Channel Update - YouTube Was Killing Me 😢!!

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I have had 3 channels and none of them ever took off. Got demoralised and deleted two and the current is the longest I have had. I think its about 5 years now and my attitude is as soon as I have had enough I just disappear but NEVER delete the channel. My current channel is realistically the only reason I have worked with the BBC and been given other opportunities so I can't moan. Financially I haven't made a penny. This is the reality of KZbin. Anyways I watched and subscribed for laptop content which I don't really need to watch now but I stuck around to show my support :)

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hey Joe! Thanks for sticking with me. Wow, you worked for the BBC! Your channel looks awesome mate. I subbed. Anyone interested in photography please stop by Joe's channel!

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@OWNORDISOWN That's very nice of you mate! Yeah I started off with a car channel funnily enough and that was my best performing channel but life got in the way of that one so I feel your pain when you mentioned the Wife 😆 Yeah I was on BBC Countryfile in January 2020 and was on BBC Norfolk last year I believe? Covid really messed my progression up and I'm only just starting to get motivated again!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

​@@JoeMaranophotographyI was thinking about doing a car (EV) channel and perhaps might if I quit this one. I mainly watch car videos myself these days. Glad you are motivated again 👍

[@Splarkszter]

Woah. And your videos are really cool! I love educational videos. Sad part is that if you don't lick boots you won't grow quick. So it better to grow your own brand instead of youtube's brand.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@OWNORDISOWN It's a highly contested space cars but if you would enjoy it that's truly what matters.

[@JarrodsTech]

Good luck with the new approach! It can be a grind for sure.

[@Selimify]

Yoooo The Legend Laptop God is here 😅👍

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Jarrod!

[@TabalugaDragon]

I'm so glad you're not quitting, Stephen! Good luck with your channel in the future, we're with you ✊

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Sergei! See you in the livestreams :)

[@SaFFire123x]

I've learnt a lot from you and your channel. A Facebook group member recommended your channel to me and that's the reason why I bought the laptop I have. All the best with your plans for the future. I'll definitely stick and keep giving the support you deserve!! Thanks

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, really appreciate it!

[@MrFoxRox]

Hey brother, thanks for sharing. This was from the heart. I totally get where you are coming from and I came from a similar place. It's too much of an investment of time and energy for someone that is working a 40+ hour week and taking care of a family. That doesn't diminish the quality of what you produced one iota. It was always top notch. If you're not realizing a top notch return in exchange for the top notch product and the effort that goes into it, something has to give. You couldn't be more accurate on the amount of time and effort that goes into product reviews. In most cases the time and effort spent on the review is worth more than the value of the product being reviewed. The reality is you can end up "earning" a small fraction of the local minimum wage when you do the math. I wish you the best. You'll always be a friend of Mr. Fox.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

I have always watched your laptop reviews when upgrading, good stuff! I hope things workout well for you :)

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, appreciate it! Hopefully see you in my live streams? Bob at Eluktronics said he would swing by one day and join me in a stream.

[@_radON]

You are the only and only KZbinr who responded me back on reaching you out as common man. You are a great example for me for that and I'll always make sure to like your videos whenever they come.

[@banishedprivateer]

We're here! Personal advice: don't focus too much on the special effects & editing, you can also scale down on number of videos but focus on quality & content. Tech & News videos are great for sure, especially since I bought a new laptop, I didn't watch you as much, but always interested in the new tech and news. You can also look into modding/setups, how can we modify our CURRENT machines, how can we change the settings, buy maybe some extra equipment for them to improve our quality of life with what we have. Benchmark energy usage, underclocking. Lots of cool stuff to do which doesn't require too much time, effort or money. Good luck!

[@trucker2b]

Your testing helped me pick my first gaming laptop...GT62vr 6re now I'm replacing it with a mech 17

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks mate! I remember the GT62VR, bought that one myself. I recall it falling off my desk and onto the wood floor and it survived! You and I must have the same tastes, I too have the Mech 17 (Well, the CyberpowerPC Tracer VII). Very good machine!

