i'm burned out.

where to find me:
bookstagram: / hardbackhoarder
instagram: / ladyayycee
twitter: / hardbackhoarder
twitch: / withmalice
goodreads: / hardbackhoarder
📧 email: [e-mail]
ways to support my channel:
tip jar: paypal.me/alisoncline
buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/hardbackhoarder
audiobook wishlist: libro.fm/wishlist/1131730
amazon wishlist: a.co/eNb4p9l
discounts:
scribd two months free (plus one free for me) → www.scribd.com/g/5pe8ou
libro.fm (we both get a free audiobook) → libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm1...

[@jessethereader]

i feel so much of this. so much i could say, but just.. thank you for posting this.

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Love you Ali ❤️ And I would notice if you ever left. I bet a lot of people would. But I hope you find joy in booktube again. Your twitch always gives me life and I look forward to every single stream. You’ll always be an inspiration to me 🥰

[@carahamelie]

You aren't the only one... and this whole video sounds EXACTLY like what I would have said a couple years ago, word for word. I have this channel I am commenting from. I started it in 2009... and was SO consistent for literally 10 years. Once I broke that consistency, I could NOT get it back. The burn out hit when my consistency broke, and still cant find a way to get it back. I don't know if I ever will, and I accepted it. I still love makeup and fashion on my own time... but Im not out there buying every new palette that comes out because I'm now raising kids.... Im just not in that place anymore like I used to be. It's the progression of life. I use this channel when I FEEL like uploading or when I have something I want to talk about, and that is it. I still like uploading to youtube... but I don't think I will ever be as consistent as I used to be, but it was a good run and I am still proud of what I accomplished while here. With all of that said, I ended up starting my own book channel... its tiny, but I honestly don't care. I promised myself I would never force myself to upload there... but use it to support my original hobby, which is reading... thats it! BUT with all of this said, you have always been one of my fave book tubers... :) Your content has been appreciated by many!

[@chelseadraleaus6019]

I'm not even gonna lie. This made me tear up. 😢 You were one of the first booktubers I subscribed to and you very quickly became my favorite. You're the ONLY KZbinr that I REWATCH content from, even to this day. And surprise, your non bookish content/lifestyle stuff is my favorite. You've always felt like a friend to me and not just someone I follow and I think that's why this pulled on my heart like it did. It hurts to know that you've become unhappy, regardless of the reasons. I completely get it, though. I, too, have a booktube channel (which I started because of you lol) and I agree that the payout is not there. I have 43 subs and more than half are people from my real life 🤣😭 it's intimidating and stressful to even TRY to get anywhere in this corner of the internet. I noticed you were gone and I missed you, but I'll still be here if and when you return regardless of the content. This really just finalized that I need to go to Twitch so we can hang out. 😝

[@BeccaandTheBooks]

Damn this video was sad on so many levels 😭 one, because it's coming from you and my channel literally wouldn't exist without you. And two, because it was too relatable and so, so true. Trust me when I say I'd notice if you were gone 🖤

[@hannahblackwellbooks]

I feel this. Currently running a month long readalong n it’s hit me physically and emotionally honestly. BUT overall it’s been worth it. I love it so much but that does NOT make it easy! Much love, much praise, much encouragement.. thanks for being so open and honest. Feeling for you and giving my love ❤

[@kiwistars]

girrrrrrl so excited for you to try new things!!! i haven't truly read for fun in prolly 3 years,lol but i still loved watching your vids and vibe!:) so sorry you've experienced burnout but im glad you're gaining clarity and taking initiative.

[@heabooktubes]

I’m so glad you posted this video instead of just ghosting us. I hope you are able to find a rewarding way to make content, everything you talked about made perfect sense.

[@livslibrary]

I’m right there with you girl! ♥️ I work full time, own a photography business AND try to keep up with KZbin because I love it so much. I’m working on cutting back on work to keep doing things I love because I’m very unmotivated as well! The part where you mentioned having nothing else to give at the end of the day? OOF YES.

[@kimreese3530]

I’m so sorry you’re feeling burnout. You were one of the first content creators I listened to. I enjoyed watching you update your kitchen, working with your plants, seeing your pets, and of course unboxing and reviewing books. I hope you get your spark back and come back to book tube with new enthusiasm.

[@LiteraryLDawn]

I’m so glad you’re taking care of yourself ❤️❤️ honestly, I love a mix of lifestyle and book content. The channels I love most are the ones that mix video games, what I eat in a day, book hauls, fun activities (like when someone goes to the pumpkin patch), and brief wrap ups. I do not even watch TBRs or wrap ups anymore. I find I watch booktube videos that show a reasonable amount of reading that’s actually achievable. I will definitely be checking out your twitch!

