Bleh...the malaise and endless monotony of YouTube in 2022. You feeling it?

Check out Tiffany's video: • why does youtube feel ...
Are you feeling like KZbin is in a rut?
My podcast: www.thewtspodc...

[@airwolf61970]

KZbin has increased the amount of commercials... that's new...

[@PMichaels]

Yes! It used to be one ad at the beginning but now it’s two ads every few minutes. It takes a lot of the fun out of watching. KZbin has gotten really greedy.

[@robertbutler4393]

Agreed. There have been many videos that piqued my interest but I aborted because I was irritated by the commercials that I had to endure before the video even started.

[@atteljas]

Obviously they try to get people to pay for their youtube use. With money its commercial free

[@terryk3118]

I always try to warch all ads because I think that helps the creator. Sometimes it's even a product I can use. But when yt sticks in a 30 minute ad to watch a short video, I just skip ads.

[@frankmakes]

I 100% agree. I love doing this but I hate the feeling of having to always feed the beast.

[@wafflebeaver]

Even you feel it Frank?

[@CiceroMonteiro]

Hi Frank!

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

I don't mean this to be rude but I've noticed that you don't seem to be posting as much as you did say three or four years ago and a lot of the passion seems to have gone, I can't even imagine what it must be like to try and constantly come up with new ideas and projects.... might as well go nuts and build a segmented piano from pallet wood, or CNC/laser cut bicycle from plywood.

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

@@JohnSmith-ki2eq Ironically those might be very rewarding project ideas.

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

@@tree_carcass_mangler I saw an electric motorcycle that used plywood for the frame and it was interesting to say the least.

[@jsa-z1722]

Thanks Steve. You’re one of the few KZbinrs who can talk about just about anything and always be interesting.

[@Zerkbern]

As a user the commercials have become more than an annoyance. If I see another Kelly Clarkson Wayfair ad I'm gonna lose it.

[@stevenrausch3085]

KZbin has over commercialized, much like corporate America. The only thing that matters is max profits now regardless of the customers or creators. It's like they forgot where they came from.

[@jscook54]

I still get lots value from KZbin videos from four eyes, wood whisperer, fishers shop, rag n bone, one minute workshop, northwest workshop, Brian Bentham, badger workshop and others that create wonderful lessons.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say thanks for that Janet! 🙌

[@Benham_Design]

Thanks!

[@BLOWbamasux]

I do as well. I still say people are tired of the videos at 4 times,, or more,, the speed of light. And the copy catting is atrocious.

[@smxaviermelendez9210]

Steve, Just wanted to say I really appreciate everything you have done for all the you have contributed to the woodworking community. I am one of those pesky newbies to the hobby and a recent subscriber that just joined earlier this year. I have to say that your channel is one of the main reasons I got into woodworking and I can’t thank you enough. No matter what you decide to do going forward, just know that you have positively impacted the lives of so many like me, and that is a very admirable thing. I will always be here for whatever content you put out. Thank you again.

[@phillambert8472]

Spot on Xavier

[@erniebowen8918]

As another newbie I couldn't agree more Xavier! I'm (fairly) recently retired and GREATLY appreciate everything Steve has done for folks like us. He's a natural teacher, honest and unassuming in his approach yet a true craftsman! I hope he is around for years to come, but it has to be exhausting work creating, building, filming, editing, posting etc.

[@NathanBake]

I agree. KZbin has been declining for the past year or more and I think creators and viewers are finally moving on. Too many ads, encouraging longer videos, paying for higher viewership... They've pushed the algorithm too far.

[@bjsmithart]

It’s not just KZbin. I’m having the same issues on Twitter. I took a few days off while my mother had a kidney transplant & my engagement tanked. I don’t have enough YT subscribers yet to make a difference, but I’ve been filming my artwork for a few years. It’s a ton of effort. I took a break from filming one project last year and enjoyed not having to interrupt my flow by changing camera angles. Unfortunately I do regret not having footage of the creation of that artwork. If it makes you feel any better, I recently purchased a table saw so I’ve been binging all the table saw safety, sled making, and tips videos. In other words, I’m watching/rewatching a ton of your videos. I really appreciate what you do, Steve. Thank you!

