State of the Channel (2023)

[@SchemingWeasel1]

Its about time this channel gets some recognition! love your Indie Game showcases and of course the DF content. You really deserved it!

[@Trubgideon]

Word! I have learned much.

[@Reyvinn92]

I'm one of the new viewers and new players to DF as I was never able to get into the ASCII graphics before. I very much hope your channel grows as you produce great content (esp. your tutorials are a godsend often). Here's to better year than the one before :)

[@shardul52]

Sniper feels joyful after seeing blind progress. Sniper feels blissful after hearing blind's optimistic goal. Sniper feels wonderful nice after watching a tastefully arranged open-with-audience video.

[@FullMetalMoncon]

I'm a new subscriber since dwarf fortress came out on steam, but I really enjoy and appreciate the content you have been producing. You have been my go to on youtube for learning how to not suck at this game. Good luck and godspeed growing the channel this year.

[@connorhannig6999]

I don't interact often, but just want to say that all your work is very appreciated and any success you gain off it is absolutely deserved!

[@GameStormerGX]

I'm glad that you're channel is doing well! Once I'm all caught up on your current VODs I'm going to start diving into Longdeath. As a new viewer, there is a massive amount of content to watch and I really wish I knew about your existence sooner. I've already talked 3 of my coworkers into buying Dwarf Fortress and shared your channel with them. Best of luck in the new year!

[@irSteven]

Flavabox here! I'm so happy for your growth other the years. I hope 2023 brings you the massive recognition you deserve!

[@xMeshuggahx]

Been binging your short tutorials before bed and they've been great to fall asleep too. Love the content and good luck with everything.

[@Silverye21]

Only been subscribing for a few weeks now but have been consuming most of your new content and tons of your historical stuff. Really do like the presenting style and the content is great. Thanks for posting this video, I’ve found the transparency really refreshing and all the best to you going forward in 2023. I’ll keep on watching, and please once you’ve finished the current Steam Tutorial series that you do another lets play series.

[@timothy6687]

Found you when DF Steam came out and really love your're content. You're incredibly knowledgable about the game and your tutorials have been amazing. Keep up the good work bro. I'm excited to see what you create in the future. Your forts inspire me to do better in the game. Thank you.

[@stephanuz7571]

Man; I’ve been around your channel since, well, don’t know how long at this point. Lurking mostly and pressing a like here or there, but I di feel the need to post something. Your video qualities and “way of talking to your audience” have grown so much! I used to just stick around and watch for some tips during the ASCI days even wondered why I subscribed at times; but here we are. You’re still a gem of information on Dwarven shenanigans and now you’re (getting) better at explaining things, better overal quality and handling “noobs” WAYYY nicer 😂. I feel like you’re finding a good niche with your channel; the community fords and your feedback are an excellent way to ‘extend’ content. The quick tips are must-sees for every new Dwarf Fortress players, so I think you’re good on that front as DF will keep a steady influx in players which will explode once again when it goes on sale for the first time. Adventurer mode, other new updates and dare I say DLC-like expansions are on the horizon; so stuff is looking sunny for your channel my man! I appreciate you dude! Keep it up and onto the next 5-something years!

[@Ladikn]

This vid almost single handedly convinced me not to cancel my YT premium. Been loving watching your vids in the background while I work, glad to hear your life is picking up. You deserve it man!

[@UMCorian]

Just picked up the Steam version of this and found you. Absolutely learned to play this game watching you for hours. Love the success you've had this month - hope you keep growing.

[@smalldog1]

Happy for you man. I’ve been playing DF for the better part of a decade but never consumed that much video content of it except for the odd Kruggsmash video. You popped in my recommendation around the release and I’ve been enjoying going back and watching your videos, and am glad that me having YT premium is helping you and other creators out. Gonna try to keep up with what you’re doing and support as much as I can! Thanks dude

[@scottgriffith1841]

Me and my son have enjoyed your videos and learning more about Dwarf Fortress and how not to suck so bad :) Very glad to see your success sir!

[@BlindiRL]

[@kevdmi]

Yay, a fellow Canadian! I just recently found your content due to Dwarf Fortress. The tutorials have been fantastic and I'm enjoying the Tutorial Let's Play. Thanks for the work you've done. I happy you are seeing some success and hope you get that Play button. I subscribed.

