We've mentioned Kickstarter previously - first for the graphic novel Moriarty: The Dark Chamber by Daniel Corey, and then again last year for Steampunk Holmes, a multimedia adventure by Richard Monson-Haefel that included a print edition as well as the core iPad edition. That latter project is just winding up now and will be making its way to the market.
One of the unique aspects of so-called crowsourcing development costs for such a project is that there are levels of awards based on the amount of money a benefactor is willing to pledge. So investors will not only receive the final product when the project is complete, but will also have the opportunity to accumulate various other value-added items along the way. For example, backing Steampunk Holmes at the $36 level resulted in the backers receiving all of the lower level rewards (all of the e-publications, lifetime subscription to the website, a print edition, and advance copies of the future e-books).
There's another Kickstarter project that is nearing completion that you have an opportunity to support.
Watson and Holmes is a new modern re-interpretation of Sherlock Holmes in which the detective and his friend and colleague are African Americans living in modern day New York City. We had the good fortune to speak with some of the principals behind the project on Episode 44 of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. Listen now:
Under the direction of Karl Bollers and Rick Leonardi and New Paradigm Studios, the first two publications of the project were digital-only. But because of the success, they're looking to expand their creation to print. And that's where the Kickstarter project comes in. Their video describes the series and their aim:
The project had a $7,500 goal and now it stands at more than $12,000. To sweeten the pot, the creators have pledged additional surprises for hitting "stretch goals" as follows:
- $10,000: Everyone at $20 and above gets a set of 3 Watson and Holmes postcards
- $12,500: Everyone at $20 and above will receive a Watson and Holmes magnet and button
- Mystery stretch goals will be unlocked after $15,000 and $20,000.
What are you waiting for? There's still time to get on board with this unique and first-of-its-kind creation.
