SamSuka
SovietWomble
SovietWomble

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Would you prefer monthly instead of per video?

Hmmm... I've got a bit of a dilemma and I'm pondering how to resolve it.

This week I unpacked the archived footage for the next Arma bullshittery, did some basic editing for Fishing Planet & Farming Simulator. And for a full horror episode of Outlast. And I quickly spotted a problem. The length of many of the videos I have to work on is drastically different. 


Normally I'd just go "no problem" and put the short footage back into storage and wait until I recorded more with the clan 'some day' to reach that average 10 minutes (after all, I'd only have time to release one video a month before I was full-time anyway). 


Now though, since there's lots of time to edit, and some games might not see a 'some day' from ZF again,  it would make more sense to release these shorter bits between larger bi-weekly works. For example, if I'm spending 2 weeks working on an 18 minute Outlast video, a brief 5 minute giggle of me and Cyanide playing Fishing Planet could be put in the weekend in between.


The problem is: you'd be pledging the same amount for a really long or a really short Youtube video. And that doesn't sit well with me. Some of you are very generous in your donations. Nicolas for example is donating $100 per episode. And LazyBoy is giving $75. I'd frankly be mortified to ask that for something as short as 2 minute video. And then Youtube commentors would be quick to assert I'm selling out and deliberately chopping up content for the Patreon $$$


A single flat monthly thing seems more...sensible to me. I'd still focus on making as many videos as possible in a monthly period (aiming for 10 minutes). But won't feel so bad about releasing shorter videos in the downtime between really big ones.


Please tell me your thoughts below. 

But there's a poll here too - http://strawpoll.me/7040328

Would you prefer monthly instead of per video?

Comments

I was actually worried about this and think a monthly donation would be awesome :D as others have said i would up my patreon amount to compensate :)

Benjamin Johnson

Go monthly bro, that way you don't have to worry if the length or quality is "enough" aaand we don't have to wait weeks for movie-length videos :P hope now you are patronised you are looking after yourself and are not too lonely!

Cathy Ashford

Monthly for sure.

Tim

I'm all for that

Cory Bell

Fully agree with the rest of your patrons! Monthly pledge would make more sense and I'll definitely up my patronage to account for this. P.S. I would buy a womble t-shirt so dang fast. Imagine walking around with a small graphic of your profile and the words, "It's fine, it's fine, it's fine" or "Bullshittery incoming"

Lawson

I talked with him a bit on twitch and he told me that he is hungarian :)

LoneWolf38

It is Waffle :D

LoneWolf38

Yes, lets me have a more set budget. Would be appreciated

Neil Abson

I think it's easier and simplier for everyone if it's a monthly subscription. Even though we can set a monthly cap (so it's basically the same), maybe you get a better picture of how much you can expect. Plus, many people may have missed this cap setting. By the way, who is the Hungarian in ZF? Waffle? :D Keep on rocking, you are the best!

Patrik Babják

If you go single pledge monthly I'd gladly increase my patrionage. I'm sure most would.

Simen Lande

I would say put all the short stuff in a single video, some sort of "mixed bullshittery bag" so the footage isn't wasted and we get an acceptable sized video. Something like "Criken's fun house" his videos have the same format so it should work well.

Fatal Slobbery Troth

I remembered setting a cap on how many I would give per month, and after checking, I did set a cap. It was asked when I supported you at the very beginning. Can't post a pic here, but in the "Active Pledges" of my account, it says that I support you with 2$ per Random Bullshittery, "Up to 5 times per month". Maybe its good to let people know that they can also set a cap to their donation!

Maxime Jacquemain

Judging by the straw poll I think a monthly payment is probable a good idea. On the basis that you would release at least one video per month.

William Booth-Clibborn

I would say monthly or allow for a cap per month. Also, thanks for being a stand up guy about this.

Adam Miranda

Ok so I have an idea. You could follow the example of a YouTuber called Seananners. He uploads 3-7 minute heavily edited videos everyday. Its essentially the same stuff as you, he plays games with his friends and just chops the funniest bits together. My suggestion is you take inspiration from him and upload similar videos of that quality. But not daily, space it out to something you can work with. With this format in place you can say charge your patreons for every 4th video as that would add up the minutes that you want. So essentially you would release the content of one video in a staggered pace that would = less time for us to wait, same amount of money for minutes, and makes your life easier with episodes. Also I am sure if you explained in a single video (like your patreon one) it wouldnt be a sellout situation and the non patreon viewers would understand.

