Beyond fans: The relational labor and communication practices of creators on Patreon

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Abstract

The digital patronage model provides content creators the opportunity to receive sustained financial support directly from their fans. Patreon is a popular digital patronage platform that represents a prime site for the study of creators’ relational labor with their fans. Through in-depth interviews with 21 Patreon creators, this study investigated different types of creator–patron relationships and the perceived benefits and challenges of carrying out relational labor. We found that creators construct a variety of relationships with patrons, ranging from purely transactional to intimately familial. Creators benefit from relational labor in that it encourages patrons to treat the creator as a person rather than a product, resulting in both financial and emotional support. However, creators face difficulties in maintaining appropriate relational boundaries with patrons, some of whom control a substantial part of a creator’s income.

Identifier

85112229553 (Scopus)

Publication Title

New Media and Society

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211027961

e-ISSN

14617315

ISSN

14614448

First Page

2684

Last Page

2703

Issue

10

Volume

25

Grant

1841354

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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