Pledge Robber Response
Added 2019-02-05 03:02:25 +0000 UTCHey Tango Friends!
Since I have launched this page, I have kept the subscription mode to be pledge based (charged on the 1st of the subsequent month). For example this month you could pledge early on and get two huge updates for free without being charged until March. I left it like this because I like giving people that support me an extra little bonus. But the honor system works until people game it... Money is nice but isn't the primary goal here at Tango Fiction. The main purpose of this "company" is to satisfy its readers.
Unfortunately, this system allows a lot of people to abuse this page. Every single month the number of 10 min pledger robbers increases. It has gotten to the point this month that the fake people are outnumbering the real folks by a huge margin. I was okay with a rate below 5%, not 600%+ I have gained one patron this month despite about 10 pledging. That is just depressing.
The desire is somewhat flattering but part of me does get pissed off. Since I am a very open creator, I would give them EA for free if they just asked. It is just so brazen... (they often link to their person accounts and social media).
To be honest, it really bums me out when I wake up, check my email and see "Yay five new patrons!!" then go onto patreon only to see 10 blank notifications.
As some of you know, I take a slightly different stance on piracy that is atypical for most creators. I wouldn't go so far to say I support piracy but I do think it is a solid gauge of popularity and demand. I want people to download and read my work regardless of whether they pay. I want as many people as possible to read, but I also want to run a viable business and show respect to those of you that do actually pony up your hard earned money.
Comments
Apparently the change to charge up front is permanent.... (it has a crazy confirmation process). O.o
Tango
2019-02-06 11:41:45 +0000 UTCEven if you block them, they will simply create another account and the problem will continue. Charging up front won't stop piracy but you'll at least make a buck or two from it. So charge up front!!! :)
Galamuth
2019-02-05 14:08:35 +0000 UTCI agree. I just feel bad a small minority has to make things difficult for everyone else. There are often Buckaroo slots available too. I don't think a buck or two is an exorbitant price to pay but that's just me. Thanks for the feedback, Matt.
Tango
2019-02-05 08:42:34 +0000 UTCYour pledge tiers are not exactly extravagant, offering the whole project out for $2 a month. I'd say start charging upfront and block any further 10 minute pledgers. If you see a decline in legit pledgers, you can always relax it at a later date, but for now it seems like the moat sensible option.
Matt
2019-02-05 07:43:22 +0000 UTC
