PatreonI see Patreon as a really interesting community platform. The service allows creators to receive financial support directly from those who appreciate their work. It’s become really popular and is used by all types of creators: YouTubers, musicians, cartoonists, writers, podcasters, artists, photographers, filmmakers and more.

The longer I thought about it, the more I decided it would be fun to experiment with it for my work here.

If you look around at this site, you’ll see it really isn’t built for consulting. Even when I receive those emails, once in a while, I usually decline or recommend a person for them to talk to. Consulting isn’t the point of my work. I view myself, first and foremost, as a resource for fellow practitioners. I love to offer whatever support I can to professionals in this space, and those aspiring to be one.

Money

At the same time, money can be really helpful when it comes to deciding what you can focus your time on. I publish twice a week here, but I’d love to do more. It would be great to be able to write more, do more long-form pieces, create additional resources and hire professionals I respect to write with me.

I have tried some very minor advertising, but never sold a direct campaign, and the AdSense numbers were so small that I just decided to take them off the site.

Why not try Patreon? I’ve been fortunate enough to help a lot of people through my work. I’ve helped people build communities and careers. Perhaps the people who consume my work will see financial value in it.

If you’d like to support my work through Patreon, visit my Patreon page.

Goals and Rewards

Patreon allows you to set goals (things you’ll do when you reach certain milestones money-wise) and rewards (what people who pledge receive for doing so, beyond just supporting your work). I have a few of these on my Patreon page, but they are really just a starting point. If you have any ideas for things I could do for you or on ManagingCommunities.com, I’d love to hear your ideas, in the comments or via email.

What Could Happen?

Frankly, I have no idea what to expect. I think it’s entirely possible that no one will support my work through Patreon. And if that’s the case, it’s alright. Community is what I do and what I’m passionate about, so I’ll continue to write as I always have.

On the other hand, if people do support it, that would allow me to do more with ManagingCommunities.com and to devote more time, energy and resources to building it out.

Either way, it’s an experiment, it’ll be fun, and you don’t know unless you try. Despite what the headline above might suggest, there are more ways to support my work than just financially. Whenever I hear that my work has helped someone, whenever I can aide someone in landing a job, whenever someone shares my work – that means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for it.

Regardless of what happens, thank you for reading and for supporting my work.