Patreon Changes Announcement + Poll Winner

So it's about time to talk about those Patreon Changes I've been talking about since last month. I wanted to front-load this announcement so it doesn't get buried, so even before I list off the winner of the poll, I'll be going over the changes to Patreon in detail.

The big change is that there is going to be two tiers from now on. Donator at the one dollar or more level, and Parishoner at the five dollar level. In the case of Donator, this will basically be replacing the follower category, with all the same perks therein. Basically, you get a monthly shout out on all my media pages for your support.

Now, as for the Parishoner tier? Well it will be largely the same as the current 'Devotee' tier,. Including access to the discord chat, work previews and art releases before they receive full public release. And of course it will all be higher res than what goes out on my art pages.

So where does that leave the acolyte tier? Well, unfortunately it will be retired. Those already in the tier will still hold the title, and will have access to the exclusive "HallofAcolyotes" tab in the discord chat whether they decide to lower their pledges or not But the tier and its previous perks will no longer be available to any new patreons.

So the big question on everyone's minds is probably "Why? Why are you changing this tier's and lowering the entry fee overall? Well, as the Patreon has grown larger and larger it's become harder to leverage the rewards I previously offered at the Acolyte tier. With so many Patreons taking advantage of the commission slot availability and discount I've found myself having increasingly less flexibility for working on the ask blog, Fics, and other independent works I'd like to eventually be able to share with you guys. In all honesty, for too long I've been using Patreon wrong.  While you guys should get perks for paying into it, It's basically gotten to the point where those of you joining above the five dollar mark are paying a cover to reserve slots for commissions. It's not fair to you guys, or those outside the patreon who want commissions, and it sorta defeats the whole "Support me so I can make the stuff you like seeing me make." angle.

Granted, this is a job for me, and I do need to make money to survive, especially now with everything that's going on. But I have to be realistic, dial back my scope in some areas, and treat Patreon as more of an independent work fund.

I'm hoping many of you won't see this as a bad turn. In fact, I'm sort of hoping the lowered price would lead to more people taking an interest and joining the community. As I've stated, those of you already paying the acolyte fee won't be losing out on the status, regardless if you lower your pledge. But I feel this is the smartest move I can make at this time in terms of keeping from appearing to make a bunch of promises I can't keep. 

These Changes will go into effect May 29th.  That way you all should have adequate time to adjust your pledges if you so choose. 

Now for the poll, again you guys have surprised me with the winner. I really didn't think Raksha from the junglebook would win this one. But I am beholden to my poll results, so expect a pin-up of her soon.

The only question now is wether or not I should draw her feral or anthro...Mhh...

Anyway, thanks for listening,

Love,

Wasty