Per month vs. per video, which do you prefer?

Thanks so much, I appreciate that!

3blue1brown

I think you are forgetting the most important factor here: I personally rewatch many of your videos regularly (especially the linear algebra series). So the most fair system would be "per view" provided of course that you pledge to keep the videos available in open access in perpetuity. So the honest way would be per month, but with donation increasing as the number of videos increases. PS: just watched the eigenvectors video again and went to 8$ tier.

Thank you for the perspective, I really appreciate this!

3blue1brown

Feels like it is perfectly natural that people have more and less productive times. I think your work is worth it to live with the fact that you decide yourself how much content you can manage to produce in the quality that you think it should have. Personally I see supporting you on patreon as a fantastic thing to do. Not because I need more content (I have not even managed to look at a small fraction of your already existing videos so far), but because I think that you are brilliant at it and I like for the world to be a place where people can live of the things they enjoy. Especially if I think what they do is beneficial for the public domain. Which in your case - helping people to become and stay facinated by math and understand math in a deeper way - is totally a beneficial thing. Beneficial about per month pledge is that I only needed to decide once, that I am willing to spend a predictable amound of money to the great work you do. Per Video pledge would keep me much more busy by keeping track of how much money I pledged. I would prefer to not have this 'managing the money I spend' aspect at all. Personally I watched far more of your videos before I became your supporter than I am wathing right now. I would not even need new content at all for quite a long time since there is so much great stuff I did not even find time to watch, pause and ponder about. I support your and also other peoples work not because of the amound of content you/they produce but because of it's quality. Since I can predict the costs for me, I decide once what montly support I will be willing to give and than I let this be as it is. A per video pledge would need a monthly upper limit for me to be predictable.

If I was regularly producing 3 videos per month, that is true. Looking at the last year as data, though, it actually seems to be about 1 paid post per month on average anyway, just a little uneven between months.

3blue1brown

I have the suspect that the pledge conversion to monthly (using the pledge from per video) is somewhat unfair: if I contributed 2$ per video that amounted to about 6$ per month, now with the pledge per month my contribution dropped to 2$ per month. Am I wrong ?

I would like for you to not feel time pressure to get out a video faster. So I would prefer "per month".

Same answer as I did for CGP Grey switch to per-month: Yes, switching is better. Logic being that you're no longer incentivised to do the same effort for each video, when projects can differ a lot in terms of total effort needed to make them good. When you arr working a large multi-month project, just tell us so!

Poker Chen

I trust you enough that you will continue to deliver great videos. Therefore I don't really care which model you choose for the future.

Uwe Zimmermann

Per month, since would like you to invest time in larger projects.

I voted "per video". For me it seems like "per video" model is more fair: here is the result -- here is the money. On the other hand I'm here not because I need to buy some videos, but because I feel like you are doing very important thing and I would like to support you. So I don't have a strong opinion about the poll. I would agree with whatever model suits you best. Thank you for your work!

I don't have time to read all the other comments, so apologies if this is duplicate, but here's my rationale. If someone's activity is their "day job", I think it's fair to pay monthly, regardless of the output. If someone is, say, a freelancer and has an occasional side thing on Patreon, then that should be per-item of content. Both systems can be "gamed" by "bad actors", so I don't think that's the right angle to look at this. As this seems to be your main/only activity, I'm happy to pay monthly and let you be free to tackle the granularity of content that you prefer. Keep up the excellent job.

Davide V.

I would choose Per Month to give you financial stability, but also would choose Per Video or Per Flying Unicorns if that would suit; I contribute my little for the magic that you do. Your personal honesty and your intents are beyond doubt and that's just not the problem here. Reading comments I saw there are many reasons for supporting both modalities, and I also saw that there are many other modalities as well, it's not only monthly or per video there are other options such as per video with monthly cap, so, as a matter of fact, I should be the one asking you what is the best way to help you?

This is very nicely put. I agree that the monthly contribution puts the emphasis on supporting the creator rather than the individual creation, which is what makes Patreon unique.

