Inside Patreon, the economic engine of internet culture
I have seen so many content creators go full time and create awesome work because Patreon gives them a format to incentivize their followers to pay them. The economics are beautiful — turns out just 1,000 people (a pittance on internet mass media websites) donating $5 a month will totally change the way you run your life. And even better, these artists are independent in a way no artist has ever been before. You’re not beholden to advertizers. You’re not beholden to the whims of a few patrons (church or people). You only need the loyalty of people who value your work.<p>Before Patreon, internet content creators (from the BBC to a little indie band) were in a dangerous place. Paygates couldn&#x27;t sustain growth but ad-supported free media couldn&#x27;t sustain revenue (now more than ever with ad-blockers). Now there is an answer.<p>I am totally convinced Patreon (or the patreon model) is the future of content creation. Ethical, decentralized, economically viable flourishing of the arts.<p>If anyone at Patreon reads this, I would love to come work for you, please contact me sparrowmaxx at google’s email service. :)