Rx26
patreon
Patreon's iOS-ification
🕑 Added 2024-08-13 07:48:45 +0000 UTCI don't know if you have been emailed about this, but soon Patreon is going to change into using iOS's in-app sub system, and is forcing everyone else to abide by their rule "if they want to stay in the Appstore", which sounds ridiculous and I'm sure things like Youtube or Twitch still have their own sub systems despite also being in Appstore.
The biggest impact of this on my page would be that I will not be able to charge "per-creation" basis anymore. From the start I preferred this system to encourage myself to create more and also not charge you anything if I fail to deliver. That being said, I think I has been able to stay consistent with my monthly updates so I think I can manage to move to a monthly charge system, but that would require adjustment on my pricing.
That being said, this change just feels strange, borderline exploitative to me. Why not let people keep the web system if they and their audience don't care about the iOS app? Subbing with the app will charge you an additional 30% fee that goes to Apple, as if the hegemon needs more money. Thus starting November, unless I gave in and switch, you will not be able to pledge to me on the iOS app, which is a good thing because I don't want you nor me to burden the 30% fee. I wish to keep it this way, but it seems they will force me to switch by 2025.
Another concern is that we know how strict the iOS App Store is with certain content that I'm sure I fall under despite all my efforts to comply in the recent times. This sets a precedent that Apple will be able to policy content in this site in the future and we all know what happened to Tumblr because of that. Worse come to worse you all know my alternate sites and I will be ready to jump ship if it comes to that.
But for now, I just want to know, does any of you actually use the iOS app and prefers the experience there somehow? Do you think the extra 30% charge is worth it for that?
