Thoughts on Patreon - Plus updates! · 11:04am Jul 25th, 2014
Howdy kids, V here. Wanted to get some input, share some thoughts, etc. This is pretty important, so I appreciate the feedback on this.
Found out about this thing called Patreon (link). It's a service where content creators can essentially ask for people to pledge monetary value and in return provide more things like more content and other cool fun perks. It strikes me as kind of a kickstarter for the arts, which sounds pretty neat. I don't normally ask for donations, but the question is: would any of you fine and awesome readers out there be interested in something like this?
Perks could include getting a character in one of the upcoming chapters of "Tales of Chicacolt" or even getting to write your own chapter of that anthology, or fanart from Starlight on commission from artists. I would additionally write more one-shot Starlight followup material focusing on a different character. I would also include non-FoE perks for those of you following my non-FoE work. Additionally, I've been gathering ideas together to write something original non-fanfiction, so that would help support me on this as well. Absurdly high pledges could even get physical book copies of Starlight if they so desired.
So, take a moment and please let me know how you guys feel about this, and whether it would be worth the time to set this up. I don't normally ask for donations, but I do have a little one on the way, and every little bit helps.
Onto some updates! I'll be making a post again about when this actually does happen, but Starlight is now 200 overall views away from the big 100,000. That there is a lot of views, and I am so appreciative of every comment, every favorite, every view, and every upvote. For those of you still reading, I love you and you guys are awesome.
Additionally, I've been poking at Heartshine to record Chapter 2. She got busy and got a job and moved across the states for it, so things have been in flux. For those of you following the audiobook, have no fear that things will continue in an orderly fashion there.
I posted a new chapter of "Tales of Chicacolt" a while back, so things are back under way with that. I'm also still working on finishing up "A Canterlot Ghost Tale".
For right now, "Stormy Skies" is under hiatus. I have yet to decide whether I want to continue it or not, due to some of the canon changes in S4 with Bulk Biceps, etc. (I hate that name, btw).
Anyways, thanks for reading kids. I love you guys. Have a great day!
- V
Don't you dare abandon FiMFic to put everything behind a paywall on Patreon
...sorry, it's just... Patreon changes people. It starts with "if they pledge $5 they get my stuff a week earlier," but then they get the idea into their head "hey, I'll stop posting my stuff on my usual site and make even the most basic level of content exclusive to people who pledge at least $30. I'll totally get rich and absolutely no one will hate me for it!"
2315159
Fair enough. That wouldn't be my intention for sure. Anything pony related would absolutely stay here. I wouldn't think of abandoning you fine folk.
The question becomes, would there be interest as long as the content stays right here?
What you do is up to you. Still, unless there's something you're dying to create (and can't justify at the moment) or you really could use some incentive not to find something else to do with your time I wouldn't advise it. As Lars said above, no one really likes paywalls, especially for things they had been receiving for free (i.e. gratis). One shots and fanart are a different story altogether, especially if you're only creating it because a specific someone wants it or you'll set aside time to accomplish it if people will pay you, then it's a valid idea. It seems like a nice system, but you can do commissions without needing Patreon.
If you want to make a book, or there are readers who would like one, I don't think it's fair to ask for high pledges and effectively wall off the average person. In any case you might end up biting off more than you can chew in that department. If interest is that high, then just go the route everyone else has or do a kickstarter/indiegogo thing to help fund the process.
Remember that your readers are not necessarily everflowing fonts of money, in fact most are probably not. If you happen to be fairly fortunate, most of them might have jobs.
With "Stormy Skies", just ignore what S4 introduced.
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Believe me, I have considered that part. Right now I just can't get into writing it. Maybe once I get Canterlot finished.
2316566
Absolutely I get that. Again, I was considering using it for things like fanart commissions (posted on devart etc), among other creative things.
I'm torn. On one hand, I can see your point about the money aspect, on the other I still am curious if it could pan out in the long run of things. I guess if anything, the account is technically free to set up.
Hmmph.
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Fortunately or unfortunately you are the one in the decision making seat.