[@KeepCalmwithBooksandCoffee]

Ali! I resonate with so so much of this. Thank you for all the content you’ve put out and I will be coming to Twitch because I absolutely adore your content. It is HARD to keep up with the booktube commitment for sure and I’m sorry to hear it has taken such a toll on you. Girl, do want you want here, there or anywhere. Find your happy place and thrive again. ❤

[@FourPawsandaBook]

Sending you all the love! This is so relatable. Booktube has gotten so much more difficult since I started in 2018! It is definitely draining!

[@Mybookishbehaviour]

Proud of you Ali! I’m happy you took this epiphany to the actual platform itself. I think this is going to help a ton of creators. This is such a relatable feeling and I know many others who are also going through this! ❤❤❤

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

Thank you for making this video, Ali. You said so many things that I connect to on such a personal level… used to post videos 3 times a week just like you and I’ve dropped off from making videos for almost a year now 🥲 hoping to find my spark again… take care of yourself 🖤

[@patrickalmond9880]

Hey only discovered your channel lately but really enjoyed going back and watching all your stuff, you have really good energy and i personally wouldn't have guessed you were having a tough time, I guess we all experience similar feelings but try not to be too hard on yourself. I think you 're killing it:) I'm sure you've got a very loyal group of followers who will follow you in whatever you choose to do in the future x

[@gabbyreads]

I resonate with so much of what you’re saying, and burn out is the absolute worst. 🥲 I also feel you on what you’re saying about how reading starts to feel like it becomes a chore when you care so much about the numbers and feel pressure to keep the number of books you read per month consistent. You’re definitely not alone in your feelings of burn out ❤

[@andrewannotates]

It’s crazy how so many creators are responding to you & completely agree with you. Thank you for sharing with all of us ❤

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

Sending you so much love, Ali! Thank you for making this video because I feel like it's been a conversation lately with creators who have been around for as long as we have about Booktube changing and causing burnout. It's definitely way harder when it's not your full time job and as you said, such a time consuming type of content. I love doing vlogs but it's sooo hard when I'm a slow reader and can't read 4-5 books in a week bc I work but also have other hobbies besides reading. I'm so glad to hear Twitch is going well for you. It's one of my favorite platforms besides KZbin to watch content on.

[@Mel-mu1hk]

I went through the exact same thing with booktube, though I decided to do the delete and run lol. I am so excited to see where your passions and creativity lead you ❤️

[@mikalareads]

As a newbie book content creator this was really insightful and I really appreciate you sharing this video with us. I love your channel but also understand if you need to take a step back from it too! I've had the same burnout from other creative endeavors and it truly is so hard.

[@noelle7pages]

Omg, HEARD. I have always looked up to you and your channel so much, and I SO respect and admire you for opening up about all of this. It is so much work, it takes so much time and energy. The trends and expectations change so fast. It's taken multiple hobbies/passions and turned them into ~things that need to happen in order to be productive~ and so it makes perfect sense that you've found different outlets that actually do feel like hobbies again, without the added pressure or guilt associated with them. I 100% feel that. I've always thought it was odd that I never really see any booktubers (besides you) also talking about gaming, when to me they've always been so similar and equally loved. I would miss you and definitely would notice if you left for good, but I'm also excited to try to catch your twitch streams when I can too! 💖

[@KittyAndTheBooks]

I am sorry you feel this way. I have been watching your channel for a long time and I have always enjoyed your content. I will definitely be here for your messy channel phase as well. :) It's so cool you found Twitch and that you have so much fun with it. And you're absolutely right, there's so much more time and effort put into booktube content than most other videos...

[@leonagonzales2549]

So glad you are taking care of you first girl! That’s a big accomplishment in of it self! And it is ok to go live a life of your own and try different paths for a while. So glad you let us know here you are doing you for a while and that’s great! Totally support that 100%X a gazillion!

[@KarasBookshelf]

I relate to this so much Ali. I started posting just under a year ago and between having a full time job, trying to keep up with social/family obligations, and booktube I feel like I have no time for myself. I constantly feel like I am not good enough on this platform because I can’t read as much as other people or post as much as other people. It has left me feeling very alone in this community and like I don’t deserve to be on booktube. Hoping this niche can evolve to support creators/readers of all types. Thank you for shedding light on this ❤

[@timgrootobbink]

i've absolutely loved watching your videos since i stumbled upon your channel half a year ago or so. even though i have no interest in reading myself, i always found your videos to be entertaining! definitely going to pop into your dbd streams bc i'm obsessed with that game and bc i don't want you to disappear from my social media bubble ✨ wishing you the best!

