Three years ago, I had a dream. I was living in a studio apartment in Portland, it was late and moonlight was shining in through the window. I can't remember what the dream was about or who, but when I woke up, bleary-eyed and not altogether there, I was absolutely certain that there was a man sitting in the chair across the room. He didn't say anything. All I asked was "Who are you?" and in the morning I heard the name Paolo Cerrada and ever since, I've thought about that man sitting quietly in the chair, watching me. This book, along with my more personal observations, is an attempt to answer that question.

BackerKit Crowdfunding is an all-or-nothing collaborative funding platform. Creators share their project ideas and set a funding goal with a deadline. Backers pledge money to help make the project possible.

If the project meets its goal by the deadline, pledges are charged and the creator moves forward. If it doesn’t, no one is charged.

Pledging in crowdfunding is a commitment to support the creation of a new product or project. Unlike a traditional purchase, you're not buying an item that already exists. Instead, your contribution helps bring a creative idea to life, and in return, you typically receive rewards (such as the product itself) as a thank you for your early support.

1. Select a pledge level with the reward(s) you would like to receive
2. Select any add-ons
3. Confirm your pledge!

• You are charged only if the campaign meets its funding goal.
• Charges happen when the campaign ends, not when you pledge.

After the campaign ends, you'll receive a survey to pay for any applicable shipping fees, calculated based on your shipping address.

Pay Over Time allows you to split your pledge into multiple payments over a set period. Your card will be charged according to the payment schedule (four monthly payments). Only available for projects that enable this feature. Learn More »

Only the project creator and the BackerKit Support Team can see your pledge and contact information. Other backers and the public cannot see your individual pledge amount or personal details.

You can change or adjust your pledge level and add-ons before the campaign ends. After the project concludes, cancellations or changes are at the creator's discretion and may depend on what stage the project is in.

Overtime Mode extends your campaign past its original end time to give backers a final chance to make their pledge. It will add an additional 10 minutes past the end time as long as pledges keep coming in. The campaign will end when there is a 10-minute period without any new pledges.

For specific questions about your pledge or the project, you can view the Project FAQ below, search for your answer within the project, or send a message to the BackerKit Support Team or to the project creator.