You may or may not be familiar with Patreon. It’s a service that allows creatives to put out a work a month and people to sponsor that work.
Right now, I have two authors I sponsor – Kameron Hurley for $1 and Holly Lisle for $5. It really can be that cheap! It charges me once a month because that’s the setting I put in. So, for the price of a snack from the gas station, I can help them, and it’s not a burden on my finances.
I sponsor Kameron Hurley because she’s Type 1 Diabetic, and this has almost killed her repeatedly. I mean, I love her books, but I watch her struggle, and her medications are insane… so I sponsor. I don’t have a lot of money, but I can skip that morning coffee, you know? She’s very open that her Patreon pays for her medications and some bills.
I also sponsor Holly Lisle because she’s trying to build money to leave Florida after this last hurricane set. I love her books, and I love her classes more. She gives great writing advice and is super supportive of the community. I’d like her to be in a more stable living situation, and the Patreon works towards that as well as allowing her an hour to write daily.
Sounds all well and good, right?
The day before yesterday, Patreon hiked their administrative/money handling costs. It used to be 5% across the board paid by the artist. Now? 2.9% + $0.35 is paid by the patron.
It doesn’t seem like a lot, but really? When I’m only donating a dollar and you charge another $0.38 you’ve increased what I donate by almost 40%. And it isn’t once… it’s per person that you help.
So, it’s not a lot of money, but I’m highly irritated. I joined Patreon to pay the creator… not pad Patreon’s pockets. The wonder of Patreon is being able to donate a tiny amount so you can help but not have to worry about a big commitment. I donate $6 total… and I’ll have $0.74 added to that.
UGH.
So, not a crisis situation, but I am irate!
Do you sponsor anyone on Patreon? What type of things prompt you to sponsor? Had you heard about this hike? Inquiring minds want to know!
