Well, that was something. All I can say is, “Wow.” Oh, and maybe a “whew.”
I’ve never done a Kickstarter campaign before, and let me tell you that is one nerve-wracking experience. “When should it launch? Will it end on a Sunday? On a holiday? What about the West coast? What if no one cares? What did I forget? Do I really need a video? It costs how much to ship to Canada? What if…”
This is pretty much where my brain has been for the last few weeks, and that’s not even taking into account the actual production of the magazine. Well, it all came down to hitting the big green “Launch” button on Kickstarter yesterday morning, and then it was up to fate.
Three minutes in and no backers? What? Where is everyone?!? I failed! Wait… There’s one! CT from Nerd Lunch has claimed “first!” There’s another one! Hey, this might not be too terrible.
I was glued to the Kickstarter dashboard yesterday. There was a steady flow of backers, both friends of the site, and people I don’t know. Having never done this before, I don’t really know what to consider a success, but I was feeling okay about things and then mid afternoon rolled around and the big guns came out. The back cover ad sold! Woohoo!
I know that this Kickstarter campaign will not reach its goal if I can’t sell a bunch of ads. The magazine purchases are great, don’t get me wrong, keep ’em coming, but the ads are really going to make or break the whole thing. I’ve got a few hooks in the water, so hopefully some of them will take hold.
The sheer volume of Twitter and Facebook traffic that was generated by friends of the site was incredible. Tank from Under Scoop Fire even got Toy Hunter’s, Jordan Hembrough, to tweet about the campaign! I can’t thank everyone enough for flooding the interwebs with links and mentions of the magazine. It really took me aback to see how everyone was so supportive and hopeful to see this thing succeed.
We’ve got a long way to go, but the first step has been taken, and I am very, very thankful of how the first day went–29 more to go!
View the Cool & Collected Magazine Kickstarter campaign.
robotspjs says
I’m thinking about sponsoring for an ad for Robot’s PJs, but the budget is a bit tight so I’m not sure if I can make that happen or not.
Brian says
Every little bit helps. Thanks!
Patrick (Nerd Out With Me) says
Having a sister who started her own magazine (Boho) I can tell you it’s definitely an uphill battle. Like you said, it’s all about the ads. Ads ads ads. as a lover of your site, and fellow Extraordinary Leaguer, I hope nothing but the best!
Brian says
Thanks Patrick. And if you happen to know someone who wants to run an ad… 😉
Patrick (Nerd Out With Me) says
I already started asking.
Brian says
Awesome. Thanks!
MIss M says
I am on the prowl tomorrow for folks who want ads! I have some places in mind and I will do what I can to add more backers. I want this magazine in my hands, like yesterday. Hope all is well Brian.
Brian says
You are the BEST! Thanks!
Tommy says
Wow I didn’t know this was live yet, count me in!
I’m sure you probably have the first issue planned out, but I’d love to pitch some article ideas to you for future issues too!
Brian says
Thanks Tommy! I will definitely be in touch!
Rich (NerdNook) says
The tweet by Jordan is a pretty awesome! Looks like you’ve got quite the head start! I’m pretty sure Jordan will be comic con all weekend. Can’t wait to get up there! Anyway awesome start!
Brian says
Yep, according to his tweets, he’s already there. Tell him I said hi! Can’t wait to see what you find up there. Happy hunting!
Dex says
Congrats on getting it off the ground and flying!
Brian says
Thanks Dex!
LasVegasYankee says
Congrats on getting it Kickstarted. I’ve already pledged and I’ve been letting some of the local people know about it. I talked to a local vintage toy store about your project. Hopefully he will jump on it.
Brian says
Awesome! Thanks for the support and also thanks for help spreading the word!
Kal says
Good luck on this venture, my brothers.
Brian says
Thanks Cal!
big J says
Kicked and Started. Just put my bit on, Hey if you need any extra content I would love to submit an article or two.
Brian says
Excellent! Thanks so much!
GI Jigsaw says
Pledge done. Best of luck. Looking forward to it.
Brian says
Awesome. Thanks!
Yelinna says
Will a little of publicity help?
😀
Brian says
I welcome any and all publicity. Thanks Yelinna! 🙂