[@jampsonn1826]

As a watcher only of booktube, I went through this about 2 years ago in the exact same way. I made a bookstagram bc my obsession with "reading" was growing - quickly abandoned it and my other social accounts. I've never made a tiktok bc I don't want to see booktok content or even have another social media. YT was my only source of book content and I eventually got so burnt out on keeping up, that I unsubscribed and stopped watching most of my booktubers. I went several months without picking up a book, didn't touch my goodreads, and donated like 75% of the books I had bought bc of hype that I knew I didn't want to own. I thought I hated reading and that I'd never like it again in the same way. It took me until the end of 2021 to really feel like I could love reading again without having to quantify it or treat it like a productivity measurement. No more listening to audiobooks while i worked just to get through them faster, no more berating myself for not reading before bed, no more obsessively tracking my books read, and honestly, I had to stop watching hauls and wrap up videos. I try to give myself grace if I'm not in the mood to read or if I check out a book from the library and don't finish it before it's due. I guess I kept thinking, "there's never enough time and I have to read all the books now to know what everyone is talking about!" But honestly, most of us will never conquer our TBRs and new books come out every month. So it's a losing game. I'm slowly learning to read what I want when I want and to not track or talk about it so much. I feel you on this Ali and I hope you can find joy in booktube and reading again! I am also into watching streaming content now (oh how times have changed), but only on YT. If you ever decide to stream here, I'll gladly watch! And any lifestyle channel you create - love those too! Much love ❤️

[@debyik]

I am here for whatever you put out, whether it is about books or not. Big kudus to you for finding what you want to do and doing it in your way!

[@readingandrum]

This has definitely inspired me to make a video on burnout. Ive been wanting to for a while but im like i have such a small channel, barely anyones gonna watch it and even so i dont want to seem whiney and complaintive. But like these things need to be talked about!!! It's so important! I love the book community, but as a whole on any platform it feels like a soul suck. Like you can never do or say anything right. Ive lost the communal aspect, and that was sad for me. I feel guilty about books I wasn't AND was reading. After 3 years i took an accidental 7 month break this and im just now uploading again as of last week. And the lay of the land is so different! Im not an aesthetic girlie and am a hot mess that shines through on my content (which i love lol), so i have told myself im doing this now because I want to and not for anyone veiwing it and we're gonna see how it goes 😅 I discovered your channel during the height of tag Tuesday and would watch it on my 2hour commute hone from school and ive always adored your channel, because you are SO CREATIVE but so relatable! I for one would 100% watch any video from you at all cause I just really like your channel for you!

[@thefaeriewilds]

You’re not alone, and I’m glad you can take a step back and think about what other things outside of this make you happy. You’re more than your Booktube channel! Your dedication should always go where you get happiness out of it. You work so hard and make such quality content, it has to take a toll, and you deserve more than just the crumbs KZbin gives for that. The part that got me was how the payout for all the hard work is making friends and being part of a great community. Having that kept me going for so many years too, and I’ve made real genuine friends here who I’ll always care about, but the larger community aspect also changes so quickly and is so fickle. For me there was a point when the community stopped feeling like a place I was included, and even though I know it was just an algorithm thing, it was fucked up that it happened because I had to slow down during my literal real life divorce/housing instability, so I had to sit there and say “it’s my own fault I’m shut out of the community now, because I haven’t been doing enough to earn my place and keep myself relevant in the algorithm” right at the point when I could have used friends and community the most. The platform itself makes the community unstable, and it’s hard to be devoted to a system that will bury your channel at the drop of a hat 🫤

[@BookswithNeeks]

i feel you so closely on SO MANY THINGS! the part where you talk about seeing book content making you feel bad? that was why i had a 2 year hiatus on my channel out of nowhere lmao In a weird way, streaming games helped me find my love for reading again and eventually I ended up making videos again (although no pressure as always this was just my experience!) I’m so happy you’ve been exploring other forms of content that you love 💗💗 and considering I know you’re reading, feel free to dm me if you want or I can just hang out on your stream 🥰

[@thepussycat66]

Very impactfull video! I just wanted to say that I've always loved your channel. ❤️ Your videos and your great energy have always made me smile and helped me get through tough days.

[@ChloeReadsBooks]

This really made me tear up! You were one of the first channels I ever found and I’m so grateful for the level on interaction you provide on twitch. I definitely agree it’s better than KZbin in terms of connection! ❤ Everything you said I agree with, and I think a lot of us are experiencing it!