Programmable Spacecraft

I'm voting per month because it encourages higher quality and long term view. There is plenty of video content on Youtube and elsewhere that spans the spectrum of bad to excellent. To stand out - one needs to keep creating good to excellent content long term. I come back to my favorite channels due to quality of content, and not because of quantity. Having said that - regular content is required to keep subscribers, as any Youtube channel owner already knows very well.

Pavel Kolinko

I completely understand where you are coming from. If you ever feel like I fall short of expectations, I hope you let me know. For my part, the motive of the channel is much more about putting out good lessons (and making a tiny divot in the unending onslaught of requests) than it is about anything financial. As mentioned in the following post, part of the reason to do a swap at all is to make sure there’s no pressure against collaborations, larger projects, or smaller projects. Per video works well, but only so long as there’s enough uniformity in the project types and sizes.

3blue1brown

As a creator, you've been consistent with your content creation (as you mentioned) on essentially a monthly basis. My concern with swapping to a monthly contribution structure comes not from your own habits, but more of the habits of many other creators I've considered supporting on Patreon. I've ended my support for some of these channels because while the funding structure was setup at a time that content was being created regularly, ultimately production slows and I end up paying monthly for content that's not being produced. While you're correct that there is essentially no difference if you're producing content monthly, as a funder I'm more likely to continue supporting when I see directly that my money is tied to some specific output. I like that I get a notification when content is produced and I am charged with the per-video model, and I think monthly just lacks that feedback mechanism. In a monthly model, I would likely start expecting some sort of additional content produced just for supporters to show/remind them that *continuing* their monthly support is worth it and being regularly compensated.

Honestly, donation per video doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm sure the amount of effort per video varies wildly, so they're not directly comparable, and we don't have a schedule of topics so it's not really "work for hire" either. Structuring funding 'per video' does make sense if you want to schedule it that way to incentivize yourself to finish videos or something, but I imagine most of the people who sponsor you here are more interested in continued production than a high video count.

Nate

I like that you are paid more for producing more: per video, please.

Have to revisit my earlier comment. After reading others' remarks and reflecting on the historical concept of being a "patron", I'm thinking that a regular stipend (independent of output or deliverables) is a truer reflection of patronage ... reflecting trust and unconditional support, and enabling the beneficiary to practice their art with fewer distractions (which arguably might include the economic calculus of "what is this video worth"). I'm switching my vote. :)

As much as I believe in quality over quantity, I think the argument works both ways. One could suggest that "per video" incentivizes the quick release of lower-quality content for financial reasons, but at the same time "per month" might put pressure to release a video even if it's been a slow or uninspired few months. Personally I am happy either way.

I do not really care, just keep making videos

Voted per month, because it's more predictable for me. The idea is that I try to allocate the maximum amount of money I can afford to give to each creator I support. Because of this, I set a monthly limit of one video when I decided to support you. If I didn't I would either have to blow my budget, or you would end up competing with other creators for the set amount I can afford (other people get unpredictable income). I'm fine with whatever you choose. The current arrangement of setting a limit has worked for me so far, so I see no need to change it on my end.

I voted "per month" because I always tick off the limit of one "video" per month anyway. I like that it's predictable. I can look down my Patreon list to see that I'm not billed more than I can afford. :) The upside of "per video" is that I have the choice. I'm not sure what happens for post number two, though. I'd imagine I only see the first one, which I don't mind, but it also means that you may not be paid as much as you expect for multiple posts a month. :)

There does not seem to be a "It makes no difference to me"-option in the poll. Why is that? Wouldn't it be relevant to know how many backers have no strong feelings either way? Or are you attempting to force participants to side on one or the other because in the end, this might be more useful for your decision making?

Eric Jensen

Well if you keep up the pace of roughly one video per month, I don't see the difference on our end. However, you will be relieved of the pressure of absolutely releasing a video every month to be able to keep this channel running (I don't know how many of you there are making these videos, or if this is your only revenue, but I'm guessing that it's non-negligable) This lack of pressure will also allow you more time to create even better videos (if that's even possible!!) Either way, just keep doing what you are doing, and I think it's so great that you ask our opinion about this. This kind of transparency is incredible.

