I have been a Patreon for about 4 years now. However now that you simply’re releasing a e-book, will you continue to want my help? What are your plans for the longer term? – Kyros J. (Barcelona, Spain)
Here is how I take into consideration Patreon, from our perspective:
Patreon is a medium of artistic freedom. With out Patreon, cash can be an vital a part of the decision-making course of. We must tackle sponsorships, promote merchandise and use paywalls, whether or not we be ok with it or not. Patreon permits us to do what we predict is sensible for us and what we’re making an attempt to do. It permits us to make an extended record of potential initiatives and prioritize them based mostly on what we’re most enthusiastic about and what we predict is an important, not what’s going to take advantage of cash. Patreon means we’ll do some initiatives that become profitable and a few that do not, and we do not have to fret an excessive amount of about which of them are which. It permits us to start out a podcast with out a sponsor and have a “we’ll get a sponsor if and when it feels proper” angle. It permits us to show Story of Us right into a e-book, as a result of it is sensible on this case, and to have turned down alternatives to e-book different sequence of posts as a result of we did not suppose it made sense. It permits us to e mail readers a couple of product in our retailer solely after we’re actually excited to inform them about that product. Having cash as a secondary concern is an unimaginable artistic luxurious, and one which makes Wait However Why a greater place.
Here is how I really feel about Patreon, out of your perspective:
Freelancing is a reasonably new breed of factor, and I believe we’re all nonetheless determining the perfect methods to make it work, financially. Patreon provides common readers three choices:
1) I like this particular person’s work and wish to pay one thing for it
2) I like this particular person’s work and wish to pay one thing for it, however proper now I am unable to afford it
3) I like this particular person’s work, but it surely’s not one thing I need to pay for
The wonderful thing about having a big sufficient viewers is that if a small portion of our readers find yourself in Tier 1, we’re lined. To date, that is precisely what occurred. Class 1 readers have mixed to be unimaginable vital help for us and offering that treasured artistic freedom I spoke of.
However that additionally means we’re completely cool with classes 2 and three.
Folks in Class 2, who wish to help us however haven’t got the funds to spare: not solely is that okay, however know that the very last thing I need is for WBW help to be an inconvenient or worrying expense in your life. I like the thought of WBW being free for individuals who can solely eat free content material at a given time of their lives.
Folks in Class 3, who would reasonably simply put their {dollars} to different causes, please proceed to take action. That is the fantastic thing about the voluntary donation mannequin — just a few individuals need to do it for it to work completely. Class 1 covers everybody else.
For those who’ve been our Tier 1 supporter, an enormous hug, we love you and are infinitely grateful. Additionally, you need to by no means really feel bizarre or responsible about stopping. Supporting us does not imply you will help us ceaselessly. As soon as a Class 1, at all times a Class 1, irrespective of whenever you cease.
Lastly, Patreon is only one strategy to help WBW. There’s additionally shopping for objects we promote and, in all probability most significantly, sharing WBW with others.
As for the way forward for Wait However Why:
Proper now, it is arduous to think about a time after I’ll need to do something aside from create new issues on this platform. My “future matter record” is longer than I might ever undergo in a lifetime, and so long as I am curious, I am going to attempt.
Inside this greater image, there are various prospects for enjoyable. We plan to develop the platform from writing to writing, audio and video. We need to preserve making an attempt new issues and new partnerships (just like the app we made with Kurzgesagt). We need to deepen the group with extra in-person occasions. We have now drawn up plans for a brand new, a lot better web site.
It has been fairly a number of years since I’ve labored on a single, giant venture, however my enthusiasm and power have by no means been larger. I hope I am nonetheless doing good issues after I’m 80 and I hope you are still right here with me.