[@jazybelle24]

I'm glad you're taking steps to put yourself first and figure things out. I think everyone changed a little over the last 2 years. Most of us are still collecting the pieces and making sense of things. Take your time. I'm happy to stick around for whatever you decide to do next. Thank you for sharing!

[@MichellesLibrary]

I’m right there with you. So much goes into making videos and especially with Booktube you need to read to have content it’s a lot

[@jedibookmasterivy]

I’m sorry you feel you lost your spark to create. I relate so much with filming and editing it’s not fun and feels like more work on top of work. I have barely uploaded at all this year. I am sending you hugs! ❤

[@TheRainyReader]

I feel this so hard Ali

[@cynieloo]

I will watch everything you put out no matter the subject or how often it shows up, and I definitely jumped over to twitch and hit follow. You do what you need to do. 💜

[@elise85391]

I relate to that thing about the organization thing. I feel like something inside of me broke. Like the pandemic just took all of that executive function ability and just like snapped it. And now my brain is constantly fried, and doing the smallest things is like the biggest accomplishment

[@rasaslase]

Thank you for this video! 💛 A lot of things you mentioned are really familiar to me too. I’m burnt out on life and I’m constantly exhausted. Fun times. I’m here whenever you post a video. I’m not the greatest with commenting, but I’m always here. And I love to join for some twitch streams. I can’t be there for every single one, because of time zones, but I’m there whenever I can. :)

[@redistrying]

I've watched you for a long time, and I just want to say that if i can get burnout watching you all create and post then you have more than every reason to feel burn out trying to keep up with it all. This might be 3 months late, but I want you to know watching you be honest and explain that you need change because this space is no longer want you want and need for your happiness means more to me than you trying to hide and push through or just completely disappear. I still can't pick up a book after almost 5 months now of burnout and your channel is one of the very few "booktube" channels I have been able to handle bc I enjoy watching you and you talking about what interests you. You deserve to enjoy your hobbies and post what you like to do and I happy to continue supporting you however you chose to do that. Thank you for being you.

[@unclarable]

Felt all of this so much on so many levels. I left for those reasons and only recently in the last couple months or so refound my love for reading/books/book content. Booktube burnout is SO real. The expectations and creative/emotional labor are so taxing to mental health. Keeping up with comments from viewers, researching, actually reading to even produce content? It's a lot. Lots of love to you Ali, and I will follow you along to whatever passion you decide to follow

[@alilbitmads]

sending lots of love and good vibes ali 🤍 i think that finding ✨you✨ in content creation again is so important. i'm excited to see whatever it is you do choose to do in the future and in the meantime will enjoy the absolute fuck out of your twitch streams.

[@twistedsoul019]

Support you always. I’ll be here when you feel better and not going anywhere. You gotta do what is best for you.❤

[@berglindheiarsdottir2773]

I admire your courage to open up this way, to be so vulnerable and honest. I wish you all the best in your journey, wherever it may lead you.

[@hellotheredara]

I have been considering starting a booktube channel for several years, but you’ve touched on a lot of my concerns and reasons why I have never actually done it, especially in my current walk of life. I can’t afford to sacrifice so much of my time when I already feel time poor. I have really appreciated your Twitch content. Recently my desire to read has been nearly nonexistent. I feel like I can’t focus on audiobooks like I used to so I’ve been looking for gaming streams. I feel like I need less attention span and I like feeling like I’m actually part of a conversation or moment.

[@horror-sickness]

😳 I totally get this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I found your channel when I discovered booktube years ago and always loved your personality so I will enjoy any content that makes you happy.

[@mishelly]

I definitely feel ya! I think that I’ve been in a big back and forth of WHY. I love making content but financially I can’t justify the time & effort. I get no monetary gain i dont even get engagement. I still like sharing what I read. Idk what I’m doing either 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@brandieford2649]

This is SO RELATABLE. I’ve always loved your content but I’m fine with not seeing booktube videos. I would love to see plant and gaming content in the future. I’m excited to see the channel change and grow with you. Your happiness comes first ❤

[@corriedavis6984]

Here to support you in anyway! I love your channel so so much! you introduced me to some awesome people on here and I will be so sad to not see more of you but please take care of yourself! ❤❤

[@tee4410]

super proud of you for making this video. i can't imagine how difficult it was for you to come to terms with all of this. love everything you do and can't wait to see where your passion leads you *forehead kiss*

[@cherylmusgrove7]

I’ve been following you since you started- go have fun- well deserved. ❤

[@katiemaki5740]

This makes me sad but understand. You're a top favorite. I like videos on other things. Taking a break is always helpful. I see you tubers do that and come back happier and refreshed.

