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How big a 'cut' does Roberts himself take as well? Given this endeavor is built entirely on the charity of the backers, I would really hope he isn't taking a pe

• fgonzag 9y ago
  Why wouldn't he? All you are doing is buying something unreleased for a discount because of the built in risk. He gets to do whatever he wants with the money left over as long as he meets the stated goals.
  • giobox 9y ago
    I think many people would argue that ethically/morally it's somewhat questionable - he's taken donations, not investment, and as such lacks any of the oversight/due diligence external investment usually attracts. Similarly, I doubt even a majority of backers actually understand the business/charity model they are putting money into - that we are now at 9 figures certainly suggests these are not "sophisticated investors". Was keeping a large amount of the cash for himself a stated goal? probably not, hence my curiosity. His business occupies a grey area between business endeavor and charity. Me in his shoes, I'd sure as hell feel bad taking a chunk of the donations. I'd have no issue with him pocketing the profits of traditional sales, should he ever reach that point - no one who donated was under the illusion a return would occur, but they should perhaps quite rightly expect that their donation at least pay for development, not lining Robert's pockets. I think it's also debatable the extent to which backers have "bought" anything, let alone received a discount.