419
Backers
$27,637
pledged of $2,000 goal
Funding Canceled Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on August 16, 2011.
Funding period
Jul 22, 2011 -
Aug 21, 2011
(30 days)
- 2 created · 0 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
Pledge $1 or more
32 backers
THANK YOU!!! Every dollar is helping us get The Tech-Sync Power System ready for production. We’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $20 or more
62 backers
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 1 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlet and 1 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switch in the color of your choice. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $45 or more
161 backers
OHHHH!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 3 Tech-Sync Power System Outlets and 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $50 or more
10 backers All gone!
THE BIG DROID BETA BACKER!!!!! Just like the $45 level, you’ve just pre-ordered 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. Your also a part of the Android beta group. You’ll be sent a copies of our Android app for testing. You’ll be asked to complete surveys once a week until the beta period ends. With you’re help, we’ll knock the bugs out (if any) and you’re helping us get the system ready to go out to the world. Plus there'll be one more surprise that comes at the end of the funding period. (If you’ve pledged at a higher level and wish to remain at that level but want to beta test, please send an email and we’ll add you to the Android beta list).
Pledge $50 or more
13 backers All gone!
THE BIG BETA BACKER!!!!! Just like the $45 level, you’ve just pre-ordered 3 Aero-Light Wall Outlets and 3 Aero-Light Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. Your also a part of the iOS beta group. You’ll be sent a copies of our iPhone and iPad app for testing. You’ll be asked to complete surveys once a week until the beta period ends. With you’re help, we’ll knock the bugs out (if any) and you’re helping us get the system ready to go out to the world. Plus there'll be one more surprise that comes at the end of the funding period.
Pledge $80 or more
77 backers
YOUR GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT HOME AUTOMATION!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 5 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 5 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $150 or more
53 backers
NEVER LEAVE THE COMFORT OF YOUR COUCH AGAIN!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 8 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 8 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get special instructions on how to make your Tech-Sync Power System do something special using the software or App. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $500 or more
7 backers Limited (5 of 12 left)
YOUR GETTING EVERYTHING PLUS THE KITCHEN SINK!!! You’ve just pre-ordered an entire home or office install of the Tech-Sync Power System. Steven, plus one member of the Tech-Sync team, will come to your location. Replace and install up to 25 wall outlets and wall switches. The great thing is, your Tech-Sync Power System will be in a custom color of your design. You’ll get special instructions on how to make your Tech-Sync Power System do something special using the software or App. Plus we’ll even cook dinner for you while your enjoying your new Tech-Sync Power System. Please just don’t turn the lights off while I’m cooking for you. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
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Show older commentsCreator Nic Hayes on August 28, 2012
Go Check this Project out. It looks a lot more legitimate than this project ever was.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smartthings/smartthings-make-your-world-smarter
Creator John Furcean on April 3, 2012
Check out my home brew hardware/software project over at TheNewTech.tv http://thenewtech.tv/community/arduinox10-home-automation-over-wifi. Its in its early stages right now.
Creator Robert Barnes on October 20, 2011
I've started a similar project, but with a twist. I'm replacing light switches with inexpensive Android tablets. http://code.google.com/p/the-ultimate-light-switch/
Creator Paco Garcia on August 24, 2011
This is so disappointing and unethical, how can they call themselves engineers?
Creator Ethan S. on August 22, 2011
@Christian
Yep, bastard just disappeared.
Creator Christian Skorik on August 22, 2011
I'm shocked we haven't heard anything from the team regarding this "hack". Oh well. I guess it WAS too good to be true after all. $80 saved.
Creator geekscape on August 18, 2011
hi All,
We're an Australian development team who have delivered a number of open-source hardware / software projects over the last couple of years. Typically, these projects are based around Arduino and some amount of ZigBee mesh-networking. We think open-source designs are the right way to approach many projects. Here are a few examples:
A science and physics experimenters kit for educational use: http://bit.ly/pRkmpP
An Arduino Shield that can support LCD, ZigBee, sensors, relays and other devices: http://www.hackmelbourne.org/wiki/index.php/Pebble
A mobile sensor datalogger: http://www.freetronics.com/products/mobsendat
Some of our work has been used in an energy management product, and energy management is a space we are passionate about. We took an interest in the Tech-Sync project, because we'd been contemplating our own KickStarter project, but seeing that one was already unde rway, we decided to sit-back and observe. Now that the situation has changed, we're considering our options, including looking further into our KickStarter project idea.
