UPDATE: AS OF 3/1/14, THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED.
The FAQ is now located here.
What Is Kicksnarker?
It's a community of people on Google Plus who like highlighting absurdities they find on the internet, whether it's a good project with a bad goal or a completely stupid project. And by "project," we mean "product, whether crowdfunded or available through more traditional retail."
So What Is It About?
It's about what the members think it's about. Really. We've mocked plenty of really stupid things, but we've had some fairly in-depth discussion of crowdfunding and what it's for and why it exists.
Sure, we mock stupid things a lot, but I learn something new from the group every day.
So Is This Some Sort Of Official Kickstarter Group?
No. As a group, we are not affiliated with Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, DriveThruRPG, Amazon, or any other site to which we link. It's possible that individual members work for one or more of these companies, but their postings here (unless they specifically state otherwise) are not intended as official public statements for those companies.
How Do I Join?
If you're on Google Plus, you can just go to the community page and click on "Join Community" at the top of the page. One of our moderators will probably approve you fairly quickly.
Are There Any Restrictions On Membership?
You need to have a Google Plus account. But that's a software thing, not a rule we made up. If you apply to join and aren't approved right away, it's possible that our moderators are at work or in a meeting or at a convention or something. Just hold tight.
I'm A Spammer and My Google Plus Profile Highlights This - Can I Still Join?
If your profile makes it clear that you're a spammer, we probably won't let you in. If you have an empty profile, we'll still let you in, but will ban you as soon as you spam us.
Because we don't like you, that's why.
What If I Don't Have A Google Plus Account?
Then you can't join. Not because we don't like you, but because you ... um ... don't have a Google Plus account and so can't join any communities on Plus.
Can I Read Without Joining?
Yes. Kicksnarker is a public community, so everything we post and say there is publicly viewable. Even if you don't have a Google Plus account.
Can I Tell My Friends About This Community?
The first rule of Kicksnarker is that we do not talk about Kicksnarker. In fact, we need to know who told you about the community so we can ban them.
I Want To Leave the Community.
Sorry. Not an option. When we created the community, we clicked the "4Lyfe" option. Once you're in, you're with us forever. Until we ban you.
I Like Being Here, But You Guys Post Too Much!
You can turn notifications off for the community and tell it not to appear in your home stream. I'd tell you how to do this, but G+ keeps updating their software, so any advice or pointers I give you will be invalid in a week.
What Are the Posting Rules?
I'm glad you asked that question. We don't really have any rules. If your post is just a link without any commentary from you, however, it will probably be deleted unless it triggers discussion or is a link to something that is obviously stupid.
We're prefer it if you didn't call the project creators stupid. You can call the project stupid. You can mock the add-ons and stretch goals and concept all you want, however. We also try to respect each other, even when we disagree.
If your commentary is deliberately inflammatory or offensive, we'll kill the post. Mind you - linking to inflammatory or offensive material is okay, but please warn us. If you post a link to something that is not safe for work, please let us know in your commentary (and make sure that the image Google is using for your link is work-safe).
Can I Reshare Community Posts?
Yes. If you want to be banned immediately.
Just kidding.
Again: this is a public community. Nothing said here is hidden. If you see something awesome that needs re-sharing, go right ahead. It's not like you're sharing private information or credit card numbers or anything like that.
I'm A Backer. Can I Share A Backer-Only Post With the Community?
Yes. Just be aware that the project creator made it backer-only for a reason. Please include a link back to the project if you do this, too. We would prefer that you paraphrase or quote portions rather than a full cut-and-paste of the whole update, but it's really up to you.
What we don't want are download links or ways to give non-backers access to backer-only benefits of some sort (unless you have the explicit permission of the project creator). Posts with download links and the like will be deleted.
Do I Have To Post?
Seriously? Is this even a real question? No. You don't have to post.
Can I Post In A Language Other Than English?
I ... I suppose. You won't probably get much interaction from the community, though. And if Google Translate makes your post look like spam, we may delete it.
I Really Like This Project, But [ASPECT] Seems Tacked On Or Stupid. Can I Post About That?
Yep. The tagline for the community is, "Mocking things we might be capable of loving." Since most of us stumble across stupid things while looking for something we actually want, it's entirely likely we'll find things to love even in the dumbest of projects.
I'm A Project Creator And Someone In Your Group Said My Project Was Stupid.
And? We're here to highlight things we think are stupid. If you have a Google Plus account, feel free to chime in or join the community. Just don't expect sympathy because we're being mean to your project. And don't attack the poster or commenters. Seriously.
