backers - ways to help projects succeed

[TashaTurner]

wonder how you can help projects? Some of them don't even require you back. Some include backing at $1.

Just like I have a thread for creators I thought I'd start one for us backers.

Mark/co-founder talks about how far a $1 goes http://backerclub.co/forum/viewtopic.ph ... =244#p1042 and things backers who pledge a dollar add.

Here are a few things I do or know others do:

1. Make a comment and when possible try to engage others in the comments - active/lots of comments are good for Kickstarter algorithms

2. Share the project - you can do this even if you don't back.

3. Contact creators if you have suggestions for different rewards, changes in how they are presenting themselves (wording, pictures, stretch goals, another campaign they might want to look at for ideas/connect with) - you can do this on their project page here on BC even if you don't back.

4. Like updates & comment on them either on the update or in the main comment page - I've had a number of creators mention this helps them keep positive and update frequently

5. Pledge low early on & increase if you can - it hurts creators feelings if you have to back down

6. Pledge on day one that campaign is added to BC/goes live - this lets BackerClub as a whole have a bigger impact on a campaign as we can make it popular if 10%+ pledged $1+ on the day it's featured/becomes a BC project/goes live if it was a project we previewed - if your not sure how much you want to back but think you might or have $1 to spare this is when to use it to best affect - obviously if you can't afford it don't go bankrupt doing this or missing out on important projects you want to back. If you didn't do it day one don't let that stop you from pledging later.

7. Offer to help out if it looks like the creator could use an extra hand

8. If enough commenters create a fan group taking some of the stress off the creator - answer questions in the comments - contact the creator to alert them if there is an issue - contact them if someone in the comments has a really good idea - help smooth ruffled feathers, create an atmosphere of excitement

I'm sure there are tons of things I'm forgetting/never thought of. What do you do to help projects succeed?

[numbat1]

I agree with much of this Tasha. Thank you for starting this thread.

I now have enough confidence to answer some backer questions in comments, things like how do I increase my pledge. Or when the information has been clearly stated I may answer a project specific question though I will clarify that I am not the creator.

I usually try to keep public comments positive and if I think there is a need for something close to negative feedback I will send that privately.

I will also notify by private message a creator who has backer unrest or questions going unanswered, particularly for a new creator as they may be overwhelmed and not checking in enough and may not be aware that they are not notified of comments automatically. They are however notified of messages so giving a gentle prod can help.

[LouPhi]

For MicroJib (to be received in a few days), I actually shared on twitter, FB and directly to friends in the outdoor/adventure community + asked to be featured in adventure blogs. Spend perhaps 3 hours for the project. I got just passed the funding. And the creator and I are now close in a way that if I email him he writes back in less than a week