Crowdfunding - one way to Fund your Venture

Hi Everyone,

Need funds to outfit your new coffee shop? Want to finance your music career beyond singing in the shower? Have a movie to finance but didn't get a grant? Want to support a philantropic cause?

Now there is crowdfunding.   Crowdfunding lets you source contributions from the public for your project. In return, you offer rewards to  your contributors rather than equity or profit share. You might give them products once your venture is up and running. For example, 20 coffees for a $50 contribution, a DVD for a $30 contribution, or tickets to the launch.

Crowdfunding can be thought of as an offshoot of crowdsourcing. Both had their start several years ago but are becoming more mainstream now. With more people becoming Internet-literate, there is greater confidence in sourcing ideas and funds via the Net from strangers.

Here is a good article that explains crowdfunding and its pros and cons.

And an interesting real life story of crowdfunding.

There are websites to help you collect your pledges, such as this small Australian company based in Melbourne and Sydney called Pozible (nice name for your dream venture!). They take a small cut of the funds.

Crowdfunding is still in its infancy in the legal framework. As with anything involving commerce, it is always wise to remember caveat venditor (Let the Seller Beware) and caveat emptor (Let the Buyer Beware).  So do your homework before plunging in.

Cheers,

 

 

That's a Clever Idea!

Hi,

This bright Australian website called The Daily Buzz has many great ideas for food and around the home. I am impressed by these clever, yet simple, ideas.

Check out a couple of tips here from The Daily Buzz - you may then be tempted to click the link at the end of this page to check out their 25 ideas:

Use a straw to hull strawberries. We tried it and it works beautifully!

Photo and Idea from The Daily Buzz

.Photo
Via: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com


Use your cupcake tray upside down - bake dough as shown to make cookie shells! These can be used as little bowls for ice cream or other desserts.

Photo and Idea from The Daily Buzz

Via: wilton.com

For all 25 great ideas, here is the link: http://www.thedailybuzz.com.au/2011/11/25-clever-ideas_household-tips_storage-ideas/

.
P/S Be sure to check out Idea # 14 for a romantic egg!

Cheers,

Appy Travels - New Snappy Travel Apps

Hi Everyone,


I came across these travel apps by a small team in Melbourne called Appy Travels.


Like the name, Like the content, Like that they are FREE!


These apps work on iPhones, iPads, iPods and Android phones.


http://appytravels.com/



Happy Travels!

New York Restaurants Health Violations Map

Hi,

Here is a nifty interactive map showing New York City restaurants which have health code violations.

The NYC Department of Health conducts surprise sanitary inspections of every restaurant, at least once, per year. That's an amazing feat, considering how many restaurants there are. The map shows restaurants and their violations ratings.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/dining/new-york-health-department-restaurant-ratings-map.html?src=tp



Cheers,

Food Safety - Tips and Red Flags

Hello All,

I am very particular about food safety, whether dining out, or preparing meals and eating at home.

Here is an interesting site about the food handling breaches to look out for in a restaurant.
Food Safety Full Service Restaurant

And a "Red Flag" scale to help you decide how to respond - do something or do nothing.
Food Safety Red Flag Scale



Cheers,