[popo]

I've just signed up to access my first paid platform: Vessel. I hadn't heard of them until recently but they do ad-free videos for US$20/year, and some of my fav youtube channels are on there. In addition you can get a time advantage in seeing new content as they post there in advance. But note this is a platform, not a single channel, or site. I think that is the pain barrier that needs to be overcome for subscriptions. I don't want to think about paying small amounts for lots of small sites. I don't mind a bigger amount for a collaboration of multiple sites through one system. Note ad-free is from the platform, creators can still do inline ads in their content.

 

In a quick search of the thread I also don't recall seeing Patreon mentioned. I kinda looked at this but I'm unconvinced on the value of it yet, but still interesting regardless. They try to come up with a system where you can make a regular payment (taxed, with fees) and in exchange the receiver may offer various perks depending on what they're doing. I follow some artists (in general, not through Patreon) and for example, they have some exclusive content, or early access. But the flaw I see in this system is the overhead. At small payment levels it is proportionately painful. I think they do lump together anything you participate in, so it should get much better as the total increases, but at my interest levels I still find myself supporting directly e.g. purchasing of merchandise or commissions.

 

And finally, I asked before but don't recall an answer. Is there still an amazon affiliate system at Photozone? I can't find it if it is still there. I do buy random junk from them fairly regularly so would redirect some of those through the link if there is one. I do support other sites through this method already.