Just a clarify :)
Added 2020-12-09 21:40:12 +0000 UTCHi everyone, thank you so much for your support. I just noticed a discussion that took place on another website about how escape game creators must be rolling in cash. This was their comment.
marie said:
1 days ago.
Here is the math. At least 10,000 people around the world play an escape game every day, that is a very conservative estimate. At 4 bucks a month that is an earning for Robin of 40,000 big ones a day. Times that by 12 months for your yearly salary. I doubt this is Ronbins exclusive employment. How many computer programmers that you know make 40,000 a day??? How bout you get advertisers like the rest of escape game developers instead of crying "poor me".
Just to clarify, this comment is ridiculous, but I just want to make sure to state that I am very happy doing what I am doing so you don't think I am crying "poor me", I have freedom to work from anywhere in the world and I am able to work from home which is a luxury most cannot afford. I get to spend time with my son and I get to create my own work schedule. So now that I have gotten that out of the way I want to explain why that comment from Marie above is ridiculous.
I am pretty sure anyone can see that on my patreon I currently have 475 supporters. That means 475 patrons give me $4 per month which equals $1,900 per month before patreon takes their cut of 5%, taxes get deducted and all the expenses like hosting, creative cloud membership etc. I used to solely rely on advertisers to make my income (yes this is my full time job). Then advertisers started paying less but the biggest problem was when Mochimedia went out of business and my whole back catalogue of flash games stopped earning money with ads. From then on the online game scene shrank to about 20% of it's original size as everyone went to mobile devices. I wanted to keep creating these games for my desktop audience as the mobile scene was way too competitive anyway so I tried patreon. The only reason these games are being created is because of my patrons. I am not sure where you got the idea that 10,000 people are paying me $1 per day (that would be nice), right now my patrons pay me around 20K per year. I am a full time game developer and create 2 stages per week (without any kind of holiday, not complaining, it's just the truth) so I really have no time for any other work. Also, I wanted to add that I still do substitute my income with ads. Which is very unpredictable depending how much advertisers want to pay and it gets worse year after year with all the new rules about cookies, privacy etc. The audience is also no longer there and the virality of flash games is completely gone and most of the big Flash gaming websites went under or shrank by at least 50% That's why I went with patreon to get some stability. There will be another blow to my advertising income as my flash games and pencilkids.com will stop functioning entirely after December 2020 when Adobe flash is discontinued. (Monkeyhappy.com will function as normal as it is html5.)
So once again I'd like to state, I am very happy doing what I am doin but I just wanted to be honest.
Robin
Comments
I'm commenting very late but no matter how much you make Robin, it's none of her business.
Amy Busch
2022-01-31 23:45:23 +0000 UTCThanks Sonia.... I'll get the names mixed up now, I'm sure of it :) hihi
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2021-01-01 02:22:50 +0000 UTCThanks for the kind words and your support Courtney. Happy to have you onboard and thanks again! I hope you keep enjoying the new stages also.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2021-01-01 02:21:55 +0000 UTCSorry, I cut myself off... I hit enter for a line break and learned that doesn't work in here. LOL Sincerely, Sonia Stafford (Courtney's mum) :D
Sonia Stafford
2020-12-31 06:46:07 +0000 UTCHi Robin, new patron here, thanks to my sweet son getting it for me for Christmas. This Marie person can quite frankly go get stuffed. She clearly knows nothing about what you do or what you make from it, and perhaps has you confused with some spoiled teenage YouTuber that's making a fat living by doing idiotic things on video. :D I've been making the monkey go happy for years, and had played through all the free stages about three times over when my son found out I was having to skip the pay ones. It's not that they cost much, quite the contrary compared to other paid games, but I'm just completely without income, so I couldn't afford it. So happy to be able to play them now, and to help support your wonderful work, as I've always wished I could.
