How Do I Deal with a Problematic Patron?

Patreon makes it simpler so that you can connect with your neighborhood and deepen your relationship with every new patron.

Nevertheless, as with all relationship, there could also be a time while you get a patron who’s not the healthiest particular person to keep up a relationship with. We all know that cash might issue into the way you handle a troublesome patron and that you could be not wish to lose the pledge. We would like you to really feel empowered to handle your neighborhood — simply know that we’re one report away in case issues get out of hand.

Easy methods to handle problematic patrons

Patreon has a set of Neighborhood Tips which define a code of conduct that we count on your complete Patreon neighborhood to comply with. That mentioned, the rules provide you with sufficient room to ensure you can handle your neighborhood in a method that fits you finest, as a result of let’s be trustworthy — your patrons are right here for you. This additionally implies that your patrons love you, and typically, a few of them may such as you slightly an excessive amount of.

If you happen to really feel {that a} patron’s habits has begun to cross the road, you’ve totally different choices corresponding to letting them know that their habits just isn’t acceptable. Do not be afraid to contact them and inform them in regards to the particular behaviour that you desire to them to vary. For instance, if a patron retains asking you to do something you are uncomfortable with however you’ve an in any other case good relationship with them, be at liberty to ask them to cease. More often than not, calling out the unwelcome behaviour will likely be sufficient to cease it.

Nevertheless, if after contacting them, you discover that the patron remains to be partaking in regarding habits, it is perhaps time to think about blocking them with a view to maintain Patreon a secure place for each your self and the remainder of your patrons.

Blocking a patron will take away their pledge, nonetheless, it’s going to additionally cease them from messaging you or commenting in your posts.

The choice to dam a patron could also be troublesome to make because it in the end impacts the cash you obtain on the finish of the day. However on the similar time, we would like Patreon to remain a secure place for creators to share their work with patrons. Because of this, we encourage you to dam problematic patrons in order that you’ll be able to develop your neighborhood in a wholesome surroundings, permitting you to focus in your creativity and your patrons.

Whereas blocking a problematic patron will cease most dangerous habits in your Patreon, it’s not all the time sufficient. If the abusive patron tries to contact you elsewhere, or creates a brand new Patreon account, be sure to report them to Patreon. Additionally, since most web sites have a belief and security staff and a option to report individuals who may violate their pointers, do not be afraid to additionally report your abuser to these different platforms, as effectively.

What to do while you really feel the specter of offline hurt

If ever you’re feeling bodily unsafe or in peril from somebody on Patreon, please contact your native authorities and, moreover, make a report back to the Belief and Security staff. Whereas we will provoke an investigation into this particular person’s habits on Patreon, we’re restricted in our potential to take motion on them previous the purpose of eradicating their account.

In a state of affairs the place you’re feeling you’re in peril of real-world hurt, doc your expertise with screenshots along with any out there identifiable details about the aggressor for native authorities. In the event that they require extra data, they will contact us at [email protected] with a subpoena for that data, and we are going to help them the place we’re in a position. You possibly can learn extra about it right here.

Does the Patreon Belief and Security Crew ever mingle in patron affairs?

We attempt to give the creator neighborhood all of the instruments and assets they may want to regulate their very own expertise on Patreon. However there will likely be cases the place we are going to turn out to be extra immediately concerned. It’s best to make most choices in terms of your neighborhood — that mentioned we have now eliminated patrons prior to now when essential. These are actually uncommon circumstances round solicitation or making inappropriate feedback to minors.

You probably have learn our neighborhood pointers fastidiously, you already know that we have now a zero tolerance coverage in terms of making inappropriate feedback to minors. Patreon welcomes creators as younger as 13 years outdated, offered that they’ve permission from their mum or dad(s) or guardian(s). As such, we make use of strict measures to make sure their security together with working intently with The Nationwide Middle for Lacking and Exploited Kids when wanted.

Additionally, if a patron makes an attempt to solicit sexual providers from you or asks you to create content material that’s exterior our pointers, tell us and we are going to take away them from Patreon.

What different issues are you able to do to guard your self from a troublesome state of affairs?

Now that you understand how Patreon will help in these kinds of eventualities, there are different necessary steps you’ll be able to take, too. You probably have a stalker or if somebody is harassing you, it will probably get scary otherwise you may really feel ashamed. It doesn’t matter what, if you’re afraid, attain out to your loved ones and buddies in addition to native authorities — that method, you’ll be able to discuss what is occurring to you and get the help you want.

And sure, typically breaking apart a relationship with a poisonous fan appears like eradicating your self from an abusive friendship, so give your self slightly little bit of time to heal. Disengage as quickly as you understand that the dangerous habits isn’t going to vary. Do not attempt to make the opposite particular person apologize. You’ll solely create extra alternatives for the particular person to proceed their destructive habits. As a substitute, take away your self from the abuse and take a while to do one thing you want. Spend time together with your family members and focus your vitality on all the opposite followers you’ve.

If you would like extra data on find out how to be secure as an internet creator, you’ll be able to learn extra about our coverage on on-line piracy — or if you need extra data on preserving your Patreon account secure, take a look at this piece on two issue authentication. And maintain a watch out for future Belief and Security articles on find out how to keep cautious on-line.