[@pascalvanbruyssel1728]

I check your channel every week for new videos. They are very informative. Please include DPC latency checks in your tests as this is very important for music production. You could also do mini pc tests (NUC, Minisforum etc) as they are becoming more and more powerful lately.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Pascal! Yes, I'll make sure to do DPC latency in the live streams 👍

[@c0dew1zard]

Love your content mate, keep it up

[@Sgtmajorsir]

Appreciate knowing your history, some personal background you shared and appreciate the knowledge you provide. You are appreciated. Thank you!!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! I figured some data may help anyone looking to get into this type of thing. The adsense earnings varies depending on the market segment and where the ads are being watched. From what I understand is that woman who review make up get about $7 per 1000 views, so about 3x what I get. Perhaps larger channels get more as advertisers are willing to pay more.

[@enyejiapono2413]

I'm very happy you made the right call. Winners never quit and 'quiters' never win. We will always be there to support you. Good luck in your new appproach

[@CatamaranChannel]

Keep it simple! And don't put to much work into it, untill it takes off.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Very wise words👍

[@mauriziotiso6231]

You were the first channel on KZbin that I subscribed to. And I bought my first major laptop after watching a few of your videos in the early days. It is kind of interesting that, of all places, I bought my first top laptop from HID Evolution that you mention in this video. From time to time I still come back to watch your videos. For me, the interviews are my favorite type of content.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Yes, I like doing the interviews too. I'll get some more lined up 👍

[@Skott62]

Hello Stephen! About 6 years ago I bought my latest laptop. It was your reviews and info that helped me make the decision on buying a Sager gaming laptop. Its still going strong! Haven't needed a new one so haven't bought one since. When people ask me about laptops I tell them to check out your channel. I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done. I hope everything works out for you. You and your channel deserve better and I hope it comes your way. Best of luck to you.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks very much my friend! My Sager with a GTX 1080 is still going strong too. Hope all is well with you and have a good weekend 👍

[@ufade2]

Really appreciate your update, Good luck with everything. I have always thought you where one of the best reviewers out there. I am still very happy with a laptop you reviewed. Have a great weekend!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Have a good weekend too mate 👍

[@ahsanhabibkhan6217]

I really liked your laptop reviews. You are the reason I bought my Alienware R5 laptop.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Glad I was able to help! Hopefully my review was accurate. Appreciate the support 👍

[@burundoyins9583]

You are one of those channels that helped me decide which laptop should I get, especially during pandemic when everyone cannot go outside and check the laptop physically. Honestly, I find your reviews relaxing and easy to watch. I'm gonna stay subscribed, and I hope nothing but success for you sir!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Glad I was able to help you 😊. Appreciate your support. I have two laptops to work on now, just changing how I review them is all. Cheers!

[@strifej1333]

Found your channel when I got my first gaming laptop back in 2019. Thanks!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Wow, that was 5 years back. Awesome! Thanks for sticking with me for so long 😊

[@refinedsugar_]

I don't usually comment on youtube anymore but you were the guy that sold me on my first gaming laptop and i still stuck around after because these videos are still very helpful and a good watch. sorry to hear about the situation but I'm glad you're not quitting, least I could do was make this comment to show my support

[@OWNORDISOWN]

That is very kind of you! Glad you still watch my stuff and I really appreciate your input and support 👍

[@pauldunecat]

I'm still rocking the Lenovo Y520 which I believe I got after you reviewed it. USB ports are failing but still kicking overall. ❤

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Wow, that was some time ago. Glad it still works. I'm still using my Gigabyte Aorus x3 v7 that I reviewed 6 years ago. I use 8 hours a day and liquid metal leaked on the motherboard and it still works! Don't make machines like that any more, lol. Thanks for sticking with me for so long 👍

[@alejandrogarcia-sw4ic]

Your channel was one of the most ufesul I had seen in the topic. I do not know why youtube show me only your old videos, that are outdated, and for that reason i didnt check your videos, if i would have them in the menu, for sure i would click them. Good luck dude!

[@MicahXXIII]

Your Alienware videos were extremely helpful for me! I purchased an m16. Ill be sticking around, glad you will be as well!

[@jimcachero]

Whatever you decide Ill be there...alllll the way in Texas!!!!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Jim! One of my good friends I made via KZbin lives in Texas too! I've been to Houston a couple of times. It's a big place for sure!

[@andrewmorris3479]

Your channel was always one of my go to’s when I got into gaming laptops in 2020. From buying your review gaming laptop to talks on the phone and gaming together I’m proud to call you my friend! Thank you for all of the work and effort you’ve put in and continue to do!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Drew! Likewise, I am proud to have you as my friend 😊. You will pleased to hear that I have nearly caught up in the single player on Halo Infinite and have been practicing against the bots!

