Kickstarter

Kickstarter


QQ截图20161017211027Mission:

We built Kickstarter to help bring creative projects to life. We measure our success as a company by how well we achieve that mission, not by the size of our profits. That’s why, in 2015, we became a Benefit Corporation. Benefit Corporations are for-profit companies that are obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on society, not only shareholders. Radically, positive impact on society becomes part of a Benefit Corporation’s legally defined goals.

When we became a Benefit Corporation, we amended our corporate charter to lay out specific goals and commitments to arts and culture, making our values core to our operations, fighting inequality, and helping creative projects come to life. You can read our commitments in full below.

Our Community

Kickstarter is an enormous global community built around creativity and creative projects. Over 10 million people, from every continent on earth, have backed a Kickstarter project.

Some of those projects come from influential artists like De La Soul or Marina Abramović. Most come from amazing creative people you probably haven’t heard of — from Grandma Pearl to indie filmmakers to the band down the street.

Every artist, filmmaker, designer, developer, and creator on Kickstarter has complete creative control over their work — and the opportunity to share it with a vibrant community of backers.

Since our launch, on April 28, 2009, 12 million people have backed a project, $2.7 billion has been pledged, and 113,586projects have been successfully funded.

Our Team

We’re an independent, founder-controlled company of 116 people working together in an old pencil factory in New York City. We spend our time designing and building Kickstarter, connecting people around inspiring creative projects, and having a lot of fun doing it.

We’re developers, designers, support specialists, writers, musicians, painters, poets, gamers, robot-builders — you name it. Between us, we’ve backed more than 34,000 projects (and launched plenty of our own).

Our History

Kickstarter launched on April 28, 2009. A lot has happened since.

We had the craziest 24 hours ever. We saw $1 billion get pledged. We shared the early designs behind Kickstarter. We learned what a Kickstarter project looked like back in 1713. We talked about why Kickstarter matters. We made some important changes to how we govern the site. We put on film festivals in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. A project won an Oscar. And after five years, we made a video about it all.

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Backer Questions: Backing a project

  1. How can I find interesting projects to back?

    There are a bunch of ways to find cool projects:

    The Kickstarter Newsletter: Once a week we send an email with three great, hand-picked projects.

    Your friends: Connect your Facebook account to Kickstarter to follow your friends and check out the projects they’re backing.

    Advanced Search: Want to find out about illustration projects near you? Or maybe bacon-themed projects? Use the advanced search feature to explore projects that interest you. Want to know how advanced search works? Learn more here.

    Projects We Love: These are standout projects selected by the Kickstarter team.

    The Recommendations page: A personalized hub for some projects we think you might like, based on your backing and browsing history on Kickstarter.

    The Internet: Kickstarter projects are often big news on social media and in the press. This is how many projects are discovered.

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      1. How do I follow creators?

        Following project creators allows you to see when a new project of theirs is launched, as well as receive notifications on Kickstarter projects they back.

        To follow a new creator, just click the ‘follow’ link next to their profile image on their project page. To follow a creator whose project you’ve previously backed, head to your profile settings and you’ll be able to follow them beneath the Find creators tab.

      2. How does Advanced Search work?

        Advanced Search allows you to create custom searches using a wide variety of filters — location, category, tags, and there’s even a way to view only live projects. Search results can also be sorted in order of popularity, launch date, end date, or by funding. The new default sort, “magic,” displays a rotating cross section of compelling projects from every category on Kickstarter.

        Categories can be selected from the first drop-down in the search phrase. Meanwhile, if you’d like to view a subcategory (e.g. Video Games or Tabletop Games), you should first select the parent category (Games) from the drop-down, and any available subcategories will appear to the right.

        By default, projects from everywhere (on Earth, at least) will be displayed in search results. If you’d like to add further search criteria, you can do so by clicking the + sign at the end of the search phrase. This will allow you to enter a specific search term, and filter by Projects We Love, your Starred projects, your backed projects, or even the percent of funding raised. And if you’ve connected Facebook to Kickstarter, you can even filter by projects your friends are backing.

