Death of the Follower & the Future of Creativity on the Web with Jack Conte | SXSW 2024 Keynote

Portuguese and Spanish language translations for SXSW 2024 Keynotes and Featured Sessions presented by Itaú
Patreon CEO Jack Conte explains how the current internet algorithms are killing the traditional "follower" for creators, threatening their creative freedom and livelihoods. The internet started as a platform that democratized creative distribution. You could upload your work to platforms like KZbin and immediately have it accessible to millions of people. After that came the "subscribe" button, which enabled creators to go beyond reach. Now they could build a following and find their true fans that would support them to build a creative business. But with the rise of platform-focused algorithms (Facebook's ranking, TikTok's "for you" curation), creators cannot reach their following and true fans. This shift has had a devastating impact on creators' creativity and ability to support themselves doing what they love. He advocates for the new spaces on the internet (like Patreon) where creators can always connect with their communities, create what they want, and control their own destinies.
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[@b42thomas]

i remember seeing jack post something about how patreon has intentionally decided to not use the word "content" to describe the work that creators make or anything that goes on their platform. and i think that's a small but very meaningful message to put out. human's don't exist to to find "content" or to consume. we exist to find each other.

[@JeffFinley]

Oh really, I didn't know that. I hate the word "content". Someone I know has become so jaded that everything she makes is just grist for the content mill.

[@DendriticFractals]

Thanks for pointing that out - Make ART not CONtent. CONtent is a waste of time and just harvesting attention

[@PRonYouTube]

We also exist to seek entertainment

[@jnnx]

How is that remotely “meaningful”? If you think that is meaningful, you are being BAMBOOZLED.

[@jordank.986]

I love you

[@amphathyst]

I came here from a video called "the Importance of Real Things" by Ted Kutina, which was a video recommended to me by youtube. I don't have anything to say except for yeah, I felt the shift as a creator too! I shifted as well - I'm no longer trying to please algorithms or whatever, and am trying to figure out what I love and want. I feel so scared and stressed, but all I can do is keep going

[@nel-cam]

The irony that i found this video as KZbin suggested it to me, and i probably wouldn't have seen it otherwise. Its hard these days to commit to a 46 min KZbin video but I was glued the whole time. The information and presentation were equally inspiring. Took a lot from what he was saying and how he was delivering it. So glad I found this video.

[@CM-zl2jw]

Same

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

The dumb irony

[@GarethDix]

same... even on KZbin I love seeing the latest from my subscription list... but I also want to discover new things

[@MichaelWaiteMusic]

KZbin first showed me a video of someone criticizing this video. But it was easy to see that this was good stuff and, to KZbin’s credit, this video was listed right below. Go Jack!

[@WhitneyDB]

very true - same exact scenario for me ...

[@debasmitabasu_456]

My biggest takeaways from Jack Conte ,he emphasized that creators should focus on creating a lot of work and publishing it. Don't wait for perfection because you can't predict what will be successful. Just put your work out there and move on to the next project.

[@scottwilson8978]

This is more important than I had previously thought. I'm taking that advise!

[@debasmitabasu_456]

@@scottwilson8978 thank you so much

[@raygun1966]

It works

[@the_mystic_man]

Thank you

[@DanChippendaleMusic]

100%! Sometimes I slavishly craft a great piece of music, spend hours editing a video with multiple angles, designing an attractive thumb. And engagement is terrible. And then I vomit out something quickly and, you guessed it, cuts through far more. The secret is, there isn't a secret. Just get it done, forget it and move on

[@sunla]

We have a new problem here. At least one I'm wrapped up in. It's that being a creator now means that your creations, your likeness, and what makes you unique will get scraped to train generative AI models to replace you, displace you, and devalue you. Everything thus far has only been setting the stage for corporate greed on levels we could have never fathomed.

[@OmarDreid]

This is elite storytelling. Absolutely amazing keynote.

[@kwimms]

Yeah... what a great STORY. Bunch of nonsense.

[@OmarDreid]

interesting. What makes you think it was nonsense? I might be missing something

[@msrumedia5616]

@@kwimms you probably think it's nonsense cuz he set you up with this grand story and you were waiting for answers to the dilemmas he proposed but it ended up just being a way to promote Patreon.... Or at least that's how I felt lol

[@Happy_Spatula]

Great content though hey? ​@msrumedia5616

[@YvetteRomero]

This could have been delivered in 5min. Patreon now has a mini shopify

[@madeinkonada]

"Doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with you." That heals a little part of me. Thank you.

