[Centigonal]

I feel like the title is a little misleading.

I expected an article about inadequate fulfillment on KickStarter's part, but it turns out that the 32k loss was more a result of tax laws and the project's spending decisions than anything else.

[icebraining]

It's not even a loss - music and iPads are just expenses. The title is definitively misleading.

[Skywing]

It wasn't my project, but I also felt like they allocated their money to some unnecessary things. The money could have been put more directly into the development of the game, I'd think.

[franciscoapinto]

Please, suggest a better title and I'll update. It was not my intention to use a sensationalist title . I, however, think that you may be reading too much into it.

EDIT: do you mean the title here on HN or the post's actual title, on the kickstarter website?

[ssharp]

For me, the HN headline was misleading. I read it as them raising $36k on Kickstarter, but only being sent a check for $4k when in actuality, they only lost a few thousand to fees and non-payments.

[franciscoapinto]

What would you title it?

[bradleyland]

Please read this all the way through before getting too upset :)

Your HN title uses language that is inconsistent with the tone of the update.

"Kickstarter pitfalls: 36k raised, actually ended up with 4k"

The problematic phrase is "actually ended up with". The use of the word actually implies that there was some deviation from what one would expect. Tied in with the use of "Kickstarter pitfalls", we end up with the impression that Kickstarter produces some outcome that is inconsistent with what we normally expect when funding a business.

Those of us who have run a company understand that when you receive income, there are many expenses that come along for the ride. Most of us are left wondering what amount you thought you'd have after fees and taxes.

Then there's the contrast in dollar amounts: $36k to $4k. The language I pointed out above appears to direct blame at Kickstarter, but the accounting provided in the update includes things you should have known and planned for.

From my perspective (as a reader), the opening paragraph of your update expresses a much different view than the HN title.

> In honor of tax day, we thought we would give some insight to our backers (as well as potential kickstarters) to how we spent the funds we were given at the end of September. Hopefully it sheds some light on why money disappears so quickly for game development.

The last sentence spells out the real value for me. You're sharing insight about where Kickstarter funds go. The title of your update is much better than the title you chose for HN.

[franciscoapinto]

Thank you for this. I'll retitle the HN submission.

BTW, I'm not affiliated with the kickstarter project in any way.