Crowdfunding Websites

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

Today I was looking for crowdfunding websites.  Here is a list.  I discovered two new ones:

Authonomy is hosted by HarperCollins.  It's more crowdsource than crowdfunding -- what they have really done is throw the slush pile open to the public.  Authors can post partial or complete manuscripts for feedback.  Readers have multiple tools for promoting their favorite reads; you can also see who are the best spotters of popular stuff.  The most popular manuscripts each month get a turn with HC's editorial board.  HC is hoping to find new authors and books this way.  More power to them!  My only complaint is they don't warn people that many publishers consider ANY online appearance of material to use up its first rights.  I think this has potential to improve over the 10 seconds of editorial attention that most manuscripts get in a slush pile.  Plus, it creates a link between crowdfunding and publishing.  Keep your eye on the ball.

Spot.Us is crowdfunded journalism.  I am thrilled!  I think this has great potential to keep serious, accurate journalism alive.  Now you can propose stories that you want covered, or contribute toward stories already on the site.  Journalists are tiffy about pitching in public; wave money at them until they relax.  Some of them are bound to get hooked on the interactive aspects.  Meanwhile the site has some lovely donor features such as "almost funded" and "unfunded" sorting options as well as the topical ones; and a place where you can earn credits by taking a survey.  If you're tired of your favorite subjects getting ignored, go here and put your money where your affinities lie.

Does anyone else have experience with either of these sites yet?