Not a week goes by without someone’s worthwhile life dream becoming a reality through crowdfunding.
But for every sensible productivity solution that gets funded there’s a bizarre left-field creation too – and often the crowd likes it enough to pay for it.
We’ve put together the top 5 most ridiculous things that have been funded by the crowd.
Some seem pointless while others are borderline unexplainable.
1. Lionel Richie’s Head
What’s missing from music festivals in the UK?
A 3m high inflatable sculpture of Lionel Richie’s head, of course.
In June 2013, Hungry Castle and Bestival founders Josie and Rob da Bank raised well over the initial target of £4,900.
The sculpture was unveiled at Bestival, a music festival in the Isle of Wight, where visitors could enter one at a time. A phone in the middle of the head rings and visitors heard Lionel singing: ‘Hello… Is it me you’re looking for?’
2. We’re putting a Tardis into orbit!
Believe it or not, there is a Tardis orbiting Earth.
For the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, a father and daughter team from Florida raised $88,880, over double their initial target, to launch a 2ft tall Tardis up into low-Earth orbit.
The Tardis was mounted with a GoPro camera, taking pictures of Earth, as well as names and notes from all its backers on solid state hard drives.
3. Detroit needs a statue of Robocop!
After an innocent tweet and subsequent social media frenzy, a team from Detroit took it upon themselves to create a statue of Robocop.
@mayordavebing Philadelphia has a statue of Rocky & Robocop would kick Rocky’s butt. He’s a GREAT ambassador for Detroit.
— @MT (@MT) February 7, 2011
In May 2011, $67,436 was raised and not long later, Detroit had its iconic statue to challenge Philadelphia’s. It now stands proudly outside a Wayne State University campus.
Who knows? Robocop vs Rocky could well be Sylvester Stallone’s next film.
4. World’s Largest Jockstrap
No. This wasn’t made by a man who simply thinks incredibly highly of himself. At least, we don’t think so.
Artist Michael Barrett wanted to set a Guiness World Record and to do so he needed the help of the public.
The $854 raised wasn’t for materials or for staff, but to pay for a scan of the garment which is a requirement of Guiness.
Backers who pledged $100 received a commemorative miniature jockstrap handsewn by the artist.
5. Ron Paul: Road to Revolution
This has the makings of a great campaign slogan, but in fact is the name of a crowdfunded video game.
The game, developed off the back of backers’ $11,073, plays much like Super Mario Bros. However, instead of a plumber with a beautiful moustache, your character is the silver-haired former presidential candidate, Ron Paul.
Over levels designed around each of the United States, you must guide Ron Paul through 13 Boss Fights representing each branch of the Federal Reserve and a Final Boss