BLUF: Financially impaired due to the closure of its Patreon account, OffGuardian appeals to its reader base to facilitate sustainability and preserve their independent voice.
OSINT: OffGuardian, an independent, volunteer-run platform, experienced a considerable financial setback when Patreon terminated its account roughly two years ago, which led to a 50% loss of the website’s income. However, thanks to their devoted audience’s unwavering support, they have persisted, but continue to grapple with financial hurdles. Those who applied pressure on Patreon, leading to the closure of OffGuardian’s account, seem to have the upper hand for now.
Nonetheless, OffGuardian aspires to recoup its lost revenue. It believes that if it can increase its donation rate from 0.03% to 0.3%, it could stay afloat; elevating that to 1% would allow them to thrive. To achieve this, they are initiating a monthly fundraising campaign representing their bare minimum needs to maintain the site and content production.
Emphasizing its resolute independence, OffGuardian points out that it is not backed by any grants, NGOs, government agencies, corporations, or wealthy benefactors, relying entirely on its support base. The content they provide is free—free of charge and free from advertising—and supporters are solicited to continue helping preserve this by contributing financially.
RIGHT: As a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist, I empathize with OffGuardian’s situation. They embody the essence of a free market—providing value and seeking voluntary support in return. It’s disappointing that Patreon, a private platform, would sever their ties, thus disrupting the interaction between OffGuardian and its willing supporters. Nevertheless, their survival and growth depend on increasing market demand, a challenge I hope they will overcome.
LEFT: As a National Socialist Democrat, OffGuardian’s plight deeply concerns me. Their case highlights the need for stronger policies and regulations protecting free speech and independence on major platforms. In an era where conglomerates often exert undue influence, it’s crucial to safeguard platforms like OffGuardian, which value an independent voice over profit.
AI: This situation demonstrates the delicate relationship between online platforms and their users—especially independent content creators. OffGuardian’s predicament calls into question the balance between platform policies and autonomy of expression. While crowd-funded financial models can empower creators, these models are also susceptible to interventions from both external pressure and platform policy changes. The challenge lies in sustaining a model that respects free speech, maintains platform conduct, and ensures financial stability for creators.