If that is of interest to folks, we'd be love to hear from you. You can contact us at either paulszym+homerun at gmail dot com or http://gplus.to/paulzee.
regards Andy and Paul
Creator Stephen on August 17, 2011
Hi Guy's
I made a post on the 2nd Aug, due to my concern.
I am developing a simular unit in New Zealand and was very concerned for my project because Steven's pricing blew me out of the water. I'm going to continue to develop our WIFI controller but need an iOS and an android developer to develop the phone stuff, I would also need a someone (electrical engineer most likely) to advice help get it through US conformity if I was to ship to the US (or we could do it as a kit) I would also need someone over there to launch it on kickstarter as you need to be a US citerzin. I am happy to share IP with co-developers (non-discloser doc's would be a must) and design concepts with kickstart backers. I would concider open source, but we need quite a number of preinvestment to cover our work.
Below is a copy of my original post:
Stephen
Wow, I'm amazed you can let us have a piece of kit for that price. I was thinking of developing a similar project in New Zealand and my bill of materials is (in NZ dollars) : Std power socket $12, custom pcb $4, shielding $1.5, wifi chipset $12, asic $13, Mosfet $8, discrete components $6, labour $7 that's $63NZ or $55US. Can't wait to get them! (PM me if I can be an NZ supplier) Thanks dude!
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
FYI: if there's anyone left around here, i started a google group to take the discussion further about developing a product like this.
---
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ks-homeautomation
Creator Dominick Bonetto on August 17, 2011
@divaD27182: 1) Yes, a main repeater is required in order to make the system function. This unit will also act as the connection to your LAN so you can control the system via your I phone, I pad, or Android Device. Any programed button presses will be indicated with a small LED on the keypad when that load is being used. The same thing goes for the GUI on the mobile devices. (checkout the app, they all have a demo mode and there free)
2) Yes, it's a close system that uses it's own stuff, but remember sometimes the best functioning system are closed. (Apple, you play by their rules so everything works)
3) The difference systems that are available (Radio Ra 2, Homeworks, Homeworks QS) are meant to meet the needs of a project and price point. Radio Ra 2 is meant to be the enter level system with some limitations. Both Homeworks and Homeworks QS are meant to be a high-end solution, these two systems have the most flexibly when it comes to programming.
4) They don't have pricing on the site because setting up a lighting control system can be a very complex endeavor. Different electrical load types MLV vs ELV vs LED, NEC code compliance,...etc. Ideally they would like you to go though a dealer. Most of the time this insures you have a successful project. Most DIY people don't take the time you really understand how these systems work...put the wrong dimmer on the wrong load type and you've burned out a dimmer or a fixture or both.
5) The Main repeater gives each device on the system a specific ID that will only work on that system. I've installed many RR2 system in the Millennium Tower (600 unit build in downtown SF) with no interference between units.
6) If you really interested I would recommend contacting a local electrical supply house to get pricing. The RR2 system can be sold directly to the public. You need to be a Lutron dealer or certified installer in order to purchase Homework and Homeworks QS.
I hope this helps and I'd be glad to answer any other questions you may have. Sorry for the delayed response.
Creator Dominick Bonetto on August 17, 2011
@Mark: I'm not offended at all. I've been worked with control systems for 7 years now, and I just thought this project was just a little to good to be true.
Creator Mark on August 17, 2011
@zenocon- Well, a lot has happened since I last posted here. I apologize if you (and Dominick, and Troy) were offended by my FUD comment. I was trying to show that it was quite reasonable uncertainty and doubt, which is why I backed out.
Interestingly, when I went to adjust my pledge, I was able to set it to zero, so that's what I did. That's why the numbers do not add up- 419 backers, but if you add up all the pledged backers, it's only 415 people- four of us dropped out but didn't completely withdraw.
Anyway, I'm also sorry to imply that you all made special accounts just to criticize this project- I just had my tin foil hat on. Obviously, we've all got to get started here at some point and this was a pretty interesting project, you were just doing your due diligence, and for that I appreciate your speaking up.