Big Skapinsky

After the reading the comments I realized "per month" seems like the best option and changed my vote. I would like you to work on big projects if that's what's best for you and the channel. Your interactive videos are some of the most amazing pieces of math education I've ever come across. I want you to have the freedom to work on stuff like that. A "per video" system might lead down a road where you feel compelled to "churn out" videos.

My preference is for monthly payments. Not only is it more predictable for me, but it better reflects what I want when I choose to support a creator. I see it as backing the creator, not their individual creations. I also feel like this would be a better deal for creators, generally, as it provides a more stable income as well. I mean, I'm not a creator, so it's up to you which of those you prefer. But, I like the idea of people being able to take a break, or devote more time to a project, without worrying about their income. This seems especially true for creators on a roughly monthly release schedule.

Isobel Taylor

I was at first thinking per video, but after reading comment, I think, it would be better to provide a more regular income and that takes the pressure off to make shorter or lower quality videos. Quality over quantity!

I also share the sentiment that I want to support the option that is most helpful to you. I don't have a good guess of what that option might be, and I do not have a strong preference either way, so I did not vote.

I feel like "per month" will afford you more creative freedom, though I trust that you'll continue to produce quality content regardless.

Jeff Raymakers

I prefer monthly in part because it makes my Patreon spending predictable (if an author uses per-content, I usually end up setting a monthly cap on it anyway), in part because I think authors also deserve a predictable income that doesn't disappear when they need a break or have some life problem to deal with.

Tisza Gergő

I voted for "per month" because I suspect that a predictable cash flow is most helpful to you, but I support whichever option *you* find most helpful.

Phil Stubblefield

I believe paying monthly relieves some of the pressure of doing "as many videos as possible", which maybe can give some liberty to explore doing longer projects without feeling you lose money by doing so.

Lots of good comments here from perspective of incentivization, fairness, etc. But from a purely first-person, selfish view: I'm always delighted by each new release, and it's nice at that moment to have a way to say "thank you".

Per video with a per month cap is what one of my favourite YouTubers does. If he produces one a month, that's great. If he chooses to release 3,000 videos, I don't get hit for 3000 times my subscription, but if he's busy and doesn't manage to post one a month, he doesn't charge us. I think that's quite fair.

PeetieGonzalez

I'm fine either way. What I want is something that works for you ultimately. If you feel like I really want to do a single paid post a month and then have room to make other lighter fare and don't want to feel "demanded" to do it. then do a monthly. If you feel that you want to have that incentive of each finished post I should get paid for so I have my quality level and I'll do 1-2 a month, then do it per paid post. It honestly is your book to write. The key thing is just be honest with the expectations and what drives you to getting things done at a quality that you/we accept. Then we know what we are getting into.

My interest is your great high quality videos. And so far you also showed me good moral standard. If one went to low moral, just cut one video to many unreasonably short parts. I want to support you for long run. In my opinion, for high moral people, constant pay per month would be better. Thus I vote to per month. But really it depends on which way you prefer. Thanks for all the videos.

Hitoshi Yamauchi

I think per video is the best. You can break longer deeper works into multiple parts. Also if you refactor to produce another video, it’s fine too.

It has been an odd trend lately with which channels are monthly vs per video. CGP Grey, another creator who doesn't work to a schedule, recently went monthly. The Illustrated Guide To Law has been monthly for some time, despite sporadic releases. There are channels I support, however, who advertise a schedule (Acorn to Arabella, Sampson Boat Co) who are per video. It seems to me that if the content is monthly, bill monthly. If the content comes when it's done, bill when it's done.

Gavin Olson

Per video, simply because it removes the worry that you stop producing and I don't notice and carry on paying. (Not that I am accusing you of being likely to do this!)

Jim Fennel

Honestly, I don't care. I care about videos not the bureaucracy.

To me, Patreon is not a system to *pay* for your videos, but a way to regularly "help you out" in keeping making what you do best. I feel like attaching my contribution to a specific video would mean that if "doing what you do best" takes more than a month (which is not unreasonable) I'd be discouraging your style, which is contrary of what being your patron means in the first place.

I'm fine either way. I see per video more advantageous if you hire more people that results in a faster release time at a higher cost.

