An important message.
Added 2016-12-30 23:23:05 +0000 UTCThe revenue I've made with advertising on the site has never been very good. Not enough to live on certainly, but for a long time it was enough to keep going just because I couldn't really do anything else. Patreon changed that. I finally started making enough money that I could go to the dentist, doctor, buy stuff for the Teen, and whatnot. Stuff that people with regular jobs can do. The money I made from advertising is still important because it tips me just over the poverty line, except when it tanks. This month it tanked hard. It's been shaky for a while, but December finally broke it, possibly permanently. I can't say exactly why, but the worst started when Trump was elected. I think a lot of artists are afraid of what's coming and are settling in for at least 4 years of terror. I also lost about 2000 regular readers in the span of a couple of weeks. The absolute worst dropoff of readership in ten years. Long story short, I'm down about $400 - $500 dollars a month, for who knows how long. It's been really hard to take, after the last 5 years of really hard times wearing me down this was really kicking me when I was down.
As of right now virtually all of my income is coming from you 500 or so really dedicated readers. You're bearing an unfair amount of weight, and keeping the comic going for people who just casually stop by from time to time. I can't thank you enough for that, but I know no one else will.
Maybe things will turn around, maybe they won't. I'll keep making the comic as long as you guys want me to though. I'm finally getting to a point where I can finish a page in only two sittings again, so maybe I'll be able to start clawing my way back to not having to scramble to finish pages minutes before they are supposed to go up...
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you guys since you are basically my employer and deserve to know exactly how important your support is. Even the one dollar many of you give every month matters when so many of you contribute.
Comments
both are still down, but have recovered slightly. one of the ad services has barely recovered at all though.
Jackie Wohlenhaus
2017-07-06 05:35:24 +0000 UTCSo, any luck getting the readership/advertising to return?
2017-07-06 04:09:01 +0000 UTCThat's very kind of you, many thanks!
Jackie Wohlenhaus
2017-02-13 06:09:40 +0000 UTCJackie, I've been reading and loving Between Failures for years now. Bumped up my pledge because BF is one of my favs. Keep up the good work!
Seth Swanson
2017-02-13 02:26:39 +0000 UTCJackie Wohlenhaus
2017-01-20 01:15:53 +0000 UTC
2017-01-19 21:28:07 +0000 UTC
Lots of people on here saying they increased their pledge (I did too). Here's hoping we bump you up into a higher tax bracket!
Jamieson
2017-01-03 04:31:03 +0000 UTCI actually thought of that, but I can't be sure. I'm thinking of stopping tumblr to see if it has an effect.
Jackie Wohlenhaus
2017-01-01 09:10:29 +0000 UTCCould it be that Tumblr is causing some of the damage? I know when I scroll through my dashboard I see the comic strip without having to go to the site (I usually go to the site anyways). It might be a bit of a stretch to say that's the main or only reason but it might be a contributing factor
Vlanoik
2016-12-31 22:53:31 +0000 UTCI increased my pledge, and was about to come encourage other people to do the same... but you're already doing it! Every little bit helps!
RetroMG
2016-12-31 22:45:30 +0000 UTCI can't say that I can understand what would drive readers away. Even in the face of Trump (*shudders*). Your stories are that faint glimmer of hope that, even for average nobodies, even the drudgeons of retail, there is something else, something better out there. I can only hope your readership comes back stronger soon, dude. You got a talent for art and for storytelling, not things many people choose to develop upon. Just... keep going. Keep going as hard as you can.
David Paul
2016-12-31 13:32:08 +0000 UTChope things turn around for you soon!
Arc
2016-12-31 08:42:22 +0000 UTCTimes a bit slow for me, too, but I've bumped up my contribution for a good cause. Let's fight on.
2016-12-31 06:07:21 +0000 UTCSorry the past while has been so tough. Hope things turn around soon. In the meantime glad to to my bit to support this thing you do.
Patrick Conner
2016-12-31 05:31:09 +0000 UTCTripled my pledge too, and sent a stupid message that I probably shouldn't have on skype, my messages always get me in trouble, this one will too I bet. But I love your work, and I feel like shit, and when I read your comic I get a few minutes of goodness in my day, so it's well worth it. Thank you for all the effort you put in for us.
2016-12-31 04:49:12 +0000 UTCTripled my monthly pledge amount. Been following Between Failures dang near since it started. What you do is appreciated. We won't let you fall.
2016-12-31 03:16:17 +0000 UTCIf there isn't love in this message board then I don't know what love is.
Tyler Vincent
2016-12-31 01:21:30 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry to hear your year has been so trying. I've been in similar situations myself fairly recently. Upped my pledge, and I hope enough others will do the same.
2nd Hand Man
2016-12-31 01:08:52 +0000 UTCThat sucks, hopefully the new year will bring you better luck.
maninblack
2016-12-31 01:03:42 +0000 UTCIncreased my pledge. Hope things get better for you :)
2016-12-31 00:49:22 +0000 UTCI can't imagine that kind of trouble, but someone with your talent of art deserves every dollar.
2016-12-31 00:16:34 +0000 UTCI bumped my pledge up a bit. I hope things improve for you! Thank you for creating a great comic!
2016-12-30 23:51:49 +0000 UTCI know how difficult this can be... I live on disability, myself. But after New Years I will double my (yes, I know, small) contribution, and I encourage others to do the same.
Churchill (formerly TeaBear)
2016-12-30 23:50:18 +0000 UTCI'm a new contributor, but happy to do so because your comic is quality! I hope we can help make up some of the difference and keep you going. Best wishes into the New Year.
2016-12-30 23:49:54 +0000 UTCI am in a somewhat safe position for the time being. I can throw some more in. I hope whatever bogged your website advertising breaks loose. Wish you a better New Year.
Christopher Winesett
2016-12-30 23:43:52 +0000 UTCAs soon as I am stable my self I plan to up my contribution on a few of my patrons and you are the first on the list.
Tyler Vincent
2016-12-30 23:41:38 +0000 UTCAs a Republican, I know money talks. I have doubled my pledge, and will spread the word. If enough of us do this, we may be able to maintain the status quo, or better. Here's hoping!
2016-12-30 23:36:05 +0000 UTCAlways, mate. I don't mind paying what little I can fit the joy your comics bring. And I'll try to up my word of mouth game. Have you tried selling tee shirts or done such?
Coy Keaton
2016-12-30 23:26:45 +0000 UTC
