by Travis Mateer

When I was considering different options to monetize content I was told over and over to check out Patreon.

Then one of my go-to sources on pandemic coverage got his Patreon account shut down, so I vowed to NEVER use Patreon for any reason whatsoever.

This is what’s known as a “purist” position.

I finally broke down for two reasons: one, the synchromystic research of Christopher Knowles and two, full access to the Prop Report with Monica Perez and her co-host, Binkley.

Before the information war went hot last March, I was much less motivated to sign up for a subscription, but the rampant censorship and failure of once relied upon alternative sources made me realize it was time to pony up for the ones doing the work.

And boy howdy, are Monica and Binkley (Monkley?) kicking ass.

While lots of podcasters are emerging from DIY grassroots with unusual styles, unconventional approaches and (too often) inconsistent posting schedules, the Monkley duo bring a radio ethos of fast-paced, headline-grabbing analysis five days a week, but with a critical eye toward agendas being served and narratives being controlled.

Beyond the quality analysis, these two have a great dynamic, which is becoming more and more important to me. I come away from their Daily News Blast feeling empowered to keep hammering away at the narrative shackles trying to ensnare my own cognition instead of sinking into the kind of fear reactions other creators can sometimes elicit.

What I’m trying to say is I’m glad I’m not applying misguided purity tests because it’s a lot better to be able to send someone a message through an imperfect tool like Patreon about what’s transpiring in our humble little Zoom Town than it is being less informed and less encouraged by others trying to figure out how to amplify their message.