Update: Patreon now charges upfront for new patrons.
Added 2016-05-12 08:51:21 +0000 UTCEdit: Check out this more in-depth post for better details, it's not as big of a change as it might sound: https://www.patreon.com/posts/full-update-long-5447715
Firstly, let me start by saying this really only applies to new patrons, and if old patrons change their tier.
Patreon now has offered a new update, while I kind of didn't mean to jump right into it, hopefully it's all changes for the better, but starting today, new patrons will have their pledges processed right away when they sign up, and any increase in pledge value will have the difference processed immediately. This doesn't change much for existing patrons. So if you change your pledge from 5$ to 10$ for example, you'll only be charged 5$, then on the next 1st of the month, charged the normal 10$. Minus the pledge increase part, this really isn't all that different for existing patrons. You will still get charged on the 1st of each month.
Read more here:
https://patreon.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/210291283
Pros:
-New Patrons will be able to participate in the request streams' bonuses immediately, and not have to wait until the following month.
-I can post HD content and files in the feed and those tiers can grab them right away, instead of waiting for ZIP files at the end of the month.
-I'll still go ahead and do ZIP files, since people seem to like those.
Cons:
-There's no "trial" anymore. One cannot sign up, view the feed's posts, and then delete their pledge. One could still view the public feed posts though, of which there are a lot of, giving them a good idea of how stuff goes here. Only time will really tell if this is a con or not. In some ways it seems fair to use the feed as a 'demo', but maybe I've just gotten so used to that idea that I can't shake it from my head. I dunno. I wonder how many people have signed up just to see what it's like, and then decided they liked it, and stayed on, compared to how many might not have pledged if payment was upfront.
One thing is for certain: Posts now are either made publicly available, or is made to processed-only patrons. There is no option now for declined patrons to view any posts. If you are declined, you will get NO notices about new posts I make, and not be able to view any until payment is cleared up. This actually has nothing to do with the "upfront" update, and was rolled out last month or so. Read more here:
https://patreon.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/206259126
TL;DR: Not much has changed for you existing patron guys and girls. Only difference is changes in pledge amounts happen immediately. New patrons will get charged right away. Can get rewards right away.
Comments
Idk how I feel about Patreon; made a pledge, got it paid for, couldn't get access to benefits, waited to see if the person ever posted anything, they never did so I cancelled, and now well over a month after cancelling, I get charged another 10$ today. Patreons page says it something about per post charges, but the person has posted Nothing. So it's like.... what the fuck am I supporting other than getting ripped off.
Ronnie Naron
2017-05-24 22:08:32 +0000 UTCIn my last two credit card statements I am getting $5 charged from PATREON.COM 4158611894. How can I stop these charges. It's the first time I hear about this community. Thanks
Andres Galvez
2016-11-07 11:16:59 +0000 UTCThey actually have, in the post you linked: "What about Patrons who decrease their pledge amount? Patrons who decrease their pledge amount will be charged the new amount on the 1st of the month. They will not be refunded anything."
Ilçeren
2016-05-12 21:19:08 +0000 UTCYeah I'm trying to clarify a few things and tidy it up, editing from feedback on the comments here. It's a bit of a mess though, so, I'll probably have to make another post later about it, explaining best that I can.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 20:10:28 +0000 UTCYou don't get charged twice, if that's what you were meaning. Patreon's previously-applied update that was non-optional, made it so that my posts are either locked to processed pledges, or open to the public, with no in-between. That alone kind of sealed off the 'trial' method, so, to be honest, it's mostly about lowering the amount of declined pledges. I don't get an extra month of payments switching to this, nor does anyone get charged for it. It really only affects new signups. Apologies for somehow sounding greedy, believe me or not, money isn't the primary goal here. I didn't make a Patreon "to make money", I did it "to make art", money is just what makes that possible, that's all. I don't get processed funds any sooner, everyone is still charged on the first of the month like normal, it only applies to new patrons. I do apologize for not getting feedback first; wasn't entirely intentional, especially with how it looks. Just with the past update I mentioned, it makes this update a smaller deal than it might seem at first. Apologies.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 20:09:28 +0000 UTCCopying a response I made above: Patreon added a non-optional update about a month or so ago that makes my posts either "public to all" or "to processed patrons only", so only patrons whose last payment processed successfully will see said posts. ( <a href="https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb</a> ) So even if the "charge upfront" thing didn't exist, this other update basically made it a paywall on its own. The "charge upfront" simply changes when new patrons get charged. Existing patrons will still get charged on the 1st for your normal pledge amount. Technically, I couldve been posting HD stuff to the feed already anyway because of that previous update. I just didn't know if it applied to new patrons, or just declined ones. So perhaps this "charge upfront" update isnt quite as major as it initially sounds.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 20:02:36 +0000 UTCOh looks like at some point the original post was edited to indicate that the .zips would keep happening. Never mind me!