        Here are a few cool ways you might want to use Advanced Search.
        Happy browsing!
      3. How do I pledge?

        To pledge to a project, first make sure that you’re logged in to your Kickstarter account. Then, just click the green “Back This Project” button on any project page.

        On the next page, you can select the reward tier your’d like to receive and your pledge amount will automatically populate. If you select a reward that involves shipping, you’ll be prompted to include this additional amount in your pledge.

        If you don’t want a certain reward, select “No thanks, I just want to help the project” and enter your desired pledge amount.

        After selecting “Continue,” you’ll move on to confirm your payment details. If you’ve backed a project before and saved your payment method details, you can use them over again. If not, you’ll need to enter the information manually. And lastly, click “Pledge.”

        Woo-hoo! Then you’re all set. You’ll receive a confirmation email within moments of completing your pledge.

      4. What forms of payment can I use to make a pledge?

        You can use a debit or credit card associated with Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express. Discover is currently only accepted for US-based projects.

        Sorry, but we do not currently accept Maestro, or Visa Electron cards. If using a pre-paid credit card, please make sure that the card has a value of at least $1 more than your pledge amount.

      5. Can I store a credit card to my account?

        You’ll be given an option to store a credit card to your account when you pledge for a project. After that, each time you pledge you’ll have the option of using a card that you’ve previously saved while pledging or entering a new payment method.

        If you’d like to change your payment details for a certain pledge, please refer to these instructions.

      6. How do I add a new credit card to my account?

        You can enter a new credit card to your account by heading to your [Account Settings] (https://www.kickstarter.com/settings/account) and clicking the green ‘Add a new card’ button.

        If you’d like to change your payment details for a live pledge, please refer to [this section] (https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq/backer+questions#faq_63082?ref=addccfaq).

      7. Can I pledge using direct debit as my payment method?

        At this time, only backers based in Germany pledging less than €250 towards a German project will have the option to use SEPA direct debit as their payment method. Just a reminder that pledges are only charged at the end of a project’s campaign if it is successfully funded.
      8. Can I pay with a check? Send cash by mail?

        In order for your pledge to count towards a project’s funding goal, you must pledge through the project page using a credit card. If you decide to send funds to the creator outside of Kickstarter (cash, check, etc.), you will not be reflected as a backer.

      9. Can I pledge with Paypal?

        We support most major credit cards, but we do not support payment with Paypal at this time.

      10. How secure is it to pledge on Kickstarter?

        We’ve recently partnered with Stripe to help make launching and backing projects easier. Stripe meets and exceeds the most stringent industry standards for security. You can learn more about the technical details of Stripe’s secure infrastructure here.

        We also take your privacy very seriously. Kickstarter does not store full credit card numbers, but instead, only the last four digits and expiration date. Saving your payment details for future use is entirely optional. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy.

      11. What is Apple Pay?

        Apple Pay allows you to use your iPhone’s stored credit or debit cards to make payments easily using your phone’s Wallet feature.

        Users will need to be on the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, iPhone SE, and later, Apple Watch-compatible devices (iPhone 5 and later models), iPad Air 2, iPad Pro and iPad Mini 3 and later.

        To see if your bank or credit card participates in Apple Pay, please consult this list.

      12. How do I use Apple Pay on the Web?

        Apple Pay on the Web utilizes Apple Pay on your phone to make payments on your computer. If you’re browsing Kickstarter using Safari, you’ll be able to pledge to a project via the Apple Pay link that appears in the reward section. Once selected, you’ll need to authenticate your pledge using your iPhone.

      13. How do I set up Apple Pay?

        To use Apple Pay, please make sure you meet all of Apple’s requirements.

        iPhone users will need to be on an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, iPhone SE, or later, Apple Watch-compatible devices (iPhone 5 and later models), iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, iPad Mini 3, or later.

        For detailed instructions on how to install Apple Pay on your device, check here.

        To see if your bank or credit card supports Apple Pay, check here.

        To view which countries Apple Pay is supported in, check here.

        For Apple Pay on the Web, you’ll need to view the project page using the latest version ofSafari.