[@andrewmorris3479]

@@OWNORDISOWN 😊 That is great to hear! Let’s play soon!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

@@andrewmorris3479 definitely! I just played some more. Hopefully I am no longer a bullet sponge, lol

[@13Cannit]

Hi Stephen, Completely understand the slog it must have felt for the low return at times. I found your channel a few years ago when I was in the process of upgrading my laptop and based on your review and BOAT (Bobs) I really trusted your advice and loved the format and way you explained things. I purchased an MSI GE63 Raider which is still performing very well. I followed your advice with thermal paste and overclocking etc. I am probably like many others in that I jumped in at a period when I needed advice and took advantage of your channel to get it. I haven't unsubscribed and don't plan to either, just haven't been a very active viewer and dip in and out since but I really appreciate the great work you do. Look forward to the next chapter and best of luck with the plans.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hi Paul, glad my review helped you. That is the main objective of my channel, to help people make educated decisions on their purchases. I talk to Bob regularly and he was finding the same situation with his channel. We would talk about it alot and he changed things up too with little change. So I was glad when his channel led him to get a job at Eluktronucs. I think one issue for me is with my full time job being in sales I am having to grind that out. I'm on commission so every day is a new day to grind out a sale so having to do that on KZbin too eventually wears you out. I think going back to what I enjoy with the testing and live streams will help alot. I value your support and hope to see you around in a future video 👍

[@KrolikPudding]

Thanks for the sincere video with the KZbin job reality check. Sad, that you can't make it big but glad you're not quitting KZbin all together. This new way of doing things could be a good way to go for you. Good luck, Stephen!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Appreciate it mate 👍 Yes, I think this new strategy will re-energize my mojo. Thanks for your kind words and support!

[@charlenedrake7697]

thanks for the explanation - never knew how much time went into putting a video together

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks. Yes, it takes a long time, especially if you try and improve quality with B roll and good audio. You spend a lot of money on lighting and cameras.

[@granturismo5917]

Live stream is excellent idea i wish you all good luck

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thank you so much!

[@WarneysWorld]

I decided I couldn’t fit it in for many of the same reasons! I also relate to uploading a new vid and seeing people unsubscribe. I told myself it’s probably because they made their buying decision and don’t want to see laptop content anymore, but as you say, when you’ve slaved over a video it’s not what you want to see!! Hope the new approach is easier to fit in and reaps rewards Stephen 🎉

[@kohaashi]

I agree with Warney. I unsubbed from Jarrod after I made my decision as there was too many of his videos filling my feed about laptops. Stephen, maybe try changing things and becoming more of a tech channel so it’s not just laptops.

[@WarneysWorld]

@@kohaashi nice to see you Kohaashi! Hope you’re keeping well. Yeah for me that last thing I want to see after buying a laptop is more laptop content - make me regret my decision!! Haha

[@kohaashi]

@@WarneysWorld nice to see you too. I guess we’ll always find each other in the comments of one of Stephen’s videos 😁 yeah my KZbin feed is now full of house DIY videos (currently doing up a 1930s Semi) and anything Golden Retriever (planning on getting one in 6 months or so). I still follow your channel as well. Hope you’re doing well 😀 Unfortunately I rarely game now as any spare time is spent doing overtime.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

​@@kohaashiyeah, could try different stuff as long as it doesn't take tons of B-roll and skripts. I'm my early days I did do sports watches and they did OK. I tried phones and I didn't get any where there. I would love to play more games, even though I suck, playing with subs while testing a laptop would be fun. Thanks for your input 👍

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hey Rob, yes, I hear your frustration. You've done some great game play videos too. Hope all is well with you mate.

