• LordMayor@piefed.social
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      3 hours ago

      It actually has a lot of times. Make lots of promises, take investor money, show “working” prototypes, release nothing.

      Sometimes, they even get away without lawsuits or criminal charges.

      There’s even a word for it: vaporware.

        • Soggy@lemmy.world
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          24 minutes ago

          I’ve had a few projects through Kickstarter face delays over the years (once for Covid, definitely don’t blame them for that) but nothing that turns into actual fraud. I know they happen, and it makes the internet news when it does, but calling it “the entire business model” is wildly cynical at best.

          As with any investment, don’t go in blind. Look at who’s behind the idea and their experience and values.