=== Dude Patron ===
Contributors: wpdudeplugins, freemius
Tags: patronage, donations, stripe, recurring payments, creators
Requires at least: 6.5
Tested up to: 7.1
Requires PHP: 8.1
Stable tag: 1.0.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Accept one-off and recurring patron support on WordPress with secure Stripe Checkout.

== Description ==

Dude Patron is a lightweight WordPress patronage plugin that makes it easy for your audience to support your work.

Accept one-off or recurring patron payments directly from your WordPress site using Stripe Checkout.

Dude Patron is designed for creators, independent publishers, writers, bloggers and other WordPress site owners who want a simple way to accept financial support without running a complicated membership or ecommerce system.

= One-off and recurring patronage =

Give your supporters a simple way to contribute.

Patrons can make a one-off contribution or provide ongoing recurring support.

= Secure Stripe payments =

Payments are processed securely through Stripe Checkout.

Your site does not need to collect or store card details.

= Public patron list =

Optionally recognise the people supporting your work with a public patron list on your WordPress site.

= Track your supporters =

View and manage patron activity from your WordPress dashboard, giving you a simple overview of the people supporting your work.

= Built for simplicity =

Dude Patron focuses on the essentials of patronage without turning your WordPress site into a complicated membership platform.

Your website. Your audience. Their support.

== Video Tour ==

Watch the Dude Patron feature tour to see how easy it is to accept one-off and recurring patron support with Stripe:

https://youtu.be/jYieZ0B_K7I

== External services ==

This plugin connects to Stripe to process payments. When a visitor starts checkout, name, email, amount, and currency are sent to Stripe. Stripe’s terms: https://stripe.com/legal and privacy policy: https://stripe.com/privacy

Licensing and updates for the optional Pro package use Freemius. Connecting is optional; you can skip it and keep using the free plugin. See https://freemius.com/privacy/

== Installation ==

1. Upload the Dude Patron plugin to WordPress or install it through the WordPress Plugins screen.
2. Activate Dude Patron.
3. Open the Dude Patron settings in your WordPress dashboard.
4. Connect and configure Stripe.
5. Configure your patronage options.
6. Add the patronage form to your site.
7. Start accepting support from your audience.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= What is Dude Patron? =

Dude Patron is a WordPress patronage plugin that lets your audience financially support your work.

= Can patrons make one-off payments? =

Yes. Dude Patron supports one-off patron contributions.

= Can patrons support me every month? =

Yes. Dude Patron supports recurring patron payments through Stripe.

= Which payment provider does Dude Patron use? =

Dude Patron uses Stripe Checkout to securely process payments.

= Does my WordPress site store credit card details? =

No. Card payments are handled securely by Stripe Checkout.

= Can I display my patrons publicly? =

Yes. Dude Patron includes an optional public patron list so you can recognise your supporters on your website.

= Do I need WooCommerce? =

No. Dude Patron works independently and does not require WooCommerce.

= Is Dude Patron a full membership plugin? =

Dude Patron is focused on patronage and supporter payments rather than providing a complex membership platform.

== Screenshots ==

1. Patron contribution form – let visitors support your work with one-off or recurring patronage.
2. Stripe Checkout – patrons complete their payment securely through Stripe.
3. Patron dashboard – view and manage patron activity from WordPress.
4. Dude Patron settings – configure patronage and Stripe options.
5. Public patron list – optionally recognise supporters on your website.
6. Patron email settings – configure acknowledgement and thank-you emails.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.4 =
* Initial public release.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.4 =
Initial public release on WordPress.org.