I wanted to create this thread so that we can talk about what we think about the patreon model. However i think its necessary to say a few rules:
-Dont talk about an specific patreon.
-Dont have any personal fights in this thread.
-Dont offend anyone.
I think if we all comply this can be quite productive to future patreon creators or an answer to the question "why do i feel something off about...?".
I will start giving my perspective about it. Im not talking about any patreon so no one should feel attacked or think that they should explain themselves.
I think patreon model is good but the problem is with the developers who use it. The thing is:
-No transparency: An author can say whatever he wants, but most of them dont show that they are truly doing it, giving a cg or something doesnt mean anything.
-No pressure: Because they dont have a boss or someone controlling them they are half assed, what i mean is they dont truly work hard in the game they are doing, they will only care if they see a big movement on pledges.
-They are too lax: I dont think that any type of job will let you take a month or two off, getting money because something trivial like moving out.
-They dont planify: Most of them say how good they are at writing, drawing or programming but they always forget to think about the one who administers budgets and is always calculating if they are doing good or bad. Misusing funds is a sin.
-Patreon isnt made so that people can live from it: Most people think that patreon should be used after you do free games or show that you have experience, i think its true that you have to show something, but with a good demo with a few cgs showing the art it would be enough, patreon is perfect for new game developers who need funds to make their game.
And here is whats wrong about it, giving the final game for free to everyone, all the money they receive from patreon should be used in the game, but after its finished, patreons who contributed at least 5-10$ would receive a free copy and then the rest should buy the game at dlsite. I would be lax about piracy with this game but i would make clear one thing, "you sell the game NOT to obtain profit, but to be able to be an independent developer who doesnt need patreon".
-They dont work hard: Not only are they lax about their circunstances but even more when they work, because they first get money and then work, they go at a slower pace so that they can even earn more. This is plainly ridiculous, a developer takes money after they have done something, not BEFORE or just thinking that in the future they will do.
-They ignore their supporters: Some of them stop talking to their supporters at one point, they say something like they are focusing in the game and nothing else. Talking with the supporters is the most important thing in this model, you should never ignore them.
This is why i think the developers are using patreon wrongly, i wont say everyone but i can say that most do it bad.
Lastly i will take the "argument" that says "if you dont like it then dont donate!", there is a clear difference between being a hater and wanting that things are done right, because if you take money from people who believe in you, its necessary to reciprocate those feelings.
I wont use examples because its not right, but im quite sure that nearly all developers fail at some of the points i have given. If they solve them, then i think that it will be worth to donate to them.
This is my humble critic about the model. I hope im not offending anyone with it or that someone feels "attacked" because thats not my intention, if you feel that i have hurt someone feelings or anything like that then i will start by saying im sorry and that wasnt my intention.
-Dont talk about an specific patreon.
-Dont have any personal fights in this thread.
-Dont offend anyone.
I think if we all comply this can be quite productive to future patreon creators or an answer to the question "why do i feel something off about...?".
I will start giving my perspective about it. Im not talking about any patreon so no one should feel attacked or think that they should explain themselves.
I think patreon model is good but the problem is with the developers who use it. The thing is:
-No transparency: An author can say whatever he wants, but most of them dont show that they are truly doing it, giving a cg or something doesnt mean anything.
-No pressure: Because they dont have a boss or someone controlling them they are half assed, what i mean is they dont truly work hard in the game they are doing, they will only care if they see a big movement on pledges.
-They are too lax: I dont think that any type of job will let you take a month or two off, getting money because something trivial like moving out.
-They dont planify: Most of them say how good they are at writing, drawing or programming but they always forget to think about the one who administers budgets and is always calculating if they are doing good or bad. Misusing funds is a sin.
-Patreon isnt made so that people can live from it: Most people think that patreon should be used after you do free games or show that you have experience, i think its true that you have to show something, but with a good demo with a few cgs showing the art it would be enough, patreon is perfect for new game developers who need funds to make their game.
And here is whats wrong about it, giving the final game for free to everyone, all the money they receive from patreon should be used in the game, but after its finished, patreons who contributed at least 5-10$ would receive a free copy and then the rest should buy the game at dlsite. I would be lax about piracy with this game but i would make clear one thing, "you sell the game NOT to obtain profit, but to be able to be an independent developer who doesnt need patreon".
-They dont work hard: Not only are they lax about their circunstances but even more when they work, because they first get money and then work, they go at a slower pace so that they can even earn more. This is plainly ridiculous, a developer takes money after they have done something, not BEFORE or just thinking that in the future they will do.
-They ignore their supporters: Some of them stop talking to their supporters at one point, they say something like they are focusing in the game and nothing else. Talking with the supporters is the most important thing in this model, you should never ignore them.
This is why i think the developers are using patreon wrongly, i wont say everyone but i can say that most do it bad.
Lastly i will take the "argument" that says "if you dont like it then dont donate!", there is a clear difference between being a hater and wanting that things are done right, because if you take money from people who believe in you, its necessary to reciprocate those feelings.
I wont use examples because its not right, but im quite sure that nearly all developers fail at some of the points i have given. If they solve them, then i think that it will be worth to donate to them.
This is my humble critic about the model. I hope im not offending anyone with it or that someone feels "attacked" because thats not my intention, if you feel that i have hurt someone feelings or anything like that then i will start by saying im sorry and that wasnt my intention.