Patreon Pledge Levels (Subject to Change) – Feedback Welcome
We’ll be launching the Gauntlet’s Patreon very soon, and I wanted to give everyone in the community a preview of the pledge levels. Feedback is welcome.
Podcast Patron ($2 per month)
To show our appreciation, you’ll get a special shout-out on our G+ community page, as well as access to our Patreon feed. The Patreon feed includes exclusive podcast episodes, access to Jason’s game prep notes, and much more!
Codex Patron ($4 per month)
In addition to the rewards from Podcast Patron, you will receive a PDF of our monthly RPG fanzine, Codex!
Hangouts Patron ($5 per month; limited to 50 patrons)
In addition to the rewards from Codex Patron, you will get RSVP priority for online games organized through Gauntlet Hangouts. Here’s how it works: during the first week a game is on the calendar, only Hangouts Patrons can RSVP. After that week is over, the RSVPs open up for all Gauntlet community members.
RSVP priority begins with games scheduled for January 2017. Only 50 of these spots will be available through calendar year 2017.
Game Designer Patron ($10 per month; limited to 3 patrons)
In addition to the rewards at Hangouts Patron, you will be entitled to a monthly, 30-minute video call with community organizer and podcast host Jason Cordova to discuss a game project you are working on. In preparation for this call, Jason will read the current draft of your game, and be ready to discuss the areas you want feedback on.
Jason organizes hundreds of games each year, plays with a huge number of people, and brings unique, valuable insight into what makes a game work at the table. If you want regular, highly informed, incisive feedback on your game project, this is a terrific reward level to choose.
+1 Forward Sponsor ($25 per month; limited to 1 patron)
This is a sponsorship level for +1 Forward. For your support, we will do a short promotional spot for your company or product on each new episode of +1 Forward, as well as give you a sidebar advertisement on our website.
Discern Realities Sponsor ($25 per month; limited to 1 patron)
This is a sponsorship level for Discern Realities. For your support, we will do a short promotional spot for your company or product on each new episode of the Discern Realities, as well as give you a sidebar advertisement on our website.
The Gauntlet Podcast Sponsor ($35 per month; limited to 1 patron)
This is a sponsorship level for The Gauntlet Podcast. For your support, we will do a short promotional spot for your company or product on each new episode of the Gauntlet Podcast, as well as give you a small sidebar advertisement on our website.
At a glance these look really good. I love the $5 hangouts priority thing. But with a limit of 50 patrons, I would probably up that to $8. Also, you are definitely underselling your time at $10 for that prep+30 minute call. That should be more like $20 or $25. Getting a focused review like that is real value. (Also it would be nice to rotate that. At $10 someone might just “hang onto” one of those 3 spots and waste your time with small iterations of a design, rather than getting help and then opening up the spot for someone else.) I definitely like the $2 entry point and the $4 Codex line. Everything else might be a little conservative/low in re: to price point.
At a glance these look really good. I love the $5 hangouts priority thing. But with a limit of 50 patrons, I would probably up that to $8. Also, you are definitely underselling your time at $10 for that prep+30 minute call. That should be more like $20 or $25. Getting a focused review like that is real value. (Also it would be nice to rotate that. At $10 someone might just “hang onto” one of those 3 spots and waste your time with small iterations of a design, rather than getting help and then opening up the spot for someone else.) I definitely like the $2 entry point and the $4 Codex line. Everything else might be a little conservative/low in re: to price point.
I’m just asking for a friend but maybe the game designer spot levels could be increased? In case…someone…out there..misses their chance from the get go or something.
I’m just asking for a friend but maybe the game designer spot levels could be increased? In case…someone…out there..misses their chance from the get go or something.
I’d pay $50 for the Gauntlet Podcast Sponsor. Happy for the exposure to enlightened and demanding gamers, and pleased to support the podcast.
I’d pay $50 for the Gauntlet Podcast Sponsor. Happy for the exposure to enlightened and demanding gamers, and pleased to support the podcast.
That’s some good rewards levels.
That’s some good rewards levels.
The Role Playing Public Radio podcast did a Gen Con panel on running a Patreon and it is on their podcast feed. I would highly recommend listening to it. They talk about some of the unforeseen problems of having a popular Patreon when combined with reward tiers.
slangdesign.com – Patreon for Creators at Gen Con 2016
The problem is time and success. Without looking at your download numbers, I would agree with +Ray Otus. Your time is valuable and this Patreon will probably be more successful than you seem to expect. But even at the success level you are projecting, that’s going to be a lot of work. You don’t want to undersell something and then be pissed off about fulfilling it. It will just burn you out.
Also, never underestimate how much people will be willing to support you without getting something in return.
Check out Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff’s Patreon. They get over $1600 per month and the only reward they offer is voting privileges on Tell Me More segments and they will mention patrons and they will sometimes prioritize the questions they send it.
That’s it.