[@msellenandrea]

I can relate so hard to this. After sharing my art on Instagram for a decade I'm taking a very long break. There's also a burnout problem within the art community as its expected that we churn out new art several times a week and then the algorithm is just burying it anyway. These systems are not sustainable!

[@vampirekeeley]

I was on booktube for 6 years, and decided to leave. I took a whole year off, and I never thought I would come back. But during that year off I found my creativity and motivation again, so I started this new channel! Taking a break was so helpful and important. Do what you need to do!

[@Jennikreads]

Ali I can relate to this so much. The burnout and the feeling of it not being good enough because I don't feel like i can give it the energy i want to give is me right now. And it's so frustrating and exhausting.

[@Shirviu]

i dont even read books but i watch booktube youre one of my favourites and one of the ones i watch most ive also been watching youtube and general for a long time and have gone through different hobbies i mean how many youtubers did makeup/beauty then grew out of it and lost their online identity i think its normal to grow and find new hobbies, people change it sucks that its not fun anymore, but if its not then you cant control that if you end up being super passionate about the gaming you could always rebrand the channel into a gaming one

[@JurassicReads]

This. This is the exact feeling I've been trying to bottle and understand for the last 6 months to a year.

[@MoodyMegReads]

I think the biggest mistake booktubers make is putting quantity over quality. Reading 20 books a month at 3.25x the speed on audio isn't quality reading, its just another book to add to the stack for the thumbnail. It's easy to lose the passion and love when it becomes all about numbers ya know? I think you coming to terms with your burnout and why it happened is just the door opening to your next adventure! You're an amazing content creator and whatever you decide to make there will be an audience for it. As long as you care about what you're doing, others will too. Can't wait to see whats next for you!

[@catchats]

this has spoken to my souuuul. thank you 🖤

[@caylee3458]

I’m sorry to hear this. Just wanted to say that I always love your content (and I’m pretty sure I’d watch almost anything you created). You do what is right for you and take care ❤

[@BookRoast]

Oooof related to this a bit too much 🖤neck hurts from nodding along 😅 literally went from posting almost every day to a few times a month and avoiding other content as it reminds me of my own limitations. I'm sorry you're feeling this way because I know how much it stings 🖤

[@BookRoast]

ugh me and some friends constantly go into the discussion of the demand that any given video takes, it's not comparable to most other KZbin branches yet it has to compete. I simply cannot so I'm trying to mentally distance myself from having to but like you said, it doesn't work much for the algorithm hah

[@mmanderso]

Love you Ali - you're the reason why I track my books using your spreadsheet. My book friends think I'm crazy for doing it but I love how I know exactly what I read and when. I noticed that you hadn't been making videos and hoped that you were well. We have to be our biggest advocates and if you need time or another platform then DO IT!!! If you're able to come back to this platform even if it's once a month then that will be ok. Thanks for letting us know how you're doing. Gonna try to catch you on Twitch :-)

[@cleg78]

I think looking at all the book creators that are suffering burnout it is noticeable. You guys work so bloody hard. There are the amount of books to read, the clips and updates to go along with them, the vlogs, the editing and wrapping it all up together. It’s a huge amount of work. You are far from a let down though Ali, not at all. Please don’t feel you have let anyone down. I myself like to see other content video’s not just the ones based around books, like when you done your plant room. I love a variety of content and not just about books. Like with Becca from Becca and the books; she could do a whole video on candles and the whole process and the other bits that she does and it would be great. Whatever other hobbies you have I would watch those too as it is not just about the content it is about the person, you are so fun to be around. I really do appreciate you putting up this video though and totally can understand where you are coming from.

[@cleg78]

I would definitely notice you not being around and it would be a massive shame to lose you. If you added lifestyle to your channel rather than separate it to a channel of its own. Going on about content and levels of books read, totally get where you are coming from. I have been considering starting my own channel for so long. My problem is I say what I have to say which won’t always fit as at times I can be too honest for my own good and I don’t necessarily read all the out there stuff. I read what I read. Who knows if or when I will finally start a channel but listening to you has certainly given me a lot of things to consider before hand. You are appreciated Ali and you are missed, I definitely look forward to whatever video’s you have coming next, be it lifestyle, upcycling something you have found and make it amazing, regardless of whatever the video is I will still be around which isn’t nothing fantastic for a nobody like me I know but I don’t walk away from anyone. Wishing you a happier 2023 and I hope you find your feet again but most of all I hope you find the person inside who you are content and happy with. Look forward to seeing you back again soon. Take care my lovely and thank you for putting up such an honest but informative video x

[@landscapesofink]