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
YouTube seems to be stuck on "this video is being processed", but if you go to my channel page, it is there and you can watch it: http://www.youtube.com/user/davisford
Creator Tom Parker on August 17, 2011
@Christopher I really think Craig had something to do with it. Steven might have thought he'd snag a quick two grand initially but got spooked once it turned out to be easy to track him down on the 'net.
Creator Tom Parker on August 17, 2011
@Tim Dorey It really isn't set up to prevent scamming. It's set up to promote project success -- that is, if you don't reach the goal you say you need to make it all happen, then the project isn't funded at all. That's a safeguard for legit projects, but doesn't prevent a scam project from being funded.
Kickstarter really is about fan-oriented projects; projects where their is a community of supporters that provides some legitimacy to the effort. Lately, Kickstarter has become a platform for some high profile product launches, like Lunatik, where a ton of people who had never heard of the project creator come here to buy some gadget. The Lunatik project has very interesting comments where people were upset that their reward (that didn't exist yet) weren't delivered in three weeks so they had them by Christmas.
It's not hard to identify an iffy project. Look at the creators. Have they done something like this before? Are they unknowns? Do they have anything to show for their alleged progress so far? I'm surprised anyone backed that Freeq project when the creators identified themselves only as the Singularity. Back people, not profiles.
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
@Scott -- I just googled for "free poll", and that was the first thing that came up.
---
I just posted a YouTube demo of a prototype we built http://www.youtube.com/watch… that allows you to control a power outlet wirelessly via Bluetooth
---
Myself and a friend just started this company http://daisyworks.com -- we are considering building a production version of something like what was described on this KickStarter page. We do have the engineering background to actually do it, we just don't know yet if the business case is feasible, so we're going to study it and try to decide.
---
If we do go for it, and you'd like to be notified so you can follow up, send me your contact info @ davis 'at' daisyworks 'dot' com, and we'll send you an email with any update.
Creator turph on August 17, 2011
Did learn a valuable lesson about doing my research before backing. At least we all did not loose our money.
Would be nice if founders were required to submit some other info as some have mentioned; LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Obviously not fool proof either. Also, the comments about a better sense of community for backers would be a really good site feature, probably on a few fronts.
Not giving up on the site though...
Creator Tom Parker on August 17, 2011
@Scott Stefan, no post was deleted. That indicates that DDDD has deleted his Kickstarter profile. It seems his first Kickstarter experience is his last. Unfortunate.
Creator David Snell on August 17, 2011
One thing I wish is that Kickstarter required some sort of explanation when someone wants to cancel that would then be provided (maybe edited) to the backers. The feedback method about rewards and such has been a constant issue for me. When someone backs something they expect their reward (someday) but there does not really appear to be a mechanism for tracking this. Even just a field to manually check off that reward was received would help Kickstarter validate legitimacy of projects. Plus being able to monitor the things you are backing by whether you received your reward, the open source was made open, etc...
Creator Scott Stefan on August 17, 2011
@zenocon:
I took the poll. Then tried to enter a commnet but received and error after i hit submit.
_______________________________________________________
"Internal Server Error
The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request.
Please contact the server administrator, admin@boardhost.com and inform them of the time the error occurred, and anything you might have done that may have caused the error.
More information about this error may be available in the server error log"
_______________________________________________________
My comment was
I Would pay about $30-40 but more on the 40 side. I would back this project with a 100.00-150$ backing, knowing that someone with integrity was doing it. I backed Steven with only 20$.
I think the important thing to do right now is collect peoples email addresses while people keep checking in on the project, that way you can notify them if you think the project has legs and you put it on KS.
I would be willing to help out and do some market research/compile the data. I could also get some comparitive costings in China. However, it would be great if this project could stay in the US. Thier is great site in the US called www.mfg.com where you can post and RFQ (request for quote) and get some very competitive prices in the US. Anyhow we could let the people decide where where it will be made, based on the rewards given for a US Cost Basis VS a China costs basis. It would be fun to see what happens.