      14. When is my card charged?

        If the project you’re backing is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. If the project does not reach its funding goal, your card is never charged.

        If you’ve backed a project that’s still live and you’re seeing a charge on your bank statement, it’s likely a temporary authorization of funds. The time it takes for an authorization to clear depends on the bank, but typically takes 1–3 days. You won’t be charged for your pledge until the project you backed has ended successfully.

      15. Do I get notified if a project I’m backing succeeds?

        We’ll send you an email when funding ends, no matter the outcome.

      16. Is my pledge amount publicly displayed?

        No. The amount of your pledge and the reward selected are never publicly displayed — only the project’s creator will be able to see that information.

      17. If I make a pledge, what information does the project creator receive?

        Project creators will see your Kickstarter account name, your pledge amount, and the reward you’ve selected. If funding for the project succeeds, we’ll also provide the project creator with your email address, in case they need to contact you about your reward. See our Privacy Policyfor more details.

      18. Can I pledge to a single project more than once?

        On Kickstarter, it is only possible to pledge to each project once from a single account. Accordingly, backers can only choose one reward tier per pledge. However, you can change your pledge amount and reward selection for as long as a project is live.

      19. What if I want to pledge anonymously?

        We don’t currently have an anonymous pledge feature. But you’re free to choose any account name you like — so if you don’t want to be personally connected to your pledges, just choose a name that’s not identifiable (e.g., CatLuvr02).

      20. What do I do if I have questions about a project?

        Ask the creator! At the bottom of each project page there’s an “Ask a Question” button. This will send your question directly to the creator.

        If you are already a backer and you would like to make your question public, you can post a comment on the project. The creator will be notified by email when you do.

      21. Why am I getting an error message when I try to pledge?

        This is likely due to an issue with the card you’re using. Please check that there are no issues with your card details or your bank, or try a different payment method.

      22. How can I message the creator of a project?

        If you have questions or want to reach out to a creator, just click on the ‘Contact me’ button on the project page. For projects that are successfully funded, click the creator’s profile image to see this option.

      23. How do I know a project creator is who they claim they are?

        If you don’t have a connection to the creator, you may want to get a better idea about who they are. Read through the project description and watch the video to get a sense of the person or team behind the project

        In the creator bio section of each project, you can find additional resources like links to websites, relevant background information, and in some cases, a connected Facebook account. For projects that have launched since May 19, 2014, you’ll also find a verified name with a check mark next to it. This person is the creator of the project or a part of the company or team behind it, and they verified their identity through an automated process.

        If you have more questions, you can send the creator a message to ask them.

      24. What happens when a project is overfunded?

        When a project is overfunded backers sometimes wonder: what happens with all that “extra” money? If a creator has a funding goal of $5,000 and raises $25,000, what do they do with the $20,000 they didn’t ask for?

        What the creator does in that case varies greatly depending on the project.

        Most of the time what seems like “extra” money isn’t extra at all. Ten times the funding often means ten times the backers. More rewards have to be produced and distributed, and creators need that funding to do it (and sometimes some of their own money too).

        Sometimes when a project is overfunded it lets the creator put that money back into the project to create something better for the backers and themselves. More songs on an album, additional game elements, better materials, etc.

        In other cases, overfunding leads to better margins and the creator may even profit from the project. This often means that the creator can continue the project beyond Kickstarter — and backers are part of that story. In this series, a few creators share details on what changed when their projects were overfunded.

      25. Who is responsible for fulfilling the promises of a project?

        It is the responsibility of the project creator to fulfill the promises of their project. Kickstarter reviews projects to ensure they do not violate our rules, however Kickstarter does not investigate a creator’s ability to complete their project.

        Creators are encouraged to share links to any websites that show work related to the project, or past projects. It’s up to them to make the case for their project and their ability to complete it. Because projects are usually funded by the friends, fans, and communities around their creators, there are powerful social forces that keep creators accountable.

        The web is an excellent resource for learning about someone’s prior experience. If someone has no demonstrable history of doing something like their project, or is unwilling to share information, backers should consider that when weighing a pledge. If something sounds too good to be true, it very well may be. For more information about backing and launching projects on Kickstarter, please visit our Trust & Safety page.