Conduitry
2016-05-12 19:58:31 +0000 UTCI'll keep doing the ZIP file thing!
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 19:30:05 +0000 UTCCopying a response I made above: Also, Patreon added a non-optional update about a month or so ago that makes my posts either "public to all" or "to processed patrons only", so only patrons whose last payment processed successfully will see said posts. ( <a href="https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb</a> ) So even if the "charge upfront" thing didn't exist, this other update basically made it a paywall on its own. The "charge upfront" simply changes when new patrons get charged. Existing patrons will still get charged on the 1st for your normal pledge amount. Technically, I couldve been posting HD stuff to the feed already anyway because of that previous update. I just didn't know if it applied to new patrons, or just declined ones. So perhaps this "charge upfront" update isnt quite as major as it initially sounds.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 19:29:50 +0000 UTCAlso, Patreon added a non-optional update about a month or so ago that makes my posts either "public to all" or "to processed patrons only", so only patrons whose last payment processed successfully will see said posts. ( <a href="https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://gyazo.com/8d631abe1e193c7bfb48cb8d04801afb</a> ) So even if the "charge upfront" thing didn't exist, this other update basically made it a paywall on its own. The "charge upfront" simply changes when new patrons get charged. Existing patrons will still get charged on the 1st for your normal pledge amount. Technically, I couldve been posting HD stuff to the feed already anyway because of that previous update. I just didn't know if it applied to new patrons, or just declined ones. So perhaps this "charge upfront" update isnt quite as major as it initially sounds.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 19:29:10 +0000 UTCAs a (barely) pre-existing patron, the drawbacks don't really affect me, so I don't have a lot to say about them. But I will say that I too would like the .zips at the end of the month to continue - it's a nicer way to keep things organized, and for me to make sure I catch anything I might have missed during the month. Getting to see the HD stuff as it comes out throughout the month will be fun!
Conduitry
2016-05-12 18:30:06 +0000 UTCWell, here's part of the problem: Patreon made a while ago a change to my posts that, if i post something marked "for patrons only", it would only be visible to those patrons whose last payment processed successfully. I don't know if it blocks out new patrons, but declined ones at least, would not get to see those posts. I made a post about this a little while ago. That alone kind of ended the "trial" feature, and that was a non-optional update.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 18:00:26 +0000 UTCTrue; some people treat those sites as trials for an artist. I also make a lot of public/everyone posts here on Patreon so new people can still see a fair bit of how it works before signing up.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 17:58:31 +0000 UTCYou still get charged on the 1st of the month, that doesn't change, this is only for new patrons. When June hits, that would clear you for June's feed posts, and I would send out the May ZIP like usual. Nothing should be skipped, this just lets you look at the feed as it's made, with the HD stuff attached now.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 17:56:59 +0000 UTCYeah I see your point, it makes sense in some ways, at least with the ZIP delivery method. Using the feed for content though, I think it only changes when you get to access that stuff. If it's in the feed, say April is doing well and you want to bump it up for April, you can, it would charge you, and you can access April's stuff right away, and, I believe, lower the pledge again to 5$, you -should- retain access to the 10$ content posted for April, and it will then only charge you the 5$ for May. I don't actually know, Patreon hasn't said anything about that specifically yet.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 17:54:59 +0000 UTCIt doesn't change anything for existing patrons unless you're editing your pledge amount. It still charges you on the 1st as normal, it really only affects new patrons.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 17:42:31 +0000 UTCI've been nothing but honest to everyone on Patreon since i started. I'm not as desperate for money as you seem to think i am. This really was not about money first. I also don't know what you mean by "pledge past months update, they get nothing and you still get the money". If someone pledges, i make sure they get whatever they pledged for.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 17:29:01 +0000 UTCI meant for the process. Some people only want to pledge if they are involved (I am not one of them, though I greatly enjoy it) and he doesn't put up stuff like the voting anywhere but Patreon. Same goes for if people like getting to see the sneak peak sketches and WIPs which I am not certain he posts to other sites.
