Let's say there's an ICO with a great idea behind the project, the team is passionate about it and explains it thoroughly, it's cool. The website looks neat too and the people who're behind said project give a feeling of looking out for you, they care about you and you start trusting them.
The issue is that they don't have enough funds to attract a good team, reviews and they don't even have an MVP, so the first thing they do is say the community "Listen guys, we got this idea, and we're doing a VALIDATION process for the idea" which means: see if there's an interest in the project by the funds raised for a small cap (for example 100.000$) and if they're not raised - they're giving all the money back 100% guarantee.
In case of the validation process being successful: they're able to attract the needed team and start their journey.
Now, instead of doing an ICO, they develop the project in stages, basically making them more accountable for what they do.
1st stage: 500.000$ (or an exact price needed for the completion of said stage) - We create this and this. How, why and when are thoroughly explained.
After the completion of the 1st stage, only then they move on to the 2nd stage and ask another 500.000$. Same thing
3rd stage: same
How'd you value such honesty? Would you invest in it?
Words are not enough, passion fades away once expectation did not meet. Using persuasion in your words added a negative vibes to those who read it. You have to be straight to the point. What is your project? Is it unique and will be added a value in cryptocurrency in the future? What credentials do you have to add as reference to trust you?