Creator Christopher White on August 17, 2011
@Tim: My guess is that he wasn't expecting this many people to find the project and pledge, based on the $2,000 goal. He was probably just hoping a few dozen people would donate a few bucks here and there, get his $2k, and then disappear into the night. There's nothing really preventing that sort of thing -- there's definitely trust involved in Kickstarter -- but I will say that most of the projects I've backed have been worthwhile. The one red flag for me on this project (as others have pointed out) was the fact that although there were a lot of updates, there was no SUBSTANCE in any of them. He didn't even show a picture of what the outlet looks like or a screenshot of a GUI. I reduced my pledge way down last week due to the lack of information. Other projects (including a couple of movies I've backed) have actually shown CONTENT so you know they're working on them. It's not always fast (like the lockpick project I'm backing), but as others have said, you have to rely on the reputation of people as well -- and in the case of the lockpick project, he's provided a ton of updates and is very well known within the industry. You have to believe that people don't want to lose their reputation over a bit of cash.
In short, don't let this project scare you away from the other great things people on Kickstarter are working on.
Creator Tim Dorey on August 17, 2011
@Christopher White Thanks! So how do they plan on scamming if its sort of set up to prevent that? I guess this setup requires a bit of "faith" but knowing that there are scamming trying to work over the system isn't good news for the future of kickstarter.
Creator Christopher White on August 17, 2011
@Tim: With Kickstarter, the project doesn't get your money unless the project makes its funding goal (in this case, $2000) AND the project is still running on the day the funding ends. Since Steven Washington canceled the project before the funding date, NOBODY is charged anything. You're not out any money.
It looks like the project was a scam (I had reduced my pledge last week when it started to appear that was the case), and the person running it realized he was found out and canceled to avoid lawsuits and such.
So in short: You're out no money, and this project was (probably) snake oil.
Creator Tim Dorey on August 17, 2011
Can someone explain to me what is going on? Is my money gone? Did they just rename the program?
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
Hey all, I created a poll here: http://poll.pollcode.com/osI -- since we've got everyone's ear, I'd be curious to see what people would be willing to pay for this. The business case for this isn't all that great, or it would have been done, but it depends highly how much people are willing to pay. I'm not sure where the break even point is, but I know $20/unit is lunacy. If you have a chance, take 5 seconds to fill out the poll.
Creator John F Kelley on August 17, 2011
I like the direction that some are looking at moving forward and trying to make this happen. I have no skills when it comes to the programming etc... That it would take, but would be willing to support another campaign for the research/ production of the concept.
Creator Christopher C. on August 17, 2011
And now apparently the Twitter account that is supposedly Steven's has also been deleted... I originally had pledged $500 for this project...I had dropped down to $1 because I was waiting to hear from Steven if he he was going to be making Decora style outlets to match the rocker switches... Seemed to be too good to be true and apparently is. *Sigh*
Creator Christopher C. on August 17, 2011
Anybody notice that not only is the project cancelled, but that Steven Washington's KS account is marked (deleted)??
Creator Ethan S. on August 17, 2011
If anyone wants to start up a project, I can do design, and heavily help with beta testing the software.
Creator Ethan S. on August 17, 2011
@mitpatterson & zenocon
Darn
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
@Ethan S -- this project would end up exactly like "thesingularity" project: one year later and people poking in on the comments, "helloo?" -> long echo.
--
@Craig -- as far as his account getting hacked, does Anthony Weiner ring a bell to anyone? I once knew a guy who was a compulsive liar. He would keep telling more fantastical lies to cover up his stories no matter how absurd they sounded.
--
If anyone is interested in doing something about a new project, let me know. I can do the software, and yes, you'd be able to see the source code change every day...not hear about a phone call that says it is 95% complete.
Creator mitpatterson on August 17, 2011
@Ethan S. more than likley thats the Registar's(Network Solutions) as all the other info looks to be "private" registration
Creator Ryan Mercer on August 17, 2011
I had a bad feeling when the whole 'death of a family member' thing happened... now I see my suspicions were correct. Dang, I really wanted one of these.
Creator Ethan S. on August 17, 2011
In update 26, in the WhoIs link (http://whois.domaintools.com/homesynctech.com), they have a phone number. I may call it tomorrow and see what I can pull up, in regards to this.
Registrant:
Home Sync Tech Systems
ATTN HOMESYNCTECH.COM
care of Network Solutions
PO Box 459
Drums, PA. US 18222
Domain Name: HOMESYNCTECH.COM
Administrative Contact:
Washington, Steven
Home Sync Tech Systems
ATTN HOMESYNCTECH.COM
care of Network Solutions
PO Box 459
Drums, PA 18222
US
570-708-8780
Technical Contact:
Home Sync Tech Systems
ATTN HOMESYNCTECH.COM
care of Network Solutions
PO Box 459
Drums, PA 18222
US
570-708-8780
Record expires on 16-Aug-2012.