[@BlakePizzey]

Yes! As a creator not so much because it's new to me but as a CONSUMER I have no desire to watch.

[@JonnyDIY]

KZbin is 17 years old and going through that "too cool for school" phase 🤣💕

[@JonnyDIY]

PS- wishing your family member a speedy recovery and sending all yall some 💕🙏

[@UberAlphaSirus]

KZbins interface works. Netflix, spotyfi etc are a navigation nightmare.

[@rgitzelify]

I think your last point is it: we're all exhausted. I know my work has suffered over the past two years. We're much less productive, it's hard to get excited. So it's not just KZbin creators. ;-) Thanks for sharing this, it's comforting to learn that other folks are struggling too.

[@FredericBelley]

Hi Steve, your are the reason why i still watch you wood vidéo. Your woodworking style is simple, fun for the real hobbies people. Take your time.

[@powoodworker1751]

KZbin has changed. Too many restrictions, too many opinions being suppressed, too much expectations, too much control over creators. Besides, nothing stays on top forever. With each new generation, trends shift. Always have, always will.

[@Flippingdrawers]

It’s amazing that you seem to say exactly what I’m thinking, again. I took a break due to moving and my views went from 40-50k/24h to a few thousands. Made a short recently that got over 60k views and nothing from that. Shorts also messed up it’s my regular videos. Feel like KZbin is a mess.

[@Bill-yw3dh]

I think you're right. As a viewer, KZbin seems too frantic right now. I try to look for my favorite channels (yours is one) and get bombarded by provocative titles ("Are lizard people really taking over the internet?" "Is your neighbor a secret vegan terrorist?", etc.) from people I've never heard of. I come for solid content, education, and a relaxing time learning from people I know and trust - like you. KZbin is tearing itself apart and descending into madness begging for views. It's not a relaxing place to spend an evening anymore.

[@rs2055]

Hi Steve, I completely agree, KZbin has lots of stuff but it can be overwhelming with all the info and I hate commercials since 99% have nothing I’m interested in. I enjoy your show and like the quick videos. As a professional woodworker/furniture maker I have made videos for a number of colleges on how to preform specific tasks but never was interested in making KZbin videos. Guess the whole idea of recording, editing, voice over just takes up to much time and if I’m making KZbin stuff I’m not making furniture. Keep up the good work and I’ll see your next video next month.

[@ww2dynamite]

Totally agree Steve. As an avid youtube(mainly viewer), i get that vibe too. Some content is even so riddled with ads, they have become unwatchable. Something has definitely changed and not for the good. I appreciate that creators have to earn and so does youtube but its becoming un viewable which is turning me off it to be honest. Still love your content though Steve so keep it coming 👍🏼😀 i might add also that I’m a workshop and woodworking newbie and your content for me is absolutely spot on, not only for me developing my skills but you really contribute to improving my mental health so thank you so much Steve 👍🏼👍🏼👏

[@mattmaloney5988]

KZbin fed me this video and I appreciate that.

[@Royboyproductions]

I’ve been feeling that way with my website, photography, podcast & videos for a while now. I can’t seem to find my fire to keep it going anymore.

[@NylonStrap]

I'm glad you brought this up, but you're absolutely correct in this observation. I have found myself scrolling through content and not finding anything inspiring to watch or KZbin recommending the same videos repeatedly.

[@731Woodworks]

100%! I agree with you Steve!

[@CeeJayThe13th]

Clamps!

[@nikonshooter71]

For me. It’s the Explosion of commercials. I’m almost ready to pay so I don’t have to watch them anymore. It’s gotten so bad.

[@LifeHappensLetsFixIt]

I totally agree... I scroll and scroll and nothing looks interesting. I think shorts, reels, whatever are sucking the life (and attention spans) out of viewers.

[@veryboringname.]

I haven't felt it myself, it never crossed my mind. I stopped watching TV years ago and do nearly all my watching on KZbin and I still find interesting content every day. 14 years is a long time to be doing any one thing - I'm not surprised at all that you're feeling that way!

