Just Another Patreon Fee Post (Patreon)

I've been very hesitant to talk about this here, as if acknowledging it will make it real. Been hoping that the massive amount of backlash against this would cause Patreon to turn around their decisions, and they still might, but the responsible thing is to proceed forward like this is going to stick.

If you haven't already heard, Patreon is changing their payment structure, which effects patrons directly. Originally, you the patron pledged an amount, there was a transaction fee, then Patreon took a cut, then the creator took what was left. With the new system, the patron is taking the fees on themselves, meaning you pay more then you pledged.

The fees work out to 2.9% + $0.35. So, if you pledge $5.00, what you're actually going to pay is $5.50. If you pledge $1.00, you pay $1.38. That stacks for "per video/comic/blog post/unit" creators, so if I make five videos in a month and you're pledging $1.00, What you end up paying at the end is $6.90 instead of $5.00.

So, that's not great. Many Patreon users, including myself, have flooded Patreon with questions like, hey, can I have an option to take the processing fees myself instead of my patrons, but the answer has been pretty much no. Because of the negative feedback, this might go away before it's implemented on the 18th, but right now that doesn't look likely.

So why is this happening? Well, best as I understand it (and you'll have to forgive me here, math, numbers and complex business transactions are not my strong suit, I've already copied and pasted a few things in this post from people who have a better grasp of it then I do), Patreon is starting a new system of charging patrons on the anniversary of their pledge, not at the end of the month like it's always been. If you're just pledged to one creator, not horrible, but if you're pledged to do, that means you'll be charged twice on two different days, which doubles the amount of transaction fees involved. Continue to multiply with every creator you support.

This sucks.

So, here we are. I want to be clear, I will not be upset at anyone who has to make a change because of this. If you have to pledge less or cut your pledge entirely, for financial reasons or in protest of this out-of-nowhere change that nobody wants, I totally understand, you have to do you. Thank you so much for your support up till now, and I hope you continue to enjoy the Pop Arena's output. If you feel you can handle the fee and continue your support, thank you so much, you really do make my heart swell.

I hope to continue providing satisfying entertainment. Thanks to everyone who's been part of this ride so far.