I’m looking into using Patreon as a new way of allowing readers to support the site. If you have experience with Patreon, I’d like to hear from you.
Patreon is a popular service that content creators can use to get financial support from their fans. It’s like the PayPal tip jar that I use now (and would continue to offer), but it also allows creators to offer perks to patrons.
If you’ve used Patreon to support an artist or creator, I’d like to hear your opinions about the overall experience. Was it easy or difficult to use? If there were incentives offered, and if so what was your opinion of that? Thank you.
I use patreon as a supporter, not a creator.
Be warned that lots of people cheat creators on Patreon, unless Patreon gives you “Charge up front” – where the person is billed immediately when they join, rather than at the first of the next month. If you don’t have that (which I assume the majority of Creators do not), people can quickly join your highest tier, look at all the content on your feed, and leave without paying.
https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/210291283-What-is-charge-up-front-
They’re changing things on May 7, with new creator plans
https://www.patreon.com/new-creator-plans
Don’t know if that will be better or worse, because last time Patreon tried to change fees etc, there was a massive backlash, and they changed things back to the way they are now. Never know if the same thing might happen again.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/13/patreon-will-not-change-its-fee-structure/
Problem is, I don’t think Patreon really has any direct competitors.
The closest was https://d.rip/ but that only opened to very few people, and as far as I know, has never opened to the general public.
Thank you for this information. The upcoming change on May 7 is in fact why I’m looking at Patreon now, because I expect I would be “grandfathered” into the older terms if I become a creator before May 7.
Yep, better to wait and see how things go.
Don’t think people would try to cheat you, but you never know…
[Edit: now I can see my first comment lol]
I wrote a long reply but my comment didn’t show up.. maybe because I included links?
I’m on Patreon as a supporter, not a creator.
People can cheat you until Patreon (may or may NOT) eventually decide to give you “Charge up front” for your account – so people are charged right away when they join a tier, rather than the next month (usually the first of the month, but some times a few days later even).
Patreon is introducing new creator tiers on May 7th
So that may make things better …or worse.
Last time they tried to change the fee structure, they had to backpedal, due to massive backlash.
Sorry! The site puts posts with many links in moderation status, but I made it visible. Thank you again for the help.
I use Patreon and think it works great! I would definitely continue my support on Patreon if you switch to it.
I used it as a supporter for a knitting webzine, had no problems at all.
Whatever works for you, Mike!
I use it as a supporter for musicians. Never had any problem w/the site or payment processing. They have 3-4 pay levels w/incentives for each level. Pay levels run from as little as $1 to $250 per video. Not sure what type of incentive you could offer.
I’d definitely support you that way if you decide to use it.
I’ll absolutely support you and the site this way.
Ditto!
I use Patreon to support others. I would sign up if you were on Patreon.
I haven’t used them before, but I would if you sign up with them.
I would also be happy to support you on Patreon.
Just worried about the tiering/membership system and how it might impact the lovely community we have. I would hate to lose people bc they can’t pay the membership, or for anyone to feel excluded from content .
But, I also think it could be a great way for you to find new readers. Your writing is brilliant and deserves to reach as wide an audience as possible.
As an aside, I would love to get a reminder email from you once a year or quarter that I haven’t tipped in a while. I prefer to tip once a year, rather than monthly. But I don’t do a great job of keeping track of my annual “tip day”.
Also, some sites/organizations have a “giving season” when they remind people to donate. You could do something similar.
That’s good advice, thank you.
Actually, I haven’t given much thought to what I would do with a tier system. The one perk I might offer would be to disable advertising on the site for patrons.
Oooh, I would pay good money for that. Another option is memberful. I use that to support another creator.
I’m a “member” on a news site and one thing you get is no ads, which is definitely a plus. Now the site has three tiers where you get more and more content but it’s analysis so it appeals to the real political junkies. I don’t know if you could differentiate the cute that way. Also I agree with Julie – I would hate to lose anyone here. or for anyone to feel excluded . A reminder would be good – I tip once a year but I would appreciate a reminder.