So the Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse sequel was successfully funded through Kickstarter and in addition to thanking everyone involved, I wanted to pause for a moment to reflect on Kickstarter.
First, I want to say that I don' plan to make Kickstarter the routine way I decide to write a novel or not. I still believe in sitting down, writing your novel and taking your chances with it on the open market. But since this was a sequel ... well ... my gut feeling was that it was a bit different of a situation which I've already explained on my Kickstarter page and in previous posts. To boil it down, I wanted to go into this novel with confidence that there really were at the very least a handful of people that wanted this book. Now I know. Thanks.
But a novel isn't like a film project or a comic book project where you might need to hire artists or rent equipment, etc. It's just a dude sitting in front of his computer and typing, right? And while the response to my Kickstarter project was overwhelmingly positive and supportive (I made my modest goal in 3 days) there were a few naysayers who thought it was "wrong" to use Kickstarter to fund a novel, one dude on twitter going as far as to call it "tacky." Maybe. But when you get down to brass tacks, the fact is nobody is forced to participate. When you pledge your money to a Kickstarter campaign you're saying "I want this" and if you don't want it ... well, you don't pledge. Isn't it really that simple?
But like I said, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I will be attacking the novel with gusto. GUSTO! Going into a creative project with enthusiasm beats the hell out of going into it wondering if anyone really gives a steamy poop about what you're doing.
If you have Kickstarter thoughts or links to Kickstarter projects you think we need to pay attention to then by all means let's fill up the comment section.
17 comments:
The tweeter can suck an egg. This was a great idea and I'm excited that it worked out! Keep blazing new trails my friend!
Congrats on the successful campaign!
Author S.P. Miskowski, that I worked with on one of her other books, has started a kickstarter so that she can pay me to do cover art for her next three books in the series. I think it's an interesting use of Kickstarter, not just because I benefit from it, but it's a way I think other authors and publishers can use to get the cover artist they want.
Here's the link, and I'd be happy if you all checked it out. Thanks! Russ
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/katejonez/book-covers-for-sp-miskowskis-creepy-novellas
We were going to use Kixkstarter but they had stipulations that prevented us from using them. So we used Insiegogo. http://igg.me/p/190059
F&B,
I'm curious. What were the stipulations?
I've donated to kickstarter projects and funded one myself. Interesting times.
Also, at the risk of pissing off the internet, I will stand up and say that I think creative people should be paid for their work. Gisch and myself included. Why is renting a piece of equipment considered a legit expense but getting paid for doing the heavy lifting of actually creating something for your entertainment is seen as "tacky?"
I support writers that I like to read. You should to. Because if you don't, then we can't afford to write anymore.
I agree that a creative artist should be able to "be creative" in how they go about doing what they do. I recently began a Kickstarter campaign (since cancelled - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/drp/valence-of-infinity-book-one-the-blood-of-others), wherein my main purpose was the funding of the printing of a limited edition hardcover. Well, that did not go well. Not sure why. I backed Gisch's project, was happy to do so, because the product itself intrigued me. Hopefully my next Kickstarter project (a multimedia/multi-author project) will do better. Good on Gisch for achieving his goals!
I can't help but be amused that KICKSTARTER is supposedly the tackiest thing about a sequel to a novel entitled Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse.
I rather like Kickstarter, even though it's not something I would use myself (too lazy, no real established fanbase). It allows me to support authors I like - where's the harm in that? It's democratic patronage. And for authors for whom writing is their chief source of income, it's vital.
Fuck the naysayers (not literally - I'd imagine they're not terribly attractive) and carry on, VG (and CF). Nobody ever achieved anything by saying no (except 2 Unlimited).
Hey guys,
I hope I didn't put too much emphasis on "naysayers" in my post. I'm talking a really really REALLY low percentage of people. (Like maybe 1 dude.)
I see Kickstarter as an extension of patron of the arts. But instead of one backer, you have many. That can't be bad for any creative person.
The stipulations were here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/help/guidelines
3. Prohibited uses:
- Bath and beauty products
So we went with Indiegogo where that was not a problem. So far we haven't had too many donations but we are still hopeful. :)
Regarding the Twitter comment, haters gonna hate. If you saw some of the comments I get on Deviant Art... lol.
How much sugar and cream did you put in this? It is coffee not cake batter"
Brilliant...
Crabby "Just read war machines" MC
Brass tacks are tacky.
I accidently came across Go Go Girls of the Apocalypse while browsing for audio Book/CS’s at the Appleton, WI public library for my daily 45 minute drive to work. I figured your book would last me 3 weeks of communing or so. I found myself staying in my car, driving during lunch just to get more of the story. After only a few trips I blocked out my day off to finish it. I was entertained and just can’t get enough of the post apocalyptic genre.
I can’t wait for part two, really I can’t wait till the Appleton public library gets part 2 on CD. The story was so unique that it did not allow my mind to wander to consider other practicalities like obtaining a old steam engine on display in a park or collector until I was done. A good story always makes a person think of alternate possibilities afterwards.
I appreciate your great talent and want to encourage you to keep working for the selfish purpose of entertain me. Thanks
Brian Neville
Appleton, WI
That was a nice message.
Brian,
I really appreciate the kidn words. Glad you liked it. (But don't wreck while you're driving!)
VG
Had I known about your Kickstarter sooner I'd have kicked you a few bucks. Shame no one took you up on the Cannibal BBQ. You ever find yourself in the Portland Oregon area drop me a line. I'll provide the beers (Dart Creek Brewing, my own) and I'll even provide the ribs.
Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse is in my top 10 PA books. Trust me I've read a lot too.
http://www.exitofhumanity.com/2008/11/go-go-girls-of-apocalypse.html
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