[@gatkins1548]

Thank you for all your efforts. You helped me buy my first gaming laptop (a Lenovo). Your new approach sounds like a good plan and I wish you all the best with it.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, appreciate it! Glad I was able to help you with your purchase, that is what I have always strived to do. Appreciate your kind commitment 👍

[@Gurwindersingh-gc4jm]

I purchased my first gaming laptop after watching your video in 2019 asus rog stirx hero II, i wish you good luck for the new approach. #oldsubscriber

[@kigasdj2]

I enjoyed your channel, I even got direct responses from you 3 or 4 years back when I was asking about Ryzen laptops, which started to boom during the pandemic times. I could see you are passionate about what you are doing and it is a shame your channel didn't explode in popularity as it should :( happy you are not giving up!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hi! Thanks for sticking with me for so long 🙂. I'm actually looking forward to doing the live streams. I'm setting up one of the laptops now. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@engineering_guy]

Dude..we don't care much about b doll...its the testing data, comparisons, tweaks and your insights that we value.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Happy to hear that 👍 yeah, no more crappy B roll for me

[@FalconLX911]

always loved you videos, every time I googled a laptop and saw your video, I was like "cool, its own or disown!". I never subscribed until today. Wish you the best.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the sub and support 👍. I'm thinking about doing the live stream this Thursday if you are free to watch it. If not I'll do a summary review on the Asus Strix Scar 18.

[@FalconLX911]

Can’t wait! That is my next laptop. Ordered it today

[@OWNORDISOWN]

​@@FalconLX911wow, did you? It's a very good machine. I got 5.5 hrs of battery life (14900hx) which I thought was good, better than the 13900HX

[@zay__954]

hey glad you didn't quit i always loved your vids you will for sure reach 100k.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Cheers Zay! How have you been?

[@zay__954]

@@OWNORDISOWN good the pc is still working fine but how have you been?

[@OWNORDISOWN]

@@zay__954 pleased to hear the pc is doing well 👍. Im doing OK thanks. Work is a little slow and funds are a bit tight, otherwise all is good. How many years of high school do you have left? One? Any colleges picked out?

[@zay__954]

@@OWNORDISOWN this is the last year of high school for me and i dont think im going to college lol

[@najeebvirk8492]

Good luck mate

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Cheers mate

[@vidfinnx]

The boxer shorts 😂 omg riding the dog 😂

[@OWNORDISOWN]

LOL, it took ages to do all those mini me sections. To get me crawling from inside the box I had to cover myself in a green screen and crawl from underneath. I even did a video throwing a laptop in a lake and it survived! Glad my knob didn't fall out of my boxers. Perhaps it would given me an extra sub, lol

[@togia111]

No one gives as comprehensive and straight forward reviews of tech. Especially for us techies who prioritize scientific information rather than the pomp and stance. I have very much enjoyed your work. Thank you. I am so glad you've put your health and happiness ahead of the videos. Always here to support you. Take care!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, appreciate it. Yes, it is easy to let KZbin drag you down and the only winner is Google. They could pay content creators more if they wanted. Really appreciate the support 🙂

[@amirbahalegharn365]

wish you success whether it's in the long run or in the short one.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, appreciate it. 👍

[@diaa205]

We love you man , wishing you all the best 💓

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thank you 🙌

[@alooy3331]

wishing you all the best !

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Cheers!

[@PersonSuit]

I have always enjoyed your videos. Your reviews are always very in-depth and offer great contrast from all the other reviewers on KZbin that keeps me coming back every video. I wish you the best of luck with the new live format.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks mate, appreciate it! Hope to see you on a live stream 🙂

[@MikeGrayeb]

Your videos are great and you are an excellent communicator with a very approachable style. I appreciate your honesty about your experience with KZbin and respect your ability to adapt and evolve. Best wishes ahead!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Mike, appreciate it! Hopefully you will still like the live streams. I do find them fun to do and this way I will be able to do more content and keep that algorithm happy 👍

[@vidfinnx]

Good on ya! Look forward to more!

[@larryburnett2184]

Been watching for a long time before covid and my favorite part is when you teach. I learned how to under Volt from your channel and that's what got me into this channel, hang in there and keep creating!!!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Yes, I like tweaking stuff so I will do that stuff on my live streams. Appreciate the support 👍

[@sabata7658]

Feeling optimistic about this rebrand! If you can continue doing this while costing yourself slightly less time, I think we're all for it. A lot of the regulars are here no matter what, but maybe the streams will bring in new subs as well!

[@lalitsehgal21]

Never ever give up... your reviews are true and trustworthy.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hey Lalit mate! How have you been? We should catch up👍

[@lalitsehgal21]

@@OWNORDISOWN definitely we will.. So much to talk and catch up to... Glad to see u not giving up..