      26. Can I pledge to projects internationally?

        Yes! Anyone can pledge to Kickstarter projects, from anywhere in the world. The only requirement is a major credit card.

      27. Is my pledge tax deductible?

        In general, no. However, some US projects started by or with a 501(c)(3) organization may offer tax deductions. If so, this will be touted on the project page. If you have questions about tax deductions, please contact the project creator directly via the “Contact me” button on the project page.

      28. Do projects have RSS feeds?

        Each project has an RSS feed of its updates. To subscribe to it, just copy and paste the project’s main URL into your RSS reader and add “/posts.atom” to the end of it.

        There’s also an overall RSS feed of recommended projects, which you can subscribe to here.

      29. What does the Remind Me button do?

        The Remind Me button lets you keep tabs on projects you’re interested in but maybe aren’t ready to back yet. When you star a project, you can reference it at any time in your starred projects. 48 hours before the project ends, you’ll get a reminder email giving you a chance to become a backer before the deadline. If you’ve already backed the project, you won’t receive a reminder email.

         

      30. What currency will my pledge be collected in?

        Your pledge will be collected in the project’s native currency, whether or not you see a conversion to your country’s currency on the project page.

        If you have questions about foreign currency transactions, we’d recommend reaching out to your financial institution for further clarification.

      31. I pledged to a project based in a different country and was charged an amount different from my initial pledge. What happened?

        Your final pledge amount may differ based on the exchange rate value at the time a successfully funded project ends. We use the service Open Exchange Rates to determine the final value.

        For example, when a US-based backer pledges for a €100 reward on a Euro-based project midway through a campaign, the approximate value given on the day that they pledge may ultimately differ from what they’ll be charged at the time when a project ends successfully, based on the Open Exchange Rate value.

      32. How can I get a Superbacker badge?

        Glad you’re interested! These badges are added to the profiles of backers that have supported more than 25 projects with pledges of at least $10 in the past year.

    1. Backer Questions: Managing your pledge

      1. Where can I keep track of my pledges?

        You can keep track of your pledges through your Backed Projects page.

        In the active pledges section, you’ll be able to see your current live pledges, the amounts you’ve decided to pledge, the rewards you’ve selected, and more important details. If you’d like to change a pledge amount or reward selection, just click on the project title next to the corresponding pledge and select edit next to your pledge amount.

        The collected pledges section lists all pledges for which you’ve already been charged. If you selected rewards, you can sort this list by estimated delivery date — and you can even select “Got it!” once rewards arrive.

        The uncollected pledges section documents all of your pledges that won’t be charged, in addition to any pledges that were refunded. This includes projects that were not successfully funded, or pledges that you decided to cancel.

      2. How can I change my payment method before funding ends?

        Visit the project page and click the blue “Manage” button. On the next page, click “Update Payment Method.”

      3. How can I change my reward selection?

        Visit the project page and click the blue “Manage” button that appears next to your pledge amount.

        On the next page, select “Update your pledge,” and then change your selection. Just a reminder that it’s only possible to select one reward tier.

      4. How can I change my pledge amount?

        Visit the project page and click the blue “Manage” button that appears next to your pledge amount. Select “Update your pledge” on the following page. Then choose the new reward tier you’d like to pledge for and your pledge amount will update automatically. If you don’t want to receive a reward, select “No thanks, I just want to help the project.” and enter your new pledge amount.

        Note that you are not adding to your existing pledge; the amount you enter will be the total amount collected if the project is successfully funded.

      5. Can I cancel a pledge?

        To cancel a pledge for a live project, visit the project page and click the blue “Manage” button that appears next to your pledge amount. From there you can click “Cancel Pledge” to the left of the blue “Change your pledge” button.

      6. Will I receive a receipt for my pledge?

        Once your pledge to a project has been collected, we’ll send you an email that includes the details of your pledge and your reward selection. You can also find these details listed in your profile, on your Backed Projects page.

        For a more formal invoice, contact the creator directly.

