I might have lied... 👀📚🤫 The Honest Booktuber Tag

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

This is such a great tag. I did it a few weeks ago and whenever I see someone new do it, I watch. I just finished my first event after four years in the community and I met so many new people through my phenomenal women’s tag and event. Of course we want views but it’s amazing to be part of a community where people love to read. I give you kudos for making videos in English. I also have to edit a lot and I’m a native speaker. Well, I don’t do the editing my partners does but I don’t make scripts so of course there’s going to be mistakes. I’m glad you joined our community. Aloha friend.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Hi Marilyn! It is a great tag, thank you for watching! And I agree that the community is amazing as well, and that's definitely the highlight of it all. I would just love for there to be less shame around trying to succeed, in anything really, but on KZbin as well. If I could do this for a living, I would be very happy, so in that sense, lots of views would help with that! That would simply give me more time to spend with this community that I find so much joy in. So I guess it's never about the views themselves, but what opportunities they in turn can bring about. I appreciate your input! And thank you for saying that, that's very kind of you! It's great practice to speak in English! I never do otherwise. Aloha friend! 💜 Thank you for being so welcoming!

[@sueysbookbanter]

Thank you SO MUCH for the honest thoughts about views! FINALLY! Someone said it! When I do this tag I will back you up on this! LOL! You know I moan all the time about views, and then when I hear others say they don't care about views it makes me feel so "less than" for worrying about it. We all know that everyone loves views! Anyway, great video as always with lots of awesome honest thoughts. Thanks for tagging me!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Of course we love views! It's not the only thing I care about, nor do I think it's the only thing you or anyone else cares about. But of course it can dampen or lift our moods, like any other kind of result or feedback or engagement with what we have to say. I think it's only human. Getting fewer views than you'd like is like standing on a town square and everyone just passing you by without so much as looking at you. And that can be very disheartening. So don't feel less than for worrying about it. Everyone does. That being said, there's always the next video! 😊 I also find myself always wanting the next interaction, when I could spend a little more time enjoying the one I've got. Like right now, that you've left a comment. That means a lot, and so I try to spend a bit more time appreciating that and that makes me feel better. So thank you for brightening my day! And I look forward to hearing you take on these questions! Bring on the honesty! 😁 (Like you always do!) 💜

[@MyMessyBookshelf]

You are so right! I feel like there is a place for everyone here. I am subscribed to all kinds of booktubers! Also, I must say I think you sound perfectly fluent in English! And thank you for the tag! 😊

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@MyMessyBookshelf It’s what I love most about booktube! Everyone always says it’s such a welcoming community, and it is, and I think the diversity of all kinds adds to that feeling as well. Thank you for that 😊 There is editing though haha 😂 I look forward to hearing your take on these questions, if you want to do it of course!

[@TheLinguistsLibrary]

I simply love your Swedish honesty. I lost my voice last week and just got it back but as soon as get a chance I'll record this tag. By the way, I have an original tag coming out and you're tagged madam!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you 😄🥰 Oh how annoying! I'm glad to hear you got it back! Take it easy though, no rush. Oooh fun! And a bit intimidating, I feel like it's going to be an intellectual one! 😅

[@books_and_bocadillos]

As always, wonderful video and conversation. Your take on views made so much sense. When I made my tag video I answered from a very narrow understanding of the question. I loved how you opened up the question much more broadly and I agree with you. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@books_and_bocadillos Thank you Mariandrea! I don’t blame anyone for answering the question in that way either, that’s how views are normally talked about. I just think it brings about shame to be seen trying, or caring about what people think etc, and of course we try and care, that’s only human, so I’d rather remove the shame than pretend those feelings aren’t valid… if that makes sense 😄 I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you so much for watching! 💜

[@Maeve_Ever_Books]

Absolutely loved your answers!! Thank you for the tag!!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you! I look forward to hearing yours! 😊

[@LibrariesandLattes]

I love your perspective on views/ numbers, that’s a great way to think about it!! You’re such an optimistic and caring person and I really appreciate that ❤️ I also love the discourse with people in the comments of my videos and just knowing that people care enough to watch my videos and chat about books with me 😊 And your book club has been so fun! Not that I needed to be a part of any more since I have two in-person ones, haha, but it’s just so fun to read books with other people and talk about them!!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you so much Chelsea, that genuinely warms my heart to hear. And I think you are too! 😊💜 Yes, the discussions are the best! I wouldn't go through the trouble of making videos if I didn't enjoy the process itself as well, but the social aspect is a lot of fun. And it is crazy to me that anyone is watching, but I'll take it! 😄 I'm so glad you're enjoying the book club! You know you can bop in and out as it suits you, but I'm very happy to have you be a part of it when it does! It is a lot more fun to read when there are people to talk about it with! Thank you for being here as always! It means a lot! 💜

[@adarkcornerofthelibrary]

This was such an interesting set of questions! It sparked some great opinions that I pretty much agree with 🤔

[@ellenmadebookclub]

I had fun with it ^^ Consider yourself tagged if you want to do it too!