Spend your time refuting their claims if you must, but we mostly try to be nice to each other. Other than +Eric Franklin. Because fuck that guy.
I'm A Project Creator And Someone In Your Community Reposted A Backer-Only Post.
That's nice. If it gives away trade secrets or gives us a download link or something, let us know and we'll take it down. If it doesn't otherwise break the rules, you can get the direct link to the post and request a DMCA takedown from Google. But our posts are explicitly for criticism, commentary, and/or parody, which is covered under Fair Use in the United States. It's also worth noting that the group contains a number of people who are well familiar with social media, and a takedown here will probably be discussed by the community (and elsewhere). It may not have the end result you want.
I'm A Project Creator - Can I Ask You To Look At My Project?
If you do this, please be sure to use the correct category ("Help Me Snarkerwan Kenobi! You're My Only Hope!") Just be aware that we will give you honest opinions, and we may disagree with each other. And we will probably also spiral off into some sort of RFID-blocking bottle opener tangent. And, if you're obviously just posting it to get more attention, we will report you to Kickstarter for spamming. And then we'll probably delete your post and ban you and salt the earth. Unless the community is already off on an amusing tangent. Then we'll just ban you and leave your post alone.
We'd also prefer that you not join the community for the sole purpose of asking us to check your project out. In fact, if you join and then immediately ask for feedback, your post will probably be deleted, and you may be banned.
I'm A Community Member - Can I Ask You To Look At A Buddy's Project?
Sure. The same applies to you as it does to project creators asking for input, however. If it's obviously just an attempt to get eyes on a project or stir up excitement pre-launch, your post will probably be deleted unless something in the comments amuses the moderators.
I'm A Community Member - Can I Advertise My Project Here?
Sure. Just don't spam us. What's the difference? One post to announce it going live is fine. Another post to remind us your project is near its end is fine, too. But we're not backers - we don't need regular updates on the progress of your project.
If you need advice mid-stream, feel free to ask - but please don't come up with questions just to put your project in front of our eyes again. If we feel like you're doing that, we'll kill the post. Unless someone makes us laugh.
I'm A Project Creator - Can I share Backer-Only Information With You?
Yes. And, unlike the backers sharing backer-only posts, we'll even accept download links and any other free things you want to give us. Because it's your content.
I'm A Project Creator - Can I Bribe You To Say Good Things About My Project?
You can bribe us all you want. We like free swag. Unless your project is stupid. Because free stupid things aren't really much of a bribe. But don't expect free swag to change our opinions. Especially stupid free swag.
What Makes You Guys Experts On Kickstarter?
I can't speak for everyone, but I've never claimed to be an expert. But the community is made of up folks who have backed a significant number of projects - including several notable post-funding failures - and several highly-successful project creators (and some project creators whose projects haven't funded). So we're not just pulling numbers out of our magic hats. We're speaking from experience both as backers and as project creators.
Have You Had Bad Flame Wars?
Not yet, but this is the internet and we are talking about things we find mock-worthy. It's only a matter of time. We've had a few heated discussions, but most of the group is good about cooling down when told to do so by a moderator.
I Don't Like [Community Member]. Can You Ban Him or Her?
We can, but we'd rather not unless they spam us. You really have a few options for dealing with people you don't like here - and they're essentially the same options you have in the real world:
- Pick a fight with them. Every time you see them post, take the time to respond aggressively to see if you can escalate the situation until we have to ban one or the other or both of you.
- Ignore them. Just ... don't respond to them. Even if they try to pick a fight with you.
- Block them. If you do this, you won't see their posts (or discussion on their posts). Likewise, they won't see your posts and comments. It means potential double-posting, but that happens.
- Act like a grownup and interact with them politely. Be respectful, polite, and don't bait them.
I Have A Problem With Some Of The Moderation. How Do I Complain?
What's the problem? Did we ask you to play nice? Did we smack you down and ignore someone who was disagreeing with you? Either way, if you feel the moderation was unfair, feel free to appeal to another moderator by tagging them into the discussion. Just don't serially tag moderator after moderator after moderator (not that it's an option yet, but if we keep growing like we have been, it may become necessary) until you get the answer you want.
You can also put a post in your personal Plus (instead of in the community) to complain about the community and its moderation. Of course, if you don't tag us, we probably won't see it to respond.
As a last resort, you can send money to me via PayPal. The only thing it's likely to change is our relative economic standing, but I do like receiving money.