Pick the one that gives you the most money. I doubt most patrons care about a slightly higher paying frequency if it means supporting you. We just need that sweet sweet math fix

Adam

I'll let others suggest what makes sense for them, I'm happy with either way :)

Why not make both options available and allow people to choose which one they would be more comfortable with? This feels like something Patreon should definitely allow, even if simply by letting you have two different accounts, one for each model. Also, this poll should've included an "I don't mind/care either way" option :)

I agree with Colin Green, in paying per video there is an incentive to produce more videos of lesser quality, I know that you try your hardest to not give in to that (I remember a blogpost or video where you discuss it but I can't find it anymore) but the incentive is still very clearly there. Currently, every time you near completion on a video the incentive will be there to wrap it up quickly and get a payday. In the pay per month model you get to work on what you love and produce content of the highest quality which is ultimately why I'm a patron. So I'm quite strongly of the opinion that a pay per month subscription is a better payment model to create high quality videos.

Seems to me that the the per vid approach is a disincentive to spend time on longer more complex videos.

I like it to pay for a specific project

Per video is better. That way, if you become even more productive and creative, you might do a video all 3 weeks or so, and will then earn more. If it was per month, you would work for free to some extent, which could feel unfair. Likewise, if you feel less creative, you might want to take a bit of time off, and would not risk losing patreons who might leave if they pay without getting content in return.

i didn't vote in the poll because whatever is most stable for you is what i would like to support!

issa

Per-video is fair.

I've voted per month first but then changed my mind. Just because it's not common doesn't mean it's worse. Given that Patreon allows for capping the total per month payment it's totally predictable on my side, but at the same time gives you the flexibility to make the video whenever you like.

Personally, I don't mind either approach, so I prefer the one putting less pressure on you. A per-month approach makes a more stable revenue for you, so I voted for that, but it may put pressure on you if you end up not releasing a video in time for the month. If you think you could end up releasing a video earlier than you would have liked because of that, then I would go with per-video. However, per-video also has the pressure that if you don't release, you don't get paid. Also, you could end up having to judge whether a less serious video is still worth paying for. There are ups and downs for both systems, I prefer you choose the one that lets you work with peace of mind.

Vincent Zalzal

Don't Care

Gregor Shapiro

Like everyone, I'm on the fence about this. I voted per-video since I like the original idea of pledging for a project, though I admit I don't always bother to see what project you're currently working on, before pledging.

I can go either way, honestly, but lean slightly towards per-video. For frequent youtubers, monthly is better because it's a bounded cost: I *know* they're going to upload a bunch of stuff during the month, so I only need to decide what that month's worth of edutainment is worth. For infrequent youtubers, per-video feels better because I *don't* know that they're going to put anything out this month and thus don't have to worry that they're slacking off but still getting paid.

jason black

I'm happy with either and trust you to make the choice :) That said I prefer per month for predictability.

Wow, it's 277 vs 264 now. I would prefer per video though. Do you think number of videos are directly proportional to your hardwork? If not, I'll change to per month.

Grain of salt from me since I'm just following and not pledging currently, but it doesn't matter much. We can set it up on our end to give whatever we are comfortable with regardless. I lean a bit on per video just because it allows people the ability to give more as you create more, and anyone looking for a flat donation can set the max to one video anyway.

Mixt

And even if you release only one video in a year, I’d much rather have videos of high quality because there is really no shortage of quantity out there today.

Per month is better, we trust you. Even if you don’t release a video, we know you’re working hard on something really cool.

I agree with either, and voted per video in the absence of a compelling reason to change.

Either is fine. I voted per video as that's kind of the principle that we support the output, but I agree with the comments above that the main objective is to support your activity regardless of 'many short' or 'few longer' vidoes!

I have some people that I support per month, which makes sense because they sometimes put out five in a month and sometimes one. Another one often has (or used to have) months between videos, so it makes sense to support by video. In your case either makes sense, and I'd be ok with both. I didn't vote.

Boudewijn Redeker

A slight pref for per video, which I voted. But I'm fine either way.

Jeff M

I'd slightly prefer a monthly scheme – I don't really want to support you less during a month in which you don't publish a video, or more when you happen to upload multiple videos. It would also take away any pressure on you to publish regularly which I think is definitely a good thing, and it would save you from having to decide whether a part two or a bonus video counts as a separate video or not. It would allow you to upload short videos whenever you feel like it without feeling guilty.

