Patreon Platform Update & Creating a 2nd Page

Hello! <3

I don't know if Patreon has sent users an email on billing updates, so I wanted to keep everyone filled in. Firstly, TIER prices are NOT increasing and mostly everything will be the same.

I will first explain the situation and then the choice that I have made with this platform.

Starting next month, the iOS store is requiring a 30% up-front cut of all in-app purchases. This does NOT affect payments made through the website, but it does on the app. It defaults to increased prices of my tier memberships and shop items.

The change also affects the billing charge dates. It would permanently set my page to subscription billing instead of charging on the first-of-the-month. I understand why some people prefer subscription billing. In a lot of ways, I like it too. (To elaborate on subscription building... for example, if you sign up on the 6th, your future charges are always on the 6th of each month.) But when it comes to my page, I can't really see that to be in my best interest (detailed reasons below).

• Income is Too Unpredictable - The bulk of my earnings are processed on the 1st. This lets me know if I'm going to make my mortgage payment and if I can pay off my CC. If not, I can prepare.

• Content Planning - I've been working hard on making diverse content using a monthly calendar. The experience I make for my members is made by looking at each calendar month.

• Permanent Change - Once you switch over to subscription billing, I will never be allowed to switch back. It's a scary change for me.

• Poor Feedback - Many of those creators who made the switch to subscription billing have regretted the change. Tracking benefits and arranging a post schedule is confusing for them. Also, the Patreon dashboard on my end doesn't give me a clear visual on stats.

With this announcement, I was given a choice to delay these changes, but there is a little sacrifice. My page is altogether opting out of the iOS store. This should not affect my presence on the app. But if you wish to make a purchase, you will not be able to. Payments will be through the website.

I don't know if opting out will end up affecting me worse in the end. But kicking the can down the road gives me time to think and plan. What I do really like is that someone who may not be privy to this information will not get bamboozled by a 30% upcharge.

Although holiday content is a lot of my current focus, I have been figuring out a secondary platform that could be set to subscription billing. I have been leaning toward YouTube as it a trusted website for payment processing, looks more normal on credit card statements, allows member-only videos and livestreaming, can handle big video files, allows international payments, and should be around for years to come.

With any new platform, I need to make sure I can commit to the extra work and am carving out a new pathway of unique content. I was thinking doing a bit more hybrid with rope, gas masks, harnesses, helmets, etc. Or livestream! All SFW content and assuring SFW comments as YouTube also has guidelines. But right now, with everything on Patreon, I am always super mindful of what I post.

This is not a tomorrow thing; so, if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Thank you for the consistent support!!

• Lesley