Within rewards-based crowdfunding these are the two models people use on their crowdfunding campaigns. AoN is the fixed model in which you keep the funds only if the target goals are met within the campaign. While KiA the flexible model lets you keep the money you raise, regardless of the targets and how long it takes. Many people will associate AoN with Kickstarter and KiA with Indiegogo. While these are some of the platforms available, you will find different models amongst hundreds of different platforms. As well with Thrinacia you can customize this model on your individual or multiple campaigns.
There are some common misconceptions about which is better to crowdfund with. People tend to look at partial funding, sometimes as a way to get their project off the ground. In reality not realizing the actual costs to complete everything. Expecting to get more funding as the project gears on. Past research has shown us that AoN projects have been much more successful than KiA. Even with higher goal targets, AoN campaigns tend to outperform at an alarming rate.
Many people just don’t have the same belief in projects that are KiA based. They are not reluctant to contribute, as there is much greater chance for failure and them losing the money. As well studies have shown that KiA campaigns were not organized as well in comparison with AoN. More work was put into AoN campaigns, because the people had to make their best effort in order to achieve success. This means also better promotion, content and planning efforts on AoN campaigns.
Which should you use? It essentially always depends upon your project and preference. Most people however will agree if you’re serious and have an good idea, just to work hard on the project. They will recommend to run an AoN campaign with realistic targets and possible stretch goals as well. That is not to say, KiA is not to be used. There are perfectly good examples of KiA campaigns as well. There are many projects, like games for example, which utilize initial funding to get into development, then follow up with a second campaign to complete the rest of the project. Other examples include non profit community projects that need to run longer, with no specific targets but detailed plans on how to use all funds gathered.