Kris
Some good insights, but good lord. Can we stop it with the "____ is like sex" comparisons? It's such a lazy, immature statement. I think I've heard this in some form from every single person who thinks they're being creative. Blech.
So, they SAY this is what this device is going to do; it hasn't actually been manufactured yet. I admit to being a little burnt out on kickstarter. I've been pretty disappointed in the majority of projects I've backed, mostly because the functionality that's promised doesn't seem to end up adequately realized in the end. I think it's time to stop referring to kickstarter projects as products that work like they say they work, and more as investments in an experiment that probably will go awry along the way.
So you actually think it's unfair to pay a musician for their music? Other people have posted some good options, but what it comes down to is this: if you're needing a really specialized skill for *your* project, something that obviously isn't going to make any money or provide real exposure, then you're going to have to pay someone for their specialized skill. Although, you could spend you entire childhood practicing, learn to compose, get a degree... and then work for free for yourself? Or would that be "unfair"?
This is literally the reason I hate going to the theater. Hell is definitely other people in this case. If I wanted some sort of "shared" experience, I wouldn't be sitting a dark room where I'm not supposed to be interacting with anyone the entire time.