“When Amber Nichols wanted to jumpstart her music career, she didn't audition for The Voice, harass record companies or start busking. She just went online and asked people for money. Crowdfunding - accumulating small donations from networks of ordinary people through social media - raised more than $1.4 billion last year for more than a million projects around the globe, supporting the arts as well as political campaigns, inventions and start-up companies. Under Pozible's rule that all funds are returned to donors if the goal isn't reached, she aimed low and chose to cover the rest of the budget herself. Advertisement With a simple video that showed off her haunting voice, Nichols offered incentives in return for donations. For $20, contributors received an autographed CD and a hug. For $100 or more, they got three autographed CDs, custom-made badges, ''a lifetime of hugs'' and a personal concert. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/friends-with-money-20120802-23gay.html#”