The extra goodies that came along in my package included a balsa wood bookmark, two stickers, three postcards and an 8.5" x 11" mini poster. 

I think the Kickstarter platform is pretty great. I know there have been some situations where people have felt ripped off, for instance the situation with Animal Collective’s Josh Dibb and with Amanda Palmer’s Kickstarter to fund her solo album and tour (two situations that I think are very different and probably shouldn't be lumped together like that), but I would imagine most Kickstarter projects that get funded probably work out well.  I think the best way to go about it is: having a well thought out, realistic goal, figuring out your budget and costs ahead of time, not making promises you can't or don't intend to keep and keeping your backers informed about what they can expect and when and being honest about any delays or mix ups. 

I feel good about having backed these two projects and I look forward to backing more to come and who knows? Maybe one day I'll be asking for backers for a Kickstarter of my own.  –S.