The Harsh Reality of Crowdfunding Time to Market

The first time I backed a Crowdfunded project was in 2011. It was a documentary about MMA legend Jens Pulver and from that moment on I was hooked. It always bothered me that the only technology I could buy was whatever large companies decided was what would sell; dumbing down to sell to the general market doesn’t always generate the best products. It’s similar when it comes to movies and creative endeavours, though those artists have had a someone easier path of direct support since the dawn of the Internet age and electronic payments.

Since that first project, I’ve backed 20 more products on Kickstarter, and another 27 on Indiegogo; 48 total campaigns, mostly in the technology or entertainment realm. While only one has truly flamed out into oblivion – a D&D documentary project that got sued by, I think, another D&D documentary project – many are in the vague “we’re building it” phase. Continue reading The Harsh Reality of Crowdfunding Time to Market

HTC IMEI Stickers: Oh For the Love Of…

I was watching an episode of Under The Dome a couple of months ago, and I saw something that made me groan:

the-dome-HTC-IMEI-tag

See what it was? That big, ugly white sticker on the back of the HTC 8X. It’s a sticker designed to be removed by the customer – it has the IMEI number on it so customers can reference it if they need to call in for support. The 8X is a beautifully designed product – it’s has gorgeous soft-touch plastic that looks great (but sadly doesn’t wear well long-term) and HTC made it in bold, powerful colours. Beauty ruined by a sticker. Continue reading HTC IMEI Stickers: Oh For the Love Of…

I'm fascinated that this flash-in-the-pan mobile game was licensed for a physical toy. My son had fun with this birthday present from a friend.

I'm fascinated that this flash-in-the-pan mobile game was licensed for a physical toy. My son had fun with this birthday present from a friend.
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My new office environment eschews permanent cubicles, so we have lockers – feels like I'm back in #highschool. Different kinds of trauma now. ;-)

My new office environment eschews permanent cubicles, so we have lockers - feels like I'm back in #highschool. Different kinds of trauma now. ;-)
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Finally finished #SonsOfAnarchy. What a great but completely insane show…

Finally finished #SonsOfAnarchy. What a great but completely insane show...
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Not typically the kind of wisdom shared on a bathroom stall wall, but very true. I'm amazed at how few people daytime drive with their headlights on here in the Seattle area, especially when so many days are grey and overcast.

Not typically the kind of wisdom shared on a bathroom stall wall, but very true. I'm amazed at how few people daytime drive with their headlights on here in the Seattle area, especially when so many days are grey and overcast.
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Amazon’s Pricing Trickery

I’m a huge fan of Amazon.com and shop from them frequently – 177 orders in 2014 to be precise – and generally like most things the company does. However, when it comes to Amazon discount during limited sales, they aren’t entirely…forthright.

Today is Prime Day, and Amazon has some great deals – but before you click BUY because you can’t believe how deep the discount is, be sure to look at the regular sale price. Regular sale price? That’s right – Amazon sells virtually nothing at “regular” price. There’s always a discount, and when Amazon is showing you the discount – it will be off the original price, not the sale price.

For example, the backpack in the screenshot has a full price of $119.99 – but Amazon didn’t sell it for that price yesterday. The regular “sale price” is $76.85. So is this a 50% off deal at $59.99? No, it’s 22% off the sale price it was yesterday. When you’re deciding if a deal is just too good to pass up, look at the real discount, not the number Amazon is putting in front of you.

I have to hand it to @Dell: they worked hard to create this Latitude laptop that required complete disassembly to access a failed hard drive. Belongs to my sister in law. Needed help from my friend Matt to make it this far! #yikes

I have to hand it to @Dell: they worked hard to create this Latitude laptop that required complete disassembly to access a failed hard drive. Belongs to my sister in law. Needed help from my friend Matt to make it this far! #yikes
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Every time we go back to Calgary, we make plans to eat at our favourite Chinese food place: #HawkwoodPalace. Why doesn't proper #GingerBeef exist in the USA that I can find? This food always tastes like home…

Every time we go back to Calgary, we make plans to eat at our favourite Chinese food place: #HawkwoodPalace. Why doesn't proper #GingerBeef exist in the USA that I can find? This food always tastes like home...
Posted by Instagrate to WordPress