Hmm, now that I look into it more closely, most of these authors are making less than I expected. I've never actually visited most of their patreons to actually

Hmm, now that I look into it more closely, most of these authors are making less than I expected. I've never actually visited most of their patreons to actually check, but yes most of them aren't making that much from it. It doesn't actually counter your main point, but I do think I have dug up more than 1 making more than $5000/month. https://www.patreon.com/RhaegarRRL https://www.patreon.com/RhaegarRRL has 3317 patrons with a minimum donation of $3 per month, so even though the actual number is hidden that should be more than $5000 https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4240617 https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4240617 is similar, but with more patrons and a lower minimum. https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow https://www.patreon.com/Wildbow is simply at more than $5000 per month. Where did you get those stats you quoted?