[@aurora_australis6669]

Your tutorials and videos have been a great help both to learn DF and keep myself entertained over a pretty rough time, so thank you for your work, and I hope you manage to get that play button some time soon. I think you truly deserve it ^^

[@elchucko7]

Honestly dude, your DF videos have been all I've been watching over the last month or so. It's been a riot. I don't have the time to watch the twitch streams, so I catch what I can on here. You've got a great personality, and you're a fellow Canadian. I wish you nothing but the best for 2023, and I will definitely be continuing to tune in!

[@Obuyah70]

Your channel has been great for me opening the Dwarf Fortress - Quick Tutorial guides. I replay them often for a better understanding of what I'm doing. Keep up the great work!

[@theblackdragon7321]

I found you through the kitfox disc, people were talking about your vids, so I decided to check out your channel and see your play and commentary style. I love what I see so far. Thank you for the vids you have provided thus far.

[@mahmoudm9541]

Great work man, loved your videos ever since I saw your first news update many many months ago on the subreddit, can't wait to see where you go from here

[@ankangaroo5372]

Congrats on the positive changes and hope they last. Have been enjoying your content alot. As a viewer I suggest looking into more edited down content. KZbinrs like Hazzor has dabbled with it and it seems to have a real untouched market. Whatever you chose to do I think it’ll end fine and you’ll be able to continue doing this as a job! Best of luck :)

[@majorshamrock]

Hey my 300 dwarf tavern with countless stories wouldn’t exist without your videos. Started watching for the tutorials and now that I finally have a grasp of the game I have your streams on. Good luck to you!

[@chip_r]

Got me into dwarf fortress

[@BlindiRL]

Cheers for the coffee fund.

[@HunterMayer]

That hit at just the right time. Thanks for sharing. I had an app that was bringing in 3.5 million DAU back in April 2018. I'm glad I saved all that extra money. As you said the number will fluctuate and the long tail just shrinks until you get another hit that strikes a nerve. I'm glad your making these vids. I like your old DF perspectives along with the new enthusiasm for the steam version. I followed your news updates prior. Loving the short tutorials and fort reviews. These are visited more than once too. Especially the tutorials. I couldn't remember what a burrow paused looked like. And needed a refresh. But I like to revisit some of the ideas in other forts and emulate them. Premium is amazing. I'm never going back to ad supported youtube if I can ever help it.

[@josephmonsue1218]

I discovered you a few months before the DF release I played DF on and off for years and this release has really brought me back into it and I've loved watching your tutorials and let's plays on twitch and KZbin so keep up the good work it is much appreciated

[@equitime77]

As a new subscriber I really like your KZbin and twitch. It's very interesting and informative. I like how you go into how and why things work and when you would/would not use them. In going to stick around a lot and I know there will be many others who will be doing the same. Enjoy the ride. I hope you get your play button soon

[@kmfdm303]

Congrats man. I just found you when DF dropped and I do like your content/presentation style. Save them $$ for a rainy day.

[@zakremedevalentine]

This guy is a friendly awesome dude, who personally helped me on Discord with Dwarf Fortress! Cant recommend him enough as a content creator

[@Wanderlust2430]

So glad AA brought me in on his first raid. I've wanted more DF since Joel last streamed it like, 3 years ago now; and for some reason in my old age I thought NOBODY would stream it. Since that AA raid I've been having a lot of fun and enjoying both the community, the streams. It's like a slice of old school pre-corporate twitch trying to establish itself amongst the new mentality of CORPORATE twitch. Thanks for the home blind!

[@IgorFradi]

I'm part of the Dwarf Fortress steam launch influx of ppl, but definitely staying so glad you doing well! you deserve it ;)

[@RedrunLoL]

Hope you get your play button soon! As for me, full disclosure, I 100% select your longest playlists and fall asleep to that so hope that helps!

[@DrLonePony]

Your tutorials have been great to watch, and you come across as a nice person who deserves this, I have now subscribed and wish you all the success and a play button ^_^ Thank you.

[@seldomscenekid7577]

You've been a massive help with DF for tons of people and will continue to be my go to suggestion for tutorials when people ask. Also, watching you on twitch has been great. Actually had you answer a few of my questions and got a few good laughs out of your commentary. I hope things keep going well for you and I'll be popping in as updates roll out for DF and I can wrap my head around the game and hopefully finish finding all the quick ways to unalive all my dwarves.

