The latest video instalment, with our new intro and theme-tune, announces a collaboration with Patreon crowdsourcing
Since we began life afloat in Turkey, back in 2005, our travels have shaped our understanding of what it really means to be full time liveaboards.
And if you are already a ‘follower’ you will know that we have been blogging, podcasting and videoing about our experiences from the start, including all the cock-ups, blunders and stupid mistakes.
What began as a way of keeping up with family and friends has become a fantastic way to meet new people from all over the world. It is also an integral part of life on s/y Esper.
Over the last year we have realised that people like our videos more than anything else we do. And that’s great because we love grabbing the camera when something interesting (or daft) is happening. But we want to get better at bringing you closer to the action.
And that’s where Patreon steps in
Patreon is a crowdfunding company for small creators, like us, who are bringing out regular work. It’s a platform for showcasing what we do, and a way for people to say, “Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it, and appreciate you spent a little time and effort there.”
We will use any money raised through Patreon to help pay for the videos (each one costs around $30 to make, the bulk of which is wifi fees). We also hope to improve quality with more advanced equipment and post production technique; we would love to bring you crystal clear underwater photography, spectacular aerial footage and more professional editing.
To become a followtheboat “patron” just pledge $2 each time we release a video (we average two videos a month). As a thank you, we’re giving away photos, postcards, calendars, T shirts and the chance to visit us on Esper.
Of course, our videos will continue to be free, that will never change.
The Patreon collaboration is simply a way for some people to send a nod of appreciation now and then. We know it’s not for everyone and that is absolutely fine. So please continue to pop in and come along for the ride, every ‘like’, ‘hit’ and comment makes it all worthwhile.
There’s more fun stuff in our latest video, which you can view here (you’ll be whistling that theme tune before long)…
If you choose to become a followtheboat patron that would be fantastic. Even if you don’t, we promise to keep on raising our game. Just knowing you are along for the ride inspires us to find better ways of telling our story. Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us. Fair winds!
If you like our content and would like to support us, we will give you ad-free access to our videos before they go live to the public, discounts in our shop, access to Jamie’s iconic full-res photographs, and supporter-only blog posts. Click our ugly mugs for more info!
