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From the looks of it Kickstarter is changing it's rules. For the better imo.
The original article where I found out about it: http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/kickstarters-new-rules-creators-must -complete-projects-or-fess-n209011
A link to the new rules: https://www.kickstarter.com/terms-of-use
It's about time imo.
Apologies if it's in the wrong section of the forums
Better for Kickstarter.
Basically the terms of use don't actually do anything to guarantee anything for the backer or provide any form of redress should a project fail. Note that in the terms of service, it is implied that Kickstarter will take no action to recover money from failed projects, but rather that project creators may be open to legal action from backers trying to recover funds. It is further enshrining the company (Kickstarter) as being inherently unconnected to the issue and preventing any action from being taken against them.
Kickstarter should not be viewed as a "safe" place to buy things. The more Kickstarter promotes this viewpoint, while not actually taking any steps to enforce it, the more people will feel let down when projects fail.
Notice that Kickstarter doesn't have to return any of THEIR money from the project. Kickstarter takes 5% off the top. If you refund a backer, Kickstarter keeps their 5%, thereby increasing the financial burden on the project creator.
Plus the 3-5% that Amazon takes.
Kickstarter took home $6 million in commission in 2012. I believe the projected number for 2014 is closer to $20 million. The website itself is estimated at being worth just under $1 billion.
If Kickstarter was actually concerned with the success of projects or appeasing backers of failed projects, they would put their money where their mouth is.