Crowdfunding service Patreon has cancelled plans to raise fees, after a large outburst from the community.
The site had sparked controversy that week, aftering announcing it would change the way it handles payment-processing fees on its platform.
Under the proposed changes, a service fee of 2.9% plus $0.35 would have been added on to the pledges by fans (or ‘patrons’) meaning that every time someone pays a creator $1, they would now be paying around $1.38. Thus making it more expensive for Patreons to support a large amount of creators with small donations.
The rising costs led to hundreds of Patron's cancelling their pledges to their preferred creators, leading creators to lose significant income.
"We messed up. We're sorry, and we're not rolling out the fee changes." Patreon CEO Jack Conte said in a recent blog post.
Creators & patrons: We've heard you loud and clear. We’re sorry, and we’re not rolling out the fees change. https://t.co/Fq7v5D1wkY
— Patreon (@Patreon) December 13, 2017
"Many of you lost patrons, and you lost income. No apology will make up for that, but nevertheless, I’m sorry."
"It is our core belief that you should own the relationships with your fans. These are your businesses, and they are your fans."
The blog post detailed the changes that need to be addressed, and the feedback that was given from the vast majority of creators using the platform.
Patreon says it will work directly with creators to address the changes, to create a better platform for everyone.