The Role Playing Public Radio podcast did a Gen Con panel on running a Patreon and it is on their podcast feed. I would highly recommend listening to it. They talk about some of the unforeseen problems of having a popular Patreon when combined with reward tiers.
slangdesign.com – Patreon for Creators at Gen Con 2016
The problem is time and success. Without looking at your download numbers, I would agree with +Ray Otus. Your time is valuable and this Patreon will probably be more successful than you seem to expect. But even at the success level you are projecting, that’s going to be a lot of work. You don’t want to undersell something and then be pissed off about fulfilling it. It will just burn you out.
Also, never underestimate how much people will be willing to support you without getting something in return.
Check out Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff’s Patreon. They get over $1600 per month and the only reward they offer is voting privileges on Tell Me More segments and they will mention patrons and they will sometimes prioritize the questions they send it.
That’s it.
Jim Jones is wise: “Also, never underestimate how much people will be willing to support you without getting something in return.”
Jim Jones is wise: “Also, never underestimate how much people will be willing to support you without getting something in return.”
I think Ray’s idea about the spots rotating could be good, especially since it takes a really long time to make a game anyways, so if this talk is monthly, they’re going to run out of material to talk about possibly. I also agree it should be more $$, as well as the podcast sponsors.
I think Ray’s idea about the spots rotating could be good, especially since it takes a really long time to make a game anyways, so if this talk is monthly, they’re going to run out of material to talk about possibly. I also agree it should be more $$, as well as the podcast sponsors.
All of these are worth every American dollar they are asking for.
All of these are worth every American dollar they are asking for.
I think the most controversial pledge level is going to be the Hangouts Patron level, since some people will view it as a sort of “pay to play” thing, which goes against the spirit of the Gauntlet. But I think there are a few things at play worthing keeping mind:
1) Meetup is very expensive, especially one of our size.
2) Some people sign up but don’t take it seriously and cancel at the last minute; I want to preference people who are regular, dependable players.
3) We spend a huge amount of time managing Gauntlet Hangouts, which would not be the case if we were simply running private games, and so some sort of “tip jar” for our effort feels appropriate.
I think the most controversial pledge level is going to be the Hangouts Patron level, since some people will view it as a sort of “pay to play” thing, which goes against the spirit of the Gauntlet. But I think there are a few things at play worthing keeping mind:
1) Meetup is very expensive, especially one of our size.
2) Some people sign up but don’t take it seriously and cancel at the last minute; I want to preference people who are regular, dependable players.
3) We spend a huge amount of time managing Gauntlet Hangouts, which would not be the case if we were simply running private games, and so some sort of “tip jar” for our effort feels appropriate.
I feel like Codex is worth at least $5 American dollars!
I feel like Codex is worth at least $5 American dollars!
I agree Jason! Hangouts is amazing! Coming from trying to orchestrate games on roll20 forums and what not, it’s a godsend and it really sucks when people don’t take it seriously and bail often without consideration. I think if they are irked by it maybe they haven’t experienced that before and how much it sucks and disrespects the organizers time.
I agree Jason! Hangouts is amazing! Coming from trying to orchestrate games on roll20 forums and what not, it’s a godsend and it really sucks when people don’t take it seriously and bail often without consideration. I think if they are irked by it maybe they haven’t experienced that before and how much it sucks and disrespects the organizers time.
I think the only controversial thing about it Jason Cordova might be the limit. Is there a reason for the limit? I might choose to make that unlimited and then the pecking order is a) hangout patrons over others, then b) first come first served. So it’s a) first arrived patrons, b) later arrived patrons, c) first arrived non-patrons, d) later arrived non-patrons. Then you don’t need a limit. Note that even with a limit you could have 8 hangout patrons sign up for a 4 slot game, so you would still have to use first-come-first-served as a tie breaker. My whole point is, don’t limit that option?
I think the only controversial thing about it Jason Cordova might be the limit. Is there a reason for the limit? I might choose to make that unlimited and then the pecking order is a) hangout patrons over others, then b) first come first served. So it’s a) first arrived patrons, b) later arrived patrons, c) first arrived non-patrons, d) later arrived non-patrons. Then you don’t need a limit. Note that even with a limit you could have 8 hangout patrons sign up for a 4 slot game, so you would still have to use first-come-first-served as a tie breaker. My whole point is, don’t limit that option?
First patrons vs later arrived patrons would be a logistical niiiiightmare, depending on what Patreon data looks like for that. I think one group that is just patrons and one not afterward would be easier. Especially since hangouts takes a lot of work already.
First patrons vs later arrived patrons would be a logistical niiiiightmare, depending on what Patreon data looks like for that. I think one group that is just patrons and one not afterward would be easier. Especially since hangouts takes a lot of work already.
Fraser Simons That’s the right answer. Also, the Hangouts Patrons are getting access to that window of RSVP time, after which anyone can sign-up. If any number of people could sign up for access to that window, it would diminish the value of that access. Also, by setting a limit that won’t change for a year, it encourages people to snap those spots up early. Codex is pretty expensive to put together, and we need for the Patreon to hit the ground running.
Fraser Simons That’s the right answer. Also, the Hangouts Patrons are getting access to that window of RSVP time, after which anyone can sign-up. If any number of people could sign up for access to that window, it would diminish the value of that access. Also, by setting a limit that won’t change for a year, it encourages people to snap those spots up early. Codex is pretty expensive to put together, and we need for the Patreon to hit the ground running.