It was confusing at first because patreon doesn't make it clear that you can set a monthly limit on the screen where you're selecting $/video. I almost didn't complete it for that reason. I voted for monthly because simple and predictable recurring costs are just easier to commit to ("yes I can pay $5/mo" vs "can I afford some unknown amount of money?")

I don't have a strong preference, but I voted per month. CGP Grey recently changed his pledge scheme and wrote about it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/changes-to-30003830

Ironically, I think monthly produces better quality videos since it relaxes you from time pressure. If a video needs a little more time, you can take the time as needed. In the end you need to pay all your other bills by the end of the month so you too need a predictable stream of income. I don't mind if you go a long span without a video. It means either you are recharging your batteries or putting the extra time needed to polish a good video. We know you and trust you enough at this time to know you are not scamming us. In the end I will support whatever decision you come to. But somehow I suspect you will someday make a video about the math behind how decisions are made, and we will become the subjects of your video. I also agree with those above that I am not buying your content, but supporting a channel that produces quality content I would like to see disseminated. And yeah the plushy discount didn't hurt either.

It's really a toss up for me. I liked the idea of "per video" because it was a bit unusual, but it's really not important which model you choose. I'd like you do do whatever works well for you. (e.g., you might enjoy a consistent income.)

David B. Hill

There is currently an option to pay per video, but limit how much you pay per month. That's what I currently do; I pay you $2 per video, but with a maximum payout of $2 per month, so I'm effectively supporting you monthly, except that I don't pay anything if there's no video. I wouldn't mind changing it so that I pay you when there's no video, because I know it's because you're working hard on one to be released soon, not because you're sitting on your laurels. So I really don't have a preference. I didn't vote. And I echo Avi's and Ludwig's sentiment that I don't really see myself as somehow "buying" the content you produce. I'm very confident that my $2 a month is not going to make or break whether you keep producing content. I support you because I appreciate the work you do and because a couple years ago my wife and I wanted to get a discount on a plushy pie creature and a couple of shirts.

Daniel and Rebekah Slonim

Whatever works best for you. The sum is not so large that I need predictability over it. As long as you don't discover meth and make 20 videos in a month.

Alexey Badalov

No strong preference. Main goal of using Patreon to me is that you can have a stable income while working on material that benefits everyone, that is to say “is shared freely”. Whichever option you personally feel accomplished that goal works for me. I think that the kind of work you do relies on internal motivation rather than external incentives anyway—so I really just want to help enable that motivation. It’s explicitly not a “money fir content” deal to me.

If we're going to be objective and rational about this...I think that an important parameter here is the content producer's current level of financial security. Suppose they are living month-to-month financially. Then not getting a paycheck one month, because the content they are working on isn't yet releasable-quality, is by definition a problem. In this region of parameter space the optimal solution might be per-month. On the other hand, if they are not living month-to-month, and they find that what they are working on isn't yet releasable-quality, then the stress they feel at the idea that their patrons are going to pay that month and "get nothing" may well exceed the stress they feel at the idea of not getting a paycheck until the content is released. In this region of parameter space the optimal solution may be per-video.

Dan Davison

No strong preference.

I like to do per month because I don't feel like I use patreon in order to receive value for money; I use it to support creators whose work I like to see in the world.

I doesn't make much difference to me, I have capped to 2 videos per month I think. I voted per video because ultimately, it is what you produce, I wouldn't think the pressure of the monthly output is healthy

Per-month gives freedom to choose between shorter projects and longer ones, but I think a long time without releases would raise the expectation on the length and/or quality of the next video, i.e. you'd still have to put in the time. Per-video on the other hand gives you the flexibility to do other projects (or just take a long vacation). So if you intend to put in the time and prefer a steady income, per-month is better, otherwise per-video. Hence I see it as a question for you on how you want to spend your time - I'd support 3b1b either way. I don't believe the argument that per-video would promote quantity over quality. If that happens the effect would eventually be less patronage, and that applies to both models. Rather, I think we've seen the opposite - even with the current per-video model videos have generally gotten longer and more elaborate, and I have thought it more fair to count some videos twice. Ideally you should be able to set a payment factor between 0.5 and 2.0 or so, reflecting the effort that went into the video.