Sonia Stafford
2020-12-31 06:40:38 +0000 UTCThank you so much Anne for your positive words :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-15 06:51:07 +0000 UTCHaha :) that's funny. Thanks again for the support.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-15 06:50:39 +0000 UTCAs a public music teacher who is also the sole bread winner for a family w 3 kids, I completely support you and admire you for your dedication to your craft. Your games are always intriguing and expertly done, and I know you are a master of your craft. All of us here are benefitted positively by your games. Don't change a thing, and don't let negative comments set you back. Think of your 400+ as your "positive army"!!
Anne Summitt
2020-12-15 04:14:15 +0000 UTCYou know what they say Robin, “opinions are like arseh*les, everyone has one”. But also like arseh*les, some opinions are full of sh*t. People who would say or write things like that are not worth a worry or a thought. They cut people down because they can’t handle that someone has done well all on their own. It’s a case of Tall Poppy Syndrome. Keep making great games that make people happy all over the world. You make a difference. You make people happy and this “Marie” never could. This is what she’s really envious of...it doesn’t have a thing to do with money. Keep doing what you do and if things gets tougher down the road, your supporters will get you through. :)
DeeMcV
2020-12-14 14:01:05 +0000 UTCThank you Angela :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-12 22:23:57 +0000 UTCThank you Robin, I appreciate you and the wonderful games you make for the desktop/laptop/pad screen. I look forward to them every week. I am sorry you have to deal with these falsehoods and code sharers.
angela nagel
2020-12-12 21:08:42 +0000 UTCThanks John, I'll have to look into the rules to make sure I could do that. I know some of the platforms do not like it. I'll check it out anyway.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-12 20:19:49 +0000 UTCThank you Lisa :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-12 20:18:31 +0000 UTCWow someone actually said that. Robin, this series is wonderful and I look forward to playing each week. The price of admission is reasonable and well worth it. It's sad to me that someone has nothing better to do and I wonder if it's a personal attack from a jealous programmer. Regardless, you will always have my support and many others I'm sure.
Lisa Ahearn
2020-12-12 18:32:23 +0000 UTCBy the way, reading about big hit reminded me of something. Is that a chance we will see stuffed animals again? I would love to have a monkey
Ludmilla Bravo
2020-12-12 16:48:40 +0000 UTCThere's no reason you couldn't run both at the same time. Keep Patreon going for the people who don't want to change to Facebook.
John Hastie
2020-12-12 13:33:42 +0000 UTCThank you Glenna, these games are made because of my supporters. Replying is the least I can do :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-12 10:48:37 +0000 UTCI just had to chime in and agree that it's really unfortunate that someone feels the need to post such ridiculous (and false) information in addition to posting the unlock codes. I love that you include your supporters' input in creating new game stages, as well as always taking the time to respond to their comments. Thank you, Robin! 💙
Glenna Mace
2020-12-12 08:54:16 +0000 UTCThanks Monty :) Happy to have your support.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-11 19:35:29 +0000 UTCThank you Barbara. I am doing ok as I still have advertising income and that currently makes up the other half of the pie. This is all about to change though as flash is coming to a complete halt so all the links from my old flash games will stop working as will the old flash games themselves. This was all expected and I'll manage through it. :) When Monkey GO Happy was a big hit and I made more money I saved so I should be fine. :) Thanks for the support.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-11 19:34:31 +0000 UTCWow. I had the complete opposite thought from Marie. I thought that it would be (almost?) impossible to make enough to live on this way. So I'm very glad, Robin, that you are managing somewhat ok with the income you -are- managing to get. All the best to you and your family!
Barbara Morris
2020-12-11 11:14:42 +0000 UTCJust to join the choir of people who back you up and love your work. Further, to think anything is free, is wrong. If you do not pay in money, you pay with your data. I'd rather pay the small amount you are asking for a great time solving your puzzles than having my data scattered around for grabs just to be able to play for "free". Our data is a huge industry out there. Having said that, I must confess, that I for one just might not support if it is through Facebook (not quite a fan of their policies). However I would understand if you switched as I am sure John is right that you would gain a much larger audience ... which your happy little monkey deserves ;-). All the best and thumbs up from here ;-)
Monty
2020-12-10 20:46:59 +0000 UTCThank you so much :) very happy to have you on board.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 20:17:43 +0000 UTCHi John :) Thank you, that's the first time I am hearing about this facebook feature. Thank you again for your support.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 20:17:24 +0000 UTCGlad to pay for the games. Look forward to them each week. Have you considered the new Facebook Supporters/Subscribers feature? I think minimum subscription is 5 US$. The codes could be sent to 'supporters only'. Someone I know moved from Patreon to Facebook and has increased subscribers ten fold. Also if you like doing your little videos people can also send 'stars' - an extra income. Subscription is easier to pay for on Facebook than Patreon as it's done through itunes/playstore. Best wishes.
