Important Update: Changes to Our Patreon Billing Model

REMINDER 9/23-24

Just a reminder that this SHOULD be happening this week (we're not sure which day in particular!) Fingers crossed =D I'd be surprised if Patreon doesn't message you, so stay tuned for some kinda update!

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Dearest Patrons and Supporters,

We’re reaching out to let you all know about some upcoming changes to our Patreon billing model, which are being pushed onto us by some new Apple and Patreon policies (Verge, Patreon). We’re finally being made to swap our current per-comic/weekly model to a monthly subscription model.

What’s Changing, What's Happening?

• In the last week of September, our tiers will be multiplied by 4 and switched to monthly, which will go into effect on October 1st. For example: 

  • if you backed us at $1 per comic, you’ll now be subscribed to $4 per month.

  • If you backed us at $2 per comic, you’ll now be subscribed to $8 per month.

  • And so on…

• When October 1st rolls around, you will get what looks like a twice-as-large charge: as Patreon will take payment for the support you promised us in September-past and also suddenly for October’s-future support. Essentially paying for two months of our comics all in one moment. 

That being said, all your payment caps will be kept in place! And you shouldn’t be charged any more per-comic than before!

Why Is This Happening?

Welp, Patreon is discontinuing the 'legacy' per-creation billing option to comply with Apple’s policies. While we preferred charging for each comic we made and put into your hands, we will now switch to a monthly supported model. Unfortunately, it’s not a process we get much say in, and the timing is such that we need to get it done before the end of the year to determine if we can keep the project afloat.  

Do You, A Backer, Need To Do Anything?

From the sounds of it - Nope! Apparently, Patreon is doing it all on their end. Fingers crossed! Just be aware you may see a double charge in October, for which you have our shared frustrations and apologies. 

What’s Next?

The basic $1/per-comic to $4/month multiplier the Patreon team picked out for us is close but doesn’t perfectly match our weekly posting schedule (there are 52.14 weeks in a year, not 48!)

So they’ve promised us that after the migration, we’ll be allowed to adjust the pricing to better reflect the number of comics we actually produce. We are aiming to update it to be $1/per-comic to $4.50/month as a better rate multiplier before the end of the year so it better reflects the number of comics we make annually, and whatever new hidden fee we’re assuming Apple and Patreon will probably tack on =/ We’ll make sure to tell you before we make that change.

Right now, just expect to be switched to a monthly subscription that honors a little bit less than what you already committed. Then expect us to update you all when we’re allowed to correct it.

Thank You!

We know this is complicated, and we truly appreciate your understanding during this crazy process. Your support is the reason we can keep doing what we do here, and we hate that we’re being forced to rock the boat when our margins are already so thin. You, our staff, and our artists don’t deserve this policy-update-madness, but we appreciate you all sticking it out. OJST means so SO much to us, and we’re genuinely thankful for your support for the project all this time. We want this crazy thing to survive, and to keep hiring artists to make these stories for as long as we can. 

While these changes aren’t ideal, we’re committed to making the transition as smooth and as fair as possible. If you’ve got ANY questions, please just email me, Matthew (matthew daniel nolan Gmail) and I promise I’ll get back to you when I get a chance. I'll also try to drop in here and answer questions in comments when I get a chance.

For everything that’s outside of my control (which is a lot!) I’d really encourage you to reach out to Patreon with kindness! I can’t imagine this is an easy process for them either.

Thank you for sticking with us!