Greetings LTers! With the recent legal precedent having been set for crowdfunding, you all can probably imagine I'm a bit on edge. Despite the fact that I feel (after a KS update) I'm in no legal red zone (considering the project is still my full-time job), I'm still on edge and I don't like it. A thought passed through my mind last night and I'd like to get some feedback on it.
Right now I can't offer refunds across the board to those who are unsatisfied, because, depending on how many accepted, that could potentially put the LT bank account in a situation where we can't deliver rewards (which is all that's left to do at this moment, since all contracts are fully-paid to our wonderful musician and sound designers). Full disclosure: I already offered a full refund to Elder Council members a long time ago when I recognized that I wasn't going to be able to provide them the special treatment they were promised. That's why you don't see them around much (except Victor, who's just an absolute staple of the LT community at this point shoutout! ). Unfortunately, I can't do that for everyone. Unless I have some other revenue stream.
My idea is this: if I open the door to pre-orders, I believe that would nullify or at least substantially cut any losses from offering full refunds to any backer who wants to pull out. That's still a risk, but it's a much more moderate risk, and one that I'd be willing to take. My stance since the beginning on accepting funding after the campaign has been very clear: NO. However, I realize I'm in a situation now that's rather orthogonal from the one I had intended to prevent (i.e., needless money-grubbing).
Another factor to consider is this: does offering refunds imply that the project is in bad shape? Since that's not the case, I wouldn't want the fanbase getting panicky because they see others pulling out.
It's all a tough question and decision (and frankly, it's predicated on me being able to set up a pre-order system, so I'm not 100% positive that it's a viable idea in the first place). But I'd like (for once!) to listen to the community's thoughts on this. If you feel strongly one way or another, please vote. If you've got a more elaborate view on it, please share and discuss so I can get some counsel from the ones who funded me in the first place!
Thanks!
Post
Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:31 am
#1
Backer Refunds & Pre-Orders -- Your Thoughts?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ~ Henry Ford