[@iamjimgroth]

The KZbin interface is the least problem the platform has.

[@watcherofwatchers]

I don't want KZbin to be iPhone-ized. The interface is mostly fine.

[@caseybennington1]

You got me into woodworking Steve. I love the project videos.

[@jtostros]

Thanks for bringing up the monotony of KZbin these days.

[@bullpup33]

One word: censorship. It stiffens creativity and innovation. Too many rules.

[@russellrains8422]

I've noticed. Until a couple months ago, there was always something interesting on my feed. History stories, WWMM, cool projects...etc. I feel like my feed has changed to stuff I don't care about at all, plus, the number of ads has risen drastically. I don't know what it is, but there is a different feeling to KZbin, now as a viewer.

[@bluejacketwoodworking6182]

Hey Steve, great post, I'm a fellow woodworker and business owner. What I've noticed over the years when I tune into you tube is how content went from some nice useful builds to complex builds with extremely expensive tools being showcased. I'd personally like to see woodworkers on You-tube just be woodworkers. give the peps good builds without showcasing expensive tools that most people don"t need for the builds

[@dougggiereid]

Steve, from my perspective, I fell in love with your channel during lockdowns when you were making content about wood working, whether they were project videos or how to videos. It feels to me that you are no longer doing that. I watched about 7 or 8 of your Wood working talk shows and they seemed to have a heavy emphasis on the inner workings of KZbin and what type of videos work and get high view numbers. I have no interest in this and so stopped watching them many months ago. So after more than a year of telling my family and friends that you were my favourite KZbinr, suddenly you weren't any more. I hope you don't take this personally but I feel you lost your way. Videos like this one have no value to me so no attraction. I will always be grateful for the inspiration you gave me during lock downs to pursue wood working but now I have other favourite KZbinrs who make projects and show interesting woodworking videos. I know it must be a grind coming up with new woodworking tips or projects but that's what I am looking for.

[@isaackvasager9957]

This is it. Steve doesn't seem to realize that it is him that is changing, not KZbin or his viewers. That's not a bad thing. That's just fine. But one can't change the content they make then talk about how upsetting it is that KZbin is the one changing. Personally, I think him following the "shorts" fad was the beginning of the end.

[@orion7741]

its probably because he has made just about any and every "project video" you can ever think of in the past. thats why he is kind of evolving his content. want project videos? then go and watch all his older stuff!

[@styloroc2000]

We like you Steve, you do you -- you're the first youtuber I ever really consistently watched -- I don't expect you to put out a deluge of content, but I enjoy quality and integrity and you've always delivered on both.

[@williambuckley1185]

I absolutely agree

[@Zoltan-wl6ym]

Indeed . Absolutely agree

[@russellrains8422]

I didn't truly get into woodworking until I found this channel. Steve made woodworking accessible and reminded us it is okay, and even expected, to make mistakes. I watch multiple woodworking related channels, but Steve is the only project channel I watch.

[@AdemVessell]

I kind of agree in someways the whole global scenario drastically changed my viewing habits and they’ve stayed changed. As a videographer and a musician I used to follow very many video centered KZbinrs I have not watched a single full watch of one of their videos in a couple of years now. In my mind literally everything is changed I feel it every day

[@CheveeDodd]

There is definitely a lack of content. Looking through my subscribed list, there are dozens of channels that I would stop everything to watch but they haven't posted in many many months. It's a bit weird. The good thing is, I have filled that time with personal projects and art.

[@MakewithJake]

I totally feel it, but I didn't really realize it until this video. I had a ton of fun and inspiration growing my channel over the past few years...and now that I'm finally getting somewhere, i haven't been feeling motivated or inspired to make more videos. Hopefully that attitude and feeling changes, but until then, can't wait to see your video about KZbin guru's! 🤣

[@chrisallen57]

I have been feeling the same way about KZbin. So many creators have moved into mega shops etc and I no longer feel the same about them. I watch someone in their mega shop using $50,000 worth of tools and it is unrelatable.

[@wwmilanl]

Mr. Steve, I really miss you wood videos, You have done a great job and I have learned a lot from you, I do agree KZbin has lost a lot is not the same as used to be.

