Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Despite Kickstarter's protestations, hardware kickstarters have been de facto preorders. I hear this all the time, but from day one on KickStarter, it's made it clear what it was about (and this was before the Pebble KS). So, I keep hearing this, but I can't find any sympathy for the backers that complain about it. > This section is still routinely glossed over, I imagine most of it is glossed over by the backers.…
> "I imagine most of it is glossed over by the backers. =)" I disagree heavily. There's never any honesty in this section - the thought that maybe, just maybe, this project can't be delivered at all, is never brought up. This section is the Kickstarter equivalent of "what's your greatest weakness", where project owners do their best to downplay actual risks or not mention them at all. It's the place where you admit t…
That's the inherent nature of KS. Does it really need to be brought up time and time again?
> Who's making it clear though?
KickStarter. The wording they use (pledges), funding, and even the warning on their payment page. Even on the main project pages, even the rewards aren't a promise. Hell, even the date isn't a promise.
So, what more can they do?
Hell, even you assert that the backers read through everything!
> I disagree heavily.
If this were the case, then people wouldn't be confused about what KickStarter is.
Sorry, but every time I see a complain like this come out, it's always based on fantasies and delusions. Not reality.