Tela
2016-05-12 15:47:43 +0000 UTCFluff's patreon really, really does not need a "trial," with how he posts almost all the content in his main galleries for free.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 15:42:39 +0000 UTCYou get charged instantly for the current month when you pledge, and gain access to the current content. Then at the beginning of every month going forward you are charged the same way you are now.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 15:40:11 +0000 UTCHe's making over 3k a month. I highly doubt he's desperate to milk a couple new pledges.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 15:38:09 +0000 UTCKevin: I know that's how it works now, I was asking how that would work under the instant charge system.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 15:36:36 +0000 UTCAs with most people this is not a critique of you or your art, just the change. While this is FAR from anything that even gets me to consider the idea of leaving, it is still a change I personally do not like. I don't see much benefit to it other than just providing more short-term rewards that we would have gotten regardless. Beyond that it doesn't allow the trial period, and it also doesn't allow the users to know what they are getting until they pay. (edit from here cause accidentally hit enter, and also it seems my post posted twice.) Example, I am a 5$ patron, but if you are having a month that is just amazing, by my personal desires and standards, then I will bump to 10$. But I am not financially stable enough (and I support over a dozen artists) to pledge 10$ when I am not sure what I will get. Well that is a lie, your art feels like a steal to get HD variants for even 10$. Don't get me wrong, your art quality is EASILY worth 10$. This is not a critique of your skills as an artist, this is just commentary on the system. Oh, and to reference Silvador, it does make my system slightly more inconvenient. First, PLEASE KEEP POSTING ZIPS! On that note, I do think it is a bit weird that I will be pledging the next month to you on the first while pledging the previous month to all my other artists.
Tela
2016-05-12 14:58:00 +0000 UTCHonestly, I don't like this new method. Albeit, I'm glad it is an option. However, it does raise some concerns. For one, having this option available only serves to enforce the whole personal Patreon paywall that some artists have set up. Second, having multiple artists using different methods may cause confusion for some people as they begin to lose track of whose Patreon they can and can't view. But perhaps the most important issue to address is the most immediate one. When are we getting charged next and how much? Are we going to be charged in the next few days for the month ahead? Or are we going to be charged double at the beginning of next month, for the month passed and the month ahead?
Silvador
2016-05-12 14:57:03 +0000 UTCOi mate I think you are missing the point I am comparing fluff to say an electrical company switching you to a different provider with out telling you. Now don't get me wrong I love this guy and I love what he does, but even so I think a bit of warning would appropriate. This is just constructive criticism.
TheTinselTarts
2016-05-12 14:17:57 +0000 UTCFrom the documentation Fluff linked to: "Example: A patron pledges to Jack (a Patreon creator) on January 5th for $10 per month. The patron is charged on February 1st for January patronage. On February 25th Jack changes his campaign so that patrons are charged upfront. The patron will be charged $10 on March 1st for March patronage." So don't worry, you haven't been charged yet. Actually, it seems like a month's worth of payment vanishes XD
Ilçeren
2016-05-12 13:56:22 +0000 UTCI may sound a little hostile but money are not a laughing matter and should be taken seriously by everyone.
