Hello, everyone.
Please forgive the bit of self-promotion - I have been working on regular blog posts and creative stories, but those take time. At the same time, I have also been attempting to be a panelist at conventions, volunteer in my community, and work enough to make ends meet. Sometimes it is all pretty daunting! But I am striving to bring you plenty of quality content, some of which is educational and some that is for your entertainment. However, the time that is needed to create content comes at a cost - it takes money to be able to keep going to conventions, to do research, and to have the infrastructure to sit down and write. If you are in a position to help, and would like to see content created at a higher frequency, or if you just enjoy what you are reading and would like to contribute to the process, please consider donating.
I have been using the Patreon platform to help me create and distribute quality content and have the resources for research and exploration. By using Patreon, people are able to support the process by providing a monthly donation that helps me maintain equipment, afford time off, and travel. As a sponsor on Patreon, you'll get quality blog posts, early access to completed stories, and the knowledge that you are helping me fund the creative process. I will get the benefit of some stress reduction as I won't have to worry about finances as much anymore, and that will help me be free to create more work.
I love being able to do this kind of researched writing as I feel that this helps put some beauty into the world. Some of these posts have helped people figure out different aspects of their lives. Others have gained a deeper understanding of topics that they were curious about. Some just learned something new. And I find it to be quite rewarding, myself. Also, I am looking to expand what I do to include instructional videos and podcasts, and so I will need help in getting the resources to make that happen. I am in the scripting phase with some friends for podcasts, but I also need the resources to make the time and have the equipment to get it off of the ground.
I hope to be able to get to a place where I can do more, but I need your help in getting there. Preparing for each panel takes a lot of work, ranging from studying and understanding a subject to maintaining this website and preparing researched content. Creating content takes time away from work, being able to be at a computer and actually write. If you feel that you are in a place to become a sponsor and help me have the means to accomplish this, please go ahead! If you can't, please share this with people whom you know. As little as $1/month will do wonders to help me keep https://www.justingrays.org/ running and keep bringing quality content to you. Plus, as a patron, you will be recognized as one of my sponsors.
I know that it is not always possible to sponsor on a monthly basis. If you would like to do a one time donation, please feel free to use PayPal, SquareCash, or Venmo. Producing content takes time and effort, and any support is always appreciated. Your donations help me cover expenses and eventually will let me be able to create quality content full-time. Also, you will be recognized as a donor.
By becoming a patron or by donating (or both), we both will be getting something out of this - this is a form of symbiosis. You'll get quality blog posts, early access to completed stories, and the knowledge that you are helping me fund the creative process. I will get the some stress reduction as I won't have to worry about finances as much anymore, and that will help me be free to create more work. Your support helps make all of this possible.
I am confident that some good stuff will come of this. If you can help support this adventure, I will be most appreciative. Stay awesome, everybody!