Crowdfunding Gives Hope to Worthy Projects

Looking for a way to finance your next production or stage of growth, but find that traditional banking is problematic and an IPO not the way to go? Consider crowdfunding.

The JOBS Act brought sweeping changes to America’s small businesses, including opening the door to public financial solicitations without the traditional hurdles of stock offerings, although with a new set of rules governing the playing field.

Savvy marketers will watch various crowdfunding platforms to monitor the pulse of what is popular with consumers that have money to spare.

The recent launch of nonequity based crowdfunding platform Offbeatr.com, which targets adult related creative projects, is an example of this new financing trend tailored to the needs of porn professionals — as well as budget-strapped amateurs trying to enter the big leagues.

According to the company, Offbeatr allows users to explore projects or pitch straight, gay, or lesbian oriented adult project proposals for art, books, education, games, movies, physical products, or websites; providing adult product and digital content creators with an outlet to express and fund their sexual creativity while potential supporters can explore unique projects catering to their sexual interests.

Ben Tao, CEO of Offbeatr parent Extra Lunch Money, says there is a screening process for projects posted to the site, which includes a public voting period before funds may be solicited from supporters.

“We realized we might miss projects that have a supportive community,” Tao stated. “Putting in a public voting phase helps identify good projects we might have missed and gives project creators feedback to improve their projects so they can be successful.”

Savvy marketers will watch various crowdfunding platforms to monitor the pulse of what is popular with consumers that have money to spare.

After a project passes the voting phase, funding can begin. While Tao explains that all-or-none crowdfunding is more of a gamble than a sure thing, Offbeatr offers two ways to raise money, providing an added incentive for using the platform.

According to the company, Offbeatr users can profit by selling rewards, which follow the all-or-none funding model popularized by mainstream crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Additionally, they are also able to sell digital products, such as movies, ebooks, photos and more, using the Offbeatr platform, allowing supporters to purchase and immediately download this content.

Sales from these digital products are paid out to the creator, even if a project does not reach its funding goal.

“It’s scary knowing that if you don’t reach your goal, even if you are close, that you end up with nothing,” Tao notes. “By introducing the digital product sales component we give project creators a way to hedge their bets and give supporters an additional way to support a creator without having to wait months for their reward.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Why BDSM Furniture and Sex Machines Make an Ideal Match

For BDSM enthusiasts and curious newbies alike, a big part of the fun is discovering and exploring exciting new sensations and scenarios. One way to level up is by combining or layering pleasures you already enjoy, and one surefire way to do that is with BDSM furniture.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

To Cloud or Not to Cloud, That Is the Question

Let’s be honest. It just sounds way cooler to say your business is “in the cloud,” right? Buzzwords make everything sound chic and relevant. In fact, someone uninformed might even assume that any hosting that is not in the cloud is inferior. So what’s the truth?

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Tips for Boosting Ecommerce Revenue With Behavioral Insights

At our marketing agency, we focus on using real data to make better decisions for our clients. We believe every action a visitor takes on a website can tell us something important. This helps us shape our strategies and assist our clients in turning casual website visitors into loyal customers.

Lauren Bailey ·
opinion

Upcoming Visa Price Changes to Registration, Transaction Fees

Visa is updating its fee structure. Effective April 1, both the card brand’s initial nonrefundable application fee and annual renewal fee will increase from $500 to $950. Visa is also introducing a fee of 10 cents for each transaction, and 10 basis points — 0.1% — on the payment volume of certain merchant accounts.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

Unpacking the New Digital Services Act

Do you hear the word “regulation” and get nervous? When it comes to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), you shouldn’t worry. If you’re complying with the most up-to-date card brand regulations, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

A Look at the Do's and Don'ts of Gift-With-Purchase Promos

Imagine you’re at a store, deciding between two products with similar packaging, features and pricing. You’re not predisposed toward either brand and you haven’t seen any reviews — but one of them offers, “Free gift with purchase!” Does that win you over?

Vanessa Rose ·
opinion

The Perils of Relying on ChatGPT for Legal Advice

It surprised me how many people admitted that they had used ChatGPT or similar services either to draft legal documents or to provide legal advice. “Surprised” is probably an understatement of my reaction to learning about this, as “horrified” more accurately describes my emotional response.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Tips for Navigating a Completely Remote Job in Sexual Wellness

Anyone working in the sexual wellness and pleasure sector has at some point had to deal with issues like bias against the industry, as well as limited marketing and advertising options.

Bryony Lees ·
opinion

Free Agent Auteur: Casey Calvert Expands Her Directing Horizon

Now, having brought that highly-awarded polyamory trilogy to a close, Calvert is concluding the exclusive Lust Cinema directing chapter of her career and charting a new course out into open creative waters as a free agent.

Alejandro Freixes ·
trends

Meet the 2024 Class of Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands to Watch

With each new year that rolls in, new pleasure brands emerge, and 2024 is no exception. Already this year, a slew of new entrants are rapidly gaining traction and recognition via social media, among retailers and distributors — and most importantly, end consumers.

Show More