Future of Druids and Patreon
Added 2019-05-24 13:41:01 +0000 UTCSo we've been having a lot of discussions about voting and M/M content and the future of Druids etc. I do really appreciate everyone's support throughout the...7 years...of this comic.
Patreon Voting
First off, since this community is so split on not only M/M content but also voting preferences. We've already been changing everything so much that it's probably getting confusing and a lot of people brought up a lot of good points. But, I'm just going to stick with the ranking system we started last month and not do the lottery method. I want to at least see how this method pans out before we do another radical switch.
I was actually tempted to go back to the 'one vote' method just to keep things simple, but I want to see how the ranking works out
M/M Content
Now this is the big one. There is a clear split down the community of folks that want M/M content, and those that don't. I had considered a number of options, but the reality of the situation is, this is primarily a straight comic, so it seems that the fans tend to lean that way over not. So here is my solution:
I'm going to make a new M/M specific Patreon that will charge based on a 'By Creation' method. The reason for this is I don't want to take on extra work (which this will be) without getting a bit of extra compensation. Now, this method will have it's own voting similar to how we do things now. The 15 dollar tier on the main Patreon will get these also (like To Catch a Worgen), with no additional cost.
I have no figured out pricing yet, but I'll work on the new Patreon this weekend sometime and let every one know when it's up. I'm guessing I'll be able to get a picture out once every 2-3 months, so don't expect M/M content to come flooding out of the internet.
Future of Druids
Druids has a definitive end and every week it gets closer and closer. It's not going to be one of those comics that goes on forever. When it ends I'm going to try to get a book printed up for folks to buy (I'll likely try to Kickstart it or something) - so if anyone knows any good printing companies that aren't afraid of adult / furry art, let me know.
After Druids we'll be working on Skylords, which will be a high magic furry world of our own creation featuring with some dragon riding, action, adventure, etc. We have a lot outlined, but there is still a lot of work to do. More info will come in time.
When will Druids end? I don't have an exact date, but likely sometime late this year (maybe).
Rebranding
Since there is a lot of talk of changes, I'll be rebranding...myself? Instead of this Patreon being based on Druids, I'll morph into "Art by Amocin". To Catch a Worgen will morph into Side Comics by Amocin, the M/M one will be....something else? This will happen "eventually", but I'm not in a rush. I'll just mean my Patreon accounts will be less 'specific' so I can reuse them.
Really, nothing much will change.
To Catch a Worgen Ending
I think To Catch a Worgen has like 2 pages left. After that we'll move into the vote winner from early this year - I believe Serid and Kinar training escapades. I'll think of a better name later. It'll start immediately after To Catch a Worgen and I'll keep the same Patreon methods / accounts. I'll do another announcement later when this occurs.
Merchandise / Help
I am recruiting some folks to help with merchandise (think shirts or pins or whatever) but it's slow moving. I probably should have done this ages ago but its hard and I don't have a ton of free time as it is. I've been looking at a lot of sites out there that do most of this for you, it's really just creating content / designs that folks would want to buy.
If anyone wants to help with that, shoot me an email and we can talk.
Also: if anyone has any ideas as far as advertising goes, email me up as well. It's hard advertising adult / Furry content and WoW is an old game, but it would be nice to get some more readers in the door.
Later This Year
One of the big factors / changes this year is - well - I'm having another kid. That'll make three total. Due date is mid November so unless I get suuuuper far ahead (not likely) there will very likely be a hiatus around that time. But really, who knows.
Summary
If you've stuck through my vomit of text, thanks. Lots of change going on this year, but I'm still dedicated to this comic and you, my readers. I really appreciate all the support given over the years and without my supports, this comic never would have gotten this far. It's been a great ride and I want to continue doing this for the foreseeable future (comic and art creation that is - not specifically druids).
Feel free to ask any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
Comments
As for the voting, I believe the most reasonable option would be to send the ballot alongside the picture and let everybody who got it to vote for the next one. It may be confusing if one has to be in some higher tier on another patreon page to gain voting rights on this one, especially for the newcomers.
maverick
2019-05-27 22:44:48 +0000 UTC1. So for the M/M vote, I haven't really considered the whole voting aspect. I'm torn between letting the supports of that Patreon and then the other voting tiers vote on it, but I might just stick with the current method - I'll let you know when we get closer to that. 2. That'll be a little challenging to map up, but I can sure try. I'd have to use some excel voodoo 3. I need to start doing this with all things, announcing the vote options ahead of time. I will try, yes.
Amocin
2019-05-27 14:32:20 +0000 UTCHi Amo, thank you for the good news. I have a few questions: 1. Which tiers will get an ability to vote on M/M stuff? Existing $10+ ones or hypothetical higher tier on the new page? 2. If you release one comic page and one M/M picture, will the people in per-creation tier get Premium Donator perks? (Similar to the current deal with the side comic double-release months.) 3. Is it possible for you to announce the options on the ballot a few days before the end of the month? Like it was with the side comic, there are always some questions, and this really helps undecided people.
maverick
2019-05-27 14:29:21 +0000 UTCI mean yes technically but I more meant that she said it so non chalantly XD that’s quite big news for such a “by the way” way she mentioned it hehe
pokediginut
2019-05-24 21:30:05 +0000 UTCTBF it's really not our business.
Sartharina/Scow2
2019-05-24 21:13:51 +0000 UTCYou threw on a lot of info at us just now yet you were completely low key about having another baby like OMG major congrats ^^
pokediginut
2019-05-24 17:54:20 +0000 UTCHow about instead of Serid and Kinar Training Escapades, you call it "How to tame a Druid" (riding on the heels of How to catch a Worgen and How to Train your Dragon, fun name schemes overall).
AJ Parker
2019-05-24 15:52:29 +0000 UTCGood questions. So for the M/M content I will do a per creation charge so x per picture like I do with the side comic now. If you're in the15 dollar teir you won't have to sign up for anything new. Make sense? Second, it depends. If folks still want side comics I can still do that. There might be a it of a break between comics but I want to keep the patreon stuff going during the potential comic break.
Amocin
2019-05-24 14:33:20 +0000 UTCHello Amocin, first thank you for the update, I just have two questions. First, you said that the people apart of the $15 dollar tier will get the M/M content, so does that mean the people apart of it don’t have to sign up for that Patreon separately, or do we still need to sign up for it. Second, I know that the comic is going to eventually end, but are you willing to do things such as mini or side comics with these characters, or is it once its done its done.
Doty
2019-05-24 14:29:24 +0000 UTC