[@thomaskutty1440]

Not a youtuber, just a consumer. What i am about to say is just my impression of laptop review content. Review content, especially laptop reviews, are a one time thing. Before i got my laptop, i would watch so many reviews from every possible youtuber and then once i had it, i wasnt interested in watching any of their content. I admit, i havent watched all your videos but most of the videos i have watched from this channel was for laptop reviews. Diversification into other genres might also be beneficial. Also pc building is something i am constantly interested by because each part can be modified so i am always on the market for somethings. Thank you!❤

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks for your feedback 👍 Yes, that definitely makes sense.

[@Glad.S7]

you helped me when i was picking up 2 laptops, keep going man

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Glad I have been able to help 👍

[@johntravolvo9830]

Best of luck to you !

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks!

[@SaketVaibhav]

Hey Stephen! I've loved your channel and your content. If this were the last video, I'd definitely sleep tonight with a heavy heart. I'm glad you've decided to stick around. I'm sure it's not easy doing what you do and at the quality at which you make your videos. I've loved every video of yours that I've seen. Best of luck with these new ideas! They sound really good to me.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thank you so much! I'm actually quite excited to do the live streams and the other benchmark videos. It's good to be motivated again and try more laptops! Take care.

[@ukantos1186]

@@OWNORDISOWN Go for the Live streams and Benchmark vids! Focus on the fun parts of YT, no need to make it your job. Dont even force yourself to do videos of the livestreams at first.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

@@ukantos1186 thanks, yes, you are 100% correct. Thanks 🙂👍

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Stephen, this was pure honesty and very relatable. If it helps, I’m happy to bring a HYDROC-16 over and we can live stream it.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hey Bob! Yeah, that would be great! Let's do it once I send these two Hidevolution laptops back. Sounds like fun 👍

[@siddheshthorat9898]

Aw man, look at you hanging on in there! You do go Live BoY! The Well Wisher Whiskers from far far away on this globe surely do hope and pray for things to go nowhere, but only UP and HigH! 😇

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! That is very kind of you to say my friend!

[@Winters989]

I've always found doing KZbin fulltime is a difficult endevaour for the normal folks. There's a lot of sacrifices to be made to make it work. The biggest questions that always linger are the sacrifices worth it? Family, loved ones, friends, free time, sometimes career focus. Do we drop these things to aspire to become a bigger and better channel? My honest answer is no. Even if the money breaks even, why bother putting up with the stress? Money is not always everything. I've always enjoyed this channel for the genuine effort into it. I'm extremely grateful for this video to explain some of the realities KZbinrs face. I think the livestream approach is a good idea.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

I agree with you 100%. Doing KZbin full time might be fun if I'm driving sports cars all the time and have a crew to do all the leg work but getting to that level is too much stress. My wife has been on my back for years and there used to be many weekends where I ended up not being with the family. Thanks for your input and advice.

[@JocoseJikininki]

Much love Stephen ❤❤❤

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! ❤

[@pitha-gn9zr]

Very good idea to switch to live streaming! Really like your focus on the real interesting parts of the devices. Happy to hear that you are not quiting

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WhoKnowsZombie]

Glad you’re not quitting hopefully your new approach works out well. I’ve been trying some different things myself. Instagram was really stressing me out so I took a break from it but I’m not quitting just want a chance to breathe and in the meantime I’m still doing the eBay stuff we talked about. And also I’m doing KZbin shorts and trying twitter. I’m doing tech stuff for KZbin shorts so like I’m doing Apple Vision Pro stuff, Apple Watch stuff, this really high tech piano I found and the rabbit R1. So just doing more of entertainment type of tech stuff. And showing different fun features and tips for making the experience even better. But since it’s shorts I don’t stress and get depressed like I used to. Instead I just post when I have an idea and it seems to do good. It allows me to put a lot of time in between one of the videos got only 200 views but the rest were like 3k, 5k, 1k, 2k and even one had 11k. I see your shorts are pretty good as well. You even had one with lower views like me but don’t worry that happens just try different attention grabbing shorts and they’ll do fine. Also subs don’t matter when it comes to the views of shorts so that’s good because my shorts channel only has 35 subs 😆. WhoKnowsZombieGaming is my shorts channel. But yeah I’m glad your still around on KZbin it’s been a while since we talked but I always check back on your channel every so often

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Hey Joey! Good to hear from you. I have been meaning to give you a call. I'll ring you on Sunday if you are around. Sounds like you are doing great mate 👍

[@WhoKnowsZombie]