[@MacroAggressor]

New sub since steam here. I'm glad you've survived long enough to reach this point. I'm hoping for good things in your future.

[@BlindiRL]

I'm also looking forward to it.

[@Zoomulator]

New subscriber here, long time dorfer that got back into the game due to the steam release. Have to say I really enjoy the community forts videos and seeing the variety of so many people's creativity. Best of luck getting that play button!

[@rossyarrow1591]

I have learnt a lot from both here and on your streams about the more difficult things of dwarf fortress… military being one of them so thank you on multiple levels for what you do!

[@greenguy1408]

Thanks so much for all of your videos and your twitch streams Mr. Blind. It's helped me understand this gem of a game- I'll continue to support you through twitch and youtube. Cheers to a great 23' buddy

[@D3RMA5T3R]

I am new, enjoyed your tutorials and letsplays - also joined the stream a few times. Keep it going man :)

[@MrMeneldor]

I've been playing dwarf fortress 10 years ago with lazy newb pack and a custom tile set, loved the game but it was a bit too rough for me. Since i've seen it "coming soon" on Steam it was on my radar, and now it's out with a better UI (even if there is still lots of work) and graphics, I can finaly enjoy the game and your channel was really helpfull to get started on the game. Thank you for your work.

[@Kamikaz3Badger]

I've never played DF and honestly don't fully understand how the game works yet, but I still like to watch your streams since you like interacting with chat and it's always interesting hearing your thoughts. I wouldn't have known DF even existed without your stream lol. It's great to hear the channel is finally getting the recognition it really deserves!

[@TheKyotoEffect]

This is awesome. Thank for the transparency on numbers. Hopefully the more engagement you get, the better your videos do, and the closer you get to your desired play button!

[@Thunk00]

Cool to see you able to take such a positive tone in this video compared to the last time you did one. I have a feeling 2023's going to be a good year.

[@Spartiguz7]

Hey man, love your videos. I'm a newer viewer of yours and I have yt premium. While long videos are great, I personally love the pace of your tutorial series! 30-45m long with multiple episodes while you experience different things is awesome. I hope your channel continues to grow!

[@Halavus]

Yeah Premium User here. I almost never watch your vids. They mostly run with my phone in the pocket and headset. Great content!

[@FamousMajorGaming]

Thanks!

[@BlindiRL]

Means a lot, thanks so much.

[@darkpadden]

Watched your videos for long time before subscribing, always enjoyed it, very glad to see it starting to boom. Keep running your race man i think you got more room to grow.

[@darkpadden]

oh yeah am a ytp person. long videos in the background.. Yep that exactly what i do. Played enough DF that just listening to people who actually talk is interesting to me instead of vids with just music since i can listen while i work and keep up with whats going on.

[@orlondok]

I am super glad to hear that $6K number pop up ... the info and entertainment you provide are well worth all that ... would be nice if you start seeing numbers a lot closer to that in the future ...

[@BlindiRL]

I think physically the 3 million view number will be really difficult for me to achieve. I uploaded 91 videos in December. While I normally upload about 40. My daily hourly workload has been about 16 hours average per day. That needs to slow down I'm not physically capable of maintaining this level of output to maintain this level of views. Even if every single person from that initial wave stuck around I would not be able to put up enough videos for them to watch to make that amount. This was a one-time thing from what I can tell. And aside from other large releases. This will not be a regular thing.

[@eddiepfund]

Love the content! Thanks for helping me get into DF. Cup of coffee on me.

[@BlindiRL]

No problem! Thanks for the coffee!

[@winterzee]

I definitely leave the longer vids running in the background where I can pick up the story while I am at work. (The tutorials and shirts are much more visually focused, so I don't leave those in the background.)

[@matthewlinsley117]

I've appreciated the content since I discovered dwarf Fortress in 2018. I've always been a youtube watcher, not a stream watcher in general because of my work schedule, and the fact that youtube premium just lets me throw a video on in the background and I can close my phone while I work. Dwarf Fortress is one of those games that is wonderful to just listen to and have described to you, and you do a good job describing it, rather than just sayin "Look at that..." I don't know what you are looking at sometimes because I have it on just on the headset. Keep up the work. I hope you get the button.

