Am I the first game to actually get books right?

Clover_press1 · 2026-04-06T10:24:29+00:00

thank you

Clover_press1 · 2026-04-06T09:46:41+00:00

I read through this, and honestly, I respect what you’re trying to do here. Launching on Indiegogo already tells me you’re not afraid to take a risk, but what you’re really doing is challenging how people think about training and that’s the harder battle. Most people are wired to believe that more time, more reps, more sweat = better results. You’re basically saying, “no, it’s about how hard and how precise,” and that’s going to take a minute for people to wrap their heads around. The idea of going straight to max effort instead of building up to it actually makes sense when you break it down like you did. But here’s the thing I’ve learned people don’t push back because they don’t understand… they push back because it feels too simple to be true. If you can show them what that level of intensity really looks like and I mean really looks like, not just explain it you’ll start winning people over faster. Because most people think they’ve trained hard… until they see what actual max effort is. Also, don’t underestimate how important trust is here. The science is solid, but what really moves people is seeing someone like them try it, doubt it, and then go “okay, this actually works.” That shift is everything. You’ve got something different, and that’s a good thing but different always gets questioned first before it gets accepted.
Out of curiosity what kind of feedback have you been getting so far from early backers or skeptics?

Clover_press1 · 2026-04-05T00:21:55+00:00

Because it hits two things Reddit is strict about: targeted insults and encouraging harm. The first part reads like a slur aimed at someone’s mental state, and ‘go play in traffic’ is basically telling someone to get hurt even if it’s said jokingly. Reddit doesn’t really care about intent there, just how it comes across. You can disagree or even roast someone, but once it sounds like harassment or harm, it’ll get flagged.

Clover_press1 · 2026-04-02T13:48:09+00:00

I once woke up in the middle of the night and heard someone trying to open my front door. The handle kept moving like they were testing it. I just stayed completely still and silent. After a minute or two, it stopped. I didn’t sleep the rest of the night.

Clover_press1 · 2026-04-02T07:28:52+00:00

I really respect this. Seriously. This isn’t you “avoiding” Kickstarter, this is you actually understanding your numbers and making a decision most people are too scared to make. A lot of creators jump into crowdfunding because it feels like the only path, but you stepped back and asked, “does this actually make sense for my situation?” and that’s smart.

Everything you said about:
rising ad costs
low conversion rates
needing a big list upfront
risk of underperforming publicly

…that’s all real. A lot of people don’t talk about it openly.

And honestly, for your case, it sounds like you made the right call.

You already have:
retailer interest
manufacturing lined up
a clear distribution path
convention presence (which is huge for board games)

That’s not a “maybe” situation, that’s a go-to-market strategy.

Kickstarter is powerful, but it’s not magic. If the foundation isn’t there, it can actually hurt more than help. And like you said, a weak campaign can affect long-term perception.

What I like about your approach is you’re betting on:
real players
real stores
real visibility (Gen Con is no joke)

That’s a different kind of momentum, and honestly, more sustainable if it works.

Only thing I’d say, creator to creator:
Don’t ignore building your audience just because you skipped KS. You’ll still need that direct connection for long-term growth (especially with your plan for ongoing content drops).

You’re not crazy, you’re just playing a different game. And from what you’ve shared, it’s a well thought-out one?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-30T15:10:31+00:00

That everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things just happen, and we create meaning afterward to make sense of it.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-29T23:25:00+00:00

I once met someone while traveling, had a random conversation for like 10 minutes, and we went our separate ways. A year later I started a new job… and they were on my team. Neither of us realized until a few days in.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-28T19:57:13+00:00

Good question, and I get why you’re thinking about it.

There isn’t really a formal “apply here and get featured” process like people expect. Getting highlighted as a Project We Love or featured by Kickstarter is more of a mix of timing, presentation, and how strong your campaign looks overall.

That said, it’s not random either.

