Podcast Patreon

News! The Podcast has a Patreon campaign! 

What’s a Patreon? How do you say that? DID YOU NAME THAT?! 

No! Not me – it’s a decent name, so you know it wasn’t me!

Patreon is a crowdfunding platform similar to Kickstarter, but instead of backing a specific project, with Patreon, you can support a creator or an ongoing creative enterprise – like a podcast.

There’s a nifty video that gives all the details should you wish to watch someone with zippy drawing skills explain the details on a whiteboard:

Also – it’s PAY-tree-on. I think. That’s how they say it. You could probably call it P-tron if you wanted.

So what’s this for?

Patreon allows creators to set specific funding goals, and allows fans of a project to select recurring pledges at $1 per month, $3 per month, $5, $10, etc. Supporters are billed monthly, and the creator receives the funds to Do Things.

What things?

I do all the things! For this campaign, I have two main goals. One is to upgrade some of the equipment I use so I can do more on-site interviews with readers and authors at various locations during the year.

The other is the commission transcripts for the 70+ podcasts in the catalog that don’t have a transcript yet. I know many of you prefer the transcript to the audio, and I don’t want anyone to miss out. Having transcripts makes the podcast accessible to everyone, and accessibility is important to us.

So what happens if I become a patron of the podcast?

The people’s ovation and fame forever! No, wait, that’s Iron Chef.

There are multiple rewards at the different monthly pledge levels, including stickers, online hangouts with me and any and all available Bitches. There’s one-on-one Skype chats if you want to ask me for book recommendations or perform interpretive dance for me & my pets – I’m flexible! There’s also critiques if you’d like my opinion on some writing, and exclusive access to the patron request box, which allows patrons the opportunity to make suggestions or pitch ideas for future episodes.

I set up the Patreon in part because several listeners encouraged me to do so, specifically requesting a venue through which they could support the show – which was really flattering and very cool, so thank you.

What happens if I don’t become a patron? Do I still get to listen to the podcast?

Dude, totally. The podcast will still appear on Fridays, delivering maximum romance discussion and goofiness to your eardrums as usual. The Patreon campaign is a way for fans to support the podcast through a monthly contribution, but it’s not required to continue to enjoy the show.

There are some awesome artists on Patreon, too. Artist Karen Hallion, who designed my Very Favorite shirt Ever, has a Patreon I supported, and her patron collection of coloring pages are SO awesome. (You may also really like this shirt design of hers, too.)

So what do I do? 

If you’d like to learn more, you can click this handy button and head on over to the Smart Bitches Podcast Patreon Page. All the details, including pledge levels that start at $1.00 per month and the rewards at each tier, are right there.

If you have questions, please ask! Thank you to the folks who encouraged and nudged me, and thank you for listening to the podcast!