nobody103
patreon
Regarding changes in patreon payment policies
🕑 Added 2024-10-28 22:57:09 +0000 UTCSo, I don't know whether patreon sends these sort of notifications to patrons as well as creators, but I have received a notice some time ago that Patreon is abolishing the 'Pay per Chapter' payment option that I am currently using. In the future, only subscriptions where you pay every month will be available.
They are doing this because Apple is basically forcing them. I'm just going to post their explanation here so we're on the same page:
***
Hey,
Apple is requiring that Patreon use their in-app purchasing system and remove all other billing systems from the Patreon iOS app by November 2024. This means that starting in November, new memberships purchased in the iOS app will be subject to Apple's 30% App Store fee.
You're currently on a per-creation billing model, but Apple's in-app purchase system only supports subscription billing. Apple has made clear that if creators on Patreon continue to use unsupported billing models or disable transactions in the iOS app, we will be at risk of having the entire app removed from their App Store.
So, starting in November, your fans in the iOS app won't be able to purchase subscriptions to your membership until you switch to subscription billing. And, as a result of Apple's mandates and in order to make sure that you can continue getting new members in the iOS app, we've started a 16-month-long migration process to bring all creators onto subscription billing by November 2025. This means that your current billing model will be discontinued in November 2025.
***
And there you have it. There more text there about how much Patreon cares about their creators and how you can contact them on discord for help in the transition, but I'll spare you of that. It's not really relevant for the topic, anyway.
The point of all this is that starting next month, nobody from the iOS will be able to become a patron of the account, and a year from now, the current billing model will be discontinued entirely. I really like the current billing model, since I find that the subscription model puts a lot of psychological pressure on me that I don't want. However, I don't really have a choice anymore. And I don't see the point in waiting until November 2025, either. I don't think switching will actually hurt you, the patrons, since I already publish chapters roughly once a month. It's mostly a mental thing on my part.
My current plan is this: I will switch to monthly billing by the end of the year. Maybe even next month. If there ever comes a time where I'm stuck on a section of the story for more than a month, I'll freeze billing until further notice (I'm told this is possible), which should kind of simulate the current system. In any case, I will do my best not to take advantage of your generosity in any way.
If any of you have any thoughts or advice on the topic, I'd love to hear it.
Comments
ChiefFalque
As long as you're not using any apps through the apple store, you're way ahead of anyone who does.
Corationis
In case it hasn't been said already, consider taking a look at Ko-fi. I've been told it has a less greedy model in terms of collecting payments. Typically people think of it as just a way to tip people but you can do posts that are unlocked via subscription. Unfortunately I don't see a way on their website to perfectly replicate what you're going for, unless you want to list chapters for "sale" on their little shop.
Fraser
Nah, don't have anything specifically against Patreon, just thought there might be a more efficient way to send you money
Domagoj Kurmaic
Well, there is paypal, but they also take a cut (when I transfer the money to my bank account). Pretty much any platform will take a cut of the transactions, but if you don't want to give any money to Patreon specifically, paypal is an option. There are instructions on my profile/about section.
Fraser
Is there a different way to support you where Patreon doesn't get a cut?
Aleksei Besogonov
Thank you! The switch doesn't have to be immediate, it can be very gradual, over the course of a couple of years.
Bananeeg
Huh, I didn't even know there was a patreon app until now. I still don't understand why every service seems to think they need an app ... As for the monthly subscription, I do dislike it, but not nearly enough to unsubscribe to one of my favorite author! At 1$, it's mostly a token of my appreciation anyway.
Domagoj Kurmaic
They've also completely stopped listening to people like writers. Apparently just one of the top podcasters dwarfs the entire writing category on Patreon, so this entire area of art is kind of considered irrelevant by Patreon. I'm considering something, but there's no telling if anything will come of it. Patreon still has a lot of reach, and part of the point of this patreon is to reach my fans - not just for money, but also announcements and such. I'm hesitant to move. But maybe.
Domagoj Kurmaic
That would be such a shock to people, in more ways than one, ha ha. :)
Patrick Wheeler
I already give $1 a month. I try to follow a approval voting sort of method of using Patreon and similar services. Low amount of money per month to each individual but spread it around to more people. The idea is to encourage the people I enjoy to produce more over the long haul and not to pay for individual installments or access. At least for the most part.
JasonD
Personally, I am happy to pay a monthly subscription, even if you don't hit a post-a-month; keep your mental health as first priority and the stories will flow freely as a result.
EndlessTurtle
Why would anyone want to sub through iOS after this, just a bad decision all around for them. I don't mind the switch to monthly though, don't stress about it too much and just do your thing, we're here to support you.
Aleksei Besogonov
Please, just start switching to another provider. Patreon clearly tries to go the TikTok route, so that's why they've been wrecking their website just to be able to show the "Explore" thingie.
NameGame
I'd just like to extend the offer for you to wallow in a giant pit of money by pumping out chapters at a rate of 10 per month until the change is forced upon you. I mean, I'm set up for up to 10 chapters per month, and totally willing to pay for them...just putting that out there.
Doodlyboy15
Thanks for the heads up, keep the pressure off yourself and I think your plan sounds good.
sloop
That's annoying but take your time on the chapters. I don't mind waiting and I don't really mind the subscription cost since it's really just to support your work!
Young Youghurt
While some apps try to evolve, upgrade and move forward. Patreon is determined to devolve, downgrade and go back in it's range and depth of services. Thank you apple and Patreon both equally bad companies making bad software. I thought maybe subscribestar had pay-per-post but no. It's shame because as Patron I feel like this model is extremely fair. Why should creative work be paid in the same manner as utility services for example (or netflix because it produces content and content by definition is not creative. Content is something coming out of bowels.) Wish we could turn back time to the goo' o'd days... Hope you don't get that stress get to you 😵💫
Blahful
Shitty company
Leaf
Thank you for the transparency! Very annoying that Apple has that kind of power. Kinda wish that the per chapter thing would just be a “not available on iOS” thing. Also basically note for others that the creators get more money if you don’t sub on iOS, be kind and sub on other platforms if possible.
Darryl Greensill
That sounds like a good solution to me. Happy to keep supporting you.