[@necrojoe]

I find that so many channels have resorted to low-effort content. Things like unboxings, reaction videos, "news" shows, "top 10 list" style videos, and short segment clips of their podcasts.

[@Thom4123]

As a viewer I’ve noticed once you click on any news channel that’s it all recommended videos are news. I’ve been thinking just start a second or new handle just so I get what I really want to watch which is woodworking.

[@volodimirkun]

i am not subbed to You for 3 years already. And KZbin fed me this video - it was recommended to me. I must say though, i watched a couple of your shorts lately, but they were also in my shorts feed without any effort of mine to look for your content, good sir . I am glad to be back to yor channel. BTW, my sons like your Halloween videos a lot , even though they dont understand english well...

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

Wow! That 6 month thing is ridiculous! Anyway, I personally haven't felt it. I guess it's because when an old creator drops off, a new one takes the place. Kind of like how a sitcom can't go on forever but there's always a new one that still feels fresh.

[@ontheroadwithjohn]

Your correct with it all. KZbin doesn't want to pay money to anyone and fills every video with heaps of adds to line its own pocket

[@curtiscooper4484]

i also have noticed that I am seeing less and less videos that I am interested in. my view time on you tube is down dramatically. I love your podcasts and have listened to them all.

[@bobtherat99]

I noticed it too. The machining channels I follow are all putting out tool review. Between all the KZbin ads and the reviews it begins to feel like The Shopping Channel. Also, I have become a bit jaded. I have been a supporter of your main channel since back in the "Scrap Wood" projects days. [Note to self: I need to buy a new MEMO shirt. My original is threadbare] I had a 6x8 patch of my driveway to work in. At the time woodworkers on KZbin were all grey bearded men that played a lot of banjo music. Your channel was a breath of fresh air. I could relate to you using a tarp and 100 pounds of sand as a press. I couldn't relate to someone using a multi-thousand dollar vacuum press. That being said I have changed. I am up to making intaglio inlaid music boxes. I just don't get as jazzed by boxes from scrap wood. I used to be entranced watching chips come off a metal lathe. Now I own one. But monetization has changed KZbin. Folks that did it as a hobby suddenly quit their day jobs and tried to make a living at creating "Content". I have learned, the hard way, that when you take something you are passionate about and try to make a living at it, it suck the joy out like a dementor. But this happens in more than KZbin. Mythbusters became less about urban myths and more about explosives and Kari Byron's accouterments. All the great myths were done. The woodworking channels I still follow have an element of studying the nature of craftsmanship. I love The Nature and Art of Workmanship by David Pye. But I believe that channels are flat right now. Wildly creative folks are making humdrum videos. I believe that the conflict and distress we are living through creates a cognitive dissonance that push people to a depressive state. I have noticed it in myself. Nothing is interesting. No movies sound good. (except for the great movies made in WWII. available at archive.org) No food is appetizing. No subject catches my interest for long. I've dropped my online MMORPGs and went back to the games I loved in 1999. Chaos creates mental noise that deadens you to creativity. But making a labor of love into just straight up labor sounds awful. I have a friend who's channel does super craftsmanship and art. They that made $0.12 on revenue last payout. But they do it for love not money. They spend many hours a week just for the love of making content. She aims her channel at the people who love it. And for those that don't - "Don't let the screen door hit ya' where the good Lord split ya" As a EE I used to hate when something was designed by the marketing department instead of engineering principles. The end product was always a mish-mash of ideas and nothing that worked. I think that tailoring content to view numbers, subscriptions, engagement, and The All Powerful and Mysterious Algorithm is exactly that -Design by Marketing. Creativity take the hindmost. But it is what pays the bills. In the dozens of years I have followed you I have never written more than a couple of lines. I am not a comment wellspring. But somehow this touched on a feeling that must have been festering for a while. Thanks Bruce Allen

[@94233psu399154112333]

Totally hear what you’re saying. But man I have had so much fun making your projects. And have so many more to make. I haven’t noticed any major differences in KZbin, but I’m not a creator. I watch history at and woodworking videos and am still having a good time with it all

[@mattmaloney5988]

KZbin also shits on my feeds if I go stale on watching woodworking videos for a few weeks while I focus on archery or some other projects. Then I have very little Mathias or Steve in my feed for a month or more. But search for wiring a 4-wire compressor fan for your AC and you get those videos in your feed for weeks! Frankly I think KZbin is just a beast now without a vision and without the helm skills to implement a vision anyway.