[@Buaam]

Watched loads of guides on DF, always ended up at your channel. Subbed, good quick guides is underrated

[@andrewknauss6106]

Your channel is awesome! I love your let’s plays! I think I could get totally sucked into playlists of your just playing DF for hours and hours.

[@GrimoneAsur]

Thank you too for your guides. They have helped me a lot to get into a DF. : )

[@nowanilfideme2]

KZbin Premium dude here, definitely leave the vods in the backgroud while playing games (sometimes DF, sometimes other things). Happy to hear that you have a hopeful outlook thanks to the success of DF. :)

[@EricN73158]

And thank you Blind for making some content that is easy to understand and fun to watch. I like youtube more then twitch that is just how I am. I like being able to get up grab something to eat and not miss what happen. Or get up and take care of something going on in life and get back to the video later. With twitch I can't really do that, they also seem to put ads on at the worst time and I just hate it! 9 back-to-back unskippable ads is painful. I understand I can pay money to skip ads but I am not doing well for cash, maybe later I can. I hope everything goes well for you and I hope to keep seeing the content coming.

[@Debrijja]

highly appreciate what you shared in this, this makes more difference to fans than people realize, looking forward to continuing to watch your content

[@jvcouk]

I followed Nookrium since his early days, and he mentioned you in one of his streams, so that how I found you, by Nookrium paying it forward and recognising your content.

[@nonobots]

Thanks for the content! I've been a long-time DF player (0.34 crew!) but in the last decade I wasn't able to keep up to date, your channel allows me to keep informed. The last version I had played in depth was when the trees turned multi-tiles and we could make rock pots... 2012? In the last few years you have kept me up-to-date. Future of the fortress posts, updates, plans for steams etc. You're doing a Good thing, and you're doing it well. Do you plan on switching back to classic for some of your content? I'm about to. Not enough keyboard support and I miss my square ascii A LOT. Less beauty more information on screen! A video on the differences between the two main versions might be relevant right about now. Love the Community Fortress posts I hope you keep them up. Good source of inspiration and it's nice to have shorter content to consume. Any plan for more content tailored for YT? Let's play tile or more edited versions of the streams? I'm skimming though the VODs but it's way too long and comes too fast to keep up. The tutorial fortress is a bit too basic for my taste.

[@sardinhunt]

I do not mean to tell you what to do but I have the feeling a large group of people come for the quick tutorials and their interest is normal fortress mode. I do not think I am an exception, I got stuck in figuring out ramps+minecarts to optimize hauling. If you keep them up to date before new players like me learn and stop needing them. There is also ways to search for instruments’ names and materials through specifying the image of statues and working orders, a lot of useful stuff and tips not found in the wiki. I suggest normal gameplay tutorials for intermediate-advanced players with clear spreadsheets and info sheets

[@sardinhunt]

*if you keep em up to date it’s good

[@TheStevenWhiting]

For more content you could do more advanced tutorials. There are a few of us having real issues with mine carts and getting them to go up a slope. The mechanic appears broken as you'll have while tile up slope, the rail track will say up but the mine cart hits the back wall of that slope and comes down again. If you kick the cart down the slopes it works fine. Its odd.

[@lyagushkha8490]

Good job! You really did a lot of work o those DF tutorials, I hope at least some of that work will have long term positive effects on your finances, cuz your content is great. And remember, ORB is BLOB is ROCK!!!

[@gabrielwitte858]

Cool vid! Neat to hear a little behind the scenes. Thanks for the great content I've definitely fallen asleep to your longer videos lol. Can someone get this man a play button?

[@magnustveten492]

You explain things very well, I enjoy your tutorials and other content. Keep up the good work!

[@arthya3140]

i dont see much often the streams but i really love you DF videos. you just got me in the game thank you m8.

