A helpful kick in the pants.

In a podcast episode, I spoke about my struggles, and the idea that I wouldn’t run another Kickstarter for Gen 2 as it wouldn’t be different enough.

Then I got this email from a backer, Bobby Griggs over at Go7 Gaming, and it convinced me to run another kickstarter. You can also read my reply (everything after the jump).

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Hi, Matt,

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A few thoughts; take them as you will.  

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I see you created a podcast and you appear to be meandering through your mind attempting convince yourself to go forward with new product.  My observation is that you are simply procrastinating.  

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Further, you have created a gate that you feel you must pass before moving forward (goodbye posting, bulk order map, lingering backers), that’s rubbish.  Write a posting and move on.  As to the bulk order map thingy, forget it.  Your campaign is long done. Apologize for not delivering it in the goodbye note and move on.  Your backers have moved on… and I doubt you will find any that will fault you.

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As to this xx backers that have not reached out, forget them.  I have a handful of those as well.  Every KS does….  My Kickstarter in done.  If they reach out to me, I will happily send them product or give them their money back.  Matter closed.

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You seem to really enjoy the community aspect of KS.  I recommend you create a new KS and include all of the old designs and add new designs.  This will provide you with the interaction you appear to want, will build your product line, and allow you to build/refresh your customer base.  I really question that you can engage people at the level you want sans KS.  Also, given that you don’t have a good understanding of your project financials, it just doesn’t make sense to risk your capital.  There is nothing wrong with running another KS.  See Gloomhavem, 7th Continent, etc. 

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Also, you should be offering dice trays and dice towers if you decide to move forward. They are a natural fit and could easily double or triple your sales in a KS.

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Procrastination is your enemy.  It’s my enemy as well.  I battle it every day. 

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This email will either find you thinking Bobby is an asshole or Bobby has some good points.  Either way, I’m OK.  I have never been accused of being timid with my opinions/assessments.  

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Happy Hunting!

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MY REPLY:

Thanks much for the pep talk. 

You make many good points.  

The one that helped me move forward is the recommendation to do another KS.  It doesn’t need to be a new product, just a new line; and I won’t get much community at all without KS.  

I will also consider reaching out to other accessory companies, like trays and towers.  Not sure how it would work.  I don’t want to have to deal with additional product fulfillment, so it might be more like a stretch goal coupon code or something so the other companies can ship directly. 

Now if I run a kickstarter, I don’t want to have to pack all the dice again with each order being unique.  I am considering just one product…a standard dice bag with one or two of each die I make, the total of which might be slightly dependent on stretch goals. 

Anyway, you caught me at a time where I actually resumed psychotherapy to help me figure this out.  My heart is not so much in the product, but it is good money which my family needs, and it should be fun to work on Gen 2.  Once I have this up and running in a way that works for me (someone else fulfilling future orders), I can move on to the next thing.

Thanks again.  You certainly swayed me.