[@DestroManiak]

I didnt even know you had a podcast and it looks amazing. Definitely will check it out.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Hope your family members surgery went ok and they're recovering well. As a viewer I've noticed that quite a few content providers are indeed looking a bit more tired than they usually do. My attitude has always been that I'm happy whenever a channel I'm subscribed to produces a new video whether that's every few days or every few months - whenever they feel it is right. Mostly I tend to watch informative/teaching/educational style channels and I appreciate the vast amount of time effort and money it takes to produce content like that. Videos like this are helpfull in that they give more insight into the working life of youtube creators. Stay safe, happy and healthy Steve

[@SiTengoTiempo]

My sympathies for content creators because it's clear you're working hard and around the clock. As KZbin matures, content tends to be repackaged with minor variations. Standing out on KZbin now requires videos that are either short (

[@plumbum6558]

I’m a woodworker that’s what I watch on KZbin seems like all my favorite woodworker’s well have slowed down on interesting projects or leaned toward chat forums I’ve almost lost interest I watch them to learn or get ideas for a project keep my creativity going but I also get what your saying too as a person that makes videos. But as as a viewer understand why we watch too !

[@richbuilds_com]

I'll tell you what I have noticed, a lot of 'tutorial' videos where they don't show the thing they are making up front, royalty free music and no voice over / description. I love your making videos mate. You have fun with it.

[@jbosco3970]

mate - you do an amazing job - I. have seen videos of WFH battle stations makeovers that look at your videos (WWFMM) and then use that info. Thank you for being a pioneer and a trendsetter.

[@rickbecker3239]

Wow - 14 years. You are amazing! Let me first thank you for the inspiration you gave me to get out in the garage and build something. I very much appreciated your classes and associated projects. They were very valuable to me. As a mere mortal, woodworking has been a joy for me through my retired years and you played a big part in making my experience a good one. Again, thank you very much. I hope you will be able to spend some time and reflect on all you have done. As you consider your next steps please know you have helped countless individuals learn new skills that they have shared with others. Best wishes for future success, Steve.

[@michaeldean2053]

I agree, the platform has felt a little stale lately. I do enjoy your content, Steve.

[@robinhood3112]

There are alot of your projects I haven't had the pleasure of building. Does this mean we won't be able to pick up your videos. I have followed you for years and think you are one of the very best and have a great sense of humour.

[@malminstral]

As just a viewer of KZbin, I have been feeling the same and seeing some channels producing less, but also others sharing lots. I want to be able to learn more in what I am interested in, that is why I watch. There are more adverts, I have to watch 2 adverts before the start with some videos which puts me off. I hate shorts, they don't teach me, videos like this one of yours didn't teach me of anything, but as I follow your other channel, I connect to you as a person and not just a teacher.

[@kencoleman7762]

It's hard to stay motivated for a really long time when you are expected to always be coming up with new and exciting ideas. You have the problem of a wlde range skill levels among your viewers and its tough to satisfy everyone all the time. Of course, you remain your worst critic and it's hard to maintain the excitement you enjoyed when you started. Hang in there because you have a large group of loyal followers.

[@RaulV22]

I think Google’s influence is really starting to grip KZbin. Google is, above all, an advertisement company. I know most of can see that the amount of ads being shown has multiplied drastically, which I’m fine with, it’s only seconds at a time, but when the video is only 10-20 minutes long, 5 or 6 ads is pretty annoying. Also, the algorithms are getting more aggressive. Anymore, I’m getting suggestions for things I have no interest in. Which makes me want to be off KZbin, which hurts creators I like and follow. All this to say that it feels like Google’s corporate aura is pushing both creators and viewers away. Like Steve said, it’s starting to feel a bit like Facebook. And Facebook has never been the same since it went public and became and advertising company.