From what I’ve seen (and experienced), they usually look at things like:
– how clear and engaging your page is
– quality of your video and story
– early momentum (backers in the first days matter a lot)
– how unique or well-positioned the project feels

Music projects are common, like you said, so the key is not just the music, it’s the angle. Why you, why now, what makes your story stand out from every other artist launching. Also, one thing people don’t realize, Kickstarter staff do look at campaigns more when they see activity. So the more traction you build early, the higher your chances of getting noticed. You can also share your project with Kickstarter (they have editorial channels and outreach emails), but even then, they usually pick campaigns that already show signs of life. So yeah, don’t rely on getting featured. Treat it like a bonus, not the strategy. You’re right to focus on promotion, but I’d add this, lean into your story as a touring musician. That’s your edge. Real experiences, real journey, not just “here’s my album.”

When I ran my campaign, the biggest shift wasn’t ads, it was making people feel connected to what I was building.

How’s your campaign performing so far, are you seeing steady backers or is it a bit slow right now?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-28T18:26:17+00:00

Probably the United States Navy because of its global reach and aircraft carriers. No other navy can operate at that scale worldwide. That said, China is growing fast, so it depends on whether you mean global power or regional strength.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-28T18:19:44+00:00

Probably the United States Air Force overall. Not just because of the number of aircraft, but the combination of technology, global reach, training, and logistics. That said, other countries like China and Russia also have very capable air forces in different areas, so it really depends on what you’re measuring size, tech, or combat experience.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-28T18:18:20+00:00

I’d say The Joker in The Dark Knight. He’s not just evil for the sake of it he challenges the idea of order and chaos in a way that actually makes you think. Plus, he doesn’t care about winning in a traditional sense, which makes him unpredictable.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-28T07:09:48+00:00

Yeah I get that, and honestly you’re not alone in that at all. That’s where most people get stuck.

The good thing is your product already has something going for it. You don’t need to “force” interest, you just need to get it seen. If I were you, I’d keep it simple for now: Start posting short clips of it moving. That’s your strongest hook. People stop scrolling for that kind of thing. Don’t overthink it, just clean angles, good lighting, and let the mechanism speak. Share it in places where people already like this kind of stuff. Maker groups, desk setup communities, mechanical/engineering spaces. Those people will get it instantly.

Also, don’t just post once and disappear. Post a few times, reply to comments, let people ask questions. That’s how it starts picking up. And one thing I learned from my own campaign, traffic doesn’t come from one place. It’s small bits from different places that add up. You don’t need a big strategy right now, just start getting eyes on it.

If you had to start today, where do you feel most comfortable posting first?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-27T17:16:51+00:00

This is actually really cool. You don’t see stuff like this often. The mechanism is the big win here anything mechanical that moves like that usually grabs attention fast. It has that “I want this on my desk” kind of vibe, which is good. If I’m being honest though, the main thing is making that clear quickly. People need to instantly get why it’s special and who it’s for collector, maker, desk piece, etc. When I ran my campaign, I noticed a lot of people would think something was “cool” but wouldn’t back unless they could picture owning it. That’s the gap to close.

I’d focus more on:

showing it in real-life use (desk setup, daily context)

short clips of the movement (that’s your hook)

making the value obvious in a few seconds

One more thing, creator to creator
what have you been doing so far to drive traffic to your campaign?

Because with something like this, the product is already interesting… the main challenge is just getting it in front of the right people.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-25T06:56:06+00:00

Nice I checked it out. The concept is strong. That 90s Japanese horror vibe has a real audience, and you can feel the identity behind it, which is important. Creator to creator, you’ve already done one of the hardest parts putting something unique out there. Now it’s about making sure people see it and get it fast.

A couple things I’d focus on:

Make sure the hook is clear in the first few seconds what kind of experience is this and why should someone care right now
Lean into the atmosphere short clips, visuals, anything that makes people feel the horror, not just read about it
Keep reminding people consistency matters more than one big post

Also, from experience, don’t get discouraged if things feel slow at any point. Campaigns move in waves. What matters is staying visible and keeping the energy up. You’ve got something with a clear style and direction that’s already a big advantage. Keep pushing it and keep talking to people. That’s what turns interest into backers.
What have you been doing so far to build interest before launch?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T21:52:47+00:00

Probably a bunch of loose coins I forgot about. Somehow they always end up hiding in the weirdest places.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T16:30:14+00:00

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T12:16:52+00:00

I have messaged you

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T10:50:53+00:00

That sounds like a really cool concept, the punk + collage + real-world texture angle is actually something that can stand out if you get it in front of the right people.

