I just take issue with raising money from unsophisticated unaccredited investors without even providing complete disclosure or binding contracts in return. I know a lot of companies do it, and I dislike it in those cases too. I also know I'm in the minority here and that it's only a matter of time before companies with huge VC backing & public companies are using Kickstarter to raise money. I think that's a bad thing, but others disagree.

Also, quickly:

- I'm not against for-profits using Kickstarter; most of the efforts there are for-profits. But companies that have raised millions of dollars probably should disclose that fact prominently in their campaigns.

- Similarly, the fact that you've been denied investment by >50 institutional investors is relevant in asking for money. It might be positive for some, negative for some. But it's likely not going to be a no-op for most.

- My figures come straight from Crunchbase, I'm not more connected than that.

>> Kickstarter funds are "cheap" (no dilution & no debt)

Of course they are, and that's kind of my point. Raising money from unsophisticated unaccredited investors without providing full disclosure or even a contract in exchange is obviously a great source of capital. However, I'm not convinced pitches like this would withstand scrutiny by the relevant regulators if they were not asleep at the switch.

I didn't mean to be overly critical of the project. I wish them all due success. That doesn't mean I can't dislike the Kickstarter campaign. (I would similarly dislike AMD raising funds on Kickstarter, even if I liked the project.)