On Patreon rocking the boat (Patreon)

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." -literally every content creator on Patreon

Hey guys! So, you probably already are aware of the changes Patreon is planning on implementing to the payment system regarding service fees, and if not, well, uh, they're doing that! Changing the system, I mean. Making you guys pay more money each month. It's not great. This is an update on my thoughts and ideas on the situation. I've been at work all day so, hopefully this post isn't as disjointed as I feel it is, haha.

You've probably received an email from Patreon explaining their new plan, and if you didn't, the short version is that they are going to be giving creators a more consistent amount from their pledges each month, but the catch is that to accomplish this they are dumping the service fees into the laps of Patrons like you! This new plan punishes smaller donations, which is what most content creators I know rely on in their Patreon. Heck, my own Patreon is only possible because the support of small donations really adds up!

I want to make it very clear that I am not happy with this sudden, drastic change, and that I more than understand if you need to change or delete your pledge to me. I have always been more than happy to pay the Patreon service fees since I have agreed to this from the beginning and have chosen to use Patreon as my platform. I think it is entirely unfair to force those fees on you, my patrons, who are already being generous enough to give me your money every month.

I started this Patreon fully expecting fans and friends and people who enjoy my work to only give what they could afford, and not a penny more. I never want people to feel like they have to give me their money, or that they have to keep supporting me. Please take care of yourself first and foremost. Times are tough, and I care much more about your well-being and stability. No hard feelings if you must change your pledges or feel the need to jump ship, I deeply appreciate your support while you could give it, and that will never change.

Patreon only gave creators a heads-up about this change 24 hours before they sent the emails out to patrons, which is pretty terrible. The new policy isn't supposed to be implemented until December 18th. Speaking personally - as a patron of several other creators myself - I'm going to wait a bit before I start changing my pledges or re-budgeting my funds on Patreon. There is time for a conversation to happen, and there is a LOT of backlash (ha) happening on social media and between creators. I'm hoping that Patreon will release a statement about the new policy soon, or that they'll even roll back the new system and/or allow creators to opt-out of it. 

This is all very new, and I'm hoping that Patreon will listen to the people who use their platform. Patreon is the livelihood for many people, and it has been heartbreaking seeing things so quickly go up in flames.

I definitely think that this was a bad move on Patreon's part. I think they should have made this idea available for discussion with their entire userbase, instead of using a 'focus group' and then dumping it on everyone else, assuring us that it'll all work out fineee.

However, I also think that people are panicking and abandoning ship a little too soon. It's only been a day! Social media is a vicious echo chamber, and it's causing a huge panic, especially within the webcomic creator circles. Nothing has been put in place yet, and nothing has changed yet. There is time to voice our complaints and work toward a repeal or a change.

Creators still rely on your support each month, and if Patreon is no longer going to be a viable option, we need a little more than 24 hours to figure out a new plan and find new ways to allow you generous lovely individuals to continue supporting us if you so choose.

As for MY Patreon - I'll still be using it as usual until the 18th. We'll see what happens as we get closer to the date, but until then no one has been charged extra yet and I've still got comics to make and share with you guys, haha! So it'll be business as usual over here.

AGAIN: I do not and will not blame you if you choose to change or delete your pledge. I understand completely, and I appreciate your support. I'd love it if you'd continue following my work outside of Patreon if that is the case, because I'd absolutely still love to hear your feedback and comments on what I do! <3

I will keep you all updated as we get more information. I'm trying to remain hopeful that this situation will have a happy ending, but just in case it doesn't, I'm looking into other options so people can continue supporting me in the ways they signed up for. 

Thank you, as always! <3
-Amber