(IMPORTANT) Changes for HotRamenAudio's Sustainability

I mentioned the other day making quality-focused changes to the All-Access ($10.99) tier. I've decided to make further changes to the production and release of audios. These decisions are based on finance as well as quality assurance, and will not be implemented until December 1st, 2025.

I am proud of last month's output, particularly Zhu Yuan: A Case of the Runs, Frieren Farts in her Sleep, and Lady Dimitrescu: The Screaming Shits. These audios enjoyed record high view and introduced many new patrons to the page. I think that level of quality is sustainable with a creator-driven model that preserves the democratic process/audience input that keeps my work varied.

However, it was also my most expensive month, so I need to make some shifts in the way I handle tiered releases to better offset the costs.

The Headlines

• Variable releases for tiers: All audios (commissions, self-funded projects, and patron-suggested projects) will release to appropriate tiers based on cost and duration. Budgets will be disclosed.

• More personal input: I will take an active roll in developing suggestions to reduce turnaround time for audios, ensure consistent storytelling quality, and maintain budgets. I will also put my own ideas forward separate from suggestion polls to increase output.

If you feel you understand what that all means, feel free to stop here! For clarification, please read on.

Variable Releases for Tiers Based on Budget & Length

Under the current model the All-Access tier is where all commissions and personal projects land, and the Instant Access tier is where all patron-funded pieces land, leaving shorter commissions and Patreon rewards paywalled at higher tiers arbitrarily.

This new model takes project cost and length into consideration as much as possible to ensure pieces are priced appropriately. My heart sinks any time I see someone upgrade their membership for an audio release I feel is substandard due to being cheaply made.

I will also be implementing early releases to the All-Access tier (one month) for patron-suggested projects if their budgets prove significantly higher than the amount of votes received.

Instant Access members may feel this is unfair, but I need you to understand the actual cost of many of these pieces.

Lady Dimitrescu: The Screaming Shits cost $571.96 USD ($336 USD for Lady Dimitrescu's vocals, $175.96 for Rose's vocals, $60 for the thumbnail). Lady Dimitrescu's vocals were discounted 20%. The cost would have been $420 USD otherwise.

Frieren Farts in her Sleep cost $395 USD ($240 for Frieren's vocals, $70 for Fern's, $25 for Aura's, and $60 for the thumbnail)

Zhu Yuan: A Case of the Runs cost $579.42 USD ($360 for Zhu Yuan's vocals, $139.92 for Nicole's, and $25 for the minimum vocal cost for extras, and $55 for the thumbnail).

In total, $1,546.88 USD was spent. Roughly 310 Instant Access patrons would need to sign on for the month to net that number (adjusting for Patreon's $1.04 take). That number drops to around 167 patrons at $10.99 (adjusting for a $1.76 take).

Of note - these projects featured some of the most expensive vocalists. But when you're writing for IP characters, the vocalist becomes non-negotiable. Someone either can or cannot hit the range or offer a convincing impression of a character. To say nothing of acting skill, as nearly all of the VAs I work with now are professionals who do anime dubs, video game roles, and commercials alongside NSFW (because it pays better).

I do not expect suggesters to take these things into account when making a suggestion. But when your idea wins, it becomes my problem to handle the logistics of it, including cost. I feel this system is fair and gives me incentive to make cuts and avoid needless spending for both our sakes.

More Personal Input

I love accepting suggestions, and after nearly 11 months of doing this full-time I have a stronger grasp of all aspects of project management. I want to work closely with patrons whose suggestions interest me to help them better understand a project's needs. Key areas of input would be scripts with more efficient dialogue and broader concepts that require less setup (so we can get to the good stuff faster). I will ensure we both get what we want, so do not be afraid to say "no" to an idea, if you ever find yourself opposite me in DMs.

Separate from Patreon suggestions, I will make audios independent of suggestion boxes and polls to increase my output - ideas that play well to the VA's strengths, or feature "staple characters" in their repertoire. However, I will still run them through polls to gauge interest before proceeding. These projects are intended for the All-Access tier.

If this model proves unsuccessful, I will make adjustments or roll it back to what's worked up to now.

I know that I propose a lot of shifts in production and policy, but my Patreon did not turn out to function the same way I saw others working, so I am learning as I go. These are some of the bigger proposed changes up to now, but they are essential to making sure audios are profitable enough to keep making them as I'm forced to take on greater financial responsibilities in my personal life.

Thank you for your time, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.