Some Major Updates re: this Patreon

Hey folks! I hope you're all having a spectacular week. I've been thinking a lot about how to improve this Patreon community that I'm so lucky to have, and just wanted to share how things are going to change (hopefully for the better) around here in the very near future. The most important update is at the bottom of this post, so please read it all the way through! 

First things first, let me say how absolutely grateful I am to all of you that have subscribed so far. Your support has really meant the world to me as this project has grown, and you all have my unending gratitude for being the first to support the Archive financially. Truly, from the very bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Second, I'm making some updates and adjustments to the benefits you all are receiving overall. There will be no decrease in content (rather I plan to post more frequently), but would like to talk through these changes with you regardless:

• I'm consolidating the "monthly printables" and "weekly wallpapers" into one benefit, the reason being that the resolution that I export the wallpapers at is the exact same as the resolution I export the printables at. They're the exact same. I'll continue to post these on a weekly basis, just know that they can be printed, used as wallpaper, or whatever you want! (non commercially of course)

• Mini stories on a weekly basis were too ambitious. This is the benefit I have been the worst about keeping up, and for that, I apologize. I will still post mini-stories and my goal is still weekly, but until this project is my main focus rather than a side endeavor any promises I could make to upload mini-stories on a weekly basis would be hollow.

• I will be launching a merch store for the archive soon, and each tier will be receiving access to tier-exclusive branded merch for purchase. Conservators, Archivists, and Curators will all have access to separate pages in addition to the regular store wherein you'll be able to purchase tier-specific merch for prices just slightly above break even. Shirts, stickers, patches, hats, etc.

• I'm working on making tier-specific digital "library cards" for subscribers. Each will be unique and distributed to each of you. No real practical purpose but it seems fun and I think you guys will like them!

Third and finally, the bigger announcement: I am moving this Patreon over to a "pay what you want/can" model. I will be giving all tiers access to all content and will be adding 2 more tiers to accommodate folks of different financial situations - a $1.50/month "member" tier and a $15/month "Lead Curator" tier. This model should give folks ample room to see the archive's content and support us at whatever level they feel able. The reasons I'm doing this are twofold:

• I want anyone who really enjoys the archive to have access to its exclusive content, regardless of financial situation. The economy ain't great right now, but people seem to be loving these stories and I want folks who they're bringing joy to to be able to get as much of that as they can. 

• I would really like to make this project a full-time focus, but there are several financial goals I need to hit before I can make that happen. Those goals feel a lot more easily achievable by activating a larger number of folks at a lower monthly price rather than a smaller # at a higher monthly cost. Ultimately I just want to have more time to make stories, and I think this adjustment will help me get there.

The only difference in content that the tiers receive will be the tier-specific merch page they get access to. Otherwise, everyone will be getting the exact same amount of mini-stories, insights, bonus images, and wallpapers. 

I openly invite each and every one of you to adjust your tier as you see fit - I won't be at all insulted if you choose to drop a tier. Do whatever best fits your financial situation at the moment, and know that you have my gratitude always!

Please hit me with any comments, questions, etc. Thank you so much to each and every one of you!

The Head Curator