John Hastie
2020-12-10 14:26:13 +0000 UTCSo we played over Years your games for free. No on asked why. Of course you need to make money with your work, and of cours we, your player, should pay for the work. I think it´s only fair that i pay for the games. Also you give your customers the option to pay more or less, what they can or will afford.It´s just disgusting to make such a stupid statement. All the People,often in mobile games, with there bla bla why not for free? I can´t understand this. If my boss was saying thank you for your work, but i pay nothing this month! Yeah ok then, so no work from me. You are doing a great work with your games and i am thankfull for this. And i am paying with pleasure for your work.
Ingeborg Kluge
2020-12-10 10:52:20 +0000 UTCThanks Marina. Happy to have you supporting the games :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 10:05:38 +0000 UTCPeople who is not creative may choose to appreciate that some other people has the capability to give them something to enjoy their free time and are happy to contribute to their survival. Regrettably, other people consider artists as parasites without thinking that the world would be a much sadder place without them, and feed on their own resentment. So they choose to wallow in the only thing they are able to create: trouble and nuisance, that's all. Know that you are the second artist that I support on Patreon that gets attacked for trying to earn his livelihood without having to give up and turn to some other activity, depriving the world of the joy and the fun they can give. It all is pitiful and makes me feel sick. Never mind about them Robin, and don't feel like justifying!
Marina
2020-12-10 06:31:45 +0000 UTCThank you David :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 06:10:02 +0000 UTCThank you Jacqueline, I am happy to hear you're enjoying the story games. The pencilkids.com website will sadly disappear but there's not much that can be done about it now :(
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 06:09:44 +0000 UTCThanks for all the comments Joakim, the sharing and the support. :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 06:07:57 +0000 UTCThanks for the kind words Ludmilla, I am very happy to have such passionate patrons such as yourself who support me making these games for you. Thanks again. :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 06:07:30 +0000 UTCI enjoyed years of your free games on Pencilkids, and am more than willing to support you for less each month than Marie probably pays for sugary drinks each day. Please don't let one troll with a chip on their shoulder spoil your day. You are appreciated more than you know.
David B
2020-12-10 05:26:59 +0000 UTCI have been playing your games for years. Once I found your site, I was hooked and constantly checked for new games. Even after you went to this new site I would always go back and play all the oldies in between. I became a patron because I just couldn't handle not being able to play the longer games. But actually before I became a patron, I saw you had put a code in an unlocked message that I was able to use to get in. It was one that was a 3-part story and after I played I felt guilty, but it was so awesome to play that I had to find out the rest of the game story. You are a wonderful artist and game developer and am happy to support you. I agree with other comments that you do not have to explain yourself as you provide an experience that people are willing to pay to get. I am sad that I can no longer play your older games, but it is what it is, and I look forward to the new games every week!!
