2023 Thoughts & 2024 Plans

Year's end means reflecting on what's gone, and planning what's to come. 2023 has been... a year, and I'm planning on 2024 being a much better one.
Channels mentioned:
‪@DanielGreeneReviews‬
‪@mikesbookreviews‬
‪@ShelfCentered‬
‪@ColinsCornerYT‬
‪@TheLibraryofAllenxandria‬
‪@thefantasynuttwork‬
‪@BrianBell7‬
‪@Johanna_reads‬
‪@RekindledReader‬
‪@TallGuyReads‬
‪@YourBrainonBooks‬
Jeroen's fantasy subgenre list:
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00:00 Intro
00:49 2023 Thoughts
04:30 Viewer Q&A
11:58 2024 Goals
15:52 2024 Plans
23:36 Wrap-up
#booktube #newyear #channel #fantasybooks

[@RafBlutaxt]

Honestly, the best thing on your channel in 2023 was you actually coming back. Making that first video after such a long break is incredibly hard and I'm glad you did it! I really enjoyed the Sunday Pubs I was a part of and will definitely return when I'm home on a Sunday. In general you're already doing everything right on your channel. You've been around for over a year less than me and have surpassed me in just about every metric except longest video so just keep doing you and what makes you happy and it'll be fine! As for the Discord, it's difficult. There's definitely too many servers for booktube out there, the same 50 active people show up on all of them and that spreads activity and conversations thin, like butter scraped over too much bread as a wise old Hobbit once said. The Grimoire was a great idea, combining the communities of several booktubers, The Unexpected Party is doing a similar thing and in general I'd love for a bit more consolidation in the booktube Discord space. That's one reason why I have never started a server for my channel. Whatever you choose to do, I'm happy you're back and wish you a great 2024!

[@MattonBooks]

Thanks Raf. 🥰 So how long *was* your longest video? A guy’s got to have something to aspire to. 😜

[@verosnotebook]

Pretty much what Raf said 😊 Just do what you enjoy. I’m also pleased that the Sunday pub is being popular. I think most BookTubers and viewers are together in wanting to chat books and be with kindred minds. As for the Discord, again, there are too many, making it difficult to keep on top imo. What do you want from it? Maybe stay on The Grimoire for now and trial discussions, prompts, impromptu read alongs, book hauls, etc. Consistency is a main factor so maybe post something every week/month, making it a recurring ‘event’ to spark participation. 🤔

[@ExLibrisbyMikeBooklover]

I hope all your plans come to fruition! I have only participated for a bit in Sunday Pub and I loved it, one of the best ideas around, I will try to be there more often! I think the Grimoire is a very good meeting place, a way to communicate and keep in touch with viewers and other tubers. I like how it is not just about one channel. It may have fallen a bit quiet but remember that a very active server may discourage people with not much time from participating. Have a great New Year!

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Looking forward to 2024 and seeing where you take your creative journey. Just do you and we will watch. I agree that it is not about the numbers. You have quality content; don’t worry about quantity. Cheers 🍻.

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah mate, as I said the numbers *are* satisfying feedback - there’s really no other way to quantify how the channel’s doing and to know I’m not just screaming into the void - but I definitely don’t want this all to feel too much like work. 😜

[@PascalVoegeli]

Great to have you back in the world, Matt. Your honest and down-to-earth nature makes us care about you not only as a content creator but also as a person. Hope you can keep up the good vibes for yourself in the new year! As for FoB#9 ... what a brilliant lineup! Get ready to learn about the Floridian education system and how to pronounce Tchaikovsky. But in all honesty, it's going to be great! Take care, Matt, and "guten Rutsch"!

[@MattonBooks]

Thanks Pascal, great to be back. ♥️ And FoB #9 is just laziness on my part. I’m pretty sure I can just introduce them, then sit back and watch the chaos. 😆

[@anothersarahreading9961]

Happy Christmas. I like the laid back chatty style of the channel. Plus you can never go wrong with more Fitz 🐈 😉

[@MattonBooks]

Merry Merry to you too Sarah. Fitz will invariably make sure there’s more Fitz in my videos. She’s an adorable little attention whore. 😆

[@thefantasythinker]

Matt, having a blast on the occassional Sunday Pub. Keep up the great videos and your very welcoming, fun atmosphere!

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah, Sunday Pub’s hands-down the best thing I did with my channel. Glad you’re enjoying it! 🍻😀

[@Shaad2321]

I’m happy you had a great year! I look forward to your new content and you reaction to new books! Have a great 2024

[@MattonBooks]

Thanks Shaad, you too! 🙂

[@AFictionalEscapist]

Here is to an excellent 2024 mate! Looking forward to following along.