YES I WANT A LIFESTYLE VIDEO! I want anything from you that makes you feel better and still lets me see your beautiful face and amazing personality

[@asparagusisreading]

I have not been on booktube as long as you have and haven’t made content to the extent you have but I’m feeling very similarly to you. COVID has also effected me. I have somewhat of my schedule back with school but everything else in my life feels all over the place. I don’t feel as excited or motivated with booktube or booktok and have slowly been getting more into other interests like bullet journaling and gaming. When editing videos, I hated seeing how exhausted or frustrated I was and didn’t want to edit them anymore. I enjoy bookstagram but I haven’t had much growth and feels like I’m posting and talking about books to a wall. All of my non-bookish content went nowhere. I tried fashion, photography, and college videos. I believe all are private now. I’ll be honest I’m not good at editing and don’t have the best equipment but it feels like it would be a waste to invest when I’m not as interested or when no one is watching. It’s starting to feel like work and I keep procrastinating or breaking promises. I’ll be like “hey this video is coming soon!” And then 6 months later I find my notes for said video. I’m still reading and engaging with other bookish creators a ton but in terms of my content, struggling. Recently I’ve been thinking about making all my accounts private/in hiatus X months or just stop making content altogether. I miss reading and reviewing just for fun, for myself, not feeling this constant pressure and frustration before I joined the online book community. “Who would notice?” BITCH MEEEEEEEEEE. I actively rewatch soooo many of your videos and you have been one of very KZbinrs that I still watch 5+ years later. I know I’ll see you on Twitch and Twitter but I’m ALWAYS checking to see what I miss from you.

[@ElondriaGrey]

I am here for you no matter the change, because honestly I just like your personality and energy. Growing and Changing is a part of life, we all go through it, we find new hobbies, our desires and likes change, it's all part of being an adult and growing up. Honestly, I have been watching less and less booktube because of the reasons you listed. I think these days I would rather watch a good review of a single book over 20 books reviewed in a sentence, and I think it's because even as just a booktube watcher (yes I read but not for content) I can see the pressure it creates in people. Do what makes you happy and people, the real ones, will be there to support you and watch you.

[@carrieicanhasbooks]

I feel this, I've been a bookblogger since 2009 and I haven't written one in months. I don't have the drive to write them. I just want to read what I want and review if I want. IG has been my main focus since I haven't blogged. I also got a new job last year and I'm honestly drained, sometimes I don't even want to read or desire to do so.

[@ashlee6341]

I just wanted to give you a hug throughout this whole video ❤️ You do whatever you need to do to get to a healthy place within yourself. You are amazing.

[@hannahblackwellbooks]

I totally agree booktube content creation is hard. For me, as a previous homesteading content creator I have to say it’s much easier than that, so to me it seems light(ish) BUT that’s because homestead content is INTENSE lol. Still tho, the pressure is there no matter what. I must say that booktube has allowed me to feel more myself than any other content creation. So I’m loving it but I’m so new that who knows what I’ll feel like in 5+ years you know? ❤

[@encyclopediaofelizabeth]

Honestly I hate a lot of the videos that are considered booktube staples, so I love it when creators branch out and try new things.

[@komaedacoffee4298]

I'm new to your chanel and love your voice and personality 🥰 you should make what you want, just talk about what you like 💜

[@justynajusty]

Hey! I hope you are doing well. I've been watching your videos for years, and I love your videos. I just want to say thank you for all of your hard work, creativity, and awesomeness. Do you, if you read one book, I'm on broad (I'll watch that video), if you create a videos about your wigs, games, plants, etc, I'm all for it. Do whatever it is you need to do to bring joy into your life. 🖤

[@chaosintheenchantedforest]

im so sorry you feel like this, your amazing and i love your content. Your not a bad creator, your one of the only people i follow on twitch, but unfortunatly i sleep when its your day XD so i always miss it. i have a very small channel. im doing it for a year and still dont even have 100 subscribers. its frustrated somethimes but also fine. i wanted to interect with the community more and my channel helps me do it. im only posting videos i like to make just because i dont want to get this feeling and if thewre not 100% its oke i had fun making them. Cause your right booktube has a burn out problem. I rather not grow my channel and have fun than getting burned out. take all the time you need mess everything up, i will still be here cause i love you as a content creator. and i bet a lot of us will

[@CamWolfeAuthor]

I know how you feel Ali, I really do. I think we've even been uploading on here for almost the exact same amount of time. For what it's worth I've always adored your channel, its aesthetic, and you as a person, you're criminally underrated on here. I know for me, I started to enjoy uploading a lot more once I stopped thinking about being a "booktuber" necessarily, and just started uploading more general discussions around books I like on my other channel