Martin S

I voted per-month since: 1) Non-selfishly, I'd like you to have a stable income & not feel like taking more time on a video (or taking a vacation, or falling sick) means you're putting your finances at risk 2) Selfishly, it *is* more predictable for me & my budget 3) Content-wise, "per video" seems to incentivize quantity over quality (which was the whole problem with being supported by ads in the first place), while "per month" at least gets rid of that perverse incentive. For example, let's say you wanna do a deep, comprehensive video but it'd take 3 months. "Per video" would dis-incentivize you from doing that, while "per month" at least doesn't care.

Nicky Case

I know it's not an option but both at the same time would be nice. I could contribute to a stable monthly income and give a small bonus per video! 😄

It seems to me that a per-month model means that you may feel some degree of guilt and associated stress that you have not delivered your supporters their "value" in a month. I vote for per-video. One of the most important aspects of 3blue1brown is that it is quality, not quantity. No-one is worried that you'll suddenly start skimping on quality to release more often thus making more money! So it seems to me that it is actually the per-month model that jeopardizes quality, since you may feel pressure to give people their "value". Similarly, I don't think we should introduce the concept of the "value" of your time per se: what we value are the releases, however they are distributed in time. However, it is kind of a fraught question, being pretty close to debates about the "gig economy" etc. So I should preface all of this by saying that the most important thing is that you set the model however you personally want to, rather than being persuaded one way or the other by the community of patreons.

Dan Davison

I prefer per-month because I want you to have a steady source of income and not ever feel pressured to put something out just to meet a monthly deadline. Live your videos and want to support you!

Chris

I support you because of the quality of the videos. While I think it's in your nature not to let the quality slip, the incentive structure should match, so per month it is.

Really I’m ok either way even tho I voted per video

DocScoot

I voted per month, because it's important to be able to take holidays without it impacting your income and also doesn't penalise quality over quantity.

Ridwan Farouki

Couldn't agree more! We owe it to Grant to guarantee him a stable income given how much value he adds to the world.

Hey Grant. I love your content and I want to support each video. I like the idea of a reward for each video you put out, however it makes it very difficult to budget for the expense. Even though I'm not a huge patron, it is much more predictable for me to plan on a payment going off each month. So I would prefer a monthly model. Thanks, Brian

Hey Grant. I love your content and I want to support each video. I like the idea of a reward for each video you put out, however it makes it very difficult to budget for the expense. Even though I'm not a huge patron, it is much more predictable for me to plan on a payment going off each month. So I would prefer a monthly model. Thanks, Brian

Hmm, I'm voting for per video on this one. Though per month is definitely fairer in an "on paper" kind of way (as one commenter mentioned it seems more like a proper salary), it also seems like a contract that requires a constant commitment from both sides, which could create pressure that may stifle creativity for content creators and/or provoke unnecessary criticism from subscribers. ... But on the other hand per video feels more laid back -- I like to think that whenever Grant's got the time, I've got some money for him. 3b1b is the only thing I've ever paid to subscribe to!

To me, at least, I'm supporting you - and trusting you to use that support well - I don't want to dictate your actions by incentivising some and causing you to have to make value judgements (per video) - I want to make sure you have the tools to keep doing new and valuable work and feel secure doing so (per month)

(which I think is separate from the question of what's more convenient/predictable for the payers)

Agree strongly that a big part of the appeal of Patreon is to support creative pursuits, not to be a "commission"-driven platform

Per month because I feel like you'd be less stressed that way.

kos

I prefer the per video method. Your videos are the single highest quality math videos on youtube, with Mathologer being a close second. I would rather ensure that each video you produce gets some contribution, especially if you are judicious about the "on the house" videos.