    2. Backer Questions: Getting rewards

      1. How will project creators get my info to deliver rewards?

        Project creators will send an email survey to request any information they need to deliver you and your fellow backers’ rewards. Survey questions may include shipping address, size, color, or other project-specific preferences.

        Surveys are sent by the creator only after a project has been successfully funded, and the funding period is over. Some creators send surveys right away; others wait until they’re ready to deliver rewards. If you think you might have missed a survey email, please log in to your Kickstarter account to check — you’ll see a yellow notification bar at the top of the site for any missed surveys. Once you complete a survey, you’ll receive an email confirmation that includes a copy of your responses.

      2. How can I view or change my survey responses?

        If you’ve already submitted your backer survey, you can review your response by visiting the project page and clicking the ‘View Pledge’ button next to the project image.

        Once clicked, if the creator of this project has enabled address changes, you’ll notice an option at the top of this modal (under the Survey tab) that will allow you to edit your shipping information. If the creator has not enabled address changes, or you’d like to modify your responses to any other questions on this survey, reach out to the project creator directly to request your changes.

      3. How do I know when rewards for a project will be delivered?

        Projects have an Estimated Delivery Date under each reward on the project page. This date (month and year) is entered by project creators as their best guess for delivery to backers.

        Estimated delivery dates are not firm ship dates. When projects launch on Kickstarter they’re often in the early stages of development and the project itself must first be completed before rewards can be fulfilled.

        Older projects may not have this information. Check the project’s updates or comments to see if the creator has indicated when they plan to deliver rewards. If a creator is communicative about delivery taking longer than expected, we ask that you take that transparency into account. If a creator is not communicating and you want to know what’s going on, contact the creator by posting a public comment or sending them a private message.

      4. I haven’t gotten my reward yet. What do I do?

        The first step is checking the Estimated Delivery Date on the project page. Backing a project is a lot different than simply ordering a product online, and sometimes projects are in very early stages when they are funded.

        If the Estimated Delivery Date has passed, check for project updates that may explain what happened. Sometimes creators hit unexpected roadblocks, or simply underestimate how much work it takes to complete a project. Creators are expected to communicate these setbacks should they happen.

        If the creator hasn’t posted an update, send them a direct message to request more information about their progress, or post a public comment on their project asking for a status update.

    3. Backer Questions: Profile settings

      1. What’s my profile page, and what appears on it?

        When you create a Kickstarter account, a basic profile page is created for you. It displays your chosen account name, the date the account was created, and a list of projects you have backed or launched. To that, you can add as much or as little information as you want — like a picture, a bio, or a link to your website.

        This page isn’t searchable on Kickstarter, and it’s de-indexed, so it can’t be found via search engines like Google. But whenever your account name appears on the site (for instance, when you post comments, send messages, or back projects), people can click that account name to see your profile. Make sure anything you add follows our Community Guidelines, and don’t share personal information you’re uncomfortable with others seeing.

        Just for fun, each profile also includes a colorful little “pie” that shows which categories you’ve backed projects in. Hmm, what happens if you fill in every category?

      2. How can I change the email address associated with my account?

        Make sure you’re logged in to Kickstarter and go to your account page to make changes.

      3. How can I change my profile name?

        Make sure you’re logged in to Kickstarter and go to your profile page to edit it.

      4. How can I log in using my Facebook account?

        You can sign in with Facebook using the Facebook login button on the login page.

      5. What is a vanity URL?

        A vanity URL is like a personalized URL. You can set a special URL for your Kickstarter profile so that instead of being recognized by a series of numbers (e.g.,http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1234567890), it can be recognized with a name or a word of your choosing (e.g., http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/yourname). If you’d like to create one, you can do so on your profile page.

      6. What is Facebook Connect?

        Facebook Connect is a way for you to link your Facebook account to Kickstarter so you don’t need to create a new account. It’s the same as logging in through Facebook. Kickstarter uses the email you use for Facebook, and you don’t have to remember a new password. It’s easy!

        If you’re a creator and you’ve turned on Facebook Connect, your Facebook username and friend count will be displayed in your Kickstarter bio (at the bottom-right corner of your project page). This helps backers learn more about the people behind the projects they support, and builds trust between the backer and creator.

