Curse of the Bots? Have I Screwed up?

[@stonerock64]

PS, I’ve been watching Robert Grant Davis for more than a year. He has a gift for gab, which some people may not appreciate, but he is very knowledgeable indeed. I enjoy his videos.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Hello Brian, I have read quite often that photographers get far more views of reviews about camera gear and far less views of stories about photography and or photographs taken. I do like your new approach and am pleased about it. I think it is nothing you have done wrong.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Thank you. It does deem that there is more general interest in the tools than the skills shall I say. The same thing happens with music too. People (unfortunately including myself) pay fortunes for fancy instruments then wonder why they don’t actually play any better. I have an “Eric Clapton” signature series Fender Stratocaster, cost a fortune compared to my original old Japanese Strat copy. Yet I sound nowhere near Clapton and should he ever play my old copy he’d still sound awesome. That’s life I suppose Thanks for the comment.

[@trishf29]

Love your rambling, Brian! Makes a nice change from being told what I should or shouldn’t do by some photographers! I enjoyed your last two videos, especially the walk around your home village - since I had studied history! But the family ones were lovely too. We all use different equipment, and some of the lights or lenses which you reviewed, I must admit I tended to press the fast forward button - unless it was something I was interested in. I suppose most of us are like that. Most of your videos I’ve enjoyed and watched right through, and look forward to your next one. Now in my later 70s, I struggle just to get outside! When I do, I use either manual (a hang-up from film) or aperture modes. Sometimes shutter mode if I want to freeze movement. I finally managed to buy an Olympus 12-100mm lens! Couldn’t get one at all, then up they popped on Black Friday. Heavy, but a delight to use, and yes, I still remember your video when you borrowed one from Paul. Now it’s too hot to get outside to use it!! 34degC today, 38 in a couple of days. I prefer the 🥶. Don’t worry about the Bots, strange things have been happening on YT, including repeating videos which I’d viewed! Keep doing what you’re doing. Love the new format.😊

[@davidcooper6704]

A good friend and very accomplished guitarist/music teacher once told me that there was always something to learn.....even from a complete beginner. I think this can also be applied to photography. Having learned the basics of photography (shutter/aperture,iso etc) and having been taking photos since the old Olympus Trip 35 and OM1 film days, I find I still gain even more knowledge from the likes of Grant Robert Davies, Rob Trek and yourself, of course. At 81 I'm still enjoying my new (to me) Olyympus PEN-F.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@davidcooper6704 I’m a firm believer in what you say. I’ve made it a mission of mine from long before I consciously remember to learn something new everyday. It doesn’t matter on the subject as long as each day brings something new. Tonight I’ve been playing with smart lighting switch controllers (Tuya) and learned quite a lot about pairing problems.

[@michaelreid2143]

Another enjoyable vlog Brian: am actually enjoying shooting in manual with some prime lenses: great learning curve for the exposure triangle. Sorry to say I did buy a used Nikon D780 recently with only 2500 shutter count. Too many Nikon F lenses to change to Micro4/3rds.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@michaelreid2143 not about changing format Mike, it’s about enjoying taking photos. Nothing at all wrong with a D780

[@michaelreid2143]

@ Absolutely Brian. It’s the process not the gear that makes photography enjoyable. Hope u’ll manage a visit west before heading to Cyprus for a catch up.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Oh yes, I’ll be out to see you all

[@andrewilkinson]

I think I’ve said before I appreciate your new focus. As you quite rightly say you can’t please everybody all the time. I’d stick with what you’re doing and I’m sure the views will again rise. I really enjoy you videos, they sometimes make me think and learn. Thank you!

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@andrewilkinson thank you Andre

[@RobTrek]

I don't worry about views or subscriber counts. Those are just clicks. I look at watch time. Grant taking something for granted? Haha! Don't we all? I hope you can make it to the next annual meetup. I'll send an email out after the new year. Thanks for all you do. -Rob

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@RobTrek hi Rob, great to hear from you my friend. Thank you for your kind words. I’d love to take part again, it’s a highlight of the year for our little community and I’m honoured to be considered part of it. I look forward to receiving the email. If I don’t catch up with you online beforehand then I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

[@Madison-u8e]

I stay with you because you speak the truth

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@Madison-u8e thank you, I always do try to.

