It makes sense to use the kickstarter money for the development of the app and not to cover the costs of the kickstarter rewards. I personally think kickstarters should offer the least amount of physical rewards as possible and instead offer digital things they don’t have to worry about sourcing/shipping so the money can go to the development of the software/game/animation etc.
Comment on Drivers Co-op is doing a kickstarter to expand their Uber alternative thats owned by the drivers.
themeatbridge@lemmy.world 11 months ago
That’s not really a kickstarter so much as a gofundme for a business. $50 for a stress ball? $500 for a ride in NYC? Kickstarter rewards ought to be close to the value that you’re giving, because it’s analogous to an investment. Kickstarter is not a charity fundraiser.
Why not give credits as a reward? You’re raising capital for a business, so theoretically you should be profitable enough to pay back investors. And if not, there are no rides because there are no drivers.
nix@merv.news 11 months ago
themeatbridge@lemmy.world 11 months ago
Of course the money is used to invest in the startup. That’s what startup money is always used for. But typical startup capital comes from investors who expect to receive a share of the profits. Kickstarter gives startups the chance to reward “investors” in other ways, like funding an initial production run or providing rewards of similar value that don’t cost the company as much to produce. For example, an author might write an investor into the book, or a theater production might provide a VIP experience with the cast.
Kickstarter is not a charity. They’re asking for donations. There isn’t even a digital reward, because presumably the app will be free. It’s more akin to PBS giving away tote bags to subscribers, but even those subscribers get a discount card supported by local businesses.
The fact that they don’t understand the difference creates significant doubts regarding the competrnce and feasibility of the endeavor. I think a FOSS ride sharing app is an excellent idea, but I will not hold my breath for this one.
rynzcycle@kbin.social 11 months ago
Honestly today, this was competitive pricing against Lyft...
fidodo@lemm.ee 11 months ago
Isn’t new York flooded right now?
rynzcycle@kbin.social 11 months ago
Not any more, but yeah, most of the trains were suspended. I paid about $80 to get home to Brooklyn.
NightAuthor@lemmy.world 11 months ago
I saw a video that was showing that it was flooded… in spots… despite media coverage that gave the impression the whole island was underwater. And that mostly cleared up last night it seems.
otter@lemmy.ca 11 months ago
Might be why it’s hard to get a ride
Need an amphibious vehicle to get there
StarManta@lemmy.world 11 months ago
And if I could get a ride in this service today that might be relevant
themeatbridge@lemmy.world 11 months ago
Thanks for the correction.