FAQ · Michael Loucks

What is the Patron Vault?

What is this site?: The Patron Vault is the subscriber library for Michael Loucks’s advance chapters and archives. You pay through Stripe, log in with a magic link (no password), and download entitled files with no DRM.
Is this the same as Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee?: No. Those platforms can still run for existing patrons, but new memberships and the main library for Stripe subscribers live here. Day-to-day file access for Vault tiers is this site (Benefactor Sync.com extras are handled separately).

How do I subscribe?: Open Pricing, pick a tier and monthly or annual billing, and complete Stripe Checkout. After payment succeeds, return to the vault and log in with the same email you used at checkout.
What do the tiers include?: Gold ($5/mo or $50/yr) — Gold advance depth; Archives after the unlock gate.

Platinum ($10/mo or $100/yr) — Platinum advance; Archives after the unlock gate.

Collaborator ($15/mo or $150/yr) — Collaborator advance; Archives immediately.

Benefactor ($25/mo or $250/yr) — Same vault files as Collaborator, plus non-vault perks managed separately.

Annual plans are priced as 10 months (two months free).
Can I use a promotion code?: Yes, when Stripe Checkout offers a promotion field. Valid codes apply at payment time.

How do I log in?: There is no password. Go to Log in, enter your email, and open the one-time link we send. Use the email on your Stripe subscription (or the email you were granted access with).
I didn’t get the magic-link email: Check spam/junk and promotions folders. Confirm you typed the same address as your subscription. Wait a minute and try once more. If nothing arrives, write to author@michaelloucks.com from that address.
The link says invalid or expired: Magic links are single-use and time-limited. Request a new one from Log in. Do not forward an old link.

How do I download files?: After login, open Library. Browse folders you are entitled to, download individual files, or download a folder as a zip where offered.
Is there DRM?: No. Files are ordinary downloads. Keep your own copies; re-download while your access is active.
What is “advance” content?: Advance folders hold the current book(s) in progress for your tier. When a new book starts, prior advance material is typically moved into Archives (and cleared from the live advance tree). That is intentional — it protects the live feed.

How do I update my card, change tier, or cancel?: Log in → Account → Manage billing (Stripe portal). The Stripe Customer Portal handles payment method, plan changes among vault products, and cancel.
How does cancel work?: Cancel is set for the end of the paid period (not mid-cycle). You keep advance and Archives access through that date. When the period ends, vault access for the subscription is revoked. You can re-subscribe later from Pricing.
What if a payment fails?: You keep access for a 3-day grace period. If the invoice is not paid after that, advance and Archives access are revoked until a successful payment. Update your card in the Stripe portal as soon as you can.
Who handles refunds?: Billing is Stripe. For refund questions, contact author@michaelloucks.com with the email on the subscription.

I still support on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee: Existing memberships may continue there until you choose otherwise. New Early Access is not sold. For the Stripe vault library, use this site with the email tied to your Stripe (or granted) account.
Book bundles: Buy completed-book packs one-time in the Shop (no subscription required). After payment, log in with the same email to download. Subscribers who already have full Archives may not need bundles. Questions: author@michaelloucks.com.
Privacy and terms: See the site privacy policy and terms on the author hub.
Discord roles: After you subscribe, log in and open Account → Connect Discord. That links your Discord user and applies the vault tier role (Gold Patrons, Platinum Patrons, Collaborators, or Benefactor). If you cancel Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee and those bots remove roles, use Re-sync roles on the same page (or join the server first if needed).
Still stuck?: Email author@michaelloucks.com from the address on your account, or ask on Discord.