Actualol
patreon
The uncertain future of Actualol
🕑 Added 2024-06-24 16:48:05 +0000 UTCHi patrons,
Today I've posted a video on the channel about the uncertain future of the channel. Simply put, I'm not making enough money from YouTube to pay the bills. This is down to a drop off in views for most of this year, and a gradual decline in Patrons.
I love this job, and I think I have a lot to offer the world of board game media. So I am asking my YouTube viewers to join the patron gang and pledge their support.
I have also opened up YouTube memberships in the hope that I can find more support from people who don't want to use Patreon.
Nothing changes for you - in fact things are getting better! I am committing to making a patron exclusive video every month, as well as after show chats after each main channel video. Available to everyone at the base tier, now called "Exclusive LOLs".
And if you're pledged at the middle tier (now called Voter LOLs) - you now have the chance to vote for what exclusive video you want to see each month (the current poll is available now).
I have added a new third tier "I Want More LOLs" - for anyone who wants more Actualol content. If I reach 50 pledges at this level, I will make an extra channel video every month. And if I reach 100, I will start a podcast. The reason for this is so I can use the money to invest in help to make more content. If you pledge to that tier for 6 months, you will be sent an exclusive copy of the party game I've designed called You Know Me. More on that in a future livestream.
I am already so grateful for your current patronage - but if anyone of you are able or willing to upgrade your tier, I hope the new incentives and content will be just reward.
Tomorrow I am hosting a livestream on the channel with friends to encourage more pledges. Every pledge will extend the stream by 1 minute. And I'll be issuing hot takes on board games keep things interesting. We'll be playing Codenames with the audience joining in on the chat. Please come and join in if you can, it will start at 3pm UK Time.
In terms of YouTube Memberships - the key difference is YouTube takes a much bigger cut from the donation - so I have slightly raised their tier levels to try and accommodate for that. For that reason - supporting on Patreon means less money will go to "the man".
There are a few minor differences between the platforms. On YouTube, I'm not able to post images in the newsletters - so they're quite dry to look at. And you won't have access to the whole archive of newsletters from years past.
They do have some minor benefits - they get an icon next to their comments on the channel to show they're a member, and access to some Actualol specific emojis. Everything else should be the same.
As I post this, I see new patrons joining. Thank you for coming aboard! I'm starting to feel confident we can make this work.
Actually yours,
Jon
Comments
Actualol
Basically, the 10% off is possible because we're paying less credit card fees on 1 payment versus 12 payments. So it's something the creator can offer without losing any money versus monthly. So for me, I get the same amount. And Patreon doesn't get any more or less. I don't have a strong preference either way, so do what works best for you 🙂
Darek
Hey. What's the deal with 10% off when paying annually? Does it goes from your pocket or Patreon's? If Im not planning on bailing on you any time soon, should I stay with monthly payments? Do you prefer it one way or another? All the best to you and your family. Glad to see the call to action worked <3
Actualol
That's concerning - it says you're paid up. Is it still happening?
Puja
I have just signed up because of your video. I started watching your videos way back when you did the comedy one about Monopoly - Not Even Once, and discovered from your reviews that your taste in games meshes very, very well with mine. You're responsible for me discovering Cartographers, Clank!, Sobek, Caesar, Cascadia, Schotten-Totten, and probably half a dozen others that I can't bring to mind right now. More importantly, you've made me look super impressive to my board gaming friends and partners when I can buy them a game/bring a game to an evening that they've never heard of and say, "Oh, don't worry - you're gonna like this." So, yeah, very much in favour of you still being able to keep doing this. I'm not sure how long I can keep my pledge for, but I wanted to show support and will keep for as long as I can.
Kevin Craine
I too had been a previous supporter, but times got lean. Times are no longer lean. Supporting at the $25 level. Keep up the great work! You are literally the only board game content creator I watch. Absolol brilliant!
Tyler Crone
I unfortunately had to stop being a patron for a little bit a while ago as my financial situation had changed. Now that yours has too, I am willing to do what I can. You are my favorite board game reviewer. I would be devastated if you stopped
Philip Rau
You’re one of my all time favorite reviewers. Subbed at the $25 level… now go play something brain-burny and heavy and suffer for my entertainment!!! (Jk please have a nice time… unless???)
Boris Krywicki
I instantly gave you money. You're my biggest inspiration as a boardgame reviewer (http://ruedujeu.com). Don't let go !
Michael Novara
I joined but cannot access the old content..:.it still says I need to upgrade to view. Please let me know how to fix this and I hope your pledge drive is going well!
Adam B
Hello! I joined Patreon just to support your channel. I only recently fell down the rabbit hole that os board games and a number of your videos have helped me enjoy the hobby better. Thank you. I hope you reach a sustainable level ASAP.
Andrew Parsons
I want more LOLs subscription, signed up!
Birgit Langley
The master is calling, the upgrade is done 👍
Kevin Berglund
Just joined patreon, glad to be able to give some support!
Dutch Themepark Network
We started to support you. We follow your channel for a while and looked into becoming a Patreon before but just didn’t take the step, until now! Ps you are the only boardgame channel my wife actually likes to watch
Eric Martin
I joined Patreon to ensure I support you. Your recommendations and videos helped me pick out a bunch of games to enjoy with my wife. I also like to click affiliate links so make sure those get posted too. I like to support the people who help me like that!
Vladimir Rajić
I upgraded as well. This is the best channel I’ve seen so far.
Jeido
love your content, just pledged with 10$, keep up the great work!
Myron Rumsey
Just upped mine to the next level. My wife and I highly enjoy your content and feel your voice is needed in the community.
Zahid Hussain
Just bumped my membership to the next level. Keep up the great work 🙌🏽
James Gilliland
Kids are expensive in surprising ways! Let's keep this going!
Kaptiv8 Games
Sorry to hear about the challenges! I'm a big fan of your channel and I hope that you can find a way to keep it going.
Hanna Sæther Thommessen
I joined your patreon now, you are such a talented and honest content creator! I hope things will get better!
PARS1093
Hoping for better success ahead Jon. Thanks for all you do <3
