Why is Kickstarter being treated differently in cases where it is not self-promotion?
Because we have now had several artists come to promote their Kickstarter (or IndiGoGo) projects, I had to re-write the Creation posting rules:
Since the rise in popularity of sites such as Kickstarter and IndiGoGo, we have had several tarot artists join apparently for the sole reason of getting funds to print their decks.
To try and be clear:
Tarot Deck Creation is just that, a place to discuss the creation of a tarot deck including theme, materials, size of images, media and etc. It can be used to post cards for help and comments. In this sense, we acknowledge that of course tarot deck creators are promoting their eventual products, and that is fine.
The forum can also be used to discuss finding a publisher, how to self-produce, suggestions about formatting, bleeds and other technical issues. Even about producing boxes and postage rates.
However, to come and just ask for money via Kickstarter, IndiGoGo or other funding site is only to be done in the Advertising Forum. It isn't about the process, it is strictly for funding.
That said, if these same artists wish to get into the spirit of the forum, they are very welcome to participate.
If any further clarification is wanted or needed, please PM me.
Thanks,
Alta
But, to directly reply to your question:
1. On etsy the decks exist, and are available for purchase. It is a straight transaction.
2. On the artists' blogs, the artists are discussing their process, their meaning etc. In general they are not asking for money.
3. Kickstarter (& IndiGoGo) are effectively what software people call 'vapourware', that is the end product only exists in the mind(s) of its creator(s) to be.
And most important, it certainly is self-promotion. The people are asking for money, which is generally labelled a 'donation' or 'investment'. Since the product doesn't exist, you can't actually buy it.
Now, I do not mean any slight to Pixelsmith and aimeedanger. They are very likely complete honest and wishing to create their decks and lacking the funds to do so. They are each a subscriber and may post about their projects in Advertisements and aimeedanger at least has done so.
In general we try to protect the members here (to the best of our knowledge and ability) from possible scams. Also, the last thing we would want is to see the Creation forum, meant to be an artistic and technical discussion forum for the process of deck creation, into a pool for people asking for funding.
And that is why not. Please post or PM if you still have questions or follow-up.
Regards,
Alta
Moderator, Tarot Deck Creation