Is it a bad idea to seek crowdfunding for a personal hobby?

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Note to Moderator: I am posting this here because there doesn't appear to be a good place that I can find for this particular subject. If this is wrong, feel free to move it to the appropriate forum. Thank you.

Is it inconsiderate, crass or rude for me to start a GoFundMe asking for donations to help me pay for something personal that isn't a medical emergency, a funeral, paying bills/buying groceries or for a business or charity? I ask this because there's some CPU chips on eBay that I really want to buy and I could easily pay for them with my own money, but to do so will require me to draw from my savings and I don't want to do that.

The items in question aren't things that I have any particular need for other than I like collecting them as a sort of hobby and the total would require, at most, $300.

I'm keeping in mind that there are people out there in far worse straits than I (cancer sufferers, funerals, education tuition fees, that sort of thing) and maybe my asking donations for a bunch of old CPUs that I just want for my collection is not a good idea. Maybe doing that is even illegal, I don't know.

Am I in my right mind to think of doing that or should I just let it go and leave it alone?

Right on.

I don't know if this counts for much, but I relate as much as I'm able from my own perspective. I'm on a fixed income, nothing changing anytime soon on my end, being broke is kinda my way of life and that's nothing new. It does get to bumming you out when there are things you want and just can't afford or justify the hit even when the cash is there. It sucks. Sorry you have that going on.

I think it depends on the nature of the hobby.

I wouldn't hesitate to consider crowdfunding to help cover seat time in a race car, given how dependent upon outside funding racing is.

I can see crowdfunding being a good option if you have something to give back to your donors, like for example if you were to make videos about your CPU collection, people who donate get something in return.

With something like crowdfunding to participate in a competition, there's at least a moral investment alongside the money (you're their entry, they're your sponsors) so delivering the best possible result while also behaving in a sportsmanlike fashion is something you're obliged to return. Ideally, other returns that contribute to the moral investment side would be wise - social media content thanking and showing how the money is being spent, for example.

I don't think it would be a good idea to seek crowdfunding for a collecting hobby unless you're making your collection available to others in some way.

I think as long as you are honest there is no immorality in asking.

Be prepared for backlash/criticism.

I suppose you already search all possible avenues for your hobby so perhaps include some general info on what you are searching for and perhaps someone can point you in the direction of what you seek.
Just be safe.

The answer is simple.


NO!

Are you out of your mind?

Crowd funding is for charitable causes.

Not to get you money for your own personal use.

And its not for business start ups either. The latter would imply that the donors are investers and are entitled to shares of stock...which gets you into the issue Texas is talking about.

Unless your "hobby" happens to be...building a wall on the Mexican border of course.

Hey...your real offline name isnt...Steve Bannon...is it?