Possible Change of Payment Settings
Added 2017-05-22 11:22:04 +0000 UTCHi everyone!
This has been discussed a couple times in the discord, but for anyone not familiar, I have been considering switching my Patreon from the current payment system (people pledge and are then charged at the end of the month) to a "Charge Up Front" option. Essentially what it means is that my Patreon subscription would act like any other subscription (ex: magazine, Twitch, etc) so that you are charged as soon as the subscription is made.
For anyone who is already a paying patron (meaning you've already been here a month+), your payment is unchanged, it's business as usual, just the website reads your payment as a charge at the beginning of the month for the upcoming rewards, rather than a payment at the end of the month for the previewed rewards. This only really affects new patrons.
Lately (since the beginning) I've always had a considerable drop in patrons once payments start going through, along with many fraud accounts with obviously fake names signing up for $20 rewards only for no money to come through. Thankfully this means they don't get the rewards, but it screws with the system. So hopefully this would put an end to that.
Unfortunately this is a permanent change. I think it's been available to creators for about a year, but it's still in "beta" so idk if reverting it will be possible in the future or not, but a change this significant shouldn't be taken lightly. But if I want to do it, I'd rather it be sooner than later, especially since I've been already considering it for a while.
Feel free to give an opinion below, for, against or what have you. Additionally here are some links for more info if you so please.
For info on "charge up front" as a patron, clickhere.
Are you a creator? Learn more about charging your patrons up front here.
Comments
Honestly if the up front charge dissuaded people from being patrons they probably weren't planning to actually pay anyway.
Halcyon
2017-05-25 03:19:28 +0000 UTCas a patreon of you too I suggest you go this way if it's a problem. I joined because I was impressed by your tumblr content and fully expected to pay. the only people who would be discouraged are those with no intention of paying.
wanderingaddict
2017-05-23 00:53:19 +0000 UTCI think its a good idea, its not fair to you for people to sign up and not really pay. This shouldnt be a problem for people who actually want to pay to see your art.
2017-05-23 00:29:53 +0000 UTCAs a creator I've been tempted to use that option cause it's disheartening that you consider a quantity and ends up being much less because of the people that only were cheating you and were getting access to early/free stuff... I haven't done it yet cause I'm afraid I will lose potential patrons and all but... in the end being cheated is just as bad as not having them So yeah! I agree with you and everybody else, the change is good
NSFWfandom
2017-05-22 20:10:24 +0000 UTCWell I wouldn't mind it since you already said for "us" nothing will change :D
Doggo Jacco
2017-05-22 17:38:48 +0000 UTCI also agree. Your works are amazing. I've seen a lot of artists stop making art bc it doesn't pay, and if you have a system that pays you and people are willing to pay then I'd say do it.
Aqua Regia
2017-05-22 15:15:14 +0000 UTCI agree with everyone else. You should make the switch. For the quality content you put out, you can't afford to have people cheat you, nor should you have to put up with that.
BrySpire
2017-05-22 15:08:21 +0000 UTCI fully suppprt the change. I think if it's something you've been considering for a little while then it is probably the right thing to do. We will still be here supporting you!
Emerald
2017-05-22 14:02:27 +0000 UTCIt's really scummy that people do that to try cheat you. Surprising? No. Disheartening? Absolutely. If this switch makes it more likely to guarantee you'll get your proper compensation and helps put your mind at ease I fully support it. Do what's best for you. If people choose to stop pledging that's their choice and they're entitled to it. But the people that stay are here to support you. I think it would be beneficial to your supporters as well since most people are paid weekly/bi-weekly or at the beginning of the month. And they would more likely have funds in their account, at least I would think.
Terra
2017-05-22 13:04:02 +0000 UTCI support this switch, you do amazing work and should enjoy the full support of your pateron's. Don't worry, if people want to support you it shouldn't matter to them when their first payment goes through.
Static Shock
2017-05-22 12:08:06 +0000 UTCWe've discussed this before, but just to repeat myself, I'm for the switch
MormonJesus69420
2017-05-22 11:52:22 +0000 UTCI'm a current patron and I think you should make the switch especially if it's the best option for you to not get cheated out from other people. I stay regardless.
Justice Crescent
2017-05-22 11:46:53 +0000 UTC