[@paulkimball9039]

Felt that too

[@AtticusDenzil]

check if you are woke then it's obviously wrong

[@PapayaPositive]

It's not you, it's the algorithm. 📝☺

[@JustinBrouillette]

Amen

[@philkellr]

That mix of personal story telling, internet history and personal sharing and all by my hero Jack Conte. Most inspiring talk I’ve heard this year

[@MrLelouch0]

Are you AI?

[@dev_antix]

Wait, I know you!

[@im2cxe4u]

I have that 1st album. I even bought some Pomplamoose soap to help support the band before Patreon was conceived.

[@guitarfumar]

Good job

[@cre8tive_tv236]

You’re a cool human! ❤

[@dbloskidelros]

To have been pulled in, as an early follower of an "unknown" person, makes us a little giddy and proud that we have recognized (subconsciously or otherwise) their potential for greatness. It's a great feeling. Enjoy it! 😊

[@BornToTroll-it5ju]

I was a fan of his 'screamy' Radiohead music for years, then got into other stuff and didn't see what he was up to for a while. Years later I heard about this Patreon crowdfunding thing being the talk of the town, and saw Jack pop up in a vid, thought 'oh that's wonderful, glad he finally got monetized on a platform' - and was happy that you wouldn't be broke anymore. so imagine my shock when it turns out he was the actual creator of said platform, and was now a billionaire. Put a big smile on my face, put it that way 😊

[@catalystcomet]

I love the energy, gosh I miss that. I miss people.

[@Allplussomeminus]

❤

[@turbotambourine]

I feel ya! One hopes for people connecting over the internet still eh?

[@catalystcomet]

@@turbotambourine It's not the same

[@turbotambourine]

@@catalystcomet as in not the same as in real life or not the same as it was? I’m pretty new to putting videos on youtube, especially anything thought out.

[@MarkHWillson]

What's preventing you from doing things with people, if I can ask?

[@NickCucciNJ]

I’ve got nothing but love for Jack Conte. He speaks with passion and means what he says. Quality insights. Thanks for your thoughts, Jack

[@Antineii]

Your willingness to talk openly about your experiences meant I was willing to listen to you and trust you. Your timeline of the Internet from the point of view of creators turned my head around. The irony is - the KZbin algorithm seemed to know that I needed to hear your presentation.

[@Glotaku]

Oh yeah is that what it meant?

[@1990Popeyeify]

@@Glotakuplease don’t be pedantic to the OP. She is encouraging the speaker for his vulnerability and you are discouraging her for her attempt at the same. I believe her point is true that his willingness to be open draws us in to listen. Let’s agree to make ourselves vulnerable to life so we can find one another again

[@montenegroafro4454]

It is quite ironic. The base function of the KZbin algorithm was to recommend the most popular content catered to my preferences and what I spend the most amount of time on the internet. Yet, somehow, it noticed something different in my recent slate of searches and watched videos that it somehow managed to squeeze out this one video out of 100 others and hoped I would click on it. Well, I guess I found out what would happen if I did click on this video..a profound moment of truth.

[@fernsehdesign]

@@montenegroafro4454 yes, that „algorythm“ seems smarter than I thought. And I actually like it that way. I have have found a lot of new and really interesting things/videos only thru that algorythm…

[@rumfordc]

@@1990Popeyeify no. she is saying parasocial nonsense

[@JacobVanko]

I honestly got choked up at the end of this. Very inspiring. I believe in you, Jack... And after listening to this, I'm thinking maybe it's time I believed in me.

[@SaschaRissling]

Beautiful comment. Go for it!!!

[@TenaciouslyTee]

You got this!

[@dkpianist]

Don't put your faith in Jack or anybody else. Just in yourself. Do your thing and screw what others do or think is cool. You may faiil or make it big. No matter, just do it. That's all that counts, and all you can do anyhow.

[@josieglassman2881]

I thought this comment was beautiful so I looked into what your dream was and you have really beautiful music. I hope you continue to keep pushing towards that dream!

[@MIAMANIFEST]

Absolutely!

[@RockstahRolln]

Brilliant keynote! Just because of this, I am going to join Patreon and start my artist page. About time I do something rather than mull around being deflated by scrolling and consuming content time and time again.

[@v-22]

Then his publicity stunt truly worked 😂

[@CM-zl2jw]

Same!! I’m gonna start a free membership Patreon account! 🎉

[@POLYLIVING]

Good luck!