        If having your Facebook profile a click away makes you uncomfortable, you can either adjust your privacy settings on your Facebook profile or disconnect from Facebook through the “About You” section of your Edit Project page or on your account page.

      7. How do I unsubscribe from or adjust which emails I receive?

        If you’re currently receiving Kickstarter emails, and you’d like to opt out, visit your notifications page to adjust your settings. Make sure you’re logged in to Kickstarter when you do so. From the notifications page you’ll be able to unsubscribe to specific project updates or from the Kickstarter newsletter.

        Alternatively, if you’re unsubscribing from the newsletter, you can just click the Unsubscribe button in the footer of the message.

      8. How can I keep my account secure?

        Setting a unique password helps to ensure the security of your account. Tools like 1Password and LastPass are great for generating unique passwords and keeping track of them.

        Enabling two-factor authentication is an additional step you can take to further ensure that only you can access your account. With this feature enabled, you’ll get verification codes via text message, phone call, or an authentication app whenever you try to access your account from an unfamiliar device. You’ll be prompted to enter that code before you can access your account.

      9. How can I enable two-factor authentication?

        You can enable two-factor authentication on your account by visiting your account settings page.

        Select “set up two-factor authentication” under the “Security” heading, and follow the indicated steps to set up your phone to receive or generate verification codes.

        With two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll get verification codes via text message, phone call, or an authentication app whenever you try to access your account from an unfamiliar device. You’ll be prompted to enter that code before you can access your account.

      10. What are Curated Pages?

        Curated Pages are open to cultural organizations and institutions in creative fields: museums, film societies, record labels, publishers, creative trade organizations, educational institutions, and more. Featured projects can be directly associated with an organization or simply align with its mission. As long as the project is on Kickstarter, it can be featured on a Curated Page.

        If you’re an organization looking to start a Curated Page, please know that they are extended by invitation, with an editorial focus in mind. We typically work with cultural organizations, arts groups, and educational institutions.

      11. How can I view my account’s login history?

        You can view your login history at the bottom of your account settings page. This feature will provide information about your account’s logins and changes.

      12. How do I delete my account?

        Your account can be deleted from your account page. Warning: this is not reversible!

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    4. Backer Questions: Troubleshooting

      1. I forgot my password, how do I log in?

        Click the ‘Forgot?’ link on the login page to request a password reset. Just input the email address associated with your account and we’ll send you an email with a link to reset your password.

      2. A project I’m backing just succeeded and my pledge was declined. What do I do?

        If your pledge was declined, just log in to Kickstarter and click the “Fix payment” button in the banner at the top of your screen. This will guide you through the process of changing your payment method. We’ll also send you an email every 48 hours with a direct link to correct the issue. But don’t delay: backers have 7 days to resolve payment issues before they’re dropped from the project. We’ll also automatically retry your pledge at the end of this timeframe.

        Here are things to look into:

        1. Check that you’ve entered valid card or account numbers and the correct expiration date. Make sure the card hasn’t expired.

        2. Confirm that your billing postal code is correct.

        3. Make sure you haven’t exceeded the credit limit on your payment method.

        If everything checks out, it’s possible your bank put a hold on the charge. Please contact your bank to authorize the pledge. Once you’ve cleared up any issues with your bank or card, you’ll still need to follow the “Fix Payment” link to retry your pledge.

      3. Why is my pledge being authorized?

        When you pledge, our payments provider may temporarily authorize your card— this is just to make sure that your card works and can be successfully charged when the time comes. Occasionally, multiple preauthorizations may occur per pledge. (Since funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing, you’ll only be charged if the project is successfully funded.)

        Please note that when using pledging using American Express from Apple Pay, your pledge will be authorized for the full amount.

      4. How come my Facebook account is showing up as somebody else?

        If you are using a computer that is logged in to someone else’s Facebook, connecting your Kickstarter account to Facebook will create a link to that other person’s account. Make sure that whichever computer you’re working on is either logged out of Facebook or already logged in as yourself.