Subscription V free (Updated)

A couple of yoootoooobers I follow have recently announced that they have opened an account with Patreon. I had never heard of this before so it prompted me to explore further.

Here is the Wiki link.  It is a membership platform with headquarters in San Francisco, and first came onto the www in 2013. Patreon provides business tools for creators to run a subscription content service, so artists can build relationships with their subscribers. It allows them to receive money from their fans, and Patreon charges a commission for each donation. I suggest you read the whole of the Wiki report to understand how it works.

Here is David with an introduction to Cruising the Cut, on his Patreon page.

And here is Rafi talking about his new Patreon page.


It will be interesting to see where all this goes. Will yootoob content shrink because contributors are moving over to Patreon? I have noticed that there are more adverts creeping in at the start of every yootoob video. They can be skipped but if they are the contributor receives no money from them so they are giving their services for free. The money they do receive if the adverts play to the end  however, is a pittance.

I can see how those vloggers who are doing this as part of their work do need to be paid. Everyone of working age needs to earn a living. But it means more decisions for us watchers who choose the free yoootoob channel. We can opt in to pay for extra content on the Patreon channels, if we so wish.

Yoootoob V Patreon, it seems there is a two tier system, those who pay get more content, some people won't mind that, and those who want to stick with the free content. A bit like television really, there are free channels, and those that you have to pay a subscription to access.

As living within my means, money saving, frugal and simple living, is embedded in my brain, I will have to evaluate what is the best deal for me, as I do with all my outgoings. I have an aversion to signing up for any subscriptions, direct debits, standing orders, and memberships. No one gets access to my bank account or card details unless there really is no alternative. I do have money to spare and keep a tight hold on it, until such time that I decide how I spend it. Any charitable donations are paid for as and when I can afford it, always with a cheque or cash.

I'm interested in what subscriptions you pay for which you think are good value for money? And what would you never pay extra for because you already get what you want very cheaply or free?

I wish David and Rafi good luck with their new channels. They seem like thoroughly decent people who want to pay their own way in life. Their work is a lifestyle choice, and they put a lot of time and effort into it. The High Street shops may be closing, but people are looking for new ways to earn a living.  ilona

PS. I have received a message from David at Cruising the Cut, he has clarified a few misconceptions that he feels I have touched on. I tend to see things in black and white. I am an 'either/or' person, sometimes the middle bit is not always obvious to me, especially if some of it is missing.

I will let David explain what I got wrong.

I think I should clarify that Patreon is not a new "channel" for me (nor indeed is it new as I've had Patreon for ages). Rather, I view Patreon (as I clearly say in the text on my page there) very much just as a means for people who enjoy my videos and want to chip a donation my way, as a means to do so. It is not an alternative to YouTube and it's certainly not "YouTube vs Patreon" as you suggest. Whilst I do offer some Patrons a little extra "bonus" content, it's very intermittent and very much thrown together. My main output is, and will remain, YouTube.

Thank you David for that. ilona