The type of crowdfunding, to which I refer, is a way of acquiring money through donations, philanthropy, and sponsorship, where there is no expected financial return. (Crowdfunding, 2014, para. 1)
I agree with Holly Baxter, “Crowdfunding is excellent when it’s done well. It allows creative individuals with little more than a penny to their name to get their work into the public domain….” (Why Celebrity, para. 6) The initial purpose of crowdfunding was to help struggling entrepreneurs bring their vision to fruition. Those using it for their own personal funding have lost their way.
It is when those with “no pennies” choose such a lifestyle and expect others to pay their way; such a choice concerns me. If a campaign benefits my community or makes the world a better place, I will support the project. However, with the exploitation of crowdfunding on the rise, I choose not to donate to projects so people can live freely off my donation.
Remember, when it comes to crowdfunding, nobody is forcing you to hand over a penny, but when you do, think about whom it benefits. Let us use crowdfunding wisely. Vote with your wallets, but also think with your brains.
References:
Baxter, Holly.
(2014) “Why Celebrity Crowdfunding has Little Appeal,” The Guardian. Retrieved from
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/19/dev-hynes-puppy-burnt-kickstarters-charity-cases-blood-orange
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/19/dev-hynes-puppy-burnt-kickstarters-charity-cases-blood-orange
“Crowdfunding” (2014). www.crowdsourcing.org. Retrieved from http://www.crowdsourcing.org/community/funding/7
