The Community for Creative Crowdfunding

Interview With Darren Nelsen - A Crowdfunding Veteran

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Darren Nelsen. Darren has successfully crowdfunded multiple music projects - including via Kickstarter and utilizing RocketHub. Since Darren is now a successful crowdfunding veteran, I thought that his wisdom may help others that are looking to go down this path. Thank you Darren for being so candid.

1. How did you first discover the crowdfunding model for your music?

I first discovered crowdfunding in late 2007. I think it was a TechCrunch article talking about a site called Strayform (which doesn't exist anymore). I used that platform to fund two projects, an instrumental rock single called "Dinosaur Town" and a computer music piece called "Fractal Music." Through those projects, I learned a lot about fundraising, connecting with fans, and working within budget and time constraints. It was (and still is) challenging, but once I funded my first project, I was hooked. As an independent musician, crowdfunding is one of the best resources available to bring a project to fruition.

2. You have had success with both Kickstarter and RocketHub - what are the similarities and differences of the two sites from a Creative's perspective?

Both are great sites. They're similar in that you have a set time within which to raise funds. If you don't raise 100% or more of your goal, the project ends with no obligation. It's easy to track time and funding progress and to send project updates to fans. Both sites have great interfaces and are easy to use. The main difference is the payment component. Kickstarter uses Amazon payments. RocketHub uses PayPal. As a Creative, you may find that you and/or your fans are more comfortable using one payment option over the other. That might influence which site you use. The other difference is site recognition and maturity. Kickstarter is the big player, having been around longer so more people are familiar with it. They've also had more time to develop their platform and they have a few more small features. But RocketHub is a compelling platform too. I have to say, I've really had great experience using both and I hope both are around for a long time.

3. How important is it to know your own network before and during a crowdfunding campaign?

This is crucial. Without your own network, your project will not succeed. You cannot depend on strangers to fund your projects. Some people think, "Great! RocketHub (or Kickstarter or whatever) will bring me all these people who will contribute to my project." Wrong! RocketHub is simply (and wonderfully) a platform to manage the crowdfunding process--handling payments, rewards levels, project updates, etc. As a Creative, you need to bring a your crowd to the platform.

You also need to know what your network can support. One of my projects failed because I was too ambitious and set my goal too high. My fan network was not big enough to support it. So I downsized the project and launched a new campaign with a more realistic goal, and that one succeeded.

Leverage your mailing list, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to raise awareness for your projects and bring in your fans. This will lead to successful campaigns.

4. As a Creative, how important is it to trust the platform you are sending your fans and network to?

This is very important. If your fans don't trust the platform, they won't use the site and you won't raise the funds you need. Both RocketHub and Kickstarter are trustworthy platforms.

Make sure that if a fan (even just one) is having a problem using the site, you address it and help them to complete their contribution. Work with the site operators and support team. Let them know any issues. Do all you can to help make your fans comfortable using the platform. This will keep them engaged and hopefully they'll come back and support a future project.

Interview With Darren Nelsen - A Crowdfunding Veteran

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