Creativity or Cash?
I will admit, I have complex feelings about crowdfunding. I am all for it for start-ups and individuals who do not have access to funding using it; I'm less enthusiastic when people who have capital use it. So, I appreciate those who aren’t being given the chance, particularly those who are trying to introduce the world to sex product creativity. Given the precarious nature of getting some kind of sex-related invention or innovation off the ground, having some community support is not only a great way to get money, but to also get some much needed market research. So, you’d think I would be happy that Kickstarter, a company that has flat-out refused to feature sex products, has decided to dip their toe in with the next DAME product, Fin. I’m not. Actually, I’m angry. Kickstarter isn’t committing to sex products, but they are trying it out with a known quantity.
You might recall that DAME’s first product, the revolutionary Eva, was funded via Indiegogo to the record-setting cha-ching of $836,647. As of this writing, Fin has already raised $115,980, surpassing the goal of $50,000. Kickstarter’s model is that they take 8% + $0.20 per pledge on successful campaigns. As of this writing, they have made almost $10,000 off of DAME. Hats off to DAME for producing such a successful launch, but I'm not so sure Kickstarter's in the game to support innovation in the sex toy industry.
A Creative Bent
Inspiration to expand, test bounds and explore creative freedom can come in many different forms. Some folks are visual and seeing something particular can set them off to start a novel. The same can be said of all of our senses. Smell, sound, taste - all can contribute to a creative rush. And of course, so can touch; whether that be the gentle caress of a cheek or the painful smack of an ass. Increasingly, research is being done to explore the body and mind’s reaction to BDSM and kinky sex. One finding is that these acts just might put a person a state where they are more able to pursue their creative endeavors, particularly Dominants and tops. It is an interesting idea that is similar to the different states people have achieved with drugs, alcohol, food and exercise among other things. After so many different types of oppression, it is interesting to hear of studies that embrace the idea of sexuality positively affecting other parts of our lives.
