March Changes (Patreon)

Hello Loves!

I wanted to touch base with ye about some updates being made to our Patreon starting in March.

As many of you know, over the past 4 or 5 years I have run into a troublesome issue of content theft and abuse.  A number of individuals over the years have joined our Patreon at the lowest tier and downloaded hundreds of files.  They then publish and distribute my content without my consent, often using another person's name entirely.

On one site I found hundreds of audios available to anyone who came to the site. Fortunately, I was able to get it removed.  Most websites are good about protecting creators and ban the offenders, so I continue to do all I can.  However, but it's a constant battle to keep it under control.

You can imagine this is very frustrating and over time has really done a lot of damage to what I've been able to earn as a creator.  As you know I've never been "money-focused" but the reality of recording space costs, traveling, equipment and such is one I can't escape.

Because I made my library available so easily, unfortunately, it made it that much easier for people to abuse.

I was at a bit of a loss on how to handle it.

Then earlier this month, Patreon did an update that changed the way downloads are available, which removed the MP3 download links from all of my past uploads.

We have a library now of over 600 audios over the past 7 years, and some of the files may not even be available anymore.  So the idea of trying to restore all the mp3 links to hundreds of audios (and possibly lose them all again) was a discouraging one.

This update turned out to be a blessing in disguise and after a lot of brainstorming I've made some decisions and I wanted to let you know about them.

Future Changes

When musicians release content, you can stream their songs on various platforms, but if you want to own the mp3, you can choose to buy the  albums or songs and support the musician.

Moving forward I will be adopting the same approach.

Audios will continue to be available to stream on Patreon.  You'll have access to my library, and if you'd like to own the content the audios will be available for download on my website.

Downloads

GaelforceAudios.com & Gaelcanagh.com

Much like with musicians, I'll work to make as much of my content available for download as possible.  Over time even my classic audios will be available for those who would like them

RSS Feeds

I know internet connections and data packages are an issue for some lovelies and to help with that I will be exploring the use of RSS feeds.

Once I have more information, I'll be making decisions on how I'd like to apply them.

If your tier has an RSS feed, you can continue to stream the audios as normal and you may also stream the audios on your preferred music or streaming service (List of apps)

Fun Stuff

I know change can be challenging and so I will be doing all I can to make things as easy and entertaining as possible.  I will be making sale codes and gift card prizes available along with some other fun projects I have planned.

Tag Glossary

I plan to make a "Glossary" of tags with my thoughts on the tags so you can get some insight into my brain when I'm tagging.

Favourites Chosen by You

I also will feature different audios, maybe choose "favourites" chosen by all of ye so new lovelies can be guided to the audios you think they should hear... etc.

Working Together

Finding the balance of making sure I can earn a living wage (as this is my career) while also making sure you're getting the best possible experience under my care is always on my mind.

If you have ideas for how to make my content easy to find, or events I could explore, please share your thoughts!

I want us to work together to make audios easy to find and organise as best we can within what the Patreon app will allow.

I will be adding new features to my website overtime with this same goal in mind and have some fun ideas I'll announce as they are ready.

I want to be as fair and easy and fun as possible for not only new Lovelies who join us, but be sure I'm honouring all of you who have been so supportive over the years.

I never want you to feel slighted.  I always have your feelings in mind when changes like this have to happen.

Thank you all for being here and bearing with me as we navigate the various challenges of this mad world.  I have some adventures planned for the future that I am very excited about.  I hope you'll come along for the ride!

I am constantly grateful and amazed by your kindness and support.

Your loving mayor,

~G