@@OWNORDISOWN sounds good man my schedule has been a bit weird because I’ve been raising puppies so we take shifts but I’ll give you a text on face book tomorrow and we can figure out a time to talk on Sunday or if we can’t call because of schedules not lining up then text is fine as well. But yeah sounds good man

[@marc1190]

I really enjoyed your videos when i was shopping for my laptop but haven’t seen you in feed for a while now. Probably need to tidy up my subs lol

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Yeah I'm the same. Too many subs in my feed and only so much time to watch videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

[@oldskoolfunkandsoul1]

lIKE YOUR VIDS..PLEASE KEEP GOING..IF YOU CAN. :)

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks mate! People who know me well saw that KZbin was sucking my enthusiasm for tech out of me, but what doesn't kill me makes me stronger as they say and I think once I get back to doing what I enjoyed it will feel less of a chore and my love of tech will return :) Hopefully see you on the streams!

[@mcericx]

hey stephen! ive been liking your channel ever since. and i liked your live streams the most. maybe you wanna write a "script" which works for all your future videos. me myself im not that interested in charts and stuff since many youtubers do that. i think most of us just enjoy watching laptop stuff, so dont waste your time doing this review content but just show laptops in action. all the best!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Sounds like a plan 👍 Yes, showing the laptops off with thermals and audio is the way to go. No more fancy B roll that doesn't add anything!

[@dendrobium.stamen]

I think that's a good idea, good luck and have fun, sir!!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks, yep. KZbin should be fun and not a drag. Very true!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks!

[@sean666777888]

Keep it up mate

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Cheers mate! Yes, I think once I get rid of all the crazy editing and scripts I'll bounce back stronger. Live streams are tough in the sense I feel as if I am talking to myself most of the time, LOL. Hopefully people will make use of the phone in option I used to do.

[@johnlee2579]

KZbin Shorts has been a big part of channel growth recently for content creators. I've found many channels browsing them

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Do and upload what makes you happy. You'll do it even without getting paid. If the goal is to get paid and you do something you kind of like , people will know. I've watched channels where I had no interest in the topic of the video but because of the person's enthusiasm and joy I watched them enjoy it. It's like watching 2 musicians playing the same music live. One is smiling all the time interacting with the crowd , the other one is just standing still in a corner. We all tend to watch the smiling one. Although I think youtube certainly isn't what it used to be these days monetarily. I kind of kick myself I had a great start in 2010 , had 9 million views in months. I wasn't getting paid a dime. Had all sorts of 3rd party ads on my channel. I was too naive to understand the opportunity I had. I was in the golden era of youtube. Oh well lesson learned. After a couple copyright strikes I rage deleted about 300+ videos out of spite. Although I've had copyright strikes removed and eventually taken away automatically. The fact I got ANY AT ALL since I WASN'T making a dime I hadn't monetized my channel yet. I was like FU , goodbye videos. In hindsight it was a mistake , I'd probably have some decent money now.

[@bernardorondon7036]

Bro you have a sack of 🍒. It is not easy, and I really appreciate your honesty, and showing your face to confront this hard moment, not everyone does that, bro you can do it, this field has a lot of people making it, I also believe 7 years of work have to have some value, and it does. 2024 is gonna be THE year!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks mate! Yes, I think with renewed energy and passion I will bounce back. I'm looking forward to spending more time interacting with my great subscribers, like yourself, rather than working on scripts and editing.

[@karibes]

Hey, Stephen. I don't know how it feels to have a mindset to quit it however you need to have a courage to make a decision and I respect that. You know where to find us, we are with you. 😉I like how you were thinking to make videos that require less time to do. Good luck with your new approach. 👍 Offtopic: I seriously laughed so badly about your boxers. 🤣🤣🤣 That was hilarious.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks Matej. I have really valued your input and support over the years👍. Lol, yeah, i thought I would try something funny but not many noticed in the video. I'm always up for a laugh 😂

[@br4kecheckd]

KZbin changed so much. It seems only select 0.1% of the biggest channels gets exposure and gets pushed on viewers and smaller folks get crushed. Your channel is what made youtube, small, independent, sort of low budget from the heart videos.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Yes, I agree, I've always felt that KZbin has its favorites and promotes them more. What I was finding that after my hack and I was losing subs KZbin would promote me less and many of my subs stopped getting notifications even. I think that has improved recently but I don't know why KZbin makes it so hard for the smaller channels. They should make it easier so those creators don't just give up.