[@gardenfork]

Wow Steve, my thoughts exactly. I was thinking of making a vid like this. You did it for me 😀 Eric.

[@ModernRemade]

I wish KZbin would separate traditional-style videos from shorts. I personally prefer a meal, with the occasional snack 😄 I’d love to see a separate feed, so I can navigate between long and short-form content more effortlessly.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

I guess I'm an atypical user. I don't care about the algorithm... I manually go look at my favourite channels every time I sit down to watch so I can see who has a new video. I also have the bell activated for my real favourite ones... I don't brainlessly sit down and "let KZbin feed me".

[@jamesoconnell6214]

I only said it to my wife the other day Steve about KZbin.Its I think about the way things are in the World at the moment.

[@andyfarmer759]

Covid was a huge strain on everyone, now the financial crisis we are facing is very stressful. It is hardly surprising that the mojo has gone on holiday. Hopefully it will not be to long before we all get the enthusiasm back.

[@matthewcarpenter4716]

Good morning Steve. This is indeed sad. I have to honestly say that I did not really start binging on KZbin until I started looking at woodworking and being a creator. Your channel was one of, if not the first, channels that I returned to time and time again. I still come back to you just because I love your content so much. Even if it's not about woodworking.

[@johncware66]

TV shows have seasons sure, and they also have the threat of cancellation and non-renewal at the end of every season. They don’t have the option to decay slowly. And my understanding is they have to make a lot of episodes in order to go into syndication or they don’t have a residual income stream either. The problem is that exactly what drew you to KZbin, no gatekeeping, also lets way too many other competitors in for it to be “as good as it used to be”. I don’t know whether it’s good or bad but I know anytime I search for a topic on KZbin I have many options, too many to watch them all, but my impression is that two or three gives me a pretty good coverage and I can pick pretty much at random.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I feel like this is quite true. I feel like KZbin is “stale”. I don’t know why. It does feel like many of the channels I watch are either not posting very often. Or they have went in different directions trying to stay relevant. A great example…. A channel about making signs, small wood crafts and upcycling… now is showing homesteading and house reno. Just not interested. And…. I feel like there are a lot of people who jumped on the KZbin train aren’t really that good. Sorry. Not everybody is good at it. LOL. I also have lots of channels I subscribe to that don’t show up in my feed. On a side note…. You look great! I’ve been watching you since maybe late 2012 or early 2013. And I swear you look younger and healthier now. Whatever you are doing… keep it up.

[@d.beaumont9157]

Agree 💯 aspecially since comments disappear or shadow band.

[@FishersShop]

Yup, I feel it. Between YT and IG and family time, I feel like I'm always behind and there's always something I should be doing. And it's completely demoralizing when I finally release a video and come up for air just to see that it performs poorly and I'm back to square 1.

[@peterkershaw4844]

I hope you don’t stop, Drew. My wife and I love your videos. I hear your neighbour’s not so keen though :)

[@danstarr9895]

I started watching KZbin when videos were short, and easily consumable. Now, they’re turning into video essays that end up being too long. Instead of watching them on the go, where I had plenty of opportunity, I have to formally sit down and make time to watch them.

[@PeterB_California]

I actually haven’t noticed the change in KZbin. I watch it all the time, in place of regular television. I watch your channel a lot, but I noticed that you have re-purposed a lot of content. I’m sure it’s very difficult to keep up with the demands, and keep it fresh with so much competition. You’re doing the right thing by diversifying among platforms.

[@richardmiller9154]

5:40 I’ll be honest, Steve…I’m only subscribed to your main channel, and the algorithm served this video up on my Home Screen.

[@flowleopard893]

Yeeeeaaahhhh…. It is feeling so damn stale it’s not even funny. Good points

[@thegreenpincushion510]

Sending positive thoughts for your family members. As a viewer, I still find KZbin to be a great source of instructions and a sense of community. I am a new DIYer and love your channel! Thanks for the effort and time commitment!

[@Toyotajunkie]

I personally haven't watched any content for about two weeks until this video. I've been super busy at work so no time for hobbies or "fun."