[@MattonBooks]

Same for you Kris! 🙂 Looks like it might be quite a good year.

[@BrianBell7]

Love your channel a ton, but you already know that! Super excited to join you, Allen, and Jimmy! We're gonna have a great time and for sure give your viewers a show! I learn something from every, single video you upload, so thank you. Yeah, I'm weird. I study what people do well :)

[@MattonBooks]

Thanks Brian. 😘 In the interest of the improvements I was talking about, I’ve been doing the same thing lately - watching a lot of different channels, and really thinking about what they do well, and how. 🤔

[@sasapejcin3568]

Wishing you happy holidays Matt and I'm very excited about this channel's future! 🥰🥰🥰

[@MattonBooks]

Me too Sasa. 🙂 Have a great holiday break.

[@Shaad2321]

I love the Sunday pub! I hope to join one day on Sunday Pub! They look like their very fun

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah, the Pubs are just about my favourite thing on the channel. 😀 Hope you can make it eventually.

[@heidi6281]

My favorite Matt video was the fantasy books before Tolkien!! It was so unique and enlightening . After that of course is your LOTR vlogs and academic discussion afterwards! I always love deep dive spoiler discussions. You know I love Sunday pub at 3:00 est. That time really works for me. Again, I am looking forward to you bringing Berlin to us every once in a while.

[@BookishChas]

This was a great update Matt! I like your idea of having videos unfold like a story of sorts. I think your editing is amazing, so if you think it needs improvement I can’t wait to see it.

[@MattonBooks]

Thanks Chas. 😘 I don’t think it’s *bad*, but I just know it can be a bit better. 🙂

[@thefairylibrarian3282]

I love the Sunday Pubs! It's something i look forward to every single week. I personally would like a Discord for just your channel. I'm in the Grimoire, but the size of it and the amount of people really intimidates me and holds me back from being active in there. I imagine a Discord for your channel only would be smaller, so less intimidating to me

[@MattonBooks]

I also look forward to the Pub Kaat. 🙂 I’m really not sure what to do about Discord, but maybe a group server with a smaller group than 6 would work. We’ll see.

[@liviajelliot]

So many plans! I was so happy when you came back. I can understand that video of your LOTR editions going wild--I think I showed it to at least 5 friends, just to gawk at all the pretty editions we don't have. Regarding content that'd be nice... have you considered doing reactions to 1-star reviews of books you love? Some of them can get very funny, but a bit risky giving KZbin's lack of ability to discuss nuance. Loved seeing that the Friends on Books are coming back, those videos were a great way of meeting new BookTubers! Wishing you the best on the new year, Matt!

[@MattonBooks]

You too Livia. 😘 I’m really looking forward to 2024. Lots of good stuff coming. 🙂

[@enno108]

“Hi” back, Matt!

[@MattonBooks]

🙂👋🏻

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

New watcher- sent from Johanna's channel. Interesting thoughts and planning --- very relatable. Its hard for booktubers to admit that videos take TONS of time and energy and coming back from a break is COURAGEOUS! As is cancelling patreon. KUDOS! Making your videos easy & convenient is always key. Very similar to my goals. Cheers. Oh also If you ever want to chat, I'm around on discord.

[@MattonBooks]

And I found YOU through Johanna! 😆 She’s been hyping up your Butler video everywhere, with good reason. ♥️ Thanks for the kudos, and see you around on Discord perhaps. 🙂

[@jan2bratt]

I enjoyed your chatty video. Don't think I discovered you until after your return so I'm glad you did return. You have a pleasant voice and manner and don't wave your hands around too much plus I like your book choices. People hate Tom Bombadill? What? I love Tom and look forward to your coverage of him and whatever else you decide to cover in 2024.

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah mate, I know people who DNFed Fellowship when they got to ol’ Tom. 😳 And great minds think alike. The title of my Tom video will likely be just, “I ♥️ Tom.” 🙂

[@almaaguado347]

Happy Holiday! And thanks for keep making videos and sharing your love of books with all of us. I usualy watch the Sunday pub, I like them, but feel weird comenting live... maybe one day😅

[@MattonBooks]

No worries Alma, lurkers are also welcome. 😉 Glad you’re enjoying the channel, and thanks for sticking with me. 😘

[@sw3dge]

Agreed with all of the other comments, it was awesome getting you back! I'm sure that was a massive hump to get over. I like the conversational style as I've seen another comment mention. The Sunday Pub/sprints are also awesome. My schedule doesn't really allow me to join live at the moment but I'm hoping that will change in the coming year. I always catch up on them later. As I'm (finally) getting into Malazan, that deeper dive/breakdown video you did of the Siege of Pale was really awesome. The analysis of whether a book publishing is good (design, typography, format, paper) is something I enjoy quite a bit as well. Happy Holidays!

