Kickstarter is a platform that lets artists and inventors go straight to consumers with their ideas, and let the marketplace decide which ones are worthy of becoming reality. Supporters pledge money, and if the project reaches its goal, the project is funded, and the creator receives the pledged money–minus Kickstarter’s 5% cut–to go off and create. But what happens when you’ve invested in a project that never comes to fruition? Jack squat, experts say. And Kickstarter’s own terms of use agree.

The terms of use emphasize that Kickstarter is a platform that facilitates transactions between users, and users are responsible for determining if a project smells rotten or looks impossible. Here’s the relevant section:

Kickstarter is not liable for any damages or loss incurred related to rewards or any other use of the Service. All dealings are solely between Users. Kickstarter is under no obligation to become involved in disputes between any Users, or between Users and any third party. This includes, but is not limited to, delivery of goods and services, and any other terms, conditions, warranties, or representations associated with campaigns on the Site. Kickstarter does not oversee the performance or punctuality of projects.

Of course, the Onion came to a slightly different conclusion a while ago:

Why Kickstarter ‘can’t’ and won’t protect backers once a project is funded [Polygon] (Thanks, Phil!)

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