James2024

First off, take a listen to this podcast where Amanda Palmer talks about her transition to Patreon, and all the things she learned: <a href="http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:166863286/sounds.rss" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:166863286/sounds.rss</a> Seriously, check that out! Since I can cap how many donations I do per month, I'd say go for 'by video'. I'm only paying you for one thing per month, so this way I can actually choose for myself whether I do monthly or 'per thing'. Go for it man. Accept that some people have a lot of disposable income they are happy to throw at you.

Jophiel Wiis

I would say that monthly may work better, you could trial it out. However many people will have set a monthly max anyway, so take that into account.

Andrew C Thompson

For real though monthly would allow you to not see each video as a paycheck, and keep it as something you enjoy. Plus I would happily up my pledge, as would a lot of people, I'm sure, to compensate for the lowered frequency of payments.

Spoony Doodle

Obligatory "Womble is a feg"

Spoony Doodle

I would defiantly prefer monthly just because it is easier for my finances so I know I have this much coming out around this date.

Masha

I absolutely love how serious you are about something that's not much of a problem for you, but might be a problem for a few of your supporters. Never lose your humanity womble, it's part of what makes you amazing! Personally I don't think it matters which option you choose since we get to set a monthly max, that max is my pain limit right now and it's probably the same for everyone. A problem with the current option might be that if you work on a lot of videos at the same time you might not get the money you need that month, monthly should be easier for you to plan your life around. Which is why I personally prefer the monthly option. What option do YOU prefer personally?

SirToby

what is everyone nice in te patreon comments not even once "womble is a fag", Soo ontopic : A montly pledge would be better in my opinion , the per video pledge was nice when you uploaded a video per month, but a lot of your patreons dont want to pay x amount of money per week i guess, if you upload weekly , well i would but then i would lower my pledge so its the same amount for per say 4 videos. btw the last csgo bullshitery was hilarious as always ;)

Carel evers

Ha! No worries, I currently live in London and I imagine Brighton/Hove is the same rent-wise; so as long as our pledges are consistent and it works for you it's all good. Take it easy, catch you on Twitch later!

Chris van der Watt

Furthermore, if the video production rate starts slipping, I extend an open invitation to you, to come Brighton to beat me with a stick. Death by stick makes for excellent motivation! Thanks Chris!

SovietWomble

And not to worry about the disadvantage by switching off 'per video'. In my mind, when I was working in London, I had a flat monthly salary anyway (with no overtime pay....urghh) and didn't have any problems then either. This would simply be the same scenario. I still plan to make as many videos as I'm able each month as well...that's the job you're paying me to do. In my mind, I work for you now. You own exactly 0.14% of my arse :)

SovietWomble

Hey there Chris! And you're most welcome. I think Jim Sterling once said "when it comes to crowd-funding, transparency is everything", so I'm hoping to stay as talkative as possible with you guys.

SovietWomble

Maybe pack all the smaller videos into a 10 minute video. And edit it to feel like the short sitcoms on TV, with a title card between each section and sort of 1 second intermissions between scenes. Something like "the life of the zf" featuring all the little bits that can't go into a proper video.

Rallymen007

Aye, absolutely. That's my logic too. Also I worry that you guys would be more informed and rational than say...Youtube comments in general. "you'd be able to release shorter filler videos without feeling like you're screwing anyone", I imagine commentors will assume that I'm trying to screw you and raise a fuss about it. So going monthly seems more sensible.

SovietWomble

Aye, sounds good. And thanks for the continued support Lazy. You especially have been very generous. Drop into XCOM when we next start. We need to get the soldier LazyBoy me thinks :)

SovietWomble

Aye, makes sense I think Lyzair. Thanks :) And the picture was made by bewbewdingo on Twitter. He's really talented isn't he. I asked him if I could retroactively commission him for it by paypal, but my refused. Top bloke. Hoping to maybe put it on some mugs or shirts or something to distribute as freebies to you lot. But might need to save up a lot more first.

SovietWomble

Oh that was made by bewbewdingo on Twitter. It's amazing isn't it :D I was considering saving up and seeing if I can get the design put on some shirts or mugs or something to distribute to you guys as freebies one day. I'll need to research how much that would cost though.

SovietWomble

I do enjoy panties-parties! And doll-houses too. My secret obsession!! I can buy more doll houses!

SovietWomble

Brilliant question!