[@siddharthpr1799]

I first saw your video when i was thinking of buying an alienware back in 2016...been your follower since then

[@OWNORDISOWN]

The Alienware 15r2? Wow, that was my second laptop review I think. Loved that machine although it ran pretty hot if I recall. Thanks for sticking with me for so long! I wish KZbin would show me a list of subscribers and how long they have been subscribed. Thanks again!

[@siddharthpr1799]

@@OWNORDISOWN yes thats the laptop. I bought it too

[@malevon09]

I am here since you had 2k subscribers and no I refuse to unsub!

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Wow, that is awesome!! So you probably remember all the VR stuff, testing umbrellas, and all the mini me bits. Thanks for sticking with me so long. Perhaps you can join me on a live stream? What's your name by the way?

[@malevon09]

Yes, I remember those mate. Subed back then since you were making top notch reviews in laptops and thanks to you I bougth my first alienware with 480m nvidia gpu :) You were maybe the only reviewer that gave emphassis to thermals! My name is Bill (I think my name was Bill BIll back then) and gladly to join your stream but, since I live in EU, I am not sure that we can sync our working hours :p@@OWNORDISOWN

[@johnsmith2589]

Hang in there. You're the only KZbinr I really trust.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks John, appreciate it mate!

[@amrsalem7143]

Good luck and best wishes

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks!

[@f.miller801]

You must always come first man.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

I agree. Thanks bud👍

[@Splarkszter]

Grow your own brand not KZbin's brand. Thank you for being such an amazing person.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks! Yes, I agree - the more you try and comply with the algorithm the crazier one gets!

[@Pepega90]

Try doing some hardware news (mainly GPU and CPU get's more views) and benchmarks of GPU's, CPU's and Laptops when you get any in your hands. There are many channels that never buy any hardware and just talk about tech news and have hundreds of thousands subs and views, you can try something like that, with won't cost you the money of buying laptops and it's faster to do a videos abut tech news than testing and benchmarking.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Yes indeed. I have done news videos but they never gained traction but I will do news of new releases, perhaps leaked benchmarks that type of thing 👌

[@Dimitrios_Kapotis]

The problem with the tech channels is that there are too many of them in yt nowadays and saddly most wanna be youtubers believe tt they can be rich by doing vids. The angly true is tt you need to dedicate to your channel 24/7, working many hours for editing and do sacrifices in your private life and the majority of the channels not earn as much as to justify the effort. I really liked your laptop reviews and as a laptop enthusiast as me (and almost same age as well), I hope you all the best and do the right thing that you believe that it will make you happy in your life. 😊

[@BridgeTROLL777]

there is also market saturation, those channels that have reached critical mass will be recommended in algo sucking up all the new subscribers and they also receive products for free to review further giving them competitive advantage. As time goes their competitive advantage tends to improve and it gets harder for small channels to establish themselves as financially viable in that niche. My thoughts but im not an expert on youtube market economy.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

​@@BridgeTROLL777yes, that is very true. It's harder and harder to break in these days.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

You are 100% right. You need to drop everything and do it full time and ideally hire an editor. Unless you don't have kids, or are rich to start with then that is impossible to do for 99% of us.

[@Dimitrios_Kapotis]

@@BridgeTROLL777 So true!

[@vasudevmenon2496]

I didn't know Mr Fox did a collab with you. I remember it was during 15r3 due to uneven heatsink where you got worse laptop with uneven thermals even with undervolt

[@harryshuman9637]

Your videos really improved over the years and I like them, but I feel like there's 3 major factors to consider: - Tech reviewers benefit from working on timeless projects as well as new product reviews. For example, retro reviews, some fun cooling experiments, etc. These can be watched later, whereas new products are only relevant for a short period of time - New product reviews are only relevant when the public has the disposable income. Right now economy is very, very bad so people aren't as interesting in new expensive toys. - Tech reviewers became very numerous in numbers, especially after the pandemic and it's very hard to stand out

[@BridgeTROLL777]

"- Tech reviewers became very numerous in numbers, especially after the pandemic and it's very hard to stand out" yep, the market is saturated, and those who have reached the critical mass will suck up all the new subscribers and views due to algo recommending them. Moreover they receive products to review for free further solidifying their competitive advantage in their niche. The economy is brutal and difficulty increases as time passes..