[@alxsee1337]

Holy Cr_p, just because of this I’m going to utilize comments, in order to try and exactually reach the OP. And the watchers. Thanks.

[@MaridK]

me too lol Let's do it!

[@kCuFfication]

Fans are feeling it too. I always feel like I'm missing something - a LOT of things. And it's 100% true.

[@SpicyGramCracker]

So over YT algorithm 😢

[@tanyabeacurates]

100% agree with this!! It's the reason I decided to start a fansite for some of my favourite musicians, so I'd have a purposeful reminder to seek them out on a weekly basis, and an open, searchable, rankings-free record of the music they're making because it matters so much to me!

[@juicespace6338]

That guy is REAL, super authentic. Makes me want to appreciate Patreon more.

[@Jameswjennings]

Literally creating a Patreon account as soon as this talk is done. What a refreshing voice in all of this. Thank you all for making this moment happen. Jack, I’m moved by your energy bro. Thank you for being you.

[@quickkick8194]

I’ve been screaming into an abyss for decades. This is the first light I’ve seen❤

[@romaniamyland6191]

tell us more.

[@thiagoliguori]

Such an honest, brave and passionate message to the world. He is not trying to sell Patreon to the audience, but show how he is trying to make a difference.

[@Chris_Faraday]

He is an artist who hapened to hit a well timed home run - great talk

[@DelmaRaySmithJr]

Greedy guy full of Red Bull.

[@Happy_Spatula]

It was a very well crafted video by someone skilled at connecting with people, interested both because of the excellent low key vigorous self marketing ...& the algorithms that gave this us all

[@r-i-ch]

The strength of “The Algorithm” is entertainment, not attribution. Hard to have a fan when they don’t note your name before the next entertaining thing pops up. A KZbin video at least had a name in the corner. Those are disappearing in the user experience.

[@augustaokpara7145]

If your content resonated with them deeply, they would note your name. If it didn't, they'd simply move on to the next video and that's fine because it proves that they're not your true fans.

[@You-is9tw]

Tiktok wants creators' work to be "Tiktok's content." By removing the faces and names of people who make the work, Tiktok then can give itself credit for the stream of content its algorithm curates for users.

[@jasonphipps5219]

I can't think of a more important and clear call for creativity in this digital economy, bravo!

[@djellisdee]

I am rarely moved or amazed by videos on KZbin, but your speech here really moved me. I have been a music/DJ creator for 30+ years so I know how the Internet first looked and functioned when it started. Your summary and observations about what has been happening with the Internet's evolution is excellent, and you are an incredible speaker as well. I hope your Patreon solution works out well to solve this problem. Cheers!

[@iadorasjourney]

Jack Conte is an exquisite and extraordinary person, period.

[@foljs5858]

If you mean a greedy bastard leeching of Patreon artists, and a talentless musician, yes

[@murph2572]

Came here to say this ^ watched him 10 years ago growing up - he never disappoints!

[@IZSIN222]

Patreon Advertisement

[@hrlarson]

You could take the advice and stay away from Patreon if you like. The point is try to make something you can stand by.

[@foljs5858]

If by that you mean a crap musician and a greedy controlling capitalist sucking on artists, yes!

[@derksenmartijn]

Amazing to have such a creative as a CEO of Patreon, that builds trust. I feel seen and appreciated as a creative!

[@HenritheHorse]

Sadly Jack is political and corrupt and bans people for no real reason.

[@ranplan]