Kelanich Santovedis
2016-05-12 13:53:10 +0000 UTCHuh? You're saying that to one of the least aggressive authors out there, you know. Maybe you're mistaking him for someone else.
Ilçeren
2016-05-12 13:51:20 +0000 UTCNo "trial" anymore? There are numerous trial options available. Weasyl, for one; those posts were all the convincing I needed to sign up. :)
Rattus Nefarious
2016-05-12 12:19:48 +0000 UTCHey mate I think next time it would be a good idea to tell us before you change the settings, give as 48 hours then apply it. Giving us time to prepare. As it is still new feature I am still not sold till I see it work, just a bit skeptical. As long as you keep your end of the bargain I think I will be OK with it.
TheTinselTarts
2016-05-12 10:16:45 +0000 UTCPersonally, I like the .zip files at the end of the month/beginning of the new month. I tend not to download anything posted immediately (even with the links there) and wait for the .zip because then it's there for me all in one batch. But that's my opinion, and I'm just one guy.
Sean Palumbo
2016-05-12 09:47:14 +0000 UTCPersonally I think that the "trial" mode of patreon was one of it's best features. Yes, it allowed bots to rampage through the feed but on the other hand, it prevented people from using patreon as a scam site as well. A lot of people seem to consider Patreon a kind of "easy mode pay site" or even low maintenance web shops instead of a tool to show off, collect tips and say thank you to those that tipped. P.S. Please do not take this as a critique of you; it is merely an observation based on my interactions with patreon in general and the wide artists' population that use the site.
Mora Fermi
2016-05-12 09:31:38 +0000 UTCI support a ton of artists on here, and some of them promote the fact that you can search their previous uploads by going back to them to DL old content.
44KPanda
2016-05-12 09:24:43 +0000 UTCi think they did this becasue you could raise your funding amount, get all rewards meant for a certain tier, then just drop tiers or cancel. Also, some ppl were getting rewards but having their pledges decline. This way protects the content creators.
44KPanda
2016-05-12 09:21:44 +0000 UTCFrankly, I rather think it's bout time Patreon did this. I believe this option would have saved a lot of consternation to a lot of the folks I support through this site, and make artists less apprehensive towards potential supporters. I don't know if it is an option for creators, but isn't there a way to make a non-funded tier, which could serve as a trial? I may be hallucinating from the current long hours and slow days at the job, but I thought it was an option. I do hope that gives ya'll, the artist, a more solid idea of what your guaranteed monthly is and provides some peace of mind though.
Mag
2016-05-12 09:19:19 +0000 UTC"Try it out" - yeah right, more like you want to get money asap. At least be honest. Plus you purposely allowing people to pledge past months update, they get nothing and you STILL get the money. We all know you need cash, but do it with some dignity.
Kelanich Santovedis
2016-05-12 09:14:06 +0000 UTCI would hope so. If someone wanted to pledge once a year to rip all your stuff to an image board... well, so what? That's not exactly the most efficient piracy. :P If not, that would just seem like an unnecessary roadblock to new patrons. But I guess we'll see how it works.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 09:10:28 +0000 UTCI'm not sure if Patreon reveals older posts, actually. Possibly? I'd have to test it out, or ask a new patron to let me know, using this method, if it does.
FluffKevlar
2016-05-12 09:06:17 +0000 UTCI wouldn't mind the HD posts happening in the feed now that people can't use the "trial" to steal shit. That said, I still like the .zips because it keeps everything in one place. My folder for your art has all your patreon subfolders in it already and the idea of breaking the pattern or having to make them manually fills me with existential dread. :P The main thing I'm curious about is how new people are meant to get access to older content in this system. Obviously, you can send them old .zips over time like you've been doing, which is nice. But Patreon itself seems to not have anything to support that intrinsically. If someone is drawn in by a preview image of some past patreon work and pledges, but it was from a previous month, are they supposed to just deal with it? It's an odd system to me.
Volpethrope
2016-05-12 08:58:12 +0000 UTC
