[andrewcooke]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_One says they have raised $100,000. the $20,000 number was for a specific target.

more generally, your argument seems to hinge on the idea that they would make more money if they could. but it's not clear to me that is the case.

[res0nat0r]

I think the poster boys for pay what you want, Radiohead and NIN, don't think this model is a good idea anymore because of exactly what is mentioned above: people want too much free stuff if they can get it and that isn't sustainable.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/4/4054634/musics-pay-what-you...

[leephillips]

You're right about the $100,000: I skimmed too quickly. So, 29 cents per download for the ones we know about; the actual number of downloads is probably much greater, as pointed out in the article. And, still not nearly enough to provide livelihoods for the people involved in the project, so my point remains.

"your argument seems to hinge on the idea that they would make more money if they could."

My argument is just that they absolutely need to make much more money if they are to make a living making TV shows, as other people do, and that voluntary donations aren't cutting it, because people don't pay when they are not compelled to. So this case, which was adduced as a counterexample, helps to prove my point.