A Word on Patreon's New Surcharges
Added 2017-12-08 11:24:33 +0000 UTCSo, for everyone who doesn't know yet, Patreon is moving to a new process for handling pledges on the 18th. Whereas before, creators paid a cut of revenue to cover transfer and handling fees, the new system puts most of these costs onto the shoulders of individual patrons. That means you now have to pay a surcharge of $0.35 + 2.9% of your pledge on top of the money you've actually pledged.
I'm not a fan of this system. I don't like the fact that a lot of people who've pledged $1 month out of support now effectively have to pay $1.38 a month instead. I understand that for a lot of you, eating that extra surcharge just isn't something you can afford (especially if you've pledged to multiple creators). I really hope that Patreon changes its mind about this, but I'm not sure how likely that is.
So I'm telling you this now: if you can't afford to continue pledging under this new system, it's okay to drop your pledge. While I obviously appreciate the money you all donate, you shouldn't be letting it cut into money you need to spend on rent, or food, or utilities. You'll still be able to get access to A Soldier's Guide to the Infinite Sea (and from January onwards, An Adventurer's Guide to the Fledgling Realms) for free on my website a week after it comes up here.
I'll miss you, but do what you have to do to keep yourself afloat.
-Paul Wang
