http://boingboing.net/2012/12/02/alpha-colony-misses-50k-kicks.html
Kickstarter is a platform for innovation. It allows projects to advertise their funding needs, benefits to contributors, and project descriptions. You set up a target date and a funding requirement. Contributors pledge moneys and when the total contributions match or exceed the funding requirement the project is a go and the project lead gets the cash (less a small % to Kickstarter).
There is a great discussion in the comments - be sure to scroll down.
