New Features & Changes to Funding Structure

Hey everyone, Mike here.

First off, thanks much for your suggestions on the previous post! I've read through your feedback, and talked with both the Herald team (plus a few folks who have fun successful Patreons), and I'm more than happy to oblige so far. However, in the interest of transparency, I'm going to announce everything up-front.

First off, Lauren Orsini (patron and awesome person) recommended that we start telling some "behind-the-scenes" stories of our most interesting stories, and analyses of where we think the industry is going.

And, honestly, I have to say I love this idea. I've been reporting on the anime industry for a long time (seventeen years this year!), and I've been a fan even longer. I've seen a LOT of stuff, and I love talking about some of my more offbeat experiences. I've told a few of my bigger stories to friends in the past, but I'd like to share them with you guys. So, I'm going to start telling these tales on the Patreon blog.

I do intend for all content to ultimately be free, in the long run, but I also want to reward the awesome folks who back us... which brings me to the other point.

I've talked with the team, as well as a few Patreon runners over the past week to see how I can really make the experience better overall. Ultimately, we all agreed that adding a few actual reward tiers would be best to ensure that backers receive something special for their patronage, while we continue our mission of keeping content free for the masses.

We'll be starting off with two tiers:

$1: Nerdy Talker

This is the basic support tier. This gets you early access to the previously-mentioned Patreon blog posts. All of the "behind the scenes" articles, or "state of the industry" pieces - that sort of thing - will be held as Patron-exclusive for a month. After that, they'll be released to the public. You'll also get first crack at all Nerdy Talk podcast episodes - the YouTube videos for these will be held private for a week, before they're given the usual website releases.

Finally, you'll get a shout-out in the (mostly) weekly AniWeekly posts as one of our supporting lovelies.

So, really, the $1 contribution will help you "cut the line," so to speak to get at a hefty dose of cool content early.

$5: Hera's Helper

With the $5 tier, you'll get the chance to vote on numerous items, from podcast topics, to upcoming Patreon blog pieces, to our seasonal Herald Anime Club show. Your vote will have the exact same weight as our Anime Herald team members.

Want to see the Nerdy Talk crew talking up your favorite topics? Want to see the Herald Anime Club take on a show like Devilman Crybaby or Pop Team Epic? If so, then this tier is for you.

Tier benefits stack, so you'll also get the benefits of the $1 tier.

More tiers may be added in the future, but these are pretty much set in stone at this point.

Aniwho, that about wraps up today's update. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, as always, and have a great day!