Quote from: daylateandadollarshort on July 09, 2017, 08:42:01 AM

- If I have a good project, is ICO actually a viable path for someone like me*?

If the project is based on cryptocurrencies, it would be easier to raise funds.

Quote from: daylateandadollarshort on July 09, 2017, 08:42:01 AM

- Does the token need to have a function, or be backed by something specific besides the company itself?
- Does the token actually need to exist? Could someone just raise money and keep a database of donors and then issue them the "tokens" later?
- I see different types of tokens: pos, pow, etc. What's to stop someone from just using email addresses in a database and calling it a "token"? Like, what makes a token a token?

Blockchain technology lets user track their shares more transparent and makes possible to exchange shares without control of the company. It is better, when shares are distributed through tokens.

Quote from: daylateandadollarshort on July 09, 2017, 08:42:01 AM

- can a token represent a share of common stock in a private corporation?

Yes, if you legally promise that tokens are equal to stocks.

Quote from: daylateandadollarshort on July 09, 2017, 08:42:01 AM

- if so, can I use an ICO as sort of like a "private" IPO? That's how it seems, which is what makes it appealing.

For a real world company, you should be too transparent in order to make your investors feel safe. ICO's are better for transparent and online systems.

Quote from: daylateandadollarshort on July 09, 2017, 08:42:01 AM

- Does the company/project have to have something to do with or otherwise utilize coin technology (blockchain etc)?

As I said earlier, it is not a must, but rather preferred.