Geek Native started on Patreon half-way through 2019. That might seem like a no-brainer, but this little blog wanted to remain free for everyone to access and that everyone was equal. The usual Patreon model of providing extra content for backers was, therefore, out of the window.
Instead, there are two tiers at the $1 and $2 mark (so low, I now hear Patreon discourages this) and access to either one lets readers vote in the Publisher Spotlight. There are a few extra benefits, like getting your banner used in the daily digest email, for the $2 and that’s ideal if you have a Kickstarter to promote.
Publisher Spotlight success
The Publisher Spotlight takes a lot of work, with setting up the poll each month, contacting the winner (not always successfully), doing interviews, research, writing it all up and then promoting the column. But it works, and it’s worth it.
The goal of the Publisher Spotlight is to help promote indie studios (the very same sort of creators that Patreon itself would want to help). You just have to look at the last two Spotlights to see the kind of interesting stories that together, thanks to Patrons, we’re unearthing.
We know about Dias Ex Machina Games’ and the story of the Dungeons & Dragons 5e leak. That’s the story from this month. A month ago, we heard about how Misfit Studios survived despite a key business partner taking all of their initial seed funds and scampering off.
So, thank you, Patrons.
Patron thank you gifts
Geek Native has been giving away little gifts to thank loyal and new Patrons. This month, launching today on #ThankYouPatrons day, there’s a cute little cable creature.
This model is actually a clip designed to fit around headphone cords, or thing USB cords, so you can decorate your tech with some extra geek chic. If you’re a Patron before Friday the 29th, then you’ll get one in the post.
Geek Native is not a profitable site. All the funds from the Patreon go back into the community (you can read about those plans on Patreon) and so there will not necessarily be a free gift every month. So far, however, thank you gifts to Patrons have included;
- A glowing kodama model
- Heads we win, tails you lose coin
- Entirely original monster models
- A set of gorgeous dice
- Geek Native mascot stickers
Supporting RPG-centric geeky news
If you want to support Geek Native on Patreon then sign-up here but there are other RPG-centric geeky news, reviews and community sites that you might consider.
This is not an exhaustive list so please do feel free to suggest others in the comments below.
- Geek Initiative creates inclusive content about women in geek culture. Currently, 12 patrons funding $43 a month.
- RPGMusing creates RPG reviews, adventures and podcasts. Currently, 6 patrons funding $9 a month.
- Che Webster creates a podcast for the RPG community. Currently, 25 patrons funding $53 a month.
- Morrus’ Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk creates tabletop RPG podcasts. Currently 27 patrons.
- RPG Talk is creating an online community. Currently, 27 patrons funding $70 a month.
- GamersTable RPG Podcast creates gaming media. Currently at 33 patrons.
- The RPG Academy creates podcasts, RPG content and the convention AcadeCon. Currently, at 47 patrons funding $198 a month.
- Vintage RPG is creating podcasts and stories about roleplaying games. Currently, at 55 patrons, funding $187 a month.
Join (or start) the healthy debate. Share your observations below.
