Patreon Apologizes for Blunder, Reverses Fee Changes

It’s rare a massive organization announces it’s made a mistake, but Patreon more than proved its mettle after it undid a potentially disastrous decision — shifting its fee from creators to patrons on its website. And patrons don’t need that, they fled I tell ya, fled! Well, come back Patrons, stuff is okay now, stuff is okay!

For those who don’t know, Patreon is a website where creative types (or anyone, really) can join and build themselves an audience and income based on fans sending them monthly payments. In return, the fans get that artist’s work, and also some goodies to boot. The relationship was pure, clean, and Patreon managed to endanger this by pushing the fees that normally go from its creators to them (who are happy to do business) to the patrons (who don’t… need this as much). As a result, many bounced and those who make their income off of Patreon became worried. But, good news! Patreon has… actually changed its mind!

In a blog post — which can be read here — says in part: “Many of you lost patrons, and you lost income. No apology will make up for that, but nevertheless, I’m sorry. It is our core belief that you should own the relationships with your fans. These are your businesses, and they are your fans.” Patreon also was incredibly apologetic, adding at the end: “Thanks for continuing to create. We are nothing without you, and we know that.” Which is like — damn. That is some sincere apologizing. Thank you Patreon. Creators reacted —

What do you think though? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.