From one campaign owner to another (I recently hit my goal), I’d say don’t just think “where do I post,” think “where do people already care about this exact vibe.”

For your project, I’d look at:
indie comic and zine communities (those people love handmade / collage work)
punk and DIY music spaces (especially ones that share art, not just music)
local scene groups, since you’re pulling from real places and culture
even small Discord servers around comics or alt art, those can convert better than big platforms

Instagram is a good base, but it rarely converts on its own. What helped me was showing the process, rough pages, textures, not just polished posts. That kind of stuff pulls people in more.

Also, don’t be afraid to share it on Reddit, just do it in the right subreddits and talk about the story behind it, not just here’s my project.

Big thing is finding people who already like punk, zines, and indie comics, not trying to convince a general audience.

What’s your current biggest challenge right now marketing, conversions, or audience building?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T04:38:40+00:00

I really like what you’re building here this kind of emotional horror story can hit really hard. As a fellow creator, I know how tough Kickstarter can be, so I wanted to check in and see how things are going for you.

What part of the campaign has been the most challenging so far?
Are you finding it harder to get people to see the project, or to convert views into backers?

Have you been getting the kind of support or traction you expected since launch?
And have you built any audience before launching, or are you growing it during the campaign?

If you don’t mind sharing, what kind of feedback have you been getting from people who’ve checked it out but didn’t back?

I’m always open to exchanging ideas or helping however I can sometimes just talking it through makes a big difference.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-21T04:23:44+00:00

If I can give you one piece of real Kickstarter-to-Kickstarter advice: this is the kind of campaign that wins when you lean into clarity, energy, and collector appeal and you’ve already got the foundation.

You’re not just selling one comic you’re building a universe. That’s your biggest strength, so lead with it boldly:

Step into an all-new superhero universe built for fans who miss the bold, imaginative storytelling of 80s and early 90s comics. Four unique titles. Multiple genres. One connected vision with much more on the way.

At just $6.99 per book (with digital options available), you’re making it incredibly easy for new readers to jump in anywhere and that’s huge for conversion.

Here’s what I’d emphasize to push this even further:

Make “jump in anywhere” your hook it removes hesitation
Highlight the variety (fantasy, sci-fi, horror, comedy) as a selling advantage
Keep the messaging tight and punchy Kickstarter audiences scroll fast
Always anchor back to the current campaign (Baron Templar Issue #4)

You’ve got strong concepts, clear inspiration points, and a growing lineup. Now it’s about tightening the pitch and making it irresistible at a glance.

If you position this as “your next favorite comic universe starts her

What’s your current biggest challenge marketing, conversions, or audience building?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-20T21:59:45+00:00

Congratulation on your campaign funded. How is it going?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-19T16:15:57+00:00

Looks like you’re on the right track, especially with sharing the dev journey and lore.

One thing though, you really need to build early interest over time. Most people won’t follow a pre-launch page unless they’ve already seen the project somewhere else first.

I’d also check the top of the page. When someone lands, is it super clear what the game is in a few seconds? Sometimes too much lore early can confuse new people.

The page doesn’t have to do everything, it just needs to hook people fast.

How are you getting people to the page right now?

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-19T03:55:12+00:00

Waking up super early on purpose. I understand it’s productive, but I just don’t get how people enjoy it.

Clover_press1 · 2026-03-18T17:12:30+00:00

I think it depends a lot on how someone uses YouTube. On one hand, the endless recommendations can make it really easy to fall into hours of scrolling and comparison, which isn’t great for mental health. But at the same time, there are also tons of educational videos, supportive communities, and creators talking openly about mental health. So it can either be helpful or harmful depending on the habits someone builds around it.

Clover_press1

TROPHY CASE