I think per month could be better in terms of predictability for you, and us. And if you feel it is something that would help you to maintain your standard of delivery, then I don't think anyone that cares enough to donate is going to object. I personally like the current (per vid), because it's a little more intimate between yourself and your patrons; every time you see that pledge leave your account, you know a new gem of knowledge has come into the world. I also worry a little that if you decided to take some more time on a project (for example e), and people were paying monthly, it may feel like they're paying for something they're not receiving - and I would hate for you to lose patrons because of impatience. HOWEVER, this is very much in the eye (or mind) of the beholder; we are not buying a product, we are supporting a cause, making an investment. We pledge because we really admire your work. I am confident to say, regardless of personal preference, everyone here wants you to do whatever is best for you and your work (and your family). Clearly you see potential in making the change, and if monthly support is the best thing for you as a creator, then it's the best thing for us as a consumer. We wouldn't be here if we didn't want to support you.

@chris it’s interesting that I feel oppositely. I think per month promotes more creativity than for video. Do you care to elaborate?

If possible I want to a linear combination of both. I'm in the per month camp, but both models make perfect sense to me, they have their respective merits and shortcomings.

I worry about the incentives a “per video model” contains. I think a per video model promotes quantity over quality. I really love your videos, and the really intense ones I like the most. I want to see the best you got, for each video. Take your time 😀 ❤️

I feel like per month is better because it is more predictable for us and you. Also it feels more like the spirit of Patreon to me; we are not paying for videos, we are supporting you, and you are free to release videos at the rate that seems best to you.

Per video is the way to go. 3blue1brown on retainer seems flat and much less creative.

Chris Tietjen

Really hard question, where the answer depends on lots of variables. Looking forward to a 3b1b video explaining the surprising insights I'd get by thinking differently about the issue.

I feel strongly that everyone, you included, deserves to be paid ‘per hour’ rather than ‘by commission’ and that you should have a reliable salary. It also gives you more creative freedom to put effort into several month projects, or even rapid fire ones– all that without the unnecessary stress of considering how it might affect your living. Paying by month is, in my mind, our way of saying, “We trust you, Grant, and support your content however you’d like to express it!”

I think per month allows you more flexibility in creating content. You could focus on a larger multi month project if you want and still have a source of income. Or you could do a series of smaller videos without having to pick and choose which ones to monetize. I would support you either way.

N

Strongly prefer per video. People who wish to donate monthly can just set a monthly cap.

Per video - personally this direct connection kind of liability was the only reason I joined patreon in the first place. I've tried a few months on per month with some other patreons, but you are my only patreon after all (I am stingy). Plus you've done great breaking up big topic into a series, great for both being easy-to-digest for viewers and alleviating the stress it might bring to you.

I have no issue with switching to a per month pledge. My intention is to support your ability to produce content of your choice.

Paying per video makes it feel more like paying for an actual product than paying per month; personally I much prefer that when money is involved. It's also more flexible, since it is very easy to set a monthly limit to get almost the same effect as a monthly payment.

Similar to the note Grey posted, I believe you should charge monthly to create the space for projects that take longer due to their complexity. My support isn’t just for new content, but to “pay you back” for the content you’ve posted in the past that brought me in in the first place. I think I will sleep easy at night feeling like my contribution in a month didn’t pay for something new, but is helping pay for something that might come out in the future and is covering costs associated with something like your neural network video series from the past.

Varun Pramanik

I tend to agree with @Rob. To me, my per-video payment promise indicates I trust the work to remain high quality and want to reward the efforts made, rather than a more general umbrella-fund. That being said, I also definitely see the merits of supporting multi-month projects! A tough call, but in general I support the per-video pledge.

I think that per video could lead to extra stress and pressure to release a video which in the long run can lead to burnout. I'm more than happy to support you monthly even when you don't release a new video

I think it's better per month as some projects might take a long time.

I really like the way it is at the moment. I share your view that it somehow gives direct value to each pledge and seems less like one of those annoying subscriptions that are so inevitable on the current internet.

I do like the direct connection to a posted video - it feels more like payment for completed work instead of a salary type arrangement.

Definitely per month, for me with a tight budget but still wanting to support you, I really really prefer the "predictability"! I know it usually doesn't change a lot per month with the current system, but still.

The nice thing about per month, is that you can inform your patreons that you are working on a really awesome multi month project, so it doesn't confine creativity to a specific time range.

Aaron Angert