Jeff: I love this idea and I'd like to contribute. Would you consider a Kickstarter-like model and declare a fundraising goal and deadline, and if we don't make the goal then the donations are returned? I'd like to make more than a token pledge, but I don't want the money just sitting around if this project doesn't find its legs.
Same answer as with the investment question early in this thread. KickStarter is too much work at this stage. KickStarter also potentially introduces problems with setting expectations. Phase 1 -- the boring design work -- does not cost very much, and would not be worth a KickStarter. KickStarter for Phase 2 -- building and launching space hardware -- is very exciting, but it is premature to KickStart that right now, in my opinion.
Phase 1 is all about designing a usable foundation. If you can afford it, donate 1-10 BTC, and email me so that I may credit your sponsorship.
The current team will be kept small, under 4 engineers or so.
Layers of management, investors, incorporations, and KickStarters are just not necessary this early, and would simply slow down the process.