[@sophietucker1255]

People come and people go. I wouldn't get to caught up in it unless there are hundreds of people leaving. As for the number of views it could be something as simple as the holidays and less time to watch. I'm 72 yrs old and I like videos that get to the point rather than just ramble on. For me anymore if a video is longer than 20 minutes it had better be good or I'll stop watching or not watch it at all. I also have been zooming ahead to the parts that hold or interest me. I've been shooting since 1970 and like to think I have a good grasp of the basics. Anymore on my digital cameras, I'm still all manual on my old film cameras, I use either Aperture Priority of full manual. I do mostly landscapes and scenic images so aperture works for me. When I do street or vacation images I will use Shutter Priority and the same goes when I'm at the boat races or other sporting events. I've never gotten to deeply into flash or other lighting techniques. Photography is a blending of the technical and of the aesthetics of composition, light and color. You can be good at one and not so conversant in the other. A good comp is a good comp and the technical control only makes it better.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@sophietucker1255 great comment, thank you? I’m impressed you got to the end as I know I am a rambler lol

[@jhaydnreynolds]

Great location. Not sure I would have made it past the cows!

[@andrewcleaver8523]

Hi Brian keep up the videos, I have moved back to a canon7d for wildlife photography however I still love you channel for all the tips and a damm good watch 😁👍

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@andrewcleaver8523 I still have a 7d mk1 it’s still I brilliant camera although it has a sticky shutter occasionally if I don’t use it often enough. I always wanted a mk2 but never could justify it when I was 99% shooting portraits on 5d bodies which suited the task better. Had I been doing more general shooting the 7D/2 would have been far better. Enjoy

[@jonldronevideos]

I think review videos work well for KZbin because most will search a review on a product they might plan to purchase. If someone has a problem they will search for the solution on KZbin. This might be the reason why views have dropped. I enjoy your chatting videos, you have a lot of experience and it is interesting listening to your views and thoughts. I upload videos recorded on my drone and noticed if I film Manchester City centre I get thousands of views compared to if I film in the countryside or Liverpool. I have taken the route that I’m making videos for my enjoyment and make videos that I enjoy and hope a few others enjoy too. All the best with you move.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@jonldronevideos thank you. Yes, I feel you are right. I don’t know if it’s the algorithm pushing that sort of content more too. Whatever it is it does seem to be across the board and only over the past couple of months.

[@nigelborrington9232]

Stay with it Brian, It takes time to change things! From my perspective your on the right path here, its not about the gear! so much as the pictures. I like what your doing but it will take time to turn your channel into something different! I would love to see more posts about what subjects you want to capture and why, things that you find really interesting and how you use your camera to capture them.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Hello Brian, I know how to use cameras and about f stops, shutter speed but find it much better to use aperture priority or shutter speed priority depending on what I need to do. I find it useful to use Aperture priority and exposure compensation, keeping my eye on the histogram, and exposing to the right without blowing out highlights. Grant did say shooting manual was not for everyone though. I have noticed occasionally perfectly acceptable comments disappear from youtube and I find it very puzzling. Do you notice that yourself ? They are kind comments too and are not giving unsolicited advice either.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@chrisbrown6432 I only usually notice comments which disappear when they are picked up by YT as prohibited. Most come up for me to approve but not all and sometimes I’ll approve a comment several times but it repeatedly comes back as not allowed. Sometimes it’s down to one word, swearing, web links, or mentioning certain subjects. But sometimes I see nothing wrong but it’s still pulled by YT. On the camera front, i mostly use Aperture Priority and my exposure compensation for 90% of what I shoot. I think it’s an each to their own.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks Brian. I did a search on it and apparently innocent comments are deleted a lot on KZbin. I appreciate your reply and will not be concerned about it anymore.

[@oc2phish07]

Well, definitely NOT a bot here. Brian, you are a good man and not deserving of trolling of any sort. Personally I really enjoy your videos and your photographs. I love your friendly, down-to-earth chats and seeing places in your videos that I might never get the chance to visit for myself. I guess it can be hard to ignore the bad stuff, and people, and concentrate on the followers that really do appreciate you, but I think you should try that because we all really enjoy seeing new stuff from you every time. I hope your emigration plans and preparations continue to go well and in case I don't get to see your stuff before the holiday period, I would like to wish a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. 👍🧑‍🎄

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@oc2phish07 thank you and a merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours too

[@cjk1943]

❤ I love your videos merry Christmas to you and your family

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Thank you and to you and yours too

[@StanNoteboom]

Brian , when are you going to add titles to your titles backdrop?

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@StanNoteboom never, it’s become a standing joke. I used to do titles on my earlier videos but started out saying “roll credits” but it was pointed out they were titles not credits so I changed it…..and got bored of putting titles up so now it’s a title less title sequences

[@76steps]

Hi Bry, non robot non bot here. Great news to here you are off to postures warm in Pathos. I look forward to seeing some photo stuff from there. It's all about the gear on here. Or 'the ten of best.....' . No matter how good of a photographer you are the algorithm will make you pay in numbers if no gear or 'best 7 tips on......' isn't mentioned. Nothing to do with you bud. I've loved many of your videos over the years. But i did find you as i was looking for info on gear. Keep on making the content you want to make maybe just name them like 7 best tips on using flash with a thumb nail that attracts, catches the eye. It's a whole new genre of photography. Maybe you could do a video on that. We live in a whole new world with all these seemingly free to play platforms we don't realise that we are the product people are buying. With our time and attention they get access to the possibility of us buying and data. Don't let the bots change you or get you down. We all got❤ for you otherwise we would unsub

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@76steps very kind post. Thank you

[@malcolmwright6948]

I wouldn't be surprised if uploading a video triggered a headcount of subscribers, and as it's clearly sometime since the last video, there's a small drop that might have been shown a day or so later.

