Guys, I've been reading a lot lately, and some folks have demonized ICOs. IMHO ICOs are just one more way of getting your project funded, the problem is not with the method but with the ones who try to exploit it.
My recommendation for all of you is take your time before investing, check the team, are they solid? do they complement each other? do they have a strong technical and business lead?, check the project itself, is it well defined? does it make sense? and finally check the token itself, what's its purpose?
Once everything seems to be ok, google for second opinions! If everything is still ok, go ahead, ICOs are not bad! Some folks are bad, some folks are scammers, but unfortunately you can get scammed with every other investment method too.
On the other hand, I agree that ICOs need to have some kind of governmental oversight, it can't be unregulated, is not good for anyone.
What are your thoughts on this?
You're definitely correct. I too believe ICOs need to be regulated in some capacity. There have been a lot of shady ICOs, and alot of people have lost money. I think in time ICOs will be regulated. Keep in mind, crypto is still relatively new and it usually takes government time to catch up with disruptive technology, and they are. Look at China's ban on ICOs.