floof.org
*sigh* And I'd created a Stripe account a while back to try to make myself a page for customers to pay for things like domain names more directly than currently happens, and now I may have to look for some other payment processor. Although I do have to wonder whether there is such a thing as a decent payment processor at all nowadays. BACS/FP may still be the only proper way other than going back to the stone age and using cash, cheques and postal orders.
like, just to be clear, this is what's happening:
- Stripe has updated their terms and conditions to list "Content creation" as a prohibited business, explicitly clarifying that donations without an attached good or service are not allowed
- Stripe is actively enforcing these new terms by cancelling payments to people using Stripe directly for donations
- Stripe is continuing to operate via the VC-backed "creator" platforms of Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and GitHub sponsors, often requiring folks to have a US bank account in order to get paid
- Stripe is selectively enforcing the new terms on sites like Liberapay and Ko-fi, in particular still using Ko-fi on their marketing materials, but their official stance on these sites is unclear
especially given how Buy Me a Coffee is clearly a VC-backed attempt to scam Ko-fi out of their business model, it seems like Stripe is just trying to fuck over independent creators and eliminate competition outside of their VC-backed partners. but also, they haven't made any clear statements on this besides just fucking over individual people for their new terms. it's super confusing and unclear what the fuck is going on
but! people are getting seriously hurt by their actions, immediately thrust into financial uncertainty by having their sources of income cut off. it's fucked!
update: https://toot.cat/@clarfonthey/112538040340396791
Prohibited and Restricted Businesses | Stripe
This page provides information about the types of businesses, products, and industries that can’t use Stripe’s services.stripe.com