[@MattonBooks]

It’s great to BE back Trevor. 😀 And I really look forward to continuing my Malazan re-read, and doing more Malazan videos, in 2024. ♥️

[@esmayrosalyne]

Absolutely no need to be hard on yourself for taking a break. Making bookish content (of any type) can so quickly start to feel like a job and suck all the joy out of your hobby. Good on you for protecting your mental health! And you did, you came back!! I am so looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for you. I know this feedback probably won't be very useful, but the content that YOU enjoy making the most is the content that I love to watch the most. Just find what makes you passionate, and I will be here to support you every step of the way ;) Loved hearing your answers to all the questions btw, this was such a fun video! All the best to you, Matt ☺

[@MattonBooks]

You’re absolutely right Esmay, there’s no need for it. But that won’t stop my mind from doing it. 😆 But yeah, working on it. Thanks for your support. Great to have you around. ♥️

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@MattonBooks Hope your mind will be kinder to you soon, you deserve that 🥰 And it's honestly my pleasure to support you ☺

[@andreabknight]

Of course- you could definitely make your own discord- I think part of the success is having lots going on- buddy reads, competitions, question of the day, perhaps a yearly readathon (will draw people in).

[@MattonBooks]

Yup, that sounds about right, Andrea. I’d not enjoy a server that feels like a lot of work for me, but a lot of people so far have said that the Grimoire just feels too big and overwhelming for them, so a change seems right. Just not sure what yet. 🤔

[@MimiWhimsy]

What a great end-of-year video! I am a recent subscriber (yesterday) but man, I wish I could have subscribed AGAIN when you mentioned a deep dive on Tom Bombadil!!! (I am definitely in the minority being a longtime Bombadil fan.) :o) Wishing you a fantastic 2024, here and in all areas of life! Thank you for being here!

[@MattonBooks]

Hah Mimi! You may be the ONLY person looking forward to more Tom Bombadil content. 😆 Welcome!

[@safinan8008]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@MattonBooks]

Same to you Safina. 🎅🏼😀

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

I am feeling the discord thing as well. I have no suggestion yet.

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah mate, not sure yet what makes sense. 🤔

[@andreabknight]

Merry xmas to you and Fitz!

[@MattonBooks]

And to you Andrea! 🎅🏼🙂

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Merry Christmas Matt! That was so nice of you to read The Blood Stones by Tori Tecken right away and post a review about it to shed light on her. I hope to get to The Blood Stones sometime next year.

[@MattonBooks]

Just to be clear: I didn’t read it to be “nice”, I read it because, knowing Tori, I was excited to see what kind of book she wrote. 🙂 Luckily for me, it turned out to be great. Hope you enjoy it too!

[@TuftyMcTavish]

My endurance was solid this week 😉 I did chuckle when you were discussing making a more scripted video because I think the ramble episodes are great! Bummed I failed to fire in a Q in time. My bad. Next round… I struggle a bit with so many unfamiliar people on Discord. I’ve noticed that I tend to use the closed away groups more than the public ones, and even those I will step into very gently. Public ones just overwhelm me immediately and I feel awkward. I think this may have components of signal to noise, or of ‘tuning’ my experience to my preferences. That one’s a me thing though, I know.

[@MattonBooks]

Tough Tufty! 💪🏻😀 Yeah, I’m hearing from a number of people that the Grimoire’s size can be a bit off putting. Maybe a somewhat smaller, cozier server wouldn’t be a bad idea. Still thinking, so we’ll see…

[@LiamsLyceum]

Merry Christmas! Things come and go, maybe no solid plan for discord. As Raf said, so many are kinda pointless. I have one myself but it’s very inactive, ha! You’ve made some good videos, and you’re editing is commendable. As is your return. ✌️

[@MattonBooks]

Thing is, I like the discussion & just general chatting, and Discord handles that far better than comments here do. I’ll be involved in a Discord somewhere, somehow, just not sure what & where yet. Hope you & yours had a lovely Christmas Liam. 🎄 You’re definitely on my Friends on Books list, btw. 😉

[@laurac56]

Here’s to a great 2024! I love the Hobb videos because they are what got me to start Hobb. I’ve taken a break for a few months and need to get going again. I’m at the first Rain Wild book and hope to start it sometime later in January. Where are you in your rereads?

[@MattonBooks]

Yeah Laura, I just started Fool’s Fate today. 🙂 I’ve been off the Hobb for a bit, with the Fellowship re-read and couple thin books, but it’s nice to get back to it.