It would appear that the powers that be at Patreon have been revealed.
The Creators and Patrons at Patreon seem to have the power to influence actual policy and there will be no fee changes at this time. That doesn't mean there won't be other changes in the future. It seems this may actually be a huge learning experience for all involved and the lessons will have an impact on the future of things there.
"We messed up. We’re sorry, and we’re not rolling out the fees change....
Creators and Patrons,
We’ve heard you loud and clear. We’re not going to roll out the changes to our payments system that we announced last week. We still have to fix the problems that those changes addressed, but we’re going to fix them in a different way, and we’re going to work with you to come up with the specifics, as we should have done the first time around. Many of you lost patrons, and you lost income. No apology will make up for that, but nevertheless, I’m sorry. It is our core belief that you should own the relationships with your fans. These are your businesses, and they are your fans."
Read More about this from Jack Conte on the Patreon Blog https://blog.patreon.com/not-rolling-out-fees-change/
Thing-making and the sharing-of-the-things seems to be a perpetual learning experience. Isn't that as it should be?
Running a business based upon the funding, support, and faith in and of the sharing of the Things must be a cray-cray challenge on a daily basis. I can't imagine HOW you would come up with a system that pleases everyone in most cases; but it must be especially difficult in this one.
Not to say that I think for a second that the goal is to "please everyone." It can't be. But, an effort can be made to keep everyone informed so that each person has the opportunity to make that determination for him/herself...and time to respond to any impending changes should they arise.
Life is unpredictable but, to my understanding; business shouldn't be.
Patrons need to be able to have faith that they are getting what they paid for without any surprises.
Creators need to be able to have an open dialogue about things to come.
Both need to know that the Patreon, as it operates to meet the demands of a for profit business and not a charitable organization; is still doing that thing that helps keep creators creating.
Can't help wondering how all the spinning will impact the marketing in this case. Some say, "bad press is still press."
All the talk has provided PR coverage that the Patreon wouldn't have had without the need for this conversation...
Kind of makes me wonder if it will work for or against those who decided to stay.
