THE FUNDRAISER QUESTIONS
• WHY NOW? IT'S STILL SUMMER!
I totally understand that most people don't want to deal with a Christmas-related activity four months in advance. In the case of this album, I want to try to get some reviews in time for December, which means sending advance CDs to the Press by early October, if not sooner. Therefore, my goal, if possible, is to order and pay for the CD manufacturing by mid-Sept 2014, so that I don't have to pay extra for a fast turnaround time. [Bear in mind that I began working on this album in mid-February.]
• WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH TO RELEASE A HOMEMADE ALBUM?
Actually, it cost me virtually nothing to conceive, plan, research, record and mix these 13 tracks (electricity, internet, instruments, hardware/software which I already owned, and some office supplies). The funds I am trying to raise are for other necessary areas: licensing/royalties for nine of the songs, CD mastering and manufacturing (along with associated costs), judicious promotion, and some miscellany (e.g. artwork, copyrighting my two original songs, mailing, printing etc.). I will gladly provide further details upon request.
• DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE MONEY WITH THIS ALBUM?
It's unlikely, that I would earn much profit (if any), but I will try. That isn't my primary goal with this project. I'm fulfilling an innate artistic need here, and simply want the whole world to enjoy my music -- but of course, I do hope it will be a big hit! [In order to continue to sell the album, the licensing for nine songs will have to be purchased every year, and hopefully it will at least pay for itself.]
• HOW DO I DONATE?
It's easy! On my campaign page,
http://www.gofundme.com/Yule-Hear-What-I-Hear
...there is a big button which says, "DONATE NOW" and after clicking that you type in ANY whole dollar amount, your name, email, address and credit card information. You can also write an optional note (to me), and fill in your email address if you want a receipt. That's it! [Your donation can be anonymous.]
• HOW CAN THERE BE 20 SONGS IF THERE ARE ONLY 13 TRACKS?
The album contains 4 tracks which are medleys of two or more songs.
• IF I DONATE AT LEAST $10, WHAT KIND OF FILES WILL I DOWNLOAD AS MY REWARD?
The default digital songfiles will be mp3, compatible with all music devices. Please specify in the Note section (when you donate) if you'd prefer m4a (AAC), compatible with iTunes and Apple devices.
If you've already donated and you want m4a files, you can email me anytime to let me know.
• WILL I BE CHARGED A FEE TO USE MY CREDIT CARD?
No, you won't, however a fee will be deducted from what I will actually receive.
• WOULDN'T YOU PREFER TO RECEIVE THE DONATION DIRECTLY?
Honestly, yes, especially if it's a large donation. GoFundMe will deduct 5% plus the credit card fee from what I will receive. I can enter "Offline Donations" on my campaign page to show the progress of my campaign to the public, without the fees being deducted. It may be easier for you to donate via GoFundMe, but please contact me if you wish to contribute directly to me, and the rewards will still apply.
• WHAT IF YOU DON'T REACH YOUR GOAL?
This is a tricky question because I'm determined to raise at least the minimum needed to release the album in a worst-case scenario. And I must do the right thing. I'm going to do the best I can to reach my goal of $3,000, so that I can properly master, manufacture and promote this album in time for December 2014.
• WHAT ARE YOU OFFERING AS A REWARD FOR MY DONATION?
As you will see on my campaign page,
http://www.gofundme.com/Yule-Hear-What-I-Hear
...there are six "Reward" levels:
Mistletoe: $10 or more
A $10 donation will get you a password to download the entire completed album, "Yule Hear What I Hear" before it's released to the public. And a heartfelt thank-you from me.
Deck The Halls: $25 or more
If you choose this level you'll get the password for a digital download of the completed album before its official release, plus downloads of two of my earlier albums. And a heartfelt thank-you from me.
Santa’s Helper: $50 or more
You'll get the password for a digital download of this album before its official release, AND the physical CD by mail. Plus downloads of two of my earlier albums. And a heartfelt thank-you from me.
Greensleeves: $75 or more
You’ll get the advance digital download and an autographed CD by mail, plus downloads of THREE of my earlier albums... and a heartfelt thank-you letter from me.
Comfort and Joy: $100 or more
At this level you'll get all of the above, and YOUR NAME will appear in the credits of the printed CD cover; PLUS an additional download code to give as a gift.
Sleigh Ride: $500 or more
You'll get all of the above, an additional "Yule Hear What I Hear" CD (to give as a gift), PLUS I will write & record a song for you, or we can collaborate. I'll send you the finished song sometime early in 2015. [Please contact me to discuss details if you are considering a "Sleigh Ride" donation. I may be willing to write and record your song for a lower amount. Or maybe a 2-song deal! Let me know your ideas.]
[I had considered other gifts, such as printed T-shirts and coffee mugs, but I wanted to be careful not to make promises I couldn't keep, and these would have required me to set a higher Goal.]
• WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY REWARD(S)?
While I have not set exact dates yet, you'll be able to download the album(s) in October; and receive CDs via U.S. Mail by mid-November.
• CAN I LISTEN TO SAMPLES OF THE SONGS ON THE ALBUM?
Sure! Click here and yule hear 30-second samples.
• WHAT IS GoFundMe? I NEVER HEARD OF IT.
I only heard about them recently myself. It's a crowdfunding site which has been around longer than the more well-known site, Kickstarter. They probably have the best customer service, and a policy of replying to emails within five minutes! You can read more about GoFundMe here: http://www.gofundme.com/questions/what-is-gofundme/
• BUT I LIVE IN EUROPE. CAN I STILL CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CAMPAIGN?
Yes, please do! GoFundMe can accept donations from many different countries!
• WILL I RECEIVE UNWANTED EMAILS OR SPAM IF I MAKE A DONATION?
I understand that you will receive an email every time I post an update to my campaign, to keep you in the loop. Every email will have an unsubscribe link. If you don't see it, you can email GoFundMe at support@gofundme.com to unsubscribe, or contact me and I'll take care of it. They have assured me that there will be no other emails, except a GoFundMe newsletter once a week if you don't unsubscribe.
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Whew! I hope I've covered everything. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or feedback for me! Thanks!
~ Guy
29 August 2014