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks. Yes, if I look back at my early stuff I would say the quality has improved although the growth got worse. As you say, saturation in the space and the general poor economy don't help. Either way, I started not enjoying it. It took too much time for nothing so at least going forward I aim to bring back the fun 😊

[@johnlee2579]

IMO the issue with laptop reviews is people are watching because they are considering a laptop purchase and once bought they don't maintain an interest in laptops anymore. Perhaps more variety

[@jacobwilson6296]

Best of luck mate. Hope it helps your channel to sit down and birch and moan a bit. Sometimes Sympathy helps on YT

[@TheSonnyhorse]

I really think the algorithm changed for the worse around the time you got hacked...youtube just seemed to bury you a bit. Best of luck, Sir.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Yes, I think so too. Things definitely started to go downhill after that. Oh well. Thanks for your comment and support 👍

[@Digital_Immortality]

thx for video

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@AA-yk3bj]

😢😢😢

[@meleo5417]

You should just change what your reviewing like apple vr maybe phones, it will give the viewer more options which will get more views.

In my opinion 'pure laptop' channels will always struggle to generate enough subscribers / views. I'm not a subscriber but I was watching your channel at the time I was buying a new laptop. I was looking at reviews from you, jarrod and dave3d. After I got the laptop my interest for such videos dropped off immensely. I've stopped watching your videos and I've stopped watching jarrods videos. I still sometimes look at dave3d (but I ignore the laptop ones). As soon as KZbin algorithm figured out I was not interested I stopped getting suggestions about laptop videos. In addition to this there are many content creators focused on this technology. I would recommend to try to branch out into an area which is less saturated.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Thanks for your honest feedback. When I started my channel 7 years ago VR and laptops reviews weren't that common. VR was in its infancy and didn't really have the market penetration so that is one such issue. It's niche for a reason... For me it is a question of time. Reviews inherently take time as you have to fully test the product VS doing a chit chat video. I think doing live streams will be more fun for me personally. Thanks for watching my video, really do appreciate it 👍

[@iraklimgeladze5223]

Still if KZbin is not making enough money to be main job. Just having hobby is nice himself. Partly I am envy you, because you can buy new tech, test it and it's expensive hobby get covered by KZbin. Just need to set working hour balance between work and hobby not to strain yourself

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Yes indeed. I was brought up with the idea that work hard and eventually things will fall your way. I think that should be revised slightly and work smarter, not harder.

[@iraklimgeladze5223]

@@OWNORDISOWN By my observation, to become big channel you need to appeal for casual users by entertaining them. Just reviews are for smaller group.

[@vidfinnx]

KZbin also has an automated sweeper that goes through with each post that kills fake accounts (the subs you see lost) since buying subscribers and viewer is a business in itself now

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Yes, I get them as well. For example I lost 30 subs just the other day and I didn't upload anything. The ones I am talking about are as soon as I make a post.

[@britishagent]

Why look at KZbin as a potential earner then. Instead why not treat it like a hobby and just release videos when you want to. The obsession to make money from it is your barrier so when that is removed you can have fun again publishing when you want to.

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Exactly. That's why I'm getting rid of the stuff I didn't enjoy and took up too much time. My hobby became a chore and no longer enjoyable. So my new format will sort that out 👌

[@averses]

note - k word in the title is not good for the algorithm

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Actually before I did the title I did a search and that seemed to come out on top...either way, the video wasn't aimed to get lots of views from new folks, it was a message to my followers. I disabled ads on it anyway.

[@averses]

@@OWNORDISOWN fair enough

[@aestheticsluxury3968]

Competition is high. 7yrs 71k subscribers is not good at all. Not worth it. Need to do something else

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Yes, it is tough out there. That's why I'm just gonna do stuff I enjoy from now on.

[@blondegirl7240]

Dont get me wrong, but I understand why your channel is not growing. Your content is not majority. When my friend wanted to buy a laptop. I sent him couple videos (including yours) and they just skipped it and watched Jarrod's videos and Mattew Moniz. May the structure of the videos are not interesting or tone. Its just my opinion as a viewer. Wish you the best :)

[@OWNORDISOWN]

Well, everyone has their own tastes of course... I can't change who I am but I can change what work I do and I will only do stuff I enjoy from now on, otherwise there is no point doing it.