Our goal is fair and balanced moderation, but the moderators are human beings, too. We have tempers and bad days and we do make mistakes. And we do occasionally get caught up in the latest drama.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I Want To Post About This Thing I Found On Amazon. Is That Okay?
Yes. We let you post about just about anything, here. We're not limited exclusively to crowdfunding projects.
There are a number of discussion categories set up to the left, but don't feel like you have to limit yourself to those.
I'm A [WEBSITE] Affiliate. Can I Use Affiliate Links Here?
If you can somehow make money off of your posts here without voiding coupons/discounts or other deals people have, then be our guest. Fair warning: You won't get rich by posting links to stupid things, because most of the people in the community won't spend money on stupid things.
Help! I Posted Something Stupid And Someone Came To Its Defense!
And? What you find stupid, someone else may find reasonable. As long as we're all being nice to each other, disagreement is fine. And you might learn something, too.
What If A Project Creator Sees What I Said?
Then ... um ... they've seen what you said. It's not like you scrawled it on a wall in a disused lavatory or something - as mentioned above, we are a public community. Maybe the creator in question will be able to explain their project so it doesn't seem so stupid. Maybe they'll try and will just end up highlighting how stupid it really is. Either way, project creators are welcome here, too.
Potential future Project Creators (and others) have also dropped by to see what we call stupid so they can avoid it - it's like they are using us. Which we're okay with - in and around the snark, we are rapidly becoming an informal source of best-practices (or, as one community member suggests "best-avoided-practices") information (see the next question).
Help! I Snarked And A Serious Discussion Broke Out!
That happens here. While we were initially pure snark, we've had a few serious (and educational) discussions on the nature of crowdfunding. Discussions about what to do/what not to do/how to do the same thing differently so that it's not stupid are pretty common.
Several Project Creators are members of the community and are paying attention.
What If I Duplicate Someone Else's Post?
You have the option of deleting your own post. Or you can wait and see if discussion takes a different direction from the original post. Or you can just leave it there. We understand that duplication happens, however, and won't delete or ban unless it looks like you are deliberately creating duplicate links.
You Use The Word 'Stupid' A Lot.
Yep.
What's With All The RFID Blocking Comments?
In the early days of the community, one of our members posted a "treasury" of Kickstarter wallet projects that he'd taken the time to assemble. A disproportionate number of the wallets were described as "slim line" or "RFID blocking," or "Open Source." There are several in-jokes that keep popping up.
Why Do You People Think This Project Needs A Bottle Opener?
Because it does.
Really?
Okay, not really. The day after the wallet treasury was posted, another member posted a collection of bottle openers, the majority of which were "tactical" in some way. It's become a running gag in the community. Much like RFID Blocking.
What Is the Community's Ideal Kickstarter Project?
It's an open-source RFID-blocking slimline modular weatherproof wallet with enough room to hold two decks of sleeved Magic Cards and which has a built-in tactical bottle opener and includes a custom deck of Bicycle playing cards. It should also light up or vibrate when there is a notification on your phone. Stretch goals and add-ons should include custom dice, lanyards, t-shirts, and free PDF copies of the plans. And a poster.
Are There Plans For Community Get-Togethers?
Maybe eventually. We have a good core of genuinely awesome people that I do want to meet in person at some point. One member has suggested "KickSnarCon." The geographic disparity of our membership does make a full gathering difficult, however.
We do seem to tend to have a few interest foci, however, so Kicksnarker Gatherings at and around other conventions are very possible.
What About This Blog? Do You Plan to Ever Update It?
I had planned to do weekly updates, but that may not be possible. Instead, I'll just update periodically to highlight good discussion and especially stupid things we've found.
It Seems Like A Lot Of Your Guidelines Are Totally Subjective And Based On Moderator Opinion.
Is there a question in there? Yes, a great deal of it is subjective. And it's true - what one Mod finds amusing may be less-so to another mod. That's why the moderators communicate with one another and don't just randomly kill posts for the sake of killing posts.
Some of the Posts In the Community are Clearly Failed Attempts to be Funny!
Yep. Can't win all the time.
Some of Your FAQ Answers are Clearly Failed Attempts to be Funny!
Yep. Can't win all the time.
You Are Not Completely Consistent With Your Capitalization In This Post.
Nope. If you pay close attention I've spelled out a secret message. Or else this post was written over the course of several months and has been occasionally updated as new questions (and answers) arose.