[@DaileyWoodworks]

I rode the pandemic wave and pretty much replaced my income. Then pop it’s down to lower than pre-pandemic levels. One video a week wears you out. I still try for that but I’ve decided that since my family relies on my production of custom furniture. I’m going to keep doing that and just film as I have a cool project. Since many of my customers find me on KZbin or watch an embedded video on my website it seems to be the best way for me. I hate shorts and haven’t figured out TikTok. To quote a “guru” “don’t build your house on rented land”. Meaning don’t build a business reliant on a platform like YT, IG, TK. If the rules change you’re SOL. So focus on building your own platform/site. Which is way harder. Followed you since 2012

[@mc603]

I just watch KZbin videos but I agree with you. For me, some of the malaise is caused by the clickbait thumbnails. I know clickbait is not fully representative but it seems to be getting less so, which leaves me with the feeling of ordering crispy chicken but getting soggy fries.

[@joshuahayes1272]

I have to say, I completely agree that KZbin is not as appealing to me (as a consumer) as it used to be. Truly, I had made this comment recently to a couple friends. My assumption was, it was just a shift in my personality. It’s interesting to hear it from the other perspective as well.

[@davidjdriver]

YT's recommendations have become horrific. People are dropping out because YT is making it harder to navigate to your subs and you are forced to scroll past stuff you have zero interest in to get to what you want to see. If they could take the recommendation system back to where it was four or five years ago they probably would not be losing as much interest as they are.

[@davidsettles5706]

Steve, I really love your videos. You have many many viewers so please hang in there.

[@logsie3918]

The amount of ads is becoming the same as main stream media. Some stuff I watch you can go about 30 sec to 1min with another ad being thrown in your face People's attention span is also becoming a lot less I have found this is why tik tok etc are getting more audiences, kids today just sit on their phones clicking and flicking

[@DBPawlan]

I think that KZbin has evolved from a go-to entertainment website to a go-to reference website where I can go and watch something about how to make a chicken pot pie or something. When making your own videos was still unique in the early days, people would come to KZbin to surf and watch things that were new. Now KZbin is expected to have content to look for, so the surprise, novelty and adventurism is gone. The slapstick nature of TikTok and other video-shorts sites have taken over the entertainment duties that KZbin once had.

[@Robert-Smith]

I still have my favorites that I watch on a regular basis. There are so many videos about wood working you can only watch so many cross cut sled videos LOL. I find the channels I continue to watch are because I like the creator not just the content.

[@ddutton0]

Definitely noticing it. We love you Steve we appreciate you love the WTS podcast. Thanks for all you do for KZbin community and woodworking community. Keep up all the greatness. I also enjoy the shorts. It’s great to have the second channel with no expectations and just get some of the inside baseball.

[@fabiorfg]

I super agree! As viewer I'm feeling the same!

[@ecowomble1781]

Well it isn’t rocket science is it. As soon as it became a monetised platform and a way to make money or have a career online , it lost its way. Gone was the reason why it existed in the first place. Community based on sharing knowledge, and experiences not on making money. The pressures are only there due to algorithms and expectations around views and cash. Gone is the simple pleasure of just sharing because you can.

[@williambuckley1185]

I agree

[@mumbo1956]

Creators talk about how they must do what KZbin’s asks of them. The content can become more mundane, as you say. The staleness comes from forcing content creators to conform rather than create. That’s my experience when the big money is in control. They love the creativity but they need to control it at some point. Good luck! I miss KZbin creators as they were a year ago.

[@FixitFingers]

I noticed a lot of the creators I follow have been putting out fewer videos, especially the 'full time' folks using this as one of their main forms of income. Conversely, I've been seeing something I've never seen before on my little channel...reach. Typically, only my subs and a handful of others see my content unless it is particularly searchable. As a hobbyist, I'm fine with that. But recently videos I'd have usually considered content for my own amusement have been given runs of a few hours to a day or two where YT has pushed them out to a new random audience fairly consistently. Perhaps one is a result of the other. Either way, my woodworking project wish list continues to grow and therefore my enthusiasm for content creation along with is in a bumper period right now personally :)

[@BenjaminMiles]

