Kickstarter shouldn't be considered anything more than a donation, with the possibility of getting something at the end. The model has flourished because of the simplicity of it, and involving contractual agreements in the sponsoring process would simply complicate it and scare away potential donors. One should support Kickstarter projects because they want to see a project flourish, and the rewards should be an afterthought.
This is the real, full post that edge-runner just links to: <a href="http://valleywag.gawker.com/kickstarter-project-canceled-after-dude-spends-all-the-912176282" rel="nofollow">http://valleywag.gawker.com/kickstarter-project-canceled-aft...</a>
Also, the original link/site is 503 now, so try my link directly instead.
Amanda Palmer got similar flack for using some of the money raised to pay off personal debts but at least she fulfilled all of her backer's rewards.
Link to the Kickstarter post for the project:<p><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/forkingpath/the-doom-that-came-to-atlantic-city?ref=live" rel="nofollow">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/forkingpath/the-doom-tha...</a>
You have to admire that he plans to pay refunds over time by "getting a job". I hope he sticks to that plan and I can guarantee that people will admire his character when they find out what he's doing.