[@DK-bh4yh]

I watch for m43 tips and general camera tips (photo tips). I enjoy the talks. Maybe add a bit more about your photography methods, equipment used.

[@thomasreed49]

The only thing I can think of Brian is the titles of your videos lean towards click bait. Another great video enjoyed it a lot thank you

[@petermcginty3636]

Brian, i enjoy your photos but they are not the reason that i subscribe. I am a subscriber of your channel because i like to listen to you talk about photography. There are other channels that i watch and i actually dislike their images. I subscribe to their channels because i like what they say about photography.

[@OriginalWatchcow]

I am trying to go figure out the drop in views because almost every channel I follow seems to be saying similar things. Gear reviews and rants seem to be seen, informational videos or commentary do not. The choice of titles seems to be an ongoing trigger as well. Videos with inflammatory titles seem to get more play than simple descriptive titles.

[@LadyBovine]

Beep boop bleep boop zipp zoop bleep

[@seanlonsdale]

That was a good ramble Brian😂. You ask why you are getting less views? I really don’t know, but….. Could it be down to the YT algorithms promoting you? You have mentioned before about “selling yourself to the devil” and doing constant and never ending gear reviews which are promoted and pushed by manufacturers and YT. There really is enough of that. Many YTbers appear to publish a video and the subject could be landscapes but there is most often than not a mention (sometimes at length 🙄) a description of their gear they are using. It seems to be a mix of location, ability, gear and waffle 😂.. I like your presenting style, you are different in a good way but, sadly, YT wants ad revenue and appears to push the techie videos more than the chat videos. If you get my drift 😎😎

[@KG-theknickerbockerkid]

its holiday season and people are out and about shopping or parties. this is happening across the board as I have heard other content creators saying something similar. it could also be youtube adjusting their algorithms again

[@AprilClayton]

I know gear reviews always do more views. I would keep doing what you’re doing, but toss in a little gear news you can put the gear in the title.

[@g0fvt]

It is very complex Brian, but so are the audience. Citing a random example, I am subscribed to a channel that covers rebuilding crashed cars. Both of the guys have their own social media and at least one has his independent channel. I like the work they do, the banter etc but I don't want to see what they get up to on holiday with their partners, it just feels intrusive (although of course they choose to upload the stuff). Perhaps it is too easy to be a slave to the algorithm, if you ran a restaurant would you wonder where your diners went on the other days?

[@stonerock64]

Brian, since there is only one comment so far (which I can definitely relate to because I’m even older) I thought to mention something that drew hundreds of comments a few months back. The girl with “issues” that verbally attacked you because she was in the corner of a photo you took of a statue. The overwhelming majority of comments supported your right to take a photo in a public place regardless of her totally inappropriate response. Recently I’ve been watching ads for the new Meta/Rayban glasses with a movie camera installed that also connects to your phone for live viewing! What’s your opinion on that in light of your previous experience with an upset stranger who you really didn’t want in your photograph to begin with? Maybe that’s worth a short video post. I for one would like that conversation.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@stonerock64 good idea. I’ll try to put one together. In simplest terms for a quick answer, I’m not very keen on covert photography as a general rule it’s a bit creepy.

[@henrywestridge7298]

I couldn't even make it all the way through. Consider renaming the channel Brian James talks about everything but Photography & M43 Guy. Also, if I wanted to watch someone drink coffee I'd resubscribe to Robin Wong. Happy Holidays!

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@henrywestridge7298 I remember you made a somewhat passive aggressive comment on a previous video about a “word salad” yet you returned to see this video, how kind. Really enjoying your video output by the way. Anyhow, I won’t hold you back any further, time for another coffee, pass my regards to Robin. Close the door on your way out.

[@williamgraham1062]

I can't answer for the drop in viewers, someone suggested, click bait ? Somehow I don't think that is your style ? Besides how many times could you honestly get away with, I photographed the Loch Ness monster Roll titles 🎵🎶 .I am aware that some will say that I've exaggerated the scenario. But that's called click baiting. My late Father gave me this Advice, after taking everything into consideration. Carefully Chose what you think is right. That way if it goes all wrong, you won't have anyone else to blame . In other words keep trusting In your own decisions 👍. No need for click bait, you have lots of loyal followers. .Roll Title 🎵🎶.. 👍...🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.. .