Wow. Love this. Been a fan of Jack for years. Listened to this while in the shower and cutting my hair/beard. Listened to it immediately again while finishing getting ready and driving to pick up the kiddo from school. I’m almost 42. Been a lifelong creative. Went to art school. Had design jobs for 10+ years. Have done my own creative thing working for myself for the past 12+ years. Had a mild mid-life crisis last summer and grabbed a totally non-creative part time job with benefits. I pass that part time job on the way to our daughter’s school and I think about putting in my 2 weeks often when I glance over at it. I even did some freelancing for a friend’s creative company for 3-4 months over the winter in addition to the part time job, and I couldn’t handle everything at once like I could in my 20s/30s. I couldn’t even deal with the creative projects that I was put on. So I let that freelancing go. Meanwhile, I’ve been wanting to share my thoughts and stories and everything I’ve been documenting for years on video and podcast and in written form. I keep saying soon, or later on, or next year, or this is gonna be the year, or when I’m debt free, or when this is over, or when that happens, or a million other procrastinating excuses. Videos like this remind me of what I want and why I started the things I’ve started, even the projects that appear to be abandoned… that I know I’ll get back to. I don’t know why I typed all of this here. I was just going to say I love this video and everything Jack does. But here we are, so I’ll leave it all. I think it’s just my journal entry for the day and it’s better if it’s public. Maybe someone else will relate. My final thought is that I think I can do all of this work to pay the bills and pay down the debt, while also being a super motivated creator and publishing things nonstop and building a massive following of diehard fans. But I can’t. I can’t do it all. So I let the freelance thing go, and I immediately felt a sense of relief, and more space to think again. And most of my client work is downsizing, and while it can be scary to lose clients that you’ve worked with for over a decade, it also frees me up to think more and have the space and time to create the things that matter to me, and will also matter to other people. Even if it’s only a dozen people, but hopefully a baker’s dozen. And this part time job needs to go too. I’m grateful for the experience that I brought me, something I never thought I would ever do. I barely even told anyone about it as I felt a small sense of shame about it, then over time realized that people would laugh with me at how random it is that I even did this job. But it too is getting in the way of what I want to do and what I need to do. Plus I know I’ll regret not making the things I want to make if I don’t start doing it this year… sooner not later. If anyone reads this far, I appreciate you and your time. Writing these things helps me think, and maybe it helps you too. Cheers! Time to add this to my “inspiration” playlist and listen to it weekly!

[@lovepixelagency]

Wow - thanks for sharing all that!! I can relate. Keep going you're exactly where you need to be!

[@Gustrago]

Thank you bro. Keep going and make real.

[@Haydjay]

Thank you for sharing a glimpse of real life... I can relate to alot of what you said. Maybe someday soon I will get to watch some of wht you have been documenting for so many years. What have you been working on? I'm interested?

[@hans-jochenwinkler6161]

thank you so much for sharing this with us. its a sunday morning and 'what do i really want' is on my mind since i woke up. maybe its a lifelong question as I am 68 now. Its about wishes but also about being grateful to be alive and able to do something creative. So I created not a bucket list but a 'been there done this' list A list to remember how many of my wishes already came true - well of course not all on a big scale but still. - So thanks again for your openess which resonated here with me very strongly. all the best from germany

[@parastudio7244]

Thanks for sharing this. I can fully relate to it.

[@didgegirl6]

Thank you for posting this. Jack's internet timeline explains so much of how things have changed over the last 20 or so years.I'm grateful for that. I've been Patreon creator for awhile now and in watching this video, I've learned just how little I've been utilizing the tools they have available. Time to go learn more of what I can do to strengthen the community I've been building.

[@adde65]

Absolute gold, thanks to Jack Conte and SXSW for sharing.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Sending gratitude from a Daoist monastery where I make videos for Patreon. It’s how I support myself and my studies

[@goldnutter412]

Very cool. Reading about Daoism on Britannica and Confucianism.. apparently diametrically opposed to Buddhism I would say they are all just different interpretations of the same thing and you may enjoy Tom Campbell's My Big TOE and countless videos, maybe interview him. We need more eyes on CUSAC a non profit for the unification of science and consciousness. I've been on a long journey over a decade since first listening to some of his lectures. It's actually far easier than I could have ever thought..

[@spiritlevelstudios]

That sounds like a wonderful way to live.

[@larryseyer]

I was moved to yell and scream “YES!!!” several times during his talk. I absolutely loved it. And he’s spot on.

[@travislrogers]

F*ing brilliant. Love this man! Could you imagine Zuckerberg standing up on stage and delivering such a message? Night and day. And what a great story teller. Very inspiring. I’m a true fan!

[@soundboy89]

Jack Conte has to be one of my favorite people ever. Imagine what the world would look like if all companies were led by people that were this earnest, honest, passionate, and true to their values.

[@THESTAND121]

Thank you., Thank you. Thank you!!! I felt your words and they pierced my heart. You are speaking authentically. Thank you. I know what I do and Patreon has been incredible for me and my craft. Thank you!!!!

[@harpervalleytv]

I’m so incredibly energized by you and by what you’re doing for fellow creatives. Thank you for articulating what I’ve been feeling lately but couldn’t put into words.

[@RenatoVargas]

Thank you @jackcontemusic I needed to hear this talk. Wonderfully said!

[@matheusbraga2909]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us who did not have the opportunity to listen to it in person. I hope these features in Patreon can be live as soon as possible. I totally agree with him. There isn't just one way to make a good platform. It will be necessary to have other way to connect with fans. Cheers.

