I love this scene from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
James T. Kirk: Scotty, progress report?
Montgomery Scott: Almost done, sir! You'll be fully automated by the time we dock.
James T. Kirk: Your timing is excellent, Mr. Scott. You've fixed the barn door after the horse has come home. How much refit time before we can take her out again?
Montgomery Scott: Eight weeks, sir — [Kirk opens his mouth] — but ye don't have eight weeks, so I'll do it for ye in two.
James T. Kirk: Mr. Scott. Have you always multiplied your repair estimates by a factor of four?
Montgomery Scott: Certainly, sir. How else can I keep my reputation as a miracle worker?
James T. Kirk: [over the intercom] Your reputation is secure, Scotty.
I'm a big believer in under promising and over delivering. I make changes when I find myself unable or uncertain about being able to keep my promises. I did that today on Patreon.
I started the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon for several reasons. One of which is to help make a part-time income, especially because music sales are diminishing.
However, I also did it to fund the creation of new music. As of today, I earn about $600 per month on Patreon. That means if I want to hire 2-3 musicians to record on a song (costs about $70 per musician), I can afford to do that AND still have money this month to eat.
However, I set up the Gold Gunn Runners level wrong. I set it up so fans will get 2-3 exclusive physical CDs per year. And in the process, I boost my livable income.
The problem is that I would LOVE to release 2-4 CDs or EPs every year like I did back in 2009. But not only is that not practical, it's not financially responsible. It's also mentally stressful.
In the few couple weeks I will release As Long As I'm Flyin' to both Kickstarters and then to Patreons. I'm also close to a milestone that will lead to releasing a Cat EP. I'm planning a digital release of the Celtic Halloween EP that I released to Gunn Runners last year.
If I keep releasing physical CDs, eventually, that profit that I need to live and to release new music disappears. But there's something more too. It goes back to that Star Trek dialogue above.
One of the reasons, I've been so successful is that I don't over promise and under deliver. I prefer the reverse. For that reason, I decided to change the Gold Gunn Runners level listing it as “one new CD per year”.
Not only is that a goal I know I can reach, but it also gives me the opportunity to be a “Miracle Worker” like Scotty. If and when I decide to send Gold Runner Runners something more, I can. I have that buffer. I have reserves. I can give you something more and make it all the more special because this isn't something you need. It's a bonus!
If you want to get physical CDs, join the Gold Gunn Runners for just $12 a month and help me keep my reputation as a miracle worker.
