Patreon experience/observations?

[yakima]

I see Kenji is using it.

[Michael_in_TX]

Like with all things, it depends. I've done a few over the years. Most don't have a lot of staying power for me, even for creators that I really would like to support and would miss if they just stopped.

The ones that are good at it are the ones that really understand how to provide value to someone who is paying for something. Many just provide content that is "on the same level" as their public content or even closely duplicate it.

One paradoxical thing that many creators have learned the hard way is that rolling out a Patreon (or one of its twins) is that you can actually lose subscribers by doing so. For example, there was an author I followed for several years because I enjoyed his work, but didn't enjoy it enough to pay regularly for it. When he started moving the ends of all his novellas to Patreon, I stopped following entirely. (His writing was great, but I only have so much discretionary income; I can't pay everyone.)

[Michael_in_TX]

(Okay, that last part sounds like if I can't get it for free, I won't get it. Obviously, that is not true.)

[dpearce]

I've got a subscription to Mr. Carlson's Lab (electronics engineering, fixing electronics, testing, etc...). He's good at making sure only Patreon users are getting the premium content, and if he does intend on publishing for all to see on his YouTube channel, that's stated upfront, but Patreon users are still the first to see it. Which is helpful, if he's detailing out how to build a certain circuit, since it's easy for manufacturers to run out of parts used in the projects if too many people begin to order.

I've found it useful, but I'm sure it depends on who you're following/subscribing to.

I haven't subscribed to any cooking related info, though, so you're mileage might vary. You can always cancel the subscription if you aren't getting anything out of it.

[DavidNorcross]

Over the years I have subscribed to several channels. Some ok, some were great. I like the platform and think a private group like that is very beneficial depending upon the topic. Much like what we have here in the Pit!

[WI Bubba]

I usually have a couple of subs going at any one time. Much like joining here, I wanted to show some appreciation for the hard work I enjoyed for free. If I had know how much a membership to The Pit would really cost me, I could have sent Meathead a check for $1000 and still come out ahead of what you people have talked me into spending. I'm looking at you Uncle Bob.

[Uncle Bob]

Just doin' my part bro..................

[Jerod Broussard]

Never felt the need to Join anything I might have subscribed to on the Tube.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I only patreon things like local (ok I have a few non-local too) artists, everything else... if you have a product I like you're getting my ad revenue via youtube or your website or me actually purchasing a physical item from ya. Patreon was intended to "tip" your local "starving artist" and I use it as such. I don't sub to anything if I can help it, I'm an ala carte type person financially when possible.

[Michael_in_TX]

I think this is what started to turn people off of it. Once the YouTube ad revenue sharing amounts started to become known for the larger channels, it just came off as somewhat greedy.

[Jerod Broussard]

Michael_in_TX I don't mind the revenue sharing, however, shut the crap up about hitting subscribe, watching until the end, helping out with the algorithm.....next video.

[fzxdoc]

Kenji is the only one I subscribe to (as a "Frenji") on Patreon, and so far I've gotten more than my money's worth. His Patreon site also allows people who don't pay to subscribe, but some content is blocked to them.

The only thing I don't like about Kenji's Patreon site is that it takes an extra step or two before his recipes download to Paprika. For one thing, I have to sign back in to Patreon even though I've cut/pasted the Patreon URL into Paprika's Browser.

Kathryn

[barelfly]

I have used Patreon in the past for guitar lessons. There was a particular teacher on YT that I enjoyed who provided more in depth lessons on Patreon, so I signed up and had access to these lessons. Also paid for access to another guitar teacher’s own website for the same type of information. He didn’t use Patreon but his website is top notch for instruction and such.

but I have not done anything else and really don’t plan on it.

[Carolyn]

Does he teach novices? I attempted an online lesson, that didn't work out.

[barelfly]

Carolyn - I suggest you check out Justin Guitar - this was the website I used when I first started out and the lessons are structured so well to help you grow. These are set up truly for beginners to help you with chords, chord changes and songs that help with that. He calls them grades, and I think I went all the way to his high level. And these are all done at your pace, so no “live instruction” but I truly feel this is the best site for learning. If you have questions, let me know.

[Carolyn]

barelfly I am familiar with Justin Guitar. I'll look at it again. It has been a while.

[johnec00]

Years ago, I joined a Patreon channel for a guy that presented very good sausage making videos. I figured I would do my part to support him. Over time, however he has become very professional with several commercial supporters. Then his attention to Patreon waned, so I quit. Now he has some kind of "community" that wants anywhere from $3 to $15 per month . . . No thanks.
I still watch his videos frequently, but don't need or want the "perks" he offers for pay.

Anyhow, that's my only experience with Patreon.

[jayjordan]

I didn't even know he had his own website, thought he was still primary Serious Eats. Now his site is bookmarked and Youtube channel subscribed. Considering the $5/mo Frienji.

[jayjordan]

I guess I'm some sort of caveman having never watched any of Kenji's videos before. He does, in my caveman opinion, a great job presenting a subject and is enjoyable to watch. At least so far in the few I've been watching.