[@conradschuman]

Hey Jack, thank you for sharing your perspective - truly appreciate you as a person and what you have created and your energy, and your talk rings very true. Figuring out seems to keep evolving and like new levels to a video game that we as creators, artists, musicians, media makers and sharers have to advance to and overcome and figure out. It is a challenge, only getting more challenging, but your message especially rang true as I found this and in my life personally.

[@WillieHoward954]

I really need to hear everything he said. Thank you Jack, thank you very much.

[@lorrainechittock]

Thank you SXSW, to Jack and to youtube for putting it on 'my' front page. I so need this right now as a creator of 3 decades with my first film. YES, I need to ask people who've supported me for all this time, to support me again.

[@bigfootmusicnz]

Awesome keynote. Some really great points brought up. So much to think about and unpack here. Thank goodness for people like Jack Conte fighting the good fight for creators. It's inspiring and this talk makes you wanna support him and his communities.

[@tehaunuiart]

This is the video I didn't know I needed to see! Thank you for your passion Jack. I hear your message loud and clear. Thanks for looking out for creators and true fans.

[@danrich4912]

Mr Jack Conte, what a seminar. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief to hear, efforts are being made for fellow artists to have a place they can connect with fellow artists and true fans and grow. 🙂‍↕️🇬🇧

[@RangeWilson]

This talk clarified several important concepts for me. Well done and thank you, Mr. Conte!

[@JustJamesiii]

Thank you for the words, the inspiration, the motivation to keep going

[@zactivitiesonly]

This is absolutely amazing. Thank you. I think you just helped me get out of this go around of a creative rut. I'm really hoping that i take this good feeling and energy and channel it into my next creative sprint.

[@0ptimal]

Really didnt feel like watching this as i saw the thumbnail, but something in me said click it and see. Glad i did. I like this guy.

[@lovepixelagency]

Incredible presentation - how passionately he delivered it was the most impressive - his enthusiasm & passion for his art/being/doing is contagious.

[@kamilabianchi]

This is so inspiring. 😮 I've watched last week and came back today to watch it again. Thank you for this talk.

[@TheLiberatorsInternational]

Love your intention, devotion and clarity Jack! You are doing such important work thank you for holding the flag of depth and connection.

[@1slothua1]

Inspirational! I believe his concept can be applied to almost any business! The importance of sticking to your core and understanding what made you successful in the first place. Your “true fans” are the ones you should always strive for! Great presentation!

[@vivekjuneja]

Fantastic talk and a passionate take on what needs to be said to creators in the world of algorithmic content curation

[@ninaduschek9267]

How, wonderful talk!! Thank you so much for this

[@Composeyourselfcare]

So encouraged by this talk!! Grateful for your work, Jack. 🤘

[@anthminimal]

amazing talk, im instantly a true fan of you Jack Conte!!

[@vanblairs4322]

Watching Jack speak is making me feel really hopeful for the future. Great talk! Thank you, Jack, for giving a shit about creatives and community and humanity, really. So glad you have been successful with Patreon. Hoping you are continually rewarded for all of the proactive efforts that you make. You deserve all good things.

[@jefflupp2587]

The energy you are putting into this vison is reassuring as an artist, and digital creator.. Thank you

[@hannahmerchant7268]

I remember watching jack in pomplemoose in the early days and was so inspired by them. It’s so cool to be apart of and very encouraging as a creator. Thank you jack! ❤❤🎉

[@thetomschaeffer]

Jack is a master storyteller

[@tapeexperiments]

Problem/dichotomy for a creative person -Is that if you start a subscription service for your fans, then you are forcing yourself to put out content on a regular basis. For many creatives this is not how creativity works i.e. on a schedule. i’m curious if anyone that has a Patreon has figured out a workaround for this? Can you just upload whenever you feel like it and still expect people to pay?

[@tobedobechannel]

You're 100% correct. But Fiverr and corporations like that would disagree with you as their business thrives on turning a creative person into a commodity.

[@PauloDandrea00]

In order to be a professional creative or at least a decent one, you have to know how to inspire yourself daily anyway. There are a lot a very good resources to overcome the need of a muse.

[@Reversed82]

doesn't patreon have different ways to choose to monetize as a creator? iirc you can just configure it so your patrons pay you by whatever you put out. so if you put out an album you'd get whatever your patrons are contributing (don't quote me on this though, i don't use patreon much, just remember seeing such a plan and thinking it's a decent idea) end result is similar of course but the cadence is on your terms not on the platform's.

