If you’re trying to learn more about crowd funding before you launch your own campaign, one of the quickest ways to learn is to donate. There’s no faster way to learn than playing the game. When you support a project, a few things happen. You’ll start getting information about the project, campaign, progress, and behind-the-scenes information (some of which is only available to people who donate). It’s fascinating stuff.

Each campaign becomes a living case study. You don’t have to research it too intensely because info gets emailed directly to you. Start paying close attention to the details. Read all the info shared, watch all the videos the posted, and pay attention to the frequency and content sent out.

Becoming a backer is an inexpensive way to learn the rules, too. For a very small donation ($1 – $35), you can get behind-the-scenes information. Plus you gain experience by participating. It’s very different than reading, researching, and watching.

High profile campaigns are especially interesting. They’re full of great info, especially because they’re a touchy subject. If you’re backing a project that’s in the news a lot, like the Veronica Mars or Zach Braff projects, you have the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal account directly from the people managing the project. You’ll get details on how the project is being managed, how it’s coming along, and how people are responding to it. That’s valuable.

Braff’s project is especially interesting to me because there was a bit of negativity or confusion surrounding it. I was curious about how he’d handle that. Also, he’s taking the time to explain the filmmaking process, which adds another level of transparency for his fans. I like that, since I’m quickly realizing that very few people understand how a film gets made. It’s kinda cool to hear him explain it.

Another benefit to donating? You build backer history. 

Backer history is something I’ve started looking at every time I come across a campaign. It’s an added level of legitimacy. I’ve definitely been scoping out the backer history as part of my vetting process.

Jon Reiss, for example, was running a campaign recently. It’s his first project as a creator but he’s already backed 27 other campaigns. There’s give and take happening. He’s practicing what he’s asking of others, which I totally appreciate.

Bottom line? Start donating now. Especially if you’re thinking about running a crowd funding campaign at any point down the road. For such a small donation you get plenty of great insider information, and you’re helping others along the way. Plus, you can also get pretty cool rewards in return.

UPDATE (2/2014): I have since donated to a bunch of campaigns and learned a lot from it. I’m now in the middle of my own Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for my next documentary film Brewconomy. I will be sending my backers exclusive behind-the-scenes information about the making of this documentary. Our campaign ends on Monday, February 24th at noon. Join us!