I am not arguing this point for me, as I have all but seemed to find my schedule impossible to be a part of any games, but I feel like you could end up with only patrons being able to get into your games. That may be how you want it, if so then cool. Just pointing that out as a scenario. Also, if someone is a Patron and doesn’t show frequently or continues bailing on games at the last minute, how will that be handled? They are still paying each month, but are also not reliable. But they still get to sign up early? Like I said, I don’t really care, I’m just playing devil’s advocate and trying to help pre-troubleshoot things. 🙂
I am not arguing this point for me, as I have all but seemed to find my schedule impossible to be a part of any games, but I feel like you could end up with only patrons being able to get into your games. That may be how you want it, if so then cool. Just pointing that out as a scenario. Also, if someone is a Patron and doesn’t show frequently or continues bailing on games at the last minute, how will that be handled? They are still paying each month, but are also not reliable. But they still get to sign up early? Like I said, I don’t really care, I’m just playing devil’s advocate and trying to help pre-troubleshoot things. 🙂
Scott Selvidge Valid points. As for the second issue, I have no problem returning that person’s $5 (or whatever it ends up being) and inviting them to back us at a lower pledge level. Same for people who are disruptive at the table or are otherwise disrespectful of everyone’s time. Paying an extra $1 or $2 per month than other Patrons doesn’t entitle anyone to be a bad actor.
Scott Selvidge Valid points. As for the second issue, I have no problem returning that person’s $5 (or whatever it ends up being) and inviting them to back us at a lower pledge level. Same for people who are disruptive at the table or are otherwise disrespectful of everyone’s time. Paying an extra $1 or $2 per month than other Patrons doesn’t entitle anyone to be a bad actor.
If you don’t get a viper spot you can always run a game… just saying
If you don’t get a viper spot you can always run a game… just saying
The ability to submit/vote on topics for discussion on Discern Realities would be a good reward.
The ability to submit/vote on topics for discussion on Discern Realities would be a good reward.
I now read the word patron in my head rhyming with the name of the tequila Patrón. Thanks Epi.
I now read the word patron in my head rhyming with the name of the tequila Patrón. Thanks Epi.
With the larger pledges (sponsors, game reviews etc) are those changeable on a per month basis? I might have a game that needs reviewing one time, then further down the line needs promoting and so on…
With the larger pledges (sponsors, game reviews etc) are those changeable on a per month basis? I might have a game that needs reviewing one time, then further down the line needs promoting and so on…
I’m digging it. These are all very tempting. I think the upper tier stuff should probably be a bit pricier.
I’m digging it. These are all very tempting. I think the upper tier stuff should probably be a bit pricier.
And hold up. Who’s the artist cause that picture is DOPE… and I want a T-shirt of it.
And hold up. Who’s the artist cause that picture is DOPE… and I want a T-shirt of it.
Jason Cordova Sounds like you got it under control! I don’t know how Patreon works, so I didn’t know if you could do that.
Jason Cordova Sounds like you got it under control! I don’t know how Patreon works, so I didn’t know if you could do that.
Tomer Gurantz It’s the first Google result if you search “Dungeon Master art.”
Tomer Gurantz It’s the first Google result if you search “Dungeon Master art.”
I’ve revisited the rewards a bunch, and I agree that the list is too long.
I’ve revisited the rewards a bunch, and I agree that the list is too long.
You know how Ken and Robin have 4-5 sponsor ads every episode? You should allow the same. I would raise the limit on podcast sponsors from 1 to 3-5.
You know how Ken and Robin have 4-5 sponsor ads every episode? You should allow the same. I would raise the limit on podcast sponsors from 1 to 3-5.
Chris Shorb Agree ONLY if you actually want to do advertising or need the money. I find Ken and Robin’s ads very annoying, since it’s the same ones each time, and a pre-recorded advert.
If you listen to My Brother, My Brother, and Me (comedy podcast), they have advertising, but riff off it ad hoc each time, as part of their comedy, and it never becomes boring.
Chris Shorb Agree ONLY if you actually want to do advertising or need the money. I find Ken and Robin’s ads very annoying, since it’s the same ones each time, and a pre-recorded advert.
If you listen to My Brother, My Brother, and Me (comedy podcast), they have advertising, but riff off it ad hoc each time, as part of their comedy, and it never becomes boring.
One sponsor per show is probably sufficient.
One sponsor per show is probably sufficient.
Tomer Gurantz I think that’s more to do with their delivery style? I think one sponsor at the top of the show in a non cheesy style is absolutely fine. Also, I actually like ads if they’re for something I’m interested in. So stamps.com? Urgh. But “This new RPG is on Kickstarter”? Absolutely.
Tomer Gurantz I think that’s more to do with their delivery style? I think one sponsor at the top of the show in a non cheesy style is absolutely fine. Also, I actually like ads if they’re for something I’m interested in. So stamps.com? Urgh. But “This new RPG is on Kickstarter”? Absolutely.