Thanks, Everybody (Patreon)

I am reliably informed that Patreon has declared today #ThankYouPatrons day. So I just wanted to write a few words to mark that.

Because you folks are what keeps Many A True Nerd going. Very literally. As in, I don't know whether I'd be making videos full-time without Patreon. I'd almost certainly be working another job to have some form of security.

Because YouTube is a precarious place. I think we're up to Adpocalypse 4 at this point. Earlier this month, YouTube vaguely reassured its creators that some new wording that sounded a lot like laying the groundwork to delete channels they deemed unprofitable definitely didn't mean that. Just this week, YouTube rolled out some changes to comply with COPPA that will simply entirely demonetise some channels, and leave others at risk of fines.

And the channels that don't suffer such dramatic fates still have to live though unreliable ad revenue that's broadly been steadily declining for years at this point.

There's a reason you may have seen some of other favourite YouTubers switch to mainly streaming, or taking more brand deals, or moving into whole new spaces like writing books. It's the sensible thing for them to do. YouTube is precarious. The stress of knowing you could just lose everything if YouTube makes one decision is terrifying.

But I love doing this. I love making videos. I love this weird format that works on YouTube.

And because of Patreon, I can keep doing it, and know at the end of the month, we can keep the lights on, and feed Tabby those particular pouches of fish that she likes.

It means I can make videos about the games I love, without having to chase views, or jump on bandwagons, or create stupid clickbait to desperately squeeze as much ad revenue as I can from each video.

It means I can spent time making videos I'm proud of.

And you lot make that happen. Without you, there's no Many A True Nerd.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.