Oké Acton (ockyy)

And thanks for doing so Elenneth. I like saying your name in Twitch btw when I read your messages. Rolls off the tongue more than users like" xxxXXXXFIREWARGOLXXXXxxxx". And thank you for doing both. And don't worry about pledging more, you're doing more than enough already and it's massively appreciated :)

SovietWomble

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, we appreciate your work and the openness that you operate with. Personally I like monthly pledge since it's an easy way to cap a pledge (can't have you balling around Brighton) but it does put you at a disadvantage if you're turning out more videos one month than the next etc. Either way, hope we can all work something out whereby you get the best in terms of support and our Womble & Friends obsession is satisfied.

Chris van der Watt

Also one of my clan-mates told me something that fascinated me when Space Engineers part 2 was released. The video was only posted to the Space Engineers subreddit. Which is not all that massive on a daily view count. And yet the video still reached 300k views in the first 48 hours. This means that most of those 300k subs are ACTIVE, as opposed to a lot of Youtube channels that have large percentages of inactive subscribers, I'm told. That's really humbling to me :)

SovietWomble

Very much so :) Tell you what's the most surprising to me though. I was expecting an apathetic Youtube 'mob' as it were. Demanding content and criticizing every mistake. But thus far you've all been very supportive and encouraging. My thanks for that! Very heartwarming indeed.

SovietWomble

Not to worry at all Tomelollol. Anything you can do is still very generous of you and I'm very thankful :)

SovietWomble

I see. That specific problem would also mean there will be unused videos lingering in your hard drive. I am not sure if this is even a good idea, but maybe you can squeeze these small videos in as bonus?

Romeo

Hey there Patron #542 :) No no, thank you for considering doing that. It's hugely appreciated.

SovietWomble

Thanks for saying so. Aye, I totally agree with all of the above. Well said :)

SovietWomble

Actually I have a better example, Prop Hunt! That footage was actually deleted from the hard drive because we never went back to play it. So the 5 minutes of comedy is lost ):

SovietWomble

Absolutely. And I'll continue to save up footage into bigger bullshittery episodes as we continue to play them. For example, Arma bullshittery has been saving for a few months. And since we keep playing Arma i can simply wait for it to reach about 10 minutes in length, then go to edit. Something like Fishing Planet or Farming Simulator though, there's never going to be any more footage [I'm pretty sure Cyanide has already deleted Fishing Planet off his hard drive in annoyance]. So the 5 minutes of funny we have now would just rot and never be released.

SovietWomble

Thanks Angunnguaq. I appreciate you saying so. Truly!

SovietWomble

Oh yes, I should be fine. Twitch subscriptions are also providing a little bit more also. It's not nearly as much as you guys though. But together I should be able to pay the bills and stuff :)

SovietWomble

"Oh look...he's released a 2 minute video instead of 10 minutes. He must be hiding all 10 minutes and chopping it up into segments for $$". And I'm all like "but...but...we played that game for only 25 minutes? We play CSGO for hours. I can't find 10 minutes :S"

SovietWomble

Hey there Jacob. Oh yes, you're right about the cap thing. And as some have correctly pointed out here, functionally there wouldn't be much change. As many Patrons have 'one pledge a month max anyway'. I suppose I'm more worried about how it would be perceived. To you guys, and to Youtube as a whole, it might make me seem dodgy-as-fuck if I leave it on 'per video'

SovietWomble

Aye, you're right. And yep, even if it's one a month I should be perfectly fine. I don't want to seem greedy or selling out or anything now things are getting larger. I make that living, have a clear conscience when I release a small video. And you guys get a better deal :)

SovietWomble

Thank you Oké :)

SovietWomble

Thanks for offering Sebastian. I appreciate that!

SovietWomble

First of all, thank you asking your supporters on things like this, I think everyone can tell you're really trying to do the right thing, and that's awesome. Now, here is what I think. Philosophically, I'd prefer the setting to stay on a per video basis. Not that I think you'd get lazy and not produce anything (if anything the issue seems to be you producing "too much" content), but I just really like how that system rewards creators very directly for their work. There is an option to set a monthly maximum to your pledges, which I'm using because I don't have much money to spare and I need tight control over what I spend. BUT, with the amount of videos you're producing lately, this means I'm effectively ALREADY doing a monthly pledge, because you'll always hit my monthly limit. I've seen the poll results so far, and it's likely you're going to switch to a monthly system. I'll set my monthly pledge to what used to be my monthly limit and nothing will change for me, and I think this will be the case for lots of people. Then there's the people that pledged really high amounts per episode, who probably don't have a monthly limit set. And I think you're right, it would be questionable to make shorter videos under those circumstances. So, in principle, while I like the IDEA of a per episode pledge (with a monthly limit) more, in practice a monthly pledge might be the more ethical way in this case. Because I'm sure we all want to see the short videos just as much as the long ones, and noone wants you to feel guilty for making them.

