Ditto!
I think some of the changes over the last few month have been painful but necessary, including the latest VAT (Value Added Tax) addition, which, if it had not been implemented would have likely resulted in litigation from non-US countries. But it has caused some Patrons to newly evaluate their contributions. In some countries they charge 20% VAT, which for a Patron who backs more than a dollar or several projects can quickly add up to a very uncomfortable increase. I have one Patron who supports me with $100ā¦ in his country the VAT is 19%ā¦ I could totally understand if heās pissed, but so far heās been cool about it. I feel though over time it will get more stable and Patreon is still a very unique platform and will keep growing. I think the more mature it gets though, the more creator effort will be required to grow a channel or projectā¦ thatās probably a natural progression of these kinds of services (Iāve seen the same on Youtube). So I would suggest to seriously educate yourself in all ways of digital marketing (not the most exiting part of business, particularly if youāre an artist and not a business person), because it can make a big difference in your growthā¦
Just so you know, the VAT was always there. Iāve been paying it on my pledges (20%!) since I joined in 2015, itās not at all new. I agree itās a major deterrent. My suggestion here would be to integrate the VAT in the tier amounts, so that a viewer will see exactly what they will be paying, not have the tax added later as a surprise. Being forewarned is much less of a deterrent.
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@natemaingard I can relate to this so much, being depressed and not wanting to create work but patrons still expecting to see it, in order to keep pledges. It sucks.
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My patrons have actually been very understanding about it, thereās a lot less drop off than I expected. Itās more my own guilt I struggle with, feeling I should be doing so much more and that I donāt deserve to be supported because Iām not fulfilling my side of the bargain
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I consider myself extremely lucky because even though I donāt have a lot of patrons, they have been generous with the tiers theyāve chosen and with their complete and total patience with how the ācreative processā can be at times. If something is late, they basically say, āThatās cool, itāll be great whenever it gets done, donāt worry about us,ā which is a huge huge relief.
BUT that said, I still feel very guilty when Iām running late or something happens like the credit cards being āwrongfullyā declined and they have to do extra work just to support me!
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Thank you for sharing, Brian
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