Trying kickstarter.com to Support Creative Projects to Become Market-Ready

In this week, I have to try an alternative currency or exchange system for myself I have never used before. Not an easy mission, because I already use most of the “typical” ways to pay in the internet, for example credit card and Pay Pal. I paid in different currencies – like dollar, pounds and kroner - in addition to my local currency euro as well.

First try

As I wrote in my LEARN post, I was very excited about reading about the many local currencies here in Germany. Of course, for the ACT mission I immediately search for such currencies around the city I am living now. And, it was hard to believe, in my birth city Hildesheim, I found an alternative local currency, the “Braktus”. Unfortunately, I had to read that this currency is not circulating yet. Actually, I had to wonder about the opposite. Too bad :(

Green points are showing active local currencies, yellow ones are not active yet.

Second try

So, I perused the mission again and came upon the kickstarter website. A platform where private innovators present their creative inventions and ideas they want to produce and bring it to market place. Interested visitors can inform themselves about these products and do pledged donations to back and fund the projects. Depending on the donated amount, you get a reward. Examples are that you are quoted in the credits or you get an exclusive copy or sample of the donated product.

The special of this platform is the following: The innovators set a target minimum and a deadline. Only if the project is funded in the set time, you have to pay your pledged amount.

I browsed the page and found an interesting idea to lock a bike. John Loughlin designed a cool looking and secure titanium lock. Because I am an enthusiastic mountain biker, I pledged an amount of $6 (Remember, I am only a poor student). If this project will be funded till June 03, I will get a bunch of custom designed stickers, recognition on the website and a very sincere thank you.

Now I am an offical baker!

Now I am waiting eagerly, if it works. It is the first time I am using such a platform. At least, this platform is a good way to start creative projects by using an assurance contract or provision point mechanism.

Perhaps in near future I will start my own creative project there. It would be fantastic :)