Dropping like flies... :(

This month has seen the first month since I started the Patreon in which I'll likely be getting less than I did the month before.

I have to force myself to ask, though, "is that a bad thing?"

Obviously, less money is necessarily a painful reality to confront. My income from sales of the books and my modest retail operation is (very) slowly rising, but it's a long way from being the sustainable income goal I set myself. And that's fine (kind of), because I always knew that (1) you don't get into this industry to become rich, and (2) it was going to take me up to five years to reach that target, anyway. I have multiple products planned and in progress that are going to contribute to that slow growth.

The patrons who have fallen away are, for the most part, the folks who backed out of curiosity to see what the campaign looked like, or who are acquaintances who wanted to help out Precinct Omega but, maybe, weren't that interested in the project itself, or who are having to make genuinely difficult decisions about money at a difficult time and Patreon is an easy and obvious first choice to ditch. I feel no resentment for those who choose to step away. Any amount of support is welcome. Plus, the patrons who remain are the most engaged, constructive and valuable.

Still, y'know... I do need the money to keep this show on the road.

Was it, perhaps, a mistake to get more structured and formal in my approach to the Patreon? Was it the personal, disorderly approach that made people feel like they were actively participating in my journey? Have I managed to look too much like I've got it together and don't need the help any more?

Tricky.

I don't plan to change anything major about the Patreon, I hasten to add. I think I'll see about adding a £1 level, still. I've contemplated adding a £10 level for wealthy benefactors, but I just can't in good conscience imagine my content being worth £10 per month. And I'm not going to shut this down any time soon, because you guys are my Brain Trust. I need you too much!

I just need to give some thought, though, to how to more effectively promote the Patreon and encourage more folks to get on board with the support. I have some ideas. Your suggestions are welcome.