[@gpmenga]

Yes, for many "creatives" that's not how it works, but for professionals - people who make a living from their creativity, this is exactly how it works. There's no workaround to that. "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield talks about it. The difference is: There are phases, there are seasons. So you might not release a new song everyday, but you are always writing, thinking, painting, composing, whatever. Creating. Until you're able to put together an album, a show, a 1-hour special... Then you release it. But your true fans followed along your process. You are accountable to them. And they support your through it. Makes sense? I'd also suggest reading "The Practice" by Seth Godin. Hope it helps.

[@KevDecorMusic]

@@gpmenga I read both of those and they helped me tremendously. I actually released a song every day for 184 days, got signed, and went back indie but these perspectives helped shape my approach to my craft/profession so much so it was nice to see you refer both books. Gems.

[@wesleyaleshire]

Thank you for such an awesome message. This is the first time I have found something that was as long as this video that felt like it had substance from the beginning to the end that made me want to hear more, rather than delay tactics meant to keep me longer. I admire your passion, thank you.

[@gaetanboyer]

Yes! Thank you so much jack for sharing your truth and speaking to me. It makes me cry wit resonation🎉❤

[@bemci1975]

This man steady looking out for creators 🔥

[@akiyawynter2170]

and then we get gaslit by the narrative "the internet wasn't better back then, you just associate childhood joy with that time"

[@jimbrown5387]

Thank you, Jack, for this video. You said a whole bunch that feels "TRUE" to me in sharing your knowledge, experience and insights into the life of creatives and the internet. THANK. YOU.

[@buttcoins]

Thank you, that was incredibly inspiring. Ive been watching pompamoose shorts that popped up on my feed for many months now. Had no idea jack was ceo of patreon. Loving that a creative person is behind patreon and trying to make something designed for the true fan and true creative simultaneously. I feel hope for the future. And these days that is really saying something!

[@MisaelLiranzo]

Amazing! Very inspiring. I've been following Pomplamoose since probably 16 or 17 ys. Then found out he was the mind behind Patreon, and I love the perspective he's always put on anything he does. Great talk! Loved it!

[@nietzschebietzsche]

I only started listening to them like 2 years ago and didn't even know he was behind Patreon until this video 😅

[@insanity54]

I love Jack! Saw Pomplamoose live in Seattle years back. Loved CONTE E.P. too. I've been a creator on Patreon for the past two years and the platform has been a huge positive in my life. I think there's a missed point made in this presentation. The struggle over the past four years is not just the creator scene. It's every business in every industry. It's not an issue of algorithms and business practices, it's an issue of necessity for financial survival. Things aren't more expensive-- your money is worth less. Businesses have to adapt to that just like you're adapting to it. That means KZbin pushing algorithms that optimize for watch time rather than having subscription feeds. That means Patreon choosing to optimize their systems to extract more from the creators who give the most. Nobody is immune to the issue's root cause-- debased money.

[@pvillez]

Thank you very much for posting this!

[@felixsmittick9128]

Always a pleasure hearing what you have to say.

[@miketkong2]

I don’t even need to watch it to press that like button. Jack Conte is the man!!!

[@arpitc]

Every bit resonated, every bit!

[@Organico0]

Absolutely amazing. Great message and you helped me a lot. Thank you ❤️

Thank you for this! So much needed!

[@GreatBigBore]

There’s still an enormous luck factor here. You can’t just make what you love and expect a few thousand people in the world to love it. I’ve done that many times and never made a dollar, and my videos get a few hundred views if I’m lucky. You still have to have talent, charisma, and tons of luck. Jack, Natalie, and Pomplamoose were always going to succeed even without the internet or subscriptions etc, bc they’re Jack & Natalie

[@WillPeterson]

Yup. That's "selection bias". Often very successful people attribute their success to something they did, and imply that if everybody else did the same thing, they would also be successful. But they have a biased view: they don't realize tens of thousands might do the same thing and not be successful.

[@MrMadalien]

You're not taking in to account probability. If you try enough times, you have a 100% guarantee to hit "luck" because each time you try something the probability is reset. It's not like every single album, painting, video or essay you make has the same exact probability to becoming popular. Of course you can't do exactly what Pomplamoose did, but that's what creativity is, it's living an unscripted life through trial and error discovering you can survive and perhaps thrive under your own terms.