Record created on 16-Aug-2011.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS61.WORLDNIC.COM 205.178.190.31
NS62.WORLDNIC.COM 206.188.198.31
Creator Scott Stefan on August 17, 2011
@ divaD27182, @Zeno and my self are wondering if this project could go on?
There are some great, intelligent, backers of this project. Why doesn't someone who has the technical background or project management skills try and re-start the project?
Maybe you could start by:
1- Creating a gmail account and collect everyone's emails that wants to participate.
2- Poll people for what the price point threshold is
3- ask @Stephen from New Zealand for his BOM (bill of materials) and see if his system can be used in some way, if yes, then someone can price out his parts for volume discounts,
4- Ask the supports if anyone has the technical software skills to make this device/system work. If no one is unable to assist or has the technical ability, then this job function could be contracted out.
The project could be a collective effort and put out there as an open source project.
Once the project was about to go live on Kickstarter then everyone on the mailing list could be notified.
Creator Ethan S. on August 17, 2011
Here's a Kickstarter scam that worked!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesingularity/freeq-an-interactive-radio-drama-indie-video-game/comments
Creator Scott Stefan on August 17, 2011
@DDDD (deleted)
"@Tom Parker I was just commenting on how.......I find it odd that it went poof into the night. I know there is one born every minute. I have a feeling this time it might have been me. I have no idea if the other 418 feel the same way."
what does DDDD mean when he says "... I have a feeling this time it might have been me."
why is his post deleted?
DDDD can you respond to this?
Creator Craig Shih on August 17, 2011
Washington* sorry for the typo.
Creator Craig Shih on August 17, 2011
Steven Washing claims his kickstarter account was hacked into:
http://www.incoherentphotography.com/uploads/Screenshot-2011-08-16_23.48.00.png
screenshot of his twitter.
simple way to find out, do kickstarter admins have log in IP information?
Craig
Creator divaD27182 on August 17, 2011
Kickstarter got back to me with a little bit more information....
Hi there,
The Tech-Sync project was canceled. Please know we were talking extensively about what to do in this situation, and are working on ways to prevent this from happening again.
Thanks,
Cooper
Of course, that was the second time Cooper got back to me, and the first time was with a FAQ answer. (I have found they like to provide FAQ answers, manual descriptions, or other information I can already see, even when they don't fit the question.)
----------------------------------------------------------------
So, anybody have any thoughts on actually doing something like the "Tech-Sync" concept?
WIFI with relaying, control either at switch or outlet, dim-able, software interface and control over WIFI, price point well below $100 per unit (but not necessarily $7.50)?
Creator geekscape on August 17, 2011
I've written a blog post on this unfortunate outcome ... http://geekscape.posterous.com/kickstarter-caveat-emptor
If you have any further information ... or corrections that I should make, please let me know and I'll update the blog post.
I was very interested in this project and made a tiny $1 pledge ... because we have a 240V electrical system in Australia. There are a number of other credible projects with similar goals ... and I hope they won't be unduly affected by the Tech-Sync Power System situation.
Creator mitpatterson on August 17, 2011
Well Kickstarter got back with me : Meaghan O'Connell, Aug-17 01:40 (EDT):
Hi there,
Thanks for writing in and for your interest. The project was cancelled by the creator.
Best,
Meaghan
Creator Craig Shih on August 17, 2011
@Anthony V
I'm likewise stumped, to be honest. I never expected the project to be canceled without a word. Perhaps this individual didn't really think this project through enough and realized he wasn't going to get anywhere?
Or perhaps this individual felt quite a bit of pressure after I found his online nick and associated dating profiles. We may never know.
Craig
Creator Tom Parker on August 17, 2011
@DDDD The basic facts lead me to believe this was a con. I think that's why the project was abruptly canceled and the creator account deleted. (The other explanation is that someone provided Kickstarter proof that the patent claim was false and they decided the project violated their terms of use.)
