I want your opinion!

Definitely take breaks when you need them, though I think it’s worth saying it seems like your channel is on the up, and as new people find it you’ll have a nice backlog for them.

Melissa Fassetta

Whatever you need to do is fine with me, I follow your content because I love what you do, not because of some unfair expectation of constant updates. Follow your passions, take care of yourselves, and the rest will follow. I for one won't unsubscribe just because you take time away.

Honestly, whatever makes you feel best—I watch consistently because I use videos as background noise while I work (and pay closer attention than is implied by that framing). HOWEVER, don’t put a lot of work into stuff that you know won’t get the return that you need. I tend to have a very laissez-faire attitude towards my Patreon recipients because Youtube lets people watch and rewatch the same content repeatedly, so it is as much paying for past content as it is for future IMO. I am never bothered when the people I support take a break but don’t shut down their Patreon because I frequently rewatch and y’all deserve to make a living from your content. Do what makes you feel best, ultimately.

Jenlifer Fronester

So, kind of wish there was a “do what feels right to you and will allow you to feel good about your future content” option. Because while taking a break when necessary is a good thing, I do know of many people who say they cannot just stop working on things, and if that is you, option 1 might be best. If you feel like stepping away from everything and not looking or even thinking about work would be helpful, then option 2. And if you feel like you don’t need a break and the only reason you are considering doing this is because of the algorithm, but you are motivated by what you are working on and would feel lost without that, then keep going ahead as you’ve been, aka, option 3. Whatever you choose, we’ll be here. ALSO, if you pick something and then after a week or month or whatever decide that that option is not working out for you, and you would be better mentally and/or physically and/or emotionally changing to a different strategy, PLEASE DO IT. We care about you and you are important, so listen to yourself.

Courtney Rayle

I am not the first to say this but: take the break for your wellbeing and i support you anyway!

If it's better for your channel then take a break. It will be cool to have other stuff like the podcasts to make the waiting until September easier, but do as you consider. I'll keep supporting you no matter how 😄

I’m here continuing to support you. Fingers crossed it all turns out as well as can be hoped for!

Do whatever you need to do!!

Rosie Solomon

I know nothing about the YouTube algorithm, but taking breaks from work is healthy and should be normalised!

Fran Hancox

The last thing any of us want for you is creator burnout. You should do whatever you feel will make you happy. We support you, no matter what. :)

Curt Clark

This ⬆️

Do what makes the most sense for the algorithm and your own personal needs. If that means taking a break for the summer, then please do that! The important thing is to communicate what you're planning to do, which you are. Your level of output will not affect my patreon support. As someone else said, I'll just have more content to look forward to in September!

Lin Kibblemom

To echo others: Yes, take a break! Even if it's only a "break" that still involves some planning and content, avoiding the frustration of seeing stuff perform below expectations due to people unplugging for the summer will probably be its own kind of reward.

I say take a break and let yourself have a break! Creatives need to live and experience and engage themselves and one another without audience in order to have the stores to draw from -- in terms of creativity and emotional bandwidth. Let yourself have that! I am here for creatives in times of making and times of living.

AV Flox

I’m not a creator at all, so I have no idea if this is applicable, but are ad rates affected? I’ve watched youtubers who do “vlogmas” say that ad rates are increased in December, so I don’t know if they’re lowered over the summer for decreased traffic. If this is the case, then I’m even more for a pause! Get your stuff posted when you’ll get the most views for the most benefit for yourself! I know I’ll continue watching your content as soon as it’s posted, but the delayed gratification of more to watch after the summer sounds like enough to keep invested viewers around!

If you want to take a break for any reason, you're entitled. My support won't dry up if there's no new videos for a month or two. That said, I watch during the day while working on easier stuff at my (WFH) office job, so I watch just as much YouTube in the summer as any other time. I'll miss your content but look forward to a glut in September.

Squeaky Francis

I don't think Patreon is a contract that you have to churn out content on exactly the same schedule and quality at all times. I have no idea what is better for The Algorithm, but do whatever is better for you. I think the way you keep patrons during breaks (either caused by business decisions like this or caused by just, yknow, needing a break!) is just to communicate with us about it, like you're doing here.

Amanda K

Do what you think is best in terms of content over the summer. Allow your Patreons to decide whether or not they will stop their monthly support. I will not stop or interrupt my support. A gay gotta pay bills.

I'm okay with whatever you decide. Maybe an option where you keep making content, but at a reduced scale? Like, maybe a series of shorter videos?

Honestly, I'm not even sure. Because I put out three videos in a little over a month and they're some of my lowest performers. So who knows lol

You’re fine if you want to take a break with the harder content to make sure that it gets proper attention for all the work you’ll be putting into it but probably keep doing lower effort content like AMAs and streams so the algorithm doesn’t mess up for your channel when you come back. Just don’t want to see your work and great videos go unrecognized! Take care of yourself :)

Bi Bubble tea

I absolutely support taking the break, but will the YouTube algorithm also punish you more for seemingly disappearing? I thought they still rewarded consistency too.