[@brenolad]

Jack Conte is the hero of the creative spirit!

[@RussellStonerComedy]

Facts this guy is hope for humanity. Feel like we've been starting to live in the book 1984 for the past decade

[@venroarharima]

You understand he's not doing this for you right?

[@brenolad]

@@venroarharima He's doing it just for me, that's obvious

[@HenritheHorse]

@@RussellStonerComedy Jack is part of the people 1984 warns about. He has banned creators on Patreon for political reasons.

[@udderhippo]

@@HenritheHorsewhat? Patreon is a privately run company offering services for creatives. You can choose to use their services or choose not to. Like any company, they decide the terms of service. You can agree to them or not. Noone is forcing you to use them. 1984 is about a totalitarian government. Noone gets any choice there, you have to abide the terms. It's really not the same.

[@mauricio.montoya]

This is one of the most inspirational videos I’ve seen this year. What a life story!

[@jpaw1325]

I am thoroughly inspired. Thank you for this.

[@LauraScarborough]

Following Jack since the early Patreon days, it’s hard to not swoon over his unrelenting drive, creativity, and passion to communicate and serve. 🤩 He’s a blessing to the online landscape! Thanks SXSW for posting this. 🙏

[@EvelynColors]

I do not have a Patreon, but while listening, I might consider having one in the future. One of the most essential things that one should do is create a website and have a newsletter, then expand from there. Because we do not control the social media platforms on which we post our creations, we cannot ensure that those who follow us will see our posts. So, have a base camp, your virtual real estate - a website, always. I am so glad I clicked to watch this video when it popped up in my recommendations!!!

[@JeffFinley]

I revived my newsletter 3 months ago, but more often than not, I get zero engagement, even with a 50% open rate. It just makes me wonder "is it me?" despite me "screaming my guts out" in every email and putting it all out there. I use ConvertKit, which is also branded as a way for creators to earn a living with a newsletter, but the name alone implies converting people, and the founder is heavily influenced by sales funnel marketing. So now I'm considering switching to Patreon or something similar I don't know.

[@jackdoesengineering2309]

If anybody needs a webdeveloper 👋

[@JacobODonnellDesign]

You can set up a member's portal on your website, also. It's pretty straightforward if your website is built with something like Wordpress. Why even let Patreon take a cut? It's not like Patreon is a platform where people discover creators like social media. Patreon is kind of an unneccessary middleman. But I totally agree with what you're saying. Another cool thing about Wordpress is you can connect websites to the Fediverse with it. Then your website itself can become your social media account as well.

[@EvelynColors]

@JacobODonnellDesign Yes, I know. I have had a self-hosted site since 2010, and currently, I have two new sites under construction, all on WordPress. Thanks for sharing that info!😊

[@EvelynColors]

@JacobODonnellDesign Oh, and I agree with you. I do not have a Patreon, but I support one person, and what he does can most certainly be done on a self-hosted website. I think it is easier & faster for most people to set up a Patreon than a website and to host a membership site. Thanks again!!

[@tim_sek]

Wow, I was captured by this message and the story telling from beginning to end. Kudos to you Jack for being a future thinker and an inspiration to everyone else out there!

[@CassidyKipp]

This man's energy is amazing. If this is where we're headed collectively, I love it and I'm here for it.

[@lamhizz]

Very passionate Patreon pitch presentation 🤷‍♂️👀

[@GeorgeKaoCommunity]

28:58 "I really don't want this talk to be a Patreon ad" and then goes right ahead with a Patreon ad 😂 but thank you for recovering at 38:05 "you don't even have to use Patreon..." and Thank you for the passionate message 🙌🏾

[@jnnx]

As long as you are a corporate stooge, and don’t question the message of capitalism, you are propped up by the corporate elite.

[@loopyzreal]

@@jnnx People who question capitalism are either staunch idealistic communists or butthurt fatalistic individuals who'll never get ahead in life.

[@sagethelemur]

this is actually a really smart and thought out presentation about the things I've been feeling and seeing online over the last decade and couldn't put my finger on. thanks for this and making these points

[@EpidemicPop]

jack - so inspiring!

[@SerenityCougar]

This is why A LOT of creators are moving to Telegram. It can function as a social network in the terms of distribution the info to your fans, but it basically has NO feed at all, because messenger is the core of the product. Your subscribers will 100% see your posts - unless they decided to mute your channel for whatever reason.

[@DelmaRaySmithJr]

Beware the child porn prevalent on Telegram.

