asmodeus
patreon
Patreon Fee Changes
🕑 Added 2017-12-07 03:39:08 +0000 UTC I wanted to give you guys a heads up before receiving unpleasant news in your inbox from Patreon: They're adding fees to pledges. I cannot tell you how many creators like myself have sent Patreon criticism over this sudden and unwanted change today, but their response so far has been to the tune of "Well, that's too bad":
What Patreon does currently is hit me with the fees for credit card processing, which can range from 7 to 15%, with an additional 5% fee imposed by Patreon. I think it's fair and reasonable to charge me these fees, as I'm the customer utilizing this service.
Their proposed changes, taking place 12/18 and forward, is to continue to charge me the flat 5% fee, but now pass an additional fee of 2.9% + 35 cents onto my patrons.
Here's a few examples of how the new pledges will work out:
$1 = $1 + 2.9% (.029) + .35 = $1.379
$5 = $5 + 2.9% (.145) + .35 = $5.495
$10 = $10 + 2.9% (.29) + .35 = $10.64
$20 = $20 + 2.9% (.58) + .35 = $20.93
I am, suffice it to say, extremely unhappy with these changes. I would much rather continue to pay the fees out of my earnings than have them forced on the kind folks who want to support me. I realize this change may affect your ability or desire to continue pledging, and I just wanted to let you know I understand! Many patrons have to decide who to continue to support and who to cut, and it's not a fun time for anyone. (◞‸◟；) I will continue trying my best to make worthwhile content for those that can stay, and as always, I am humbled and grateful for your support (whether that's past/present/continuing, thank you so much!)
Comments
Asmodeus
Ah yes, I've read that one too - very intelligent break down of the bed Patreon made for themselves, which they now gotta lay in. Bummer no matter which way you look at it!
Stephen Hutchison
One of the best analyses I've seen suggests that since they took in a huge chunk of venture capital and their income model didn't support EVER paying it back, they had to increase their income. Except that the model they're following does not permit that, because they're cutting off their 'long tail'. I re-tweeted it, look here: <a href="https://twitter.com/foomf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/foomf</a>
Asmodeus
Hmmm, this is a bit of a complicated situation, I think. There's a lot of discussions between creators analyzing all the charts and graphs and articles out there right now. The only thing that shakes out consistently is that this is definitely going to be making Patreon a lot of money. That in and of itself is not a bad thing; businesses should want to prosper, but the way they're restructuring is rocking the boat for a lot of creators and patrons alike right now. I think we're all exploring our options and keeping an eye on any new developments for the time being!
BB
So what exactly is their motive? Do they benefit out of this somehow? Or just trying to get creators more money?