[@heathereads]

I was loving the video and the view through the door behind you!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you Heather! 😊 Thanks for the tag, this was fun! Happy weekend!

[@TheKatBite]

Love this video! Views are people, too! ❤

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@TheKatBite Exactly! 😄 Thank you for watching! 💜

[@Curious-Cat]

I think your best is great 💛 I love your channel so much and I relate to a lot of your ways of thinking - don't change a thing ^^

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@Curious-Cat Thank you so much Cat! That absolutely made my day 💜🥰

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

This was delightful! Thank you for doing the tag. Your English is perfect. Your videos are always thoughtful, fun, and extremely well put together. I liked your sense that views are people. That was a very good way to look at it. I think I interpreted the question differently, but I love how you looked at it. 😊

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you so much Pat! That's very kind of you to say and it means a lot to hear! 🥰 I interpreted the question differently as well, but I can't help but twist and turns things around and try to see other perspectives. Sometimes it's incredibly annoying (for everyone involved!) and sometimes it lands somewhere nicer. I hope it was the latter in this case. Thank you for viewing! 😄

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

@@ellenmadebookclub you did a great job, and your discussion was very thoughtful, as always.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@BookChatWithPat8668 Thank you! 🥰

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

Ooh I love how you said a view is a person! That's a great way of looking at it. I was tagged in this one too and I've started thinking about my answers. Hopefully I can film it soon. The questions are so interesting!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@BonnieNicoleWrites Thank you for viewing 😄 It’s not really what the question is about I guess, but I think it’s so interesting to discuss. There is a respect for succeeding, aka many subscribers and views, but not for trying to get there. And the not being seen trying is just bringing shame to everyone, and I don’t like it. I look forward to hearing your take on these questions when you get to them! 😊 Happy weekend!

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

@@ellenmadebookclub That is so insightful and I think so accurate! It really makes sense but I also was like...whew I think I need to sit and think about that for a while!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@BonnieNicoleWrites It’s probably true in some ways and in some ways not. There is a certain respect for the “hustle”, but only as long as it’s “honest” work. And of course clickbait for clickbait’s sake might not be the most honest thing, but if you’re doing a challenge for a video for instance, something a bit extreme so that it will be more entertaining, I don’t see how that’s any different or less honest than say writing fiction or acting in a movie. It’s just easier to ridicule and be jealous of, and everyone can see the results as well. I could go on but I’ll try not too ^^

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

@@ellenmadebookclub That definitely makes sense. Maybe it's a difference between intentional work towards bettering your channel vs. the clickbait or sensationalized things that may not even be authentic. But.....I guess even within all of that there are still many sub points and nuances. 😂 It's a big topic!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@BonnieNicoleWrites Yes absolutely! It’s also if it’s noticeable I think… I mean bigger channels, or anything in marketing really, do the same thing, it’s just not as noticeable - if it’s done well I mean 😄 Lots of nuances for sure!

[@goodmornindreamer]

Loved hearing your response on these. 💕 I had to stop reading It Ends with Us because the writing just doesn't work for me. I want to read it to fully understand everything surrounding it, but if I did try to read it again, it would probably be through an audiobook.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@goodmornindreamer Thank you! 🥰 I’m a bit apprehensive as well, but I’m going to give it a shot at some point! At the rate I’m going now, it will be years from now when no one cares anymore 😂 Hopefully sooner though!

[@goodmornindreamer]

@@ellenmadebookclub 🤣haha totally understand! If you get to it before me, I'll definitely be interested to hear your thoughts!

[@helenclare3250]

How I love this community ❤ Great answers. Everyone is unique and brings something different. I wish I could read more and I can't believe when people are reading 20 plus books a month. How?! Short books and lots of audio? I enjoy your videos and thoughts. You are very creative and I'm glad I found you.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you so much! That made my day, thank you for saying that! 😊💜 I love this community too! And you are part of it too, of course. I really don't know how anyone reads that much, although I did just watch another booktuber wrapup 20 books that she read in July, but then she didn't do anything else! (BryndisDaughterofGunnar) So I guess if you have all the time in the world, or booktube is how you make a living, then sure. And yes, short books and audio! But I'm not sure I could concentrate for that many hours anyway! 😄

[@helenclare3250]

More time is needed! If I could read 20 plus books a month, my TBR would seem less daