When the question was directed towards Kickstarter, Jason Scott made the important distinction that at the moment, is just a tool. But even though the website's popularity is transient, it does contribute guidelines to some fundamental values of succeeding in an interactive and collaborative Media setting. Specifically, Kickstarter familiarizes us with the idea of crowdfunding. What is important is the skills derived from its use, as our participation grows in the expanding online universe.
I think the most powerful practical advice he gave was his unique and personable method of distribution and connection to audiences. It was a fresh idea to hear a specific example of this instead of the broad theoretical terms we have been reviewing. The connection to the audience is a necessary element. He is highly personable and engaged with the audience. Instead of a typical marketing push driven by false identity and an inflated sales-pitch, he was personable and reached out to previous connections, just by being real.
"To under-promise and over-deliver"Statement from producer: I made something, you might be interested, check it out. Actual outcome perceived by audience: That was actually pretty awesome // blew my mind. And I got a sweet collectible coin. Thumbs up.
And he referred to some psychological underpinnings of why he became an archivist as a collector. That feeling of attachment to artifacts, that things are transient and you must grasp onto them, lest they be gone forever. (I'm sure in a physical way, Hoarders relate to.) This is an attachment to ideas behind the games, the culture embraced by the technology, and medium that morphed culture. So, those early adopters of BBS and text games, before widespread public access and development of the internet were hardcore and passionate, and had an extremely personal connection.
When Grace asked who is audience was, one response was the people who were nostalgic. People want their experience and interests to be validated. They invested so much time, and Jason Scott is validating and publicizing that importance and value of the mode itself and the culture that existed. Again united, revived, and saved from fading into obscurity.
I'd have more to say on this topic, but I'm only vaguely familiar with the surface of it. I vote some of us get together and watch at least one of his documentaries. Mini film fest, anyone?
