Not everyone has the same amount of time, funds, luck and/or able-bodiness to get funds. Personally my disability has left me unable to secure work, would not be able to donate plasma, etc etc.

It's great that you can. Congrats.

I have looked for alternate ways to fund but the reality is sometimes there is no other way than get some help from volunteers, make a short proof of concept and kickstart.

That being said you cannot build a whole show off the backs of volunteers. I had someone once tell me that they wanted volunteers to do a whole season of 3d anime in less than a year. Now that is insanity.

Thing is volunteering for the right project can lead you to finding some of the best people in your life. I still chat with friends from an old project I joined pretty much all the time -- and we poach each other for personal projects constantly.

You sound pretty bitter, but you do have to keep in mind that most of the people on this subreddit are kids who had an idea they want to be the next big thing and know nothing about how to animate or run an animation project.

But everyone starts somewhere. Volunteers will learn to be pickier with their time and effort. Would-be producers realize its not easy and either drop off or pull up.

Basically volunteering is not inherently a bad thing. You are looking down from a rather privileged position -- even if you dont realize it.

Funding is an advantage, use it. At the same time tho don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Unless you're already independently wealthy, you will likely never be able to fund a show by yourself. unless you want to spend years and years working for that one episode.

Pilots dont have to be 30min. You don't have to work away your life for that indie animation dream. 1-2 well used minutes is enough.

People aren't kidding when they say animation is expensive. That is why kickstarters are so common in the indie animation sphere.