Been a huge consumer of KZbin content for at least the last decade and a half. For sure it's been in flux all that time, and seemingly moreso as of late... No major changes (besides removing dislike counts 🙄), but they're clearly at least trying to keep up with TikTok with their short-form content format and the rapidfire auto-play functionality that comes with it. Content creators like yourself will do what they do in ways that make sense for them, and new platforms will continue to fill the need that is created by the gaps between the capabilities of the current set of available platforms... It's been a long time since we had a major paradigm shift, and I think it's long overdue! Keep doing your thing! Whatever the platform, I think that you (and other creatives like you) will always have an audience.

[@mattelias721]

Steve, I agree. I also did not read all 333+ comments at the time of this comment, so I may be replicating a thought or two. First, you nailed the issue with drive to create content. I don't understand how a craftsperson (woodwork context) can devote the requisite time to his/her craft AND generate content sufficient to feed the YT Beast's algorithm without sacrificing that certain touch, passion, or level of care. I've found that good creators are faced with an inevitable trio of choice: generate content to maintain revenue, give YT's algorithm the bird, or quit. Few of us mere mortals have the energy on the daily to do both (I'm not a YT creator, and can barely maintain a day job plus woodwork hobby), so what YT has replicated is the equivalent of a cubicle-bound, wage-slave existence at times, and to be honest it shows no matter how sincere or devoted the creator is. Second, yes, "Shorts." I hate shorts. There is so little woodworking craft content that suits a short that I already see my subscriber list's efforts duplicating what little topical content can be communicated in a short. KZbin should really stop trying to edge TikTok - let TikTok have the short space. As a YT consumer, what I want is quality craft demonstration and learning. I'm willing to devote 20 to 50 minutes of my life to watch something of quality be made. I am willing because I learn new techniques and apply them out in my *dusty* shop. A one-minute short can't scratch that itch. I'll conclude my manifesto here by saying that I appreciate what you do and how you teach.

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

As a semi-retired older person, I subscribe to a wide variety of channels of all sorts of genres that align with my general interests. I look forward to the new posts from those I subscribe and I don't get the feeling that things are getting stale. Many KZbin channels are bright spots in my day and I look forward to them as I generally learn new things from them. I encourage you to not feel pressured to create on a schedule because when you do post something new, it will be refreshingly received!

[@burny1]

I'm overwhelmed with the amount of content from channels I subscribe to. I end up missing content from my favourite KZbinrs because of the amount of content churned out daily

[@STWHA_]

I wish KZbin had a setting where I can let it know when I’m just doing research. I’m putting a pool up this summer and so now my feed is all pool videos. I don’t see a lot of the woodworking and maker stuff that I really like to consume on KZbin. It’s pretty annoying. I also see the creators taking longer between videos and there seems to be more similar videos.

[@egonmilanowski]

I do appreciate when you post the podcast to KZbin, and I will back what ever videos, shorts, etc. that you post. Thank you for posting your material.

[@blogauthor3375]

my answer, chasing the algorithm instead of posting quality. worrying about the money instead of viewers

[@azbowhunter1219]

I love all your videos. I started woodworking last year and stream on twitch. There’s no way to integrate both. There’s also no way I could have the time and patience to do woodworking AND making a video at the same time! Keep up your amazing work brother!!

[@garyknight8616]

No pun intended but I think you've hit the nail on the head regarding youtube. Wishing you all the best Steve. Very grateful for all your content and inspiration.

[@Earl3]

I've been consuming a lot of KZbin, particularly around my interests, which currently heavily include woodworking. I've even been considering playing around with some content creation as a hobby. Maybe the full-time content creators like yourself are burnt out from the constant grind, and I hate that for y'all. I hope y'all still make more videos (I love the podcast!), but I also wish y'all great mental health and self-care.

[@e1rw]

Make some content! I'll subscribe and watch.

[@coolinunit]

Reminded of this when I found myself reading comments on a 10 year old video (inactive channel) that are nearly all posted in the past week. Are these older algorithm picks "poisoned" now that I recognize KZbin isn't paying creators for content that evidently still generates interest on their platform?