MAJOR UPDATE: The Future of My Content (Patreon)

I'm writing this to announce that I'm switching my Patreon payout method from per video to monthly. I'm not making this change lightly, and I'm doing so after months of consideration. I'm making this change for two primary reasons.

First, going by a per-post model has left me creatively drained. When I first started my Patreon I wanted to use a per-post model to keep myself motivated to make a new video every month. It was a way to keep myself engaged with my own work by putting pressure on me. By now, after five years (six years? I honestly can't remember when I started) that pressure has become straining. Yes, it forces me to put out content every month, but that content hasn't left me, or my audience, creatively satisfied. I can't put the same amount of research into each video that I want to put in, and editing each video leaves me rushed by the end of the month, forcing me to release videos when they need to come out, and not when they're really "finished." The model also prevents me from putting out more casual work. I've had patrons complain (with good reason) that paying the same amount of money for a vlog as an in-depth video essay isn't fair to the patron. So, it's prevented me from experimenting with more short-form work and with formats such as vlogs and podcasts. While this is going on, I've been forced to push back several projects that require time and care to properly research, write, and execute. All this forces me to create work that's both polished enough to justify the cost, yet simple enough for me to complete on time. The result is, of course, mediocre work. I'm tired of making mediocre work.

Second, I'm making this change because I'm not getting any younger. I'm approaching my mid 30's, I'm getting married, and I've realized that I can't do this forever. I need a job that will give me health insurance, financial stability, and a real future (I mean, everyone does, and not enough people have them because we live in Hell, but anyway) so I've been putting out feelers for a more stable career in post-production. Because of my current work schedule it's impossible to both put out regular content AND look for a proper day job.

What's more, in my pre-Patreon days, back when I was on blip and getting paid by ad revenue alone, I was able to take the necessary time with projects and get them to the point where I was truly happy with them. I want to get back to that time.

As I write this I have a few more videos in the pipeline which should be released before the end of the year, including one that Jodie and I recorded together last week.

I thank you all for your support, and for your understanding. I don't know where I'd be without you all.

Sincerely, 

- K