i go to seek a Great Perhaps

From their website…”Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.”

First, let me say I don’t have a problem with what Kickstarter is attempting to accomplish. I can appreciate their vision. I have even supported my friend’s band when they posted one earlier this year. However, as I see more and more Kickstarter’s popping up, it makes me wonder about where our generations work ethic is heading. Before technology and the internet people had to work hard, make an effort, and if they didn’t have the money they had to go to the bank for a loan.

But now, thousands of people can post a Kickstarter for people to fund their careers ranging from making an album to paying someone’s bills so they can stay home for a year to write. I am shocked to see legitimate companies asking people to donate to a new project they want to do when they could financially fund it themselves. 

In defense of bands who post Kickstarters, they do offer rewards for people who contribute. For example, $10 gets you a copy of the album. Essentially, people are paying for the album in advance. I don’t take issue with that, because in almost all cases, band is still out there working, often by going on tour. I know a lot of other Kickstarters also offer rewards, but instead of offering rewards, just sell those items instead to get money. I have issues with people who don’t want to work, but want people to fund their “project” which means paying their bills so they don’t have to worry about money and can focus on something else. I have a problem with companies armed with investors, a large profit and an ability to get a bank loan posting projects for people to fund. 

I have a full-time job. I work over 40 hours a week, often do work-related things on the weekend, and I bust my ass every single day. No one is paying my student loans so I can focus more on my career. No one is paying my rent so I can hang out at home and work on something I’m interested in. The lack of work ethic I’ve noticed in recent years scares me. I know the economy isn’t helping, but there are still millions of people out there still trying to get work. I have more friends who have graduated college that can’t find jobs than those who are employed. There are so many people out there that want to work and can’t find it. I guess the heart of my issue with Kickstarter is not the website or the idea as whole, but some of the people who use this type of new avenue to avoid having a real job. In a country with a 9.1% unemployment rate, why are we funding projects for people who don’t want to hold down a job in order to pursue what they’re passionate about?