Reply To: Darkest Dungeon: The Board Game – Shipping surcharge

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@jamescutts It is an interesting subject I have been thinking about and not one that is directed at OnTabletop but applies more to social media of all forms and the relationship they have with kickstarters and what the responsiblity is. If a company sends you a product to review the advice is as long as you are honest with that relationship and you point that out fair enough.

It becomes slightly more complex when it comes to be paid for adverts. This I dont know what releationship a given youtuber had with any kickstarter company. If they are paid to promote the product again clear guidelines exist that you have to be clear that is the case.

I think if you start to view this as an investment it is a different ball game. Because we have strict laws in most countries about investments. It becomes a Fiscal issue in most cases and hence why Kickstart is very clear on this as well

Investment is not permitted on Kickstarter. Projects can’t offer incentives like equity, revenue sharing, or investment opportunities.

Kickstarter is also very clear on Donations and charity again because of the legal requirements for charity status it is not premitted.

Kickstart clearly state the following :-

Everything on Kickstarter must be a project with a clear goal, like making an album, a book, or a work of art. A project will eventually be completed, and something will be produced by it.

So kickstarter is more like a tradecheck trying to match up customers with companies offering goods or services and the contract is between those parties. Kickstarter itself is just a middle man.

The key is the contract you sign with any 3rd party. If they are offering a product in return for payment that is as I understand a pre-order process. This is slightly the problem that you have different types of kickstarters with different models the vast marjority are contracts for products or services at defined prices.

I think perhaps where it gets interesting for social media youtubers is more of a moral issue or perhaps reputation issue is a better way to put. If you provide content and putting your name against that kickstarter that is an assoication and if that kickstarter fails or the company has problems then the risk is you damage that trust between you viewers and your customers through that link. Which is why it is important for people in that position to be honest.

I think the issue is then often those parties are in the dark to a large degree what they are told by the kickstarter companies. If you told they only need 200,000 in funding even if you think that is complete rubbish it is difficult to question it and even if you do they are going to stick to the company line.

I think kickstarters and will live and die by reputation we have seen some high profile companys affected by that already and have paid a price with some projects.

I would like to see more due diligence with kickstarters more of the plan and fiscal details are given. Companies need to focus more on the delivery plan rather than on vast amounts add on’s. Social media and companies promoting kickstarters need to be clear about the relationship they have with the company. Not suggesting that does not happen already but often the relationship is complex and changes and it is difficult for a consumer to make an informed choice.