Of Patreon and Carapace's Meandering Musings · 2:10am Apr 23rd, 2017
Ah, Patreon. The subject of some controversy in the fimfic community a while back. It's interesting seeing people's reasons for dissing the thing—some genuinely think it's wrong to get paid at all for fanfic, others view it more as a tip jar sort of thing. Hell, I've seen one person (who shall remain nameless to avoid sparking a dogpile) complain about other users starting a Patreon, then turn around and support another because "you certainly have built up the audience for it."
The funny part of that was that both individuals he was complaining about had more than three hundred followers than him at the time (which seemed to be his reasoning for supporting his friend), and have more than doubled that total now. Oh, and they're both genuinely great people who make the benefits for their patrons meaningful and show what the funding goes through in quarterly reports. If they're reading this, they know who they are and are not expected to identify themselves.
I sorta thought about doing one myself. Not for income, mind, but sorta like what another friend does with hers—lob a little money in for some fun art every chapter, and in exchange get to read chapters early and such. But I always feel awkward about that. Not because I think it's necessarily wrong (it isn't, she's not making a dime off of it), just because I'm weird about asking folks for money.
And, y'know, if I'm gonna have drama on my fics/page/blog, I'd rather it not be because random user #248304 couldn't read the line "I draw no money from this, it isn't pay to view—this is completely voluntary to donate toward art funds" on a line. Or just that whole morality of Patreon for fanfics vs people using it for fanart and such.
Idk, thanks for listening to that part of the ramble.
So! Due to unforeseen circumstances, I've written nothing for SPark's contest, so there's a swing and a miss. Sorry, SParksy, I dropped the ball on this one. I'll try to write this thing anyway and hope you'll enjoy it whenever. I've also done a bit of writing for a—ahem—new project, which will be published after I finish either TGN or TVCR. I don't want to spoil anything like I did with Glow this time, so I'll keep my mouth shut. Although, if you follow a certain artist, you'll have a pretty big hint.
I'm also chatting with another friend about self-publishing a fic. Not really for distribution, mind. Just ... for me to hold and commemorate the fun I had writing. And maybe for the folks who helped make sense of my ramblings and guided me along the brainstorming and writing process. If they'd like, anyway. I might do it for my other chaptered fics as well.
I'm weird like that, shut up.
In writing news, I've been rather productive on all fronts (save the aforementioned contest). I'm a bit nervous about writing the last few chapters for Respite and TGN, but I'll be happy to finish them off after all this time. I'll be honest, it was a major relief to see people enjoyed the horror aspect in the latest chapter of TGN. I was worried it would fall flat, as I'd never really done something like that before. As for Respite, yes, there is a second book/story coming along, so don't fret about that. Some plotlines from this fic will carry over, because series 'n stuff.
There also may possibly, likely, probably be a side fic on the way. Timaeus and Rossby know the one. The former has lobbied for another involving a certain hive, but I'm a lazy sod, so nyeh, you only get one. Punk.
In con going news, I am going to try and see if I can swing BronyCon. Would like to hang out with friends like Anzel, Crystal Wishes, Rossby Waves, Swan Song, Timaeus, and others I haven't named but may be going. No guarantees yet, but I'mma try. If so, look for the short ginger guy who isn't wearing pony merch (unless Timaeus and Rossby bully me into it, they just might). Or listen out for the vaguely Canadian accent muttering expletives while the taller guys he's with snicker and goad him. If it helps, I always look tired because I've got some major racoon eyes going on. Woohoo.
Thanks all for now! Thanks for reading my senseless ramble! Have a good night, y'all!
Gingers stick together. *highfives*
I never understood people's adversity to authors having Patreon's? The entire point is to support artistic creation, and Patreon seems more than fine with having Fan Art on the platform (so do most people), yet people seem to think fanfic authors throw a spanner in those works? I'll never understand lol.
I wasn't going to force pony merchandise, but will now c:
4509910 Tbh, that would be the ONLY reason I'd accept money from the fandom. Figure either that or, hell, pop money in, get a self-published hard copy of a fic in return. I'd just charge for the shipping. I've little interest in monetizing my hobby writing for profit (for a variety of reasons), so ... yeah, this would be the only way I'd really feel ok doing it. And I STILL feel awkward about it lol.
4509901 Wut. >.>
4506973 Idk. I've heard both sides of the argument, but whatevs.
4506881 Mah, gingah!
4509917
4509923 ... Behave, goddammit, or I will tell Crystal :V
4509924 Heh. As if she holds power over someone such as me! Only Timaeus could do such a thing and he would never be against this plot~ >:3