[@keithgreen1263]

Keep at it, I really enjoy your content , community forts is great, play throughs are great, maybe do some mod spotlights or play a fort for a couple of years as a diffrent race mod, Mods are going to be huge for this game get on that train and lead the way, Any game you can mod will have loads of youtube about them, how to use them ect, Just think you can lead the way on this side. all the best for 2023

[@DizzyDisco93]

As it stand right now im only interested in the community forts and tutorials. The orbs were too long to interest me. Do you make edited down letsplays? (built a structure,got a noble, lost your best craft dwarf in training when his throat gets punched out by the captain etc) .they show a condesned form of fortress progression that i wanna see for new ideas to try while playing and entertain me with a story.

[@BlindiRL]

I'm already working 16 hours most days without days off. Editing down the vods on top of that would just be too much.

[@DizzyDisco93]

@@BlindiRL that's a really rough workload. I was just giving input on what i think would keep my retention in the channel once i no longer need tutorials or ideas for forts.

[@maramanasa]

Wow thats actually insane and yeah here mostly for dorf stuff. Thanks for uploading and making good content, as a side bar can you teach how to make holes and have dwarfs throw into them? Kinda want to make a surface to fort delivery system.

[@fyrfota]

Love your beginner friendly guides! As a new Dwarf Fortress player I appreciate the heck out of it!

[@zengrath]

I was one of the ones discovering you when DF Premium launched. I haven't even been using twitch hardly at all in recent years but when DF launched I was trying to find someone good at the game to watch play Premium and their opinions on it,, there was hardly nothing on youtube yet and after going through probably dozens of other twitch streamers stumbling around and not knowing what they where doing or being negative and complain about the game, I finally found yours and it was like hitting gold, finally someone who knows DF and I could really see Premium shine in a positive light and get a good idea of both the good and bad from someone who knows the game. Really enjoyed your content and i'll stick around and continue watching from time to time. I especially been enjoying the community fort reviews. I still think DF will continue to grow rapidly as the game continues to get updated as I am sure there are still a lot of people out there who been looking for a more in depth game Similar to Rimword but never got into DF before due to it's obtuse scary nature. Funny enough I've played old DF years ago, even donated a few times, but not played Premium yet myself, just too busy and tired from life but love relaxing and watching you and others play, just seems more fun to me then playing by myself, haha.

[@Xeinok]

Wishing you the best! Love your concise videos around DF topics

[@orlondok]

Some interesting stats ... how does the views count work? (you mentioned 80,000 to 120,000) Does watching a certain percentage of a video (over half maybe) count as one of those 80 to 120 ? Or is it only for a full watch of one of your videos ?

[@BlindiRL]

It's based on ads viewed and adds sold sometimes ads don't show up because ads aren't served because you're in a region where ADS don't exist. Sometimes people block them. Sometimes the ads sold or a lower value than other ads. Sometimes people have KZbin premium and then watch time is more important than ads viewed because they don't see ads in the first place.

[@reidlingjunior]

New viewer I enjoy your content and the way you deliver I hope you continue to grow and get the button

[@Markkiisi]

Hope you keep getting the views you deserve, I've enjoyed a lot of DF videos from other content creators too, but yours are by far the most helpful. You've made DF extremely fun for me and fixed a lot of my issues, thanks bud!

[@BlindiRL]

The views will slow down. That's just a fact.

[@lancourt]

Absolutely been recommending this channel to everyone diving into DF

[@NixxNikoli]

I'm one of the folks who showed up after DF released. Wishing you much continued success

[@davidb2416]

Could someone explain how youtube premium money gets cycled to creators. Is it based off videos watched, subscriptions, ect?

[@BlindiRL]

KZbin premium is givin out to creators. Based on the amount of time they watch of that creators video.

[@ivegotavandetta]

I reactivated my youtube premium because i was tired of the ads when I kept going through the tutorials over and over. LOL. Glad it doesn't effect nothing.

[@lukegamble4349]

you’re one of the most valuable underrated youtubers man.

[@cajunbard]

Awesome! You definitely deserve the play button, and I'm confident you can achieve it.