Irockasingranite

This is very thoughtful and kind of you Womble, it really shows that you do care about your supporters and see them more as people, not a number beside the subscribe button. Even though I don't donate very much (because of my finances atm) it really doesn't affect me, but since I've been giving you money based on videos so far, and that number is constantly changing, I'd feel much more safe and "confident" in increasing my donation to you since I know that a payment only will occur once a month. So in short, yes I would prefer a monthly instead of a per-video payment model. Thanks again for being so considerate of your audience, very much appreciated from all of us!

TheUnihorse

If I could I would definitely raise my pledge, but money is sadly an issue for me right now. Monthly is something I personally prefer but that is only because of my current situation, otherwise I wouldn't have a problem with pledging for every video.

Tomelollol

This must be soo heartwarming for you Soviet to hear all theses people saying they wish to give you more. It is an amazing achievement, you are probably very proud. (And deserve it fully believe it or not)

Kevin Guanziroli

This is very professional and ethical from you, good job Stewart. I also, like someone else, set a maximum amount of 3$ per month, which to this has to be added the twitch subscription (I would love to give you more because you deserve it, but because I'm not working fully atm, this is sadly going to be difficult to achieve for the time being). This being said, for me it would be the same, and I wouldn't mind spend the same amount of money for months with shorter videos sometimes. But if I can have the choice, I tend to prefer the monthly flat solution, so I could manage better my finances and maybe even increase my pledge, so you can throw more panties-parties in your 5 feet long flat. Much love from Italy. Cheers p.s. Did you draw that portrait of yours up there? Naah, I'm just fucking with you, you can be THAT good in doing something, am I right?

Elenneth

Even though you can also insert a monthly limit in the money/video-option, I would prefer the monthly-option. Cause as somebody already said you can calculate better and you can just upload any video length and don't be bothered by that. ^^ By the way: Who has drawn that picture? It's awesome :D

Lyzair

The monthly pledges would be very good for me because I can calculate better what I have left and I could give a good amount And I would have no problem with it. I think most people (including me) would pledge more money on monthly bases because of the calculations I mentioned. You know better what you are having if you have a good overview. And since most bills and other things are payed monthly that would make it a lot easier. That's my opinion on that. LazyboyLP

LoneWolf38

since you can always set a maximum amount to pledge per month (for example 3 times/3 videos) it is actually not that different from a monthly pledge. the only difference is that if there is no video or less than that amount in one month, you dont pledge the full amount. in that way it seems more fair. I dont really care if I pledge you those 6€ for 3 videos or 6€/month - I appreciate your content and thats all that matters. Also you keep releasing stuff at your own pace so there is no need to keep you driven just to reach the maximum amount of pledges per month - that would also hurt content quality imo. Everyone should just plan out their financials and set their maximum number of pledges to what they would like to spend per month so ultimately it doesnt make a difference in the total amount. ;)

xTrekStorex

So, i agree with WillemDefault. I'm subbed on Twitch, but if i could choose, i'd subb here, since you get more out of it. Money, that is. And i can't really do "per episode" since publishing is random, and my financial situation is a bit complicated, so i can't leave any cash on my bank account, which means the pledge doesn't go through and i seem like a bit of a cheater. So, making a monthly flat here would be great, and i too would then be able to give a bit bigger pledge, since i could plan ahead for it. P.s.: that WOULD mean not subbing on Twitch anymore, can't do both, unfortunately. :(

Matej Padežanin

I think it's pretty clear people would prefer monthly, per video was better before but not anymore. I also vote for monthly because it will help you more plan your budget. In any case we love you and love to support you Womble :)

Kevin Guanziroli

As others have noted, there is a max amount you can specify to donate for Patreon. I do like the idea of one or two really long videos and a couple shorter ones sprinkled in-between. And in that case, monthly does sound like a better fit for this new release schedule you are proposing. Vote Womble 2016

Pikxl

Yeah, I think monthly is the best way to go, considering that the number of videos made per month, and the length of those videos, is something that's inherently unpredictable, and most adults like having predicable finances for sensible reasons, so people would pledge more and stay pledged longer if it was a monthly amount. Plus you'd be able to release shorter filler videos without feeling like you're screwing anyone, and you can take more time editing your longer videos since you're not directly dependent on pushing out content for your pay.

