Addressing Patreon's Fee Update

Recently, Patreon sent an email out to creators and patrons regarding a change in the way they handle service fees. The way things have been, creators would pay the fees along with Patreon's percentage. The change will now have patrons paying the fee, which is 2.9% + $0.35. For some, this may be a non issue, but essentially turning a 1 dollar pledge into a 1.50 dollar pledge is a big deal. 

I am trash when it comes to numbers, so I'll link you the information for you to sort through, which you can find here.

I have personally messaged Patreon (along with many others) to voice my concerns regarding this. Creators like myself and the others here on Patreon rely on our patrons and have been happy to pay the fees, it's a non issue. My suggestion was to take a look at how, for example, paypal will let you choose to pay fees or not when sending money. Those who could afford it would be welcome to cover it, otherwise it's our responsibility. 

I'm disappointed that something like this would be so poorly rolled out, despite Patreon's insistence that they tested this and that most patrons were happy to see their favorite creators getting a bigger slice of the pie, so to speak. Listen, I love pie, but if getting another slice means springing surprise fees on my patrons during the holidays, I'm happy to watch my figure, ya feel me?

I understand if the extra charge is too much for you to support me along with others you support here on Patreon. I would never want someone to put themselves in a situation where they weren't comfortable financially for the sake of supporting me. I know for many of you, you signed up to Patreon specifically for me, and that's awesome! However, I am concerned about how this will effect more traditional artists, where patrons typically budget a certain amount of low tier pledges to spread among their favorite artists. Those creators, and their patrons, are the ones who will suffer the most from this change.

I just want to let all of you know that I appreciate your support, regardless of time, regardless of amount. There are other ways to support me, many that aren't financial, and your well wishes and kind words are more than enough. 

I will try to keep you all as updated as I can, like I said, a lot of this number stuff is way beyond me, but Patreon did such a poor job of letting everyone know, they've forced creators with any sort of dignity to address the situation personally, potentially at our own detriment. That's a damn shame, because for nearly a year now, my experience on Patreon has been nothing short of amazing.

Thank you again, and have a lovely weekend! <3