[@Jimverse_]

Really glad to hear it blind :) I have a feeling people are going to need a lot of tutorials once adventure mode comes out :p

[@SCESW]

Started watching your videos to get a better grasp of Dwarf Fortress. I have over 2300 hours in Rimworld but the ASCII format of DF always annoyed me despite the fact that I always imagined if I made a game myself, it would be very similar to Dwarf Fortress. As an Elder Streamer, you are probably aware that there are a number of methods to 'game' the KZbin algorithms in your favor. Some of the most popular streamers have commented (some on purpose, some by accident) about methods they use to spread their content further (The Spiffing Brit made a few videos about it). In short, the algorithm favors content creators who keep us viewers engaged. That is why some content creators will ask multiple questions throughout their videos like, "Please let me know in the comments what you thing about 'X"", or "In the comments type "Platypus" if you think I should....." or "What is your favorite "XYZ"? The algorithm usually doesn't care if we are talking about world peace, quantum mechanics or beanie babies. It just knows that your viewers are engaged and it likes that. Also, there seems to be a 'sweet spot' in video length around 10 minutes. That said, a lot of content creators will make content exactly 10 minutes long, but the last minute is them saying something we've heard time and time again (usually sponsor details)... so, we viewers stop the video at 9 minutes and move on. I'm not sure if the content creators get the 10 minute credit if we stop the video at 9 minutes. Just something to think about. Lastly, KZbin allows us to automatically 'clear viewed history' after 3 months or a year or some-such. This may cause videos that previously had a lot of views/subscribers to seemingly lose them as our accounts 'clear our viewing history'. Maybe that affects your earnings... not sure... but it may affect when/how KZbin tallies view counts at the end of the year.... if you want that PLAY button. ;-)

[@Thee_Jadex]

Ya influxes are real for sure, I too specfically can only watch so much of other people playing games and was just here to get a refresher on how to play =P but I love your style and think you really deserve it and hope you get that gaht dang play button!

[@joetrue12]

I hope you get your play button. I enjoy your videos and streams. I hope the best for you,

[@greatpadinski]

Congrats on all the success dude, you've worked hard for it!

[@Stue-e]

Hey there, I'm one of the thousands that discovered your channel in November 2022, id say in the month of November I found another 2-3 DF focused channels. at the moment I'm enjoying the weekly tutorials, which have been paced in such a way I can implement little changes to my forts as I learn more about the game. Northern Lion for example, I really had 0 interest in Binding of Isaac which is by far his most uploaded content, but it was the occasional variety of games that kept me coming back for more, then over time it really wasn't about the games, it was just entertaining to listen to NL. Dwarf fortress will eventually fizzle out in terms of content and I would personally love to see where you take the channel heading into the future.

[@camrenpelton5356]

Great content in your videos. Keep up the good work

[@MaximDomnitskyi]

Hang in there! Happy to see you doing better now

[@DraodVideos]

random question. Do you have a right glass eye? Your iris and Pupil at least in this video is smaller then your left eye.

[@MrGrundle123]

Keep doing DF tutorials and you will see steady numbers, there is SO much to learn in this game and your tutorials although very good are just scratching the surface

[@marlonmelara7509]

subscribed for the play button and for all the help in dwarf fortress🙏

[@Robert-vk7je]

How does one get a play button? :)

[@BlindiRL]

100,000 KZbin subs

[@coffeebot2431]

"a lot of people just leave that on in the background" *looks up from cooking dinner in the other room*

[@BlindiRL]

LOL sorry :D

[@estherc3618]

I really enjoy your DF videos here and your love streams on twitch

[@Icehockeyplyr1]

Why I got premium, to help creators cause I hate commercials but love to support.

[@edwinalvarez3783]

You make videos. I watch your videos. It is as simple as that. I hope you achieve your 2023 goals!

[@Foul_G]

Wishing you continued success!

[@SCwirlify]

Hello, @Blind. I was wondering if you could please put in some cuts, so that your videos are like 1 hour or less? - I find that the very long videos are stopping me from "committing" to watch them. - And I want to watch your videos. It is strange. I have no problem watching hours and hours of a youtube series, but there is something with the long ones.. Perhaps we could run a community poll on it or something? Perhaps try it out with the next fort? Anyway. Keep up the good work :) K, bye

[@boiplut0]

how was i not subbed ur great my guy

[@BlindiRL]

[@Ulticutie]

i have youtube premium and always put on playlists when i go to bed :)

[@BlindiRL]

[@ivegotavandetta]

That's so funny! that is what I do too! One of the stream vods though since they are nice and long. Since I sleep for small amounts of time at once - They sometimes are still going when I get up! The mix of the calming soundtrack of DF and Blinds voice - too calming :'D