Puritanical Patreon?

Tell me what you think...because I have been wondering why 18+artists don't get the same treatment as all other creators on Patreon. Firstly we are not entitled to any traffic...so I can only get patrons from my promotions, which I don't feel like doing anymore, and hence we have this little cult like group of hardcore patrons who come and go each month. Second I have to pay $100 a year for vimeo, where non 18+ content creators don't have to even use vimeo anymore.

So, I decided to share my thoughts with the team @patreon.....

Aug 22, 2024, 4:35 AM PDT

Hi John,

Well...there is one thing that bugs me a bit...

I chose to have an 18+ account when I signed up in 2018, to have the freedom to express myself in a non PG way if I choose to. As an artist, to be unlimited and uncensored, in a way I cannot be on my free channel Youtube.

However, I don't love the fact that as a creator there is zero traffic because of that choice (and I have a small following of very loyal fans and don't feel like advertising) so traffic would have been really useful to keep numbers up. I've managed quite well in the early years with traffic driven from my YouTube vlogs. $2500  a month in those good times, is not that bad considering my channel is hidden, but as a creator who has consistently created for 6 years, I do feel I deserve to do much better with my earnings. 

I feel that America needs to come out of the dark age and stop seeing nudity (our natural self without a costume) as pornography or sexualising the body in its natural form. When we do this we are saying that our natural self is a sin, and really that's a perversion of the truth. 

Plus Amanda Palmer has a public channel despite her freedom of expression in this way (I appreciate she brings in more money than all the creators put together) but it feels like a one rule for one, and one rule for another.

I understand your ruling on this when content is of a sexual nature, but please don't sexualise nudity. When you do this,  it makes what should be our most authentic self, something that's shady and "sinful" for want of a better word.  I feel like Patreon brands itself as "freedom of expression" but because of these puritanical rulings, it doesn't quite achieve this. Even words like "adult content" don't make sense, because conversations on mental health are "adult content" e.g. they're not made for kids, but my adult self isn't always a sexualised adult! I know your argument is to keep kids "safe" but then every time someone signs up for a creator it should say "over 18" unless it's made specifically for kids. I don't imagine that many kids are signing up to Patreon, unless for guitar lessons etc and they shouldn't have access to credit cards if so. 

I would prefer it if my content was searchable, but that in signing up it specifically expresses that it contains content not made for kids. It feels rather punishing to be hidden. Plus, I have been one of the earlier creators and i'm not entitled to uploading my videos for free, when other creators no longer have to pay for vimeo, that also feels like as an 18+ creator I'm not rewarded for my hard work and contribution like other creators, I have to hide in the shadows like i don't exist.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Suze  

And THIS was John's reply:

John (Patreon)

Aug 22, 2024, 11:13 AM PDT

Hi Suze,
 
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with us. We understand your frustration and appreciate your perspective on the visibility of 18+ content. Patreon is committed to providing a platform for all creators while also ensuring a safe and respectful environment for our community.
 
Regarding the visibility of your content, we understand the importance of traffic for creators. While the 18+ categorization may limit some visibility, it's important to note that this is in place to ensure that content is appropriately accessed by those who are of age.
 
As for video uploads, we're continually working on improving our features and services. We understand the importance of video content for creators like you, and we're exploring ways to make this process more accessible for all creators, including those with 18+ content.
 
Your feedback is invaluable to us, and I'll be sure to pass it along to our product team. We're always looking for ways to improve and better serve our creators, and your input helps us do just that.
 
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or concerns. We're here to support you.

All the best,
John

I was pretty disappointed with his reply and so I wrote this in response:

This is Suze <suze@thisissuze.com>

19:18 (8 minutes ago)

to Support

Thanks for replying, John, even if your response seemed impersonal and bot like and seemed to only consolidate my thoughts that Patreon doesn't really give much thought to artists on the 18+ section. 

John didn't even reply to my paragraph on Amanda Palmer for example....where I said

"Plus Amanda Palmer has a public channel despite her freedom of expression in this way (I appreciate she brings in more money than all the creators put together) but it feels like a one rule for one, and one rule for another."

DO YOU AGREE WITH ME?

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

I WANT THEM IN GREAT BIG TECHNICOLOUR DETAIL!!!! ESPECIALLY YOU @RAMON, MY NUMBER ONE ART CRITIC!

ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD! (or just like here in the comments ;-)

Suze ;-)