Patreon is a new kind of crowdfunding - one that I have been missing for a long while. It's not better or worse than the typical crowdfunding style (you know, kickstarter and the likes), but it is different - and more suited for some stuff.
As a musician, I think this is quite a better long-term proposition to both artists and fans than the traditional "help me fund my next album". The work of an artist is an ongoing process - and the role of a fan is either. Does this means that I'll be creating one of those? I don't know, maybe one day. I know I would sign now this instant as a fan, tho, if some of the artists I'm passionate about where there.
This isn't a music-only thing, either. I can see this as a good way to fund all sorts of people and activities - take free software as an example. But the beauty of it is that this can be more than just a way to send a buck every month - this can be a way for you to engage with the creator - either by getting exclusive stuff, prior access, brainstorming sessions... you name it.
Patreon - an inspiring idea.