As cool as it is to think about, I don't believe that an unknown with no track record found a way to produce a programmable, wireless wall outlet control for a fraction of the cost of the major players. I'd love to be proven wrong and have Steven's website pop up in a couple weeks for real but I think it's unlikely. Even looking at the basic story -- that they'd been at this for two years, were working on UL testing, FCC testing, had done their patent filings, but couldn't come up with a final $2,000 for an initial production run and had no prototypes to show us from their 2 year's of effort -- it just doesn't add up.
@Anthony V My guess is that someone thought this would be an easy scam. As I said below, there are no guarantees here. I find it hard to see someone going to jail for this. You'd never be able to prove that it was a case of intent to defraud rather than just some very bad math that led to the project not being completed.
Creator Anthony V on August 17, 2011
I am stumped on one thing... Why would someone go to all the trouble of setting up a kickstarter project, do a write up on it, and post updates as the project progresses? It seems like a rather pointless prank, especially considering the effort involved. And if it were a scam for profit, wow... There are countless other ways to earn money that won't land you in jail, or have you looking over your shoulder.
Creator DDDD (deleted) on August 17, 2011
@Tom Parker I was just commenting on how it was unlikely that anyone would be out of the money pledged. I have no problem if SW had come out and said something like: we reviewed our spreadsheets, negotiated hard with our suppliers, had a falling out with the PTO and have decided that we are unable to bring this particular product to market at this time. Sorry folks, we will try again. Thanks for your interest and support.
I find it odd that it went poof into the night. I know there is one born every minute. I have a feeling this time it might have been me. I have no idea if the other 418 feel the same way.
Creator Tom Parker on August 17, 2011
@DDDD Sorry if I misunderstood "Did anyone actually see a charge? You have 6 months to challenge a charge on a credit card anyway and whoever charged the amount would have to justify it with documentation. They would also get a chargeback fee per challenge," as being concerned about whether you were charged or not.
Yes, anyone can put up a project that meets the terms of service and raise as much money as people are willing to pledge. For those of us who have been here longer than a week, we understand that this is a system primarily driven by the project creator's community and reputation. There are no guarantees here. You are backing somebody's dream and hopefully they make good on it. It's not Best Buy.
That said, after backing more than 20 projects the track record here is pretty good. I've seen two projects canceled, a couple didn't get funded, and 80 to 90% of the successful projects have fulfilled their rewards. The remaining ones seem to be in progress. There are one or two I think might flake out. That's the nature of this transaction. Despite how some people characterize their rewards, you are NOT buying something here. You're backing somebody's idea. They promise to give you something. As in the real world, sometimes the pay-off isn't there.
Kickstarter isn't going to be doing an due diligence on these projects. Their terms are very clear. Claiming that they verify a project's ability to perform takes on liability that they have no control over. It won't happen.
Creator Scott Stefan on August 17, 2011
@Tom Parker, I agree and totally understand. Sorry you have to go to the movies now ;)
Creator zenocon on August 17, 2011
@DDDD I tend to agree with you. I'm fairly new to KS. This project is the first one I backed (out of curiosity b/c I thought it was fantastical), but browsing around the other projects it seems as if the model mostly works. I did a lot of poking around for scam / ks / etc. trying to find other stories of similar outcomes to this, and I didn't find a lot. However, the fact that this guy was still just getting money thrown at him -- with almost zero promotion and with all of the comments on here boggles my mind. This is a good idea, but what I want to know in the aftermath is if it was so popular because of the price: $20 and you get a wall outlet and switch...or if it was just the general idea? If the cost was $75 for an outlet would people still be willing to buy it? $50? Based on the number of backers, the bell curve says between $45-50. I think it will still be difficult to bring something like this to market for that price...unless you are well connected.
Nevertheless, it also should be a warning bell to KS to do their homework and due diligence on future projects. It would be nice to see either a LinkedIn profile or online resume, website, and any other work someone can point to which can validate their claims to produce. Most other projects I have looked at typically have updates that show progress or link to other work they have done. This one was an exception.
Creator DDDD (deleted) on August 17, 2011
@Tom Parker
I am not concerned about credit card charges. I do not think anyone is. This is not 'entertaining' it is quite worrisome. Can anyone just put up a project with zero verification as to who they are and raise nearly $30K? If I were KS I would not want to just leave things as opened ended as this.