[@MoonlightBookReader]

First of all.... I've missed your videos Ali! Thank you for being honest about how you're feeling and how you've been trying to still keep your channel going. Burn out is awful, I know it from experience, and it makes us often feel sad about ourselves for no longer having the same passion we used to for things we love. That being said, I will always be your follower, because I think you're an amazing person, with a great and fun personality. I don't care if you're posting about books or about.... wallpaper colours! This channel is yours to make with what YOU want. You will never please everyone, it's just not possible. But anyone who likes you for you, will watch any content you create and share with us. I do hope to see you here soon, with whatever content videos you decide to make! Sending you big big hugs, all the way from Portugal! Vanessa xx

[@ericab1302]

I'm not a creator but have stepped away from consuming book content because the pressure to keep up with trends etc was too much! Ends up just being about consumerism. I had a bookstagram and was active on netgalley and even just the pressure to review books and take pics consistently was a slippery slope. I literally just read whatever I feel now, whenever I can find time to do it, and don't even do star ratings on Goodreads anymore because I just CBA thinking about it 😵‍💫

[@YarnReader]

ALI!!!!

[@alysamorley3570]

This is 100% how I felt a few years ago, which is why my channel has died. I still really miss it at times because I enjoyed Booktube so much, but it’s been a weight off my shoulders. I completely understand how you feel. 🖤

[@viktoriiah4443]

We all go through this, sadly, and the more I read the more I miss the spark of joy or adrenaline I had years ago before I read 50+ books a year. I haven’t stayed up late to read one more chapter in years, I miss my heart skipping a beat when the characters finally got together and had their first kiss… I remember there was a cartoon graph of a readers life circulating the internet like a decade ago, the gradual growth, the drop to zero and then rediscovery, which I guess can be applied to any hobby 😅

[@Moonlightbooksco]

Ali this video gave voice to what I think a lot of creators have been feeling but have been too afraid to admit. I am not a large content creator, a tiny content creator if you will and I felt and feel validated by everything that you said in this video. This will prompt me to take a look at my own content. Just know that I will follow you no matter what content you put out ❤ thank you for saying what a lot of us couldn’t.

[@UNITEDJACKSONSFANS]

Ur amazing, and at the end of the day u gotta do u. Look after ur self and follow ur passion.

[@nikkikerr4626]

I am sad you are going through this. I have watched you for a long time and have always loved your content. I am sure it is very hard having a full time job plus KZbin. Take some time for yourself. BTW I would love a lifestyle channel. I have always enjoyed your plant/decorate/diy videos.

[@bethbergeron5840]

I’m a long time watcher, at least 5 years and this is only my second time commenting. I’ve loved your content for years. I’ve enjoyed your unique reading recommendations as well as the love of mugs and plants!! I would absolutely agree that booktube has a burnout problem. It seems I’m watching some of my favorite booktubers less and less. It feels like they either make it a full time job (booksandlala and howtotrainyourgavin)or they just disappear. I hope you find your happy place. If you do make another channel please link it. I absolutely think you make amazing content and will definitely watch!!

[@silvermoonanime]

Hey Ali! I just wanted to let you know that whatever content you decide to put out, I’m watching it. :) You were one of my favorite booktube creators, and even though our interest in book genres seems to have diverted now, I still watch all of your videos anyway. To me it doesn’t matter what you talk about because I just like listening to you talk about the things you enjoy. :) I try to catch most of your streams too, so that has been a fun experience! I’m just not big into Dead by Daylight 🙈 though I have watched a few just to chill in the chat. Watching you try other games or vlogs or literally whatever makes you comfortable and happy is what I’m here for. :) feel free to be you and enjoy you!!! The last thing I want to say is I was in a very similar place as you recently, and I still sometimes struggle. Your comment that no one would notice you left made me really sad. I know we aren’t your real life friends and family and just strangers/fans on the internet, but you have built a community that appreciates you and would definitely notice you left! I just don’t want you to feel like you don’t matter. :) Looking forward to seeing you next, wherever and for whatever content! ❤

[@thewolfandherbooks]

You are in my Top 3 of KZbinrs for sure! I've been on booktube(as a viewer)/book twitter/bookstagram since 2015... KZbin used to be a form of freedom for content creators but now it's that jobs that pays you $7.25/hour but expects you to work 60 hour work weeks and if you dare use your vacation days, you're screwed when you come back to work. I just don't think there's the same level of depth or investment in the community as there was before. I made the book community my entire personality and I honestly get bummed out that reading doesn't bring me the same joy it used to. I'm a little like you in that it's hard for me to get started on something and stay motivated. I tend to have an all or nothing mentality. It used to be that I could only do something if my whole heart is into it or I don't do it all.

