1055: Kickstarter

2014-09-14T19:33:47Z

Markhci152: /* Explanation */

{{comic
| number = 1055
| date = May 14, 2012
| title = Kickstarter
| image = kickstarter.png
| titletext = If you pledge more than $50 you'll get on the VIP list and have first dibs on a slot on ANY of the pledge levels in the actual campaign.
}}

==Explanation==
{{w|Kickstarter}} is a platform for funding creative projects in which anyone can give money at any level of funding starting usually as low as $10. Funding at different levels gets you different perks, e.g. If the Kickstarter is for a book, a large donation makes you eligible for a signed copy.

In this comic, [[Black Hat]] is attempting to game the system by raising money to work on the perfect Kickstarter pitch. He appears to have gained no money, but has only started the scheme that day. The irony of the title text is that you do not need to be on any VIP list to have dibs on the pledge levels. Anyone can give any amount of money. That is the goal of Kickstarter and it has been wildly successful.

This has actually been done via [http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kickstarter-campaign an indiegogo campaign]. There are a number of similarities to the comic (black hat, $500 vs $5,000 goal), so Baron von Husk may have gotten the idea from xkcd.

==Transcript==
:[A kickstarter page with zero donations, a target of $5,000, and 90 days to go.]
:[Black Hat has posted a video and a description of his project, the first lines of which are visible.]
:Time was, anyone with a webcam and an idea could raise boatloads of cash on Kickstarter. But with increased popularity comes tougher competition. Now, to get support, you need a really standout video or compelling write-up. I have an idea for a Kickstarter campaign that could raise millions, but I need your help to craft the perfect pitch. If I raise $5,000, I'll be able to devote the

{{comic discussion}}
[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]]
[[Category:Comics with color]]

explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

1055: Kickstarter