War_lord

Personally, I would want a single lengthy video per month as it would be both fair to you (since you don't have to stress yourself out with lots of videos to edit in a month) and to the patrons. Best of luck and have fun. :D

Romeo

If you tell you supporters to set their monthly limit, I'm fine with either. I would up my pledge if you set it to monthly, and I'd adjust my monthly pledge limt if you go by video. Either way, as long as you notify us of which you settle, on it's all good to me :)

Angunnguaq

A concern that didn't occur to me prior is how would a monthly model affect your ability to do this full time. If you do go monthly, would you still make enough to stay at that threshold?

Ryan Schubert

Hey Womble, this is kind of important so please read this: People do NOT have to pay for every episode. When you pledge, you are asked the max amount you are willing to spend per month. So, by doing per-video, you are essentially doing monthly for those who want that, and you also let some people donate a bit more. For instance, I highly doubt your high donors allow an unlimited amount of money to leave their accounts. Per video is much better, in my opinion, for this reason.

Jacob Colvin

Well, it really doesn't make that much of a difference if you're paying a monthly flat fee or if you're paying per video with a checked maximum amount per month. If you don't give a fuck and are willing to support a quality content creator regardless of whether you are paying for three short videos and getting another three long videos extra, or if you're paying the same amount for three long videos and getting three short videos extra.. So yeah, doesn't matter to me personally, but I guess the general consensus is that a fixed amount per month would be preferable, because people seem to need to be able to plan their life down to tiniest of details. Whatever you decide, you are probably going to be able to make a living of it. .. /rambling.. do what keeps the masses happy ;)

Maestro

Yes, Womble, I think monthly is a good idea! It makes things much simpler and as some mentioned here, a lot of people will up their pledge if they know how much they would pay out at the end. And it would give you more freedom to post whatever you want without the pressure.

Domille's Wondrous Works

I think monthly as some people would feel more comfortable donating more per month than per video. I know I would.

Paul Desmond

I'm fine either way, I have my per video pledge limit set up just anyways so not much will change.

K. Lenae

Thank you Lylia :)

SovietWomble

I was cool with the per video back when you weren't doing this full time, cos there'd only be a few of them per month max anyway, but now they're more often i think monthly would be better. I have a max pledge amount on mine for that reason :)

Dena

Thank you for that offer then. Very kind :)

SovietWomble

Oh absolutely! Yes, I would really want to avoid that. I mean...Insurgency Bullshittery is a great example. In wanting to keep only the best moments, the runtime is only 5 minutes. (though probably not the best example because that's one I really DO want to go back to someday. Insurgency was good fun)

SovietWomble

I find monthly payments to be the better option. It gives me a better idea of what I will be paying per month.

indoorwater

Well, it's all going straight to Youtube. (Edit - Oh wait, sorry. You mean just select the option "Free Post" on anything less than 8-10 minutes. Yes, I could do that I suppose. That's an option. I could manually negate short videos by setting them as free. But then...I worry that Youtuber commentors won't understand that. And see "per video" and do the aforementioned "sellout" accusations :S

SovietWomble

Go with monthly. I'd be concerned if you felt it necessary to pad-out episodes with weaker content instead of making a cut that has good parts from multipile videos.

Ryan Schubert

Sounds good to me, if it means more regular content then I'm all for a monthly pledge. I really like the idea of those smaller videos in between waits for longer ones. EDIT: And obviously a monthly pledge would mean I'd be able to donate more! EDIT 2: And that poster image is amazing. Will you be doing posters as merchandise soon? I'd definitely buy a poster of the image above!

WillemDefault

Yeah this was what I was about to say. Give me a monthly option and I'd be happy to chip in a bit more! :)

Lylia

And that's very kind of you to offer, thank you :)

SovietWomble

Additionally, Patreon describes the two different ways with the following: "In general, creators who post regularly choose the monthly model. Creators who post less often - once a month, once every few months - choose per content to avoid charging patrons when there is little to no activity ". So that does sound like I fit the first option.

SovietWomble

Like others have said if you move to monthly I can afford to donate more. I'm currently only donating $3 so I'm not greatly effected.

Bensemus

I'd like to do monthly, as at the moment I'm pledging a smaller amount than I'd like to as I don't know how much content to expect. A monthly pledge would allow me to maximise my pledge :)

Oké Acton (ockyy)

Can't you just release the shorter videos straight to youtube without going through patreon?

Anders Haglund

I would definitely be up for a flat monthly payment

Valentin Diaz

I would definitly pay per month, since i can donate a bit more than just 3 dollars. If you would make it monthly i would gladly donate 10 dollars, maybe even more. :)

Sebastian Hilden madsen

Sorry for the essay there. I need to pop to bed so will respond to comments tomorrow morning :)

SovietWomble


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