WOMP
      📸[Black Ink on Kickstarter[IMG10]

      This film[12], by Craig Rippon, was successfully funded on April
      21st, 2017. I backed at the $25 tier for:

      - Black Heroes Matter t-shirt

      This includes:

      - movie ticket code for advance online screening
      - my name listed in the "Thank You" section of the film
      - link to the 2nd trailer for the film when it's completed
      - BLACK INK computer wallpaper

      The estimated delivery date was May 2017 (for the t-shirt, not the
      film) and Craig has been unresponsive.

      - 2017/10/11 update
        - Craig has been dealing with a LOT of family health issues, one
          of which is serious.
        - The company he was working with to get the books didn't honor
          the apparent discount agreement they had. Maybe time ran out
          for that?
        - The film *should* be out in February.

      - 2019 May update
        - I don't care anymore.

      I was a bit miffed when I didn't hear anything for months but not
      anymore, Craig can take all the time he needs.

   Honorable mention

      With the exception of Star Citizen and Indie Microblogging (and as
      of October 11th, Black Ink), all this has been rather annoying.
      Honorable mention goes out to Massdrop for the MiTo Canvas XDA
      Custom Keycap Set[13] I've yet to receive. The drop completed on
      February 1st, 2017. I paid $72.97 (shipping included) for the
      Bauhaus Icon Modifiers and Betas. This is what it'll look like:

      📸[MiTo Canvas XDA Custom Keycap Set on Massdrop][IMG11]

      The estimated ship date was June 2nd, 2017 and the new one is now
      October. *Kanye shrug* I plan on putting these awesome keys on my
      existing Das Keyboard…I just noticed I'll need to purchase
      additional keys for my number pad.

   Conclusion

      The moral of this story? It used to be that you could pledge for
      something on Kickstarter and expect to get the product on or damn
      close to the promised delivery date. I love the idea of supporting
      promising businesses but I think I'll just wait until whatever
      product is available on Amazon before parting with my money. Who
      wants to be constantly let down all the time? Not me,
      not anymore. 🕸

References

   [1]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cig/star-citizen>
   [2]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mightyno9/mighty-no-9>
   [3]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/860103721/satm-the-umbrella-reimagined>
   [4]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelightphone/the-light-phone>
   [5]     <https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/light-phone-2-smartphone-design>
   [6]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1229573443/das-keyboard-5q-the-cloud-connected-keyboard>
   [7]     <https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/code-keyboard/code-104-key-mechanical-keyboard-2923.html>
   [8]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1733579622/the-wireless-tma-2-modular-headphone-system>
   [9]     <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manton/indie-microblogging-owning-your-short-form-writing>
   [10]    <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/podolabs/make-any-headphones-wireless-jack-by-podo-labs>
   [11]    <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tiffencompany/steadicam-volt-smartphone-stabilizer-shake-free-vi>
   [12]    <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1750747889/black-ink-people-of-color-in-comics>
   [13]    <https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-mito-canvas-xda-custom-keycap-set>
   [IMG1]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-a.jpg>
   [IMG2]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-b.jpg>
   [IMG3]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-c.jpg>
   [IMG4]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-d.jpg>
   [IMG5]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-e.jpg>
   [IMG6]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-f.jpg>
   [IMG7]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-g.png>
   [IMG8]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-h.jpg>
   [IMG9]  <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-i.jpg>
   [IMG10] <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-j.jpg>
   [IMG11] <https://🔥.pixels.wtf/blog/image/2017/im-done-with-kickstarter-k.jpg>