This method of project funding suffers from an unfortunate separation of "pain" and reward. I have to hand over my money now, knowing that it might lead to the font being available in 800 days. That is a long time.
Compare this with two major alternatives to this model: Kickstarter and things like the Humble Indie Bundle.
In one, I pledge money now for some future benefit, but I do so knowing that I only end up paying if the project reaches enough support and funding. This feels safe: I can pledge however I think the result is worth, because I only pay if it succeeds.
In the other, I can get my reward immediately (instant gratification!), but I can choose how much to pay for it.
The problem of Indiegogo, is that I have to pay now, but I cannot be sure that I actually get anything in return (a discount on a license is not enough). This means the risk of investment is much higher. I did pledge some money, but not what I would pay for the font were it either in Kickstarter form or through a "Humble Bundle" kind of model. I am sure I am not the only one.
To turn this into some useful advice for Fabrizio:
How about giving donators preview access to the unfinished font? This brings the reward closer to the donation :)
I thinked a lot of time at a solution to this problem and the best one I found it's this:
In case the campaign does not reach the objective, I will offer to every contributors the regular license of PragmataPro™ at €20 (instead of €170) also if the contributor donate also just $1 only. At the end of this campaign every contributors can claims this offer. But please don’t offer anonymously if you want this discount.
It's now written in the fundrasing page of Indiegogo and for me it's like to be signed with blood...
Compare this with two major alternatives to this model: Kickstarter and things like the Humble Indie Bundle.
In one, I pledge money now for some future benefit, but I do so knowing that I only end up paying if the project reaches enough support and funding. This feels safe: I can pledge however I think the result is worth, because I only pay if it succeeds.
In the other, I can get my reward immediately (instant gratification!), but I can choose how much to pay for it.
The problem of Indiegogo, is that I have to pay now, but I cannot be sure that I actually get anything in return (a discount on a license is not enough). This means the risk of investment is much higher. I did pledge some money, but not what I would pay for the font were it either in Kickstarter form or through a "Humble Bundle" kind of model. I am sure I am not the only one.
To turn this into some useful advice for Fabrizio: How about giving donators preview access to the unfinished font? This brings the reward closer to the donation :)