Jacqueline Hopfensperger
2020-12-10 04:31:32 +0000 UTCYou dont have to explain yourself Robin! You are an artist, and like other artist you need to get paid to be able to create your art. Just ignore jealous people like "marie" that obviously slept during mathclass. I hope you will get more and more patrons so that is why i always share the links to the weekly levels to my followers and friends on Twitter, FB and also on GAB and i hope every patron does the same. And btw, its probably people like "marie" that is sharing your codes :-( Keep on your good work and just ignore fools like "marie". Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Joakim Kock
2020-12-10 02:39:14 +0000 UTC1) I think the idea that 10,000 people are paying you $1 per day is just something from someone who knows absolutely nothing about mathematics. This marie person probably can't even pass the monkey stages :D 2) I believe it's so wrong to break these kinds of rules. It's not even a multimillionaire company, it's a single person working, offering a product and asking for something in return. You don't have to pay if you don't want to. But if you sneak and steal, that's just what it is: stealing. Who goes to McDonald's, thinks that the burger is too expensive and steals sandwiches instead of going somewhere else? Wrong? So why wouldn't this be also wrong when done to "Ronbins"? It's even worse! 3) Saddest thing is that a patreon must be giving these codes. 4) I really hope you don't get sad or unmotivated by these kind of people and actions, there are several dozens of people here who really enjoy the weekly stages and will continue here to support you and your work. I've been playing for some years now and it's a very delightful part of my weekend. 5) I truly believe that everytime we spend money, we are giving a vote to what kind of world we want to live in. I want to live in a world where a game developer (as well as any kind of artist) who has a family and a little kid is able to live and afford what he needs to, doing what he loves and what he is good at, without having to quit it because it doesn't pay the bills, and then live the rest of his life being unhappy inside an office, many hours a day, not seeing his kid grow up. Sorry for writing so much, this kind of things just make me so angry :D
Ludmilla Bravo
2020-12-10 01:14:25 +0000 UTCThank you Kristin, I guess I was just surprised by the comment and felt I should be honest. :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:53:22 +0000 UTCThank you Scott :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:52:32 +0000 UTCThank you Victoria :) I am grateful for your support.
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:52:19 +0000 UTCThank you Shay, Happy holidays to you too :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:51:25 +0000 UTCThanks Rich :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:49:37 +0000 UTCThank you Stephen :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:49:19 +0000 UTCThanks John, and thanks for your support :)
www.monkeyhappy.com Robin Vencel - (Pencilkids)
2020-12-10 00:44:23 +0000 UTCI am so sorry you felt like you had to justify yourself to "Marie" or anyone. Scott is right-- they can stuff it. I love playing your games. They always make me happy and I am thrilled to be able to support you through this platform. Thanks for the work you do!
Kristin Baker
2020-12-09 22:37:16 +0000 UTC"marie" can stuff it. I love your work and am happy to continue supporting it. Thank you for all you do.
Scott Gordon
2020-12-09 22:32:54 +0000 UTCHey Robin! I just started supporting you on Patreon (didn't used to play paid games, cus didn't know about them). It's kinda sad, but is also becoming a norm – counting money in other people's pockets. I am a freelancer myself, and some days/months earn more, while others – nothing at all. Please don't feel as if you need to justify your prices (they're really low, first off, but also just don't :) ) or explain why you charge at all. People want free stuff, they can always go to Games4king or some other weird resource with copy/paste games :)
victoria stepanov
2020-12-09 22:22:53 +0000 UTCI've never even wondered about how much money you make. Obviously I want you and your family to live well, I just hadn't thought about it. I know you make creative fun games and I've enjoyed them! You are an artist. And for JUST $4 a month I'm able to experience this art. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and New Year.
KeepingThePlatesSpinning
2020-12-09 21:56:31 +0000 UTCWell, I enjoy your games and that is why I pay $4 per month. If I didn't I wouldn't. Regardless, if there are 10,000 people who do subscribe then congrats to you. Keep up the good work and I anxiously await the next one. Sincerely, Rich
Rich Shaffer
2020-12-09 21:54:24 +0000 UTCKeep up the great work 'Ronbin'. You don't have to explain yourself. You create a great 'product' and should be well rewarded for it.
Stephen O'Hara
2020-12-09 21:47:04 +0000 UTC"marie" is an absolute fool! I'm very happy to back you and never once considered that you were crying "poor me" or making big bucks from this. I'm happy to sponsor you because I love playing the games and want to reward you for their creation and to encourage you to keep making more. Hope you are able to make the Patreon system work for you for many, many years to come - you've earned it!
John Griffiths
2020-12-09 21:45:40 +0000 UTC