[@ReadingWheNeva]

Oh I hit a HARD slump this month. Like very hard. I’m at peace with it but also it doesn’t help my channel at all lol

[@AbiofPellinor]

Been there and it's awful, look after yourself Ali ❤🖤

[@Stephanie.Hudson]

Here’s the thing. I only get book recommendations from booktube. New releases and the hottest on trend books aren’t for me. I love it when people read the backlist titles and most of my subscribed to channels are romance booktubers. For example, Colleen Hoover was popular Roughly five years ago on booktube. Now my non bioktubers subs are reading her. I hate it. I guess i go against the algorithm. I also go through periods where I don’t read or watch book related content. I had lost myself and my passion and after a life coach and therapist I figured out that my job was draining me. I changed jobs and Feel way better. You’ve got to do what’s best for you because no one else will.

[@whimsydearest]

Time is limited and people are allowed to change and grow, so do whatever makes you happy. 💕

[@ElysiaLloydJonesArt]

I 100% agree that there's something wrong with the book community as a whole. I would spend hours as a teenager a day happily reading and then I would watch KZbin videos and see people were reading like 9 books a month being almost competitive, its not just KZbin, it's social media as a whole being obsessed with numbers, even GoodReads with their whole, GoodReads Challenge on how many books you can read in a year. It shouldn't be a challenge, it should be enjoyable. I took a bit of time off of watching book related content and I've only just found my love for it again, however I only watch it for recommendations these days and still keep my distance, but I do love your content and how your personality shines through. Annoyingly I love watching gaming videos on Twitch but majority of the people I follow are american so I always miss their live streams due to the time difference haha, but I see why you'd prefer streaming, and I hope you can figure yourself out more, you're not alone in that, especially after the pandemic

[@KatieColson]

I can’t thank you enough for posting this. I have been feeling so alone on this platform recently and like I’m not even close to as good as every other person here. And I also have been steadily losing subscribers. I agree with everything you said and while I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this (obviously on a much larger scale since you’ve been at this for so long) I also feel incredibly related to and that’s always comforting. You put it perfectly about how the booktube community forces burnout. It really does. If you read too few books then you’re boring. Too many and you’re faking it or not in taking the information to proper way 🙄

[@komaedacoffee4298]

Katie I looove your channel! I watch it to calm down and you inspire me. Even if you talked only about one book and diabetes, the true fans love it 🥰💜💜💜 your ace friend

[@jilltatro9324]

❤❤❤ I will miss you if you go away, but I know you have to take care of yourself and this is a ton of work to do, so you have to enjoy it. I loved your plant video and totally would watch basically anything you put out there. ❤ your book tracker and all of your content. I’m here whenever you post next.

[@coolerthanyoo]

I think it’s totally understandable to feel burned out. With booktube it’s definitely something that you’re investing hours upon hours into reading, it’s an incredibly demanding “hobby.” As humans, we’re fluid, and it’s great that you’re growing and getting to explore interests outside of books. I’ll still be here if and whenever you make videos and I wish you joy with your twitch channel ❤

[@MaddieNWarrington]

I can’t even imagine running a channel and creating content. I’ve been struggling to read just for me, let alone with the intent of creating content for thousands of people. I’m beating myself up for my lack of reading this year and I’m the only one who knows about it lol. I’ve been loving your twitch channel, and livestreams in general, so much recently. I just want to vibe with cool people and have fun, book related or not.

[@rlstan963]

I’m sorry that you’re burnt out and I totally understand why. Book tube seems so tedious and especially while you’re working a full time job this must be overwhelming. You should take time and wait til you feel like you want to read again and maybe post a video every once in a while. And if people complain then that’s on them. Live your life the way you want to and your true followers will understand and stand by you even if you don’t post even near as often. And I hope you find your fire back in twitch and I will be looking for you there!

[@somedaysaraa]

I noticed you hadn't been posting! I would probably watch anything you posted honestly.

[@RealForUs]

You’re one of the first booktubers I’ve followed and honestly I would notice if you left. I’m just extremely happy to see you whenever you post, but ultimately I would just want to see you be happy and do what you love. Please don’t force yourself to do anything you don’t have a passion for anymore ❤ I’m not a content creator, but just consuming booktube and bookstagram is causing major burnout, so I couldn’t even imagine being a creator.

[@literarysloth9961]

we love you no matter what Aliii ♥

[@bronwynsmith3225]

Hi I'm new to your channel I'm from Sydney, Australia This made me sad 🥲 chin up hopefully it gets better for you