What is the Purpose of the Website Kickstarter and How Does It Influence Modern Creativity?

Kickstarter, a name synonymous with crowdfunding, has revolutionized the way creative projects are brought to life. But what exactly is the purpose of Kickstarter, and how does it influence modern creativity? This article delves into the multifaceted role of Kickstarter, exploring its impact on creators, backers, and the broader creative landscape.

The Genesis of Kickstarter

Kickstarter was launched in 2009 by Perry Chen, Yancey Strickler, and Charles Adler with the mission to help bring creative projects to life. The platform was designed to democratize funding, allowing anyone with a compelling idea to seek financial support from a global audience. Unlike traditional funding methods, which often involve gatekeepers like investors or publishers, Kickstarter empowers creators to pitch directly to potential backers.

The Core Purpose of Kickstarter

At its core, Kickstarter serves as a bridge between creators and backers. It provides a platform where innovative ideas can gain traction through community support. The primary purpose of Kickstarter can be broken down into several key objectives:

Empowering Creators: Kickstarter gives creators the tools and platform to showcase their ideas to a wide audience. This empowerment is crucial for independent artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who may not have access to traditional funding sources.
Fostering Innovation: By lowering the barriers to entry, Kickstarter encourages a diverse range of projects, from tech gadgets to indie films. This fosters a culture of innovation where unconventional ideas can thrive.
Building Communities: Kickstarter is not just about funding; it’s about building communities around creative projects. Backers become part of the journey, offering feedback, sharing the project with others, and sometimes even contributing to the creative process.
Validating Ideas: The platform serves as a litmus test for new ideas. If a project gains enough support, it validates the concept and demonstrates market demand, which can be invaluable for creators seeking further investment or partnerships.
Promoting Transparency: Kickstarter promotes transparency by requiring creators to set clear goals, timelines, and rewards. This transparency builds trust between creators and backers, ensuring that funds are used as intended.

The Impact on Modern Creativity

Kickstarter’s influence on modern creativity is profound. It has democratized the creative process, allowing anyone with a vision to bring their ideas to life. Here are some ways Kickstarter has shaped the creative landscape:

Diverse Projects: Kickstarter has enabled a wide array of projects that might not have seen the light of day otherwise. From niche board games to groundbreaking tech innovations, the platform has become a hub for diverse creativity.
Global Reach: With backers from all over the world, Kickstarter allows creators to reach a global audience. This global reach not only increases the potential for funding but also exposes creators to a wider range of perspectives and feedback.
Risk Mitigation: Traditional funding methods often come with significant risks for creators. Kickstarter mitigates these risks by allowing creators to gauge interest before committing resources. If a project doesn’t meet its funding goal, the creator isn’t obligated to proceed, reducing financial risk.
Community Engagement: Kickstarter projects often involve backers in the creative process, creating a sense of ownership and community. This engagement can lead to more refined and well-received final products, as creators benefit from the collective input of their backers.
Cultural Impact: Kickstarter has had a significant cultural impact by supporting projects that challenge the status quo. From independent films that tackle social issues to innovative products that disrupt industries, Kickstarter has become a platform for cultural change.

Challenges and Criticisms

While Kickstarter has many benefits, it is not without its challenges and criticisms. Some of the key issues include:

Project Failures: Not all Kickstarter projects succeed. Some fail to deliver on their promises, leading to disappointed backers. This has led to concerns about accountability and the need for better vetting of projects.
Over-Saturation: The sheer volume of projects on Kickstarter can make it difficult for individual projects to stand out. Creators must invest significant time and effort into marketing their projects to attract backers.
High Fees: Kickstarter charges a fee for successful projects, which can be a significant expense for creators. Additionally, payment processing fees can further reduce the funds available to the creator.
Intellectual Property Concerns: Some creators worry about the risk of their ideas being copied or stolen, especially if their project gains significant attention but fails to secure funding.

The Future of Kickstarter

As Kickstarter continues to evolve, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The platform has the potential to further democratize creativity and innovation, but it must also address issues like project accountability and over-saturation. Here are some potential future developments for Kickstarter:

Enhanced Vetting Processes: To address concerns about project failures, Kickstarter may implement more rigorous vetting processes to ensure that only viable projects are featured on the platform.
Expanded Support for Creators: Kickstarter could offer more resources and support for creators, such as marketing assistance, mentorship programs, and access to additional funding sources.
Integration with Other Platforms: Kickstarter may integrate with other platforms and services to provide a more seamless experience for creators and backers. For example, integration with social media platforms could help creators reach a wider audience.
Focus on Sustainability: As sustainability becomes an increasingly important issue, Kickstarter may place a greater emphasis on projects that promote environmental and social responsibility.
Global Expansion: Kickstarter could continue to expand its global reach, supporting creators from underrepresented regions and fostering a more diverse creative ecosystem.

Conclusion

Kickstarter has fundamentally changed the way creative projects are funded and brought to life. By empowering creators, fostering innovation, and building communities, Kickstarter has had a profound impact on modern creativity. While challenges remain, the platform’s potential to democratize creativity and drive cultural change is undeniable. As Kickstarter continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how it shapes the future of creativity and innovation.

Q: What types of projects are most successful on Kickstarter? A: Projects that are well-planned, have a clear value proposition, and resonate with a specific audience tend to be the most successful on Kickstarter. Categories like technology, design, and games often see high success rates.

Q: How does Kickstarter ensure that creators deliver on their promises? A: Kickstarter requires creators to provide regular updates and communicate openly with backers. While the platform does not guarantee project completion, it encourages transparency and accountability.

Q: Can anyone launch a project on Kickstarter? A: Yes, anyone can launch a project on Kickstarter, provided they meet the platform’s guidelines and requirements. However, creators must be based in one of the eligible countries and have a valid bank account.

Q: What happens if a project doesn’t reach its funding goal? A: If a project doesn’t reach its funding goal, no funds are collected from backers, and the project is not funded. This is known as the “all-or-nothing” model, which helps mitigate risk for both creators and backers.

Q: How does Kickstarter make money? A: Kickstarter charges a 5% fee on the total funds raised for successful projects. Additionally, payment processing fees are deducted from the funds collected.