[@waterzero5461]

Sounds like a form of e-mail.

[@EmersonSecondary]

My mother was in LA and went to that 40 person show because i asked her to get me some swag. I love what you have done Jack. ❤

[@ducksies]

I really loved the message at the end. This was very inspiring, thank you Jack!

[@Primo_extracts]

Thank you for all your good works and your infectious enthusiasm. This was a great video to watch. I did not know.

[@hisanzee3052]

Damn, this resonated with me. I have always been struggling with everyone telling me to do social media, but it has been hard since i cannot make short form stuff. I do not consume them, and i do not have any interest in them. But i love podcasts, books, newsletters and i would like to do the same. Inspiring talk. Loved it.

[@radicalreaderasmr45]

Charles Dickens also didn't create short form content, but made a living writing by inventing serialized fiction. His cliffhangers got readers becoming subscribers, then they paid again when he published the collected stories as books. Food for thought!

[@ZaritaTheFloridian]

My plan as I'm starting from zero with a new channel is to write articles and base longish KZbin videos on said articles. And since you like podcasts you can film and load your podcasts onto KZbin podcasts.

[@davystun8454]

Curious Why in the world do you think you cant do the podcasts, books, etc. etc.??? without prying I am also curious why you cannot make short form? In this bright future of ours, you can and literally should make content for all the platforms! Going back to what he said, make content for whichever platform you want at whatever times. The largest thinking I am tracking regarding what is around the corner, is Real, Raw, Relationship(wanted to use an R word, but I mean care for your audience) which again goes backs to Jack's 1000.

[@davystun8454]

@@ZaritaTheFloridian Exactly, if your able or sub the work out, chop up the longform to post in shorts and other platforms. Biggest thing is people see all these other creators with teams, but NO one starts that way. Best wishes on your Creations!

[@CarbonSolutions]

I’ve been a big fan since the early days of Pomplamoose. I remember hearing Jack and Natalie talking about Patreon on the Triangulation podcast probably 13 years ago and being so inspired by the idea of artists striving to build a platform for supporting each other. I’m continually amazed at how clearly Jack stays true to his mission despite the pivot of leading a successful tech company. Anybody who questions his motivations has never seen the baldfaced enthusiasm he can’t contain when interviewing Louis Cole on Dead Wax. Respect and support to you, sir 🙏🏼

[@kaysha]

Such a beautiful and inspiring video

[@stephenhillman]

Amazing inspiring talk. Thank you. I've sent this to every creative I know who is struggling right now. You nailed it. I found a young artist called Ren last year who epitomizes this new way of working and has connected with his fans and other creators to share his amazing work and has become successful. He now has creative freedom and so much more. Thank you again

[@mt030]

Finally a CEO who is not full of shit but actually relatable

[@djquick]

Except he’s full of shit.

[@chamberofrelics]

Seems like i just watched a huge AD for Patreon

[@MYLIFETHROUGHALENS1978]

Just absolutely well positioned with such heartfelt nuances ! Well done!

[@FatherFunk]

Amazing! Been following Jack since 07. Patreon has literally been a lifesaver for me since covid. I owe this man a lot. Here’s to the next chapter of being a creator in this crazy world! Good luck everyone ❤

[@simonelezzi]

It's undeniably impressive, but the truth is, not everyone desires constant social media activity or online engagement, particularly in the context of being an artist or supporting one. A considerable number of individuals may never opt for purchasing Patreon subscriptions or products online; they prefer live interactions. Many people don't conform to the 5% pyramid model. This reluctance could stem from the pervasive uniformity in approach. Exceptional art frequently transcends standardization, as do exceptional fans.

[@JH-pe3ro]

Left unsaid is an assumption the creative economy will continue to be creator-consumer, one of industrial professionals crafting complete messages that drive fan engagement; this is a 19th-20th century motif. The interesting stuff going on now revolves around a more active, participatory community - where the message is in the space being created, not the media artifacts. All the channels I like now have a bit of that going on. But I think Jack is predisposed to emphasize the creator perspective in this, even when professionalizing that kind of activity isn't really the way things are going - creating is often a way of connecting to do something else. Call it the "book to blogpost" transition.

[@JeffFinley]

Interesting perspective, would you mind elaborating? Where are these participatory communities you speak of?

[@Hannahajikawo]

What an amazing presentation! Was glued! Infectious passion

[@alejandropeters]

The energy on stage really resonates with me and all the ideas that I have as an artist, I want to try Patreon, thanks Jack!