Google ads gone, now there’s Patreon
Google ads were bugging me. The page on Google Adsense that’s supposed to let you block certain ads or advertisers has been AWOL for weeks, and I felt if I saw that damn earwax ad again I was going to throw something. So now there’s a Patreon button at right.
Patreon is quite insistent I should produce special content at least twice a month for patrons. I will be doing that, but some of it may be photos, not writing.
It slightly annoys me that Google will eventually keep the $29.02 I’d collected since the last payout, but them’s the breaks.
jeather 15:08 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
Your patreon button should probably link to your main page, not the payment checkout page.
René 15:23 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
Been reading your site for so long through a RSS reader, immediately decided to become a member of your Patreon.. Thanks!
Just a head’s up to prevent surprises, Patreon will start adding PST to Patreon subscribers living in Quebec so 9.98% more starting in July.
More info here: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043054911-New-Sales-Tax-Requirements-effective-July-1st-2020
Kate 15:29 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
jeather, that’s the button link they give out. I may change it after I’ve got more of a handle on this – it’s the first time I’ve done one.
Thank you, René.
Clément 17:29 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
Smart move Kate. So happy I can finally contribute directly.
Here is a suggestion for Patreon content: Quebec city content. Yeah, just kidding, now I’ll go back to listening to racist radio jocks while I miss real Phở and smoked meat. Sob.
Kate 18:14 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
Clément, if it helps, we can’t get hold of Phở or smoked meat right now either.
A 19:14 on 2020-05-07 Permalink
Just signed up for a monthly Patreon contribution. Your page has been an essential resource since I moved here from the States so thank you!
Alison Cummins 00:22 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
I can’t see the button—or a sidebar—on my iPhone. But if I go to Patreon directly I can look up mtlcityweblog.
Tee Owe 07:13 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
As a non-resident I keep up with things ‘back home’ via your blog – have done for many years – so I am happy to make a contribution. Thanks!
MarcG 13:22 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
How’s it going so far? Are we collectively covering your domain name registration and hosting fees at least?
Daniel 13:53 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
Glad to see you do this. I hope you post an occasional reminder — every month, every two months? — because people may not see the button (either because of fatigue or technical issues), or their bank accounts will change, credit cards will expire, Patreon may have a billing glitch, etc. etc. Or they may simply need a nudge! A bit of occasional reminding may go a long way. 🙂
Patrick 15:05 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
Before I sign up with Patreon, as a less-than-savvy tech person I’d like people’s advice on the pros and cons of signing up with Google or Facebook (on this or other sites). Can you minimize having your data captured?
Clément 16:22 on 2020-05-08 Permalink
@Patrick
It’s always best to avoid using Google or Facebook to sign in. You’re opening a gate between the site’s (e.g. Patreon) and Google or Facebook; and that gate allows your personal data to travel back and forth.
So now, Facebook knows you like left-leaning Montreal-themed blogs and it will then tailor the ads it shows you. And Patreon now knows you tend to like Facebook posts about hiking or pineapple pizza and so on.
It’s easy enough for online companies to paint a pretty good picture of your preferences, don’t make it easier. Keep things siloed.
ant6n 10:10 on 2020-05-11 Permalink
I just noticed the Patreon button and that the ads were removed, had missed this post. This is good news, I signed up for a small direct contribution as well.