Friday, January 27, 2012

Kickstarter Helps You Raise Dollars for Your Big Idea!


This post is for those of you who have a big idea and need some funding to get your project off the ground. Big or small, Kickstarter could be for you! Check out the information below. This was taken directly off their website. To find out more, visit their site at www.kickstarter.com. 


1.             What is Kickstarter?


Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative projects.
 We believe that:

• A good idea, communicated well, can spread fast and wide.

• A large group of people can be a tremendous source of money and encouragement.
 Kickstarter is powered by a unique all-or-nothing funding method where projects must be fully-funded or no money changes hands.


2.             Who can fund their project on Kickstarter?

            Kickstarter is focused on creative projects. We're a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, illustrators, explorers, curators, performers, and others to bring their projects, events, and dreams to life.
The word “project” is just as important as “creative” in defining what works on Kickstarter. A project is something finite with a clear beginning and end. Someone can be held accountable to the framework of a project — a project was either completed or it wasn’t — and there are definable expectations that everyone can agree to. This is imperative for every Kickstarter project.
We know there are a lot of great projects that fall outside of our scope, but Kickstarter is not a place for soliciting donations to causes, charity projects, or general business expenses. Learn more about our project guidelines.


3.             Why do people support projects?


            REWARDS! Project creators inspire people to open their wallets by offering smart, fun, and tangible rewards (products, benefits, and experiences).
           STORIES! Kickstarter projects are efforts by real people to do something they love, something fun, or at least something of note. These stories unfold through blog posts, pics, and videos as people bring their ideas to life. Take a peek around the site and see what we're talking about. Stories abound.


4.             I only need to raise a small amount of funding. Is Kickstarter for me?

           Absolutely! Kickstarter is for creative projects big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. Small projects that you (or you and a few friends) can do over a weekend are perfect for Kickstarter. In fact, the most common projects on Kickstarter are not blockbusters but smaller projects that raise $5,000 or less. Check out some fun project stats and some currently funding Small Projects looking to raise $1,000 or less.


5.             All-or-nothing funding?
       
    Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires or no money changes hands.
Why?
1. It's less risk for everyone. If you need $5,000, it's tough having $2,000 and a bunch of people expecting you to complete a $5,000 project.
2. It allows people to test concepts (or conditionally sell stuff) without risk. If you don't receive the support you want, you're not compelled to follow through. This is huge!
3. It motivates. If people want to see a project come to life, they're going to spread the word.


6.             Does Kickstarter take some percentage of ownership or intellectual property of things made through Kickstarter?
          Absolutely not. Project creators keep 100% ownership of their work.


How do I start a project?


To start a project, go to the Start Your Project page and click the "Share Your Project" button. We'll ask some basic questions about your project. It shouldn't take more than a few days for a member of our team to get back to you about your proposal, and if you've got a creative project that meets our guidelines, we're good to go.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Knox County Brochure is Here

If you would like a hard copy, please send me your name and address and one will be mailed to you. They can also be picked up at the Knox County courthouse, City Hall, and Chambers of Commerce in the county. Click on the link here to email us and a hard copy will be mailed to you. You may also click here to view the file in a higher resolution format. 



Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A Year of Progress and Accomplishments


In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish. And, this year, the Knox County Visioning Group has done just that.

“One of our biggest accomplishments this year was the Knox County Brochure. It is at the printer as we speak. This is going to be a great tool that will be utilized by many,” said Ms. Coplen, KCVG Community Development Director.  The KCVG sold ads, organized design and printing of the brochure.

2011 Artwork from Projects


The KCVG also held their first major event in 2011 – Knox County Adventure Days. This event took people around the county through events like the Amazing Grace Race, a bus tour, and even a photography scavenger hunt. It opened people’s eyes to the rich history of the county. This event is being repeated April 27-28, 2012.

Another big accomplishment was the business development workshop series. Meetings held throughout the year consisted of workforce development, customer service, social media, estate planning and business planning. These workshops attracted a variety of different people and brought resource agencies to the county.

A big hitter at the end of the year was the Shop Local flyer produced and mailed by the KCVG.  “These flyers went to each box holder in Knox County. Christmas sales carry these retailers throughout the year so it is important to remember to support them during the holidays,” said Ms. Coplen.

The KCVG also participated in the promotion and manpower of the music camp and Cowboy Christmas Ball in Goree. They also helped in the group tour that took place during the quilt show.

Additional projects in 2011 included a job fair, business recruitment, a summer intern program, grant writing, entrepreneurial support, and monthly KCVG meetings where all shared about events going on throughout the county.

The KCVG could not do what they do without the support of their partners. Partners receive advertising at all KCVG events, in press releases, on KCVG letterhead, the website, and social media.  Partners include Knox County, Knox City EDC, Development Corporation of Munday, First National Bank of Munday, City of Munday and the City of Knox City, Knox County Hospital District, City of Goree, Circle Bar Ranch, AEP, and Knox County Abstract.