Backing rewards

Over the last few years I've had a lot of fun - and received some sweet rewards - backing projects on Kickstarter, Pozible, and Pledgeme.

Dylan playing with the Nesting Twitter Founders dolls from Kickstarter.com

Dylan playing with the Nesting Twitter Founders dolls from Kickstarter.com

My current state of backing includes a children's book on programming, a video series about an intelligent caveman dealing with the superstitions of his primitive society, and helping a Melbournian artist fly to Finland to participate in an art residency - and all from the comfort of my couch.

It seems my favourite kind of project to fund is the “cool gadget” variety. I’ve backed the Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner, The Choosatron (interactive fiction arcade machine), meMini (wearable camera). While we’re still waiting for the Choosatron and meMini to ship, the Smartphone Film Scanner arrived and works brilliantly.

These organised crowding funding schemes are an easy way to feel good about myself while getting some cool loot for the effort.

My absolute highlight in the world of supporting makers has been backing the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra’s PledgeMe fund to get them to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I backed them as big as I could and my reward was a video that just blew my tiny mind. As if that wasn’t enough, when I went to see them play here in Auckland before Christmas, they remembered me and were all hugs and handshakes (introducing me as "The" Michelle) after the show which made me feel so special.