What Is Patreon, and Why Is Jesse Using it?

What is Patreon?
Patreon is a website that allows fans of a creator (musician, artist, writer, etc.) to directly support the next project to be created. The creator makes a profile on Patreon, then invites fans to support through that site. Fans would sign up to become a patron of that creator, pledging any amount (usually $1) every time the creator shares a new piece. 
Why is Jesse Ferguson using Patreon?
For over seven years now, I've been posting folk song videos on my YouTube channel, and have never enabled ads on the videos in order to make revenue. There are two main reasons: 1) I can't control what types of ads would appear, so there may be some that conflict with the spirit of the songs, and 2) more importantly, ads are annoying, and interfere with the creation of playlists. 
But, as my channel has grown in popularity (over 16,000 subscribers on last check), I've had the desire to improve the quality of the audio and video. Of course, to invest in that new equipment is very expensive, hence the turn to Patreon. Specifically, I'd like to raise the funds to buy professional video software like Sony Vegas and a proper video camera (a Canon Rebel, most likely). 
Of course not all viewers will want or be able to contribute in this way, and believe me I understand. Even if I don't make a dime through Patreon, I'll continue to post videos and share them with anyone who wants to listen. That said, there will likely be some incentives for Patrons, like the mp3 version of songs I record.
So, if you'd like to support my folk music, please visit my Patreon page by clicking here.

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