Kickstarter Movies Kick Up a Storm of Controversy
There have been some high profile movie projects on Kickstarter lately that have managed to kick up some controversy in the blogosphere. It’s that delightful kind of controversy, replete with fan backlashes and everything! It’s been fun to follow, but I thought I’d toss my two cents out there.
Peek below the fold for more.
Scattershot
I just read them for the story. No, really!
We’ve all heard it. From people on the internet, to that loner in the comic book store… They don’t devour each monthly issue for the beautiful art, the luscious women, or the no holds barred action. They read them for the story.
That’s right – I’m talking about comic books. What were you thinking of? The other morning I was reading an excellent post over at the Delver on recent developments in Marvel, and it got me thinking. Particularly about the hit and miss nature of comic books.
Monday Miniatures: Amateur Hour
Last week I complained about how crowded the field of professional Kickstarters is getting. This week I am (mostly) pleased to say there isn’t much to call professional.
Wait, that came out wrong.
Every miniature related project I saw this week, and there are four of them, are all done by passionate amateurs (talented and otherwise.) Even though some of these projects are a little rough around the edges, it’s nice to see honest-to-god sculpts and molds in a sea of professionally pitched, digitally rendered projects that have been flooding the market.
Meta-Crowdfunding
I admit it. I find the people that crowdfund projects, and the reason they do it just as interesting as the project they are trying to get funded in many cases. I have given money to creators just because I would like to see them succeed, and passed on projects whose swag I would enjoy just because I don’t want to give them my money.
I especially enjoy ranting about the later group, and I’m always on the lookout for people that treat Kickstarter like it is a business.
That’s not quite right. I want every creator I pledge to treat his project in a dedicated and responsible way (not unlike a business plan,) I just don’t like people that are just here for the money. Over the last few months this behavior has certainly been on the rise (how many passionate minimalist wallet and knock off bicycle card creators can their be afterall?)
Lately though I have seen a new twist on this theme.
Kickstarter: Big Money Edition
In the past we have discussed that Kickstarter is, both in terms of individual projects and the site as a whole, not only netting more money, but doing it faster and faster than ever. Records are being broken in various categories on a regular basis. Six figure payouts are no longer uncommon.
Recently there were a couple ultra high grossing projects that made popular media in circles that Kickstarter projects usually don’t travel in. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about (but if you don’t keep reading.)
Monday Miniatures: Bare Cupboard Edition
The last few weeks have been a buffet for the lovers of all things miniature. For the last several weeks a huge variety of new projects have been appearing on the scene, eager for your attention. This constant variety is a stark contrast to the meager offerings available today. I hope you got your fill with some of the high profile projects that just ended, like Drake, because it looks like we are in for a dry spell.
Disney Strikes Again?
On Wednesday, Margaret Weiss Productions announced that they are ceasing production on their recently released Marvel Heroic Roleplaying Game. It’s an unfortunate turn for the little company that has been doing big things with some offbeat licenses. It may also be an indication of how Disney plans to manage their licenses in the future, which may have some far reaching implications for players in the gaming industry. Lets give it some consideration below the fold.
Defiance
It looks like 2013 is going to be a good year for original sci-fi. With films like Oblivion, Elysium, and Pacific Rim on the horizon, we’re in for a treat (and I’m not even counting the franchise films like Iron Man 3 and Star Trek…). I love going to the movies, and I think the theater going experience is best for those high budget, high concept kind of flicks, and I’m super psyched to see everything that’s coming down the pike. That said, I’ve always had a soft spot for sci-fi on TV, and there has been quite a drought since BSG’s… “conclusion.” Consequently, I’ve been eagerly anticipating SyFy’s new series, “Defiance.” Peek below the fold for some spoiler-free impressions.
Monday Miniatures: Triple Seven
This week we hit the jackpot, with lucky numbers all around. Seven, count ’em, seven Kickstarters were launched this week that prominently feature miniatures. Additionally someone has decided to keep Clint and Jessica company in their diligent weekly painting.
Want to know more? Read on my friends, read on.
A Kickstarter Comeback Story, Or Something Else Entirely?
Another Kickstarter-based controversy has come to light, thanks to some observant forumites over at rpg.net’s TRO board. This time, it has nothing to do with Kickstarter itself.
This time, it’s all about the person at the helm. Peek below the fold for the skinny.
Caffeineforge 