What really P's me off is that they allow this crap, yet this is the reply I got to my real/viable, low cost, low risk product submission (I couldn't be arsed to pursue it any further, I might just knock some up and flog them on Ebay) :-
"Hi Martin,
Thanks for submitting your project to Kickstarter. We review projects to ensure they meet our Project Guidelines (
http://www.kickstarter.com/help/guidelines), which define how Kickstarter can be used. As the development of new products can be especially complex for creators and seductive to backers, projects that are developing new hardware or products have additional guidelines which must be met in order to be approved:
Hardware and Product Design guidelines
• Show your work
Projects must be clear about their state of development, and cannot be presented as preorders of finished products. Projects must show details (photos, videos, sketches) of their progress so far, along with a prototype demonstrating the product's current functionality. Projects must explain how the final design is likely to differ from the prototype, and include a production plan (i.e., how you're going to make it) and an estimated timeline.
• No product simulations or photorealistic renderings
Technical drawings, CAD designs, sketches, and other parts of the design process are awesome and encouraged. Photorealistic renderings and simulations that could be mistaken for finished products or real events, however, are not allowed.
• Single servings
Product Design and Hardware projects can only offer one reward per pledge. Offering multiple quantities can imply that rewards are shrink-wrapped and ready to ship when they’re not. With some projects, we'll make exceptions for what we consider sensible sets — things like salt and pepper shakers, notebooks, building blocks, etc.
Please note that our Guidelines for Design projects require information on how and where you will make your project, as well as sharing images and video of your prototype. Can you update your project to reflect this and fall within the guidelines above? In particular we'll need you to update your rewards and show your work that includes:
• A documented, incremental progress from the first spark all the way to the where you are today. Napkin sketches, photographs, handmade prototypes, whiteboard user flow diagrams, these are the things that tell the story of a product conceived, designed, prototyped, and eventually manufactured by creators and their partners. Basically, tell backers your story.
• A functional prototype must be shown. If an adequate demonstration requires video, a video demo must be included in the project description or project video. Still images alone will not suffice. The video helps a lot, but close up product photos are also important - especially behind scenes for the electronics.
• A thorough manufacturing plan must be described. Details should include steps taken in the product development process up to the point of project launch as well as production and fulfillment plans post project success.
Once you've finished updating your project, let me know and I'll have another look!
-Terry"