I think the reason most startups are hesitant to ask their user base for funding is because even selling OTC stock in a company still requires alot of regulation with the SEC. If I remember right (others feel free to weight in here), the startup has to designated a transfer agent, then the company also has to value all of it's assets, past revenue, and I don't think they can account potential revenue. Selling OTC stock in a company, I don't believe is just stick a price on it and sell it for that amount.

In other words, a startup would be better off formulating a clear and concise business plan.....or be like Mark Cuban, and sell high and go on Shark Tank...funny, what happened to Broadcast.com and the buyer? [yes, I know the buyer is Yahoo, and the basis of this article is Tumblr]