Drawstring Content creators & Sponsorship
In an effort for continued transparency and experimentation on this platform, we are transforming the way that we support content creators and how you support drawstring magazine.
In Issue 1 through 7, tips/donations submitted on the site were distributed amongst the contributors of the active issue when received. This was discontinued when tips slowly dwindled—payouts fell from 10 or 20 dollars to less than 5 dollars per person. Since that time content creators have been providing content to the platform without payment. Although we try to provide support in the form of a generous editorial process and creative freedom, we all know that is not enough. This practice does not align with our values.
AS OF MARCH 2021 all content creators will be paid a $50 stipend for contributions to the magazine.
It has been challenging to rely on community support to fund this project. We know there are so many important places to send our money right now, as we live through a constant stream of crises within a giant crisis. For this reason we have been inconsistant and unclear when asking for support. Donations will be restructured to give a clearer sense of what your dollars actually do—support artists, writers, and activists.
You can now support the platform through “sponsorship” of a content creator via a ¼, ½, or full share sponsorship ($12, $25, or $50).
Whether or not we recieve funds via sponsorship, content creators will be paid a $50 stipend. We are commited to operating at a loss if necessary in order to better the project in the long run, which may result in less frequent releases. If community sponsorship of content creators is successful, and increases over time, this may allow for more issues, more content, and/or an increase in stipends to be considered.
We are committed to continued transparency throughout the life of this project.
Drawstring is a small creative project and is not a nonprofit organization, nor will it become one in the foreseeable future. Though we could benefit from grant funding and tax relief, we believe that the nonprofit structure would limit the platform’s flexibility and freedom. It is more important right now to remain responsive to our community, and the current volatility of our world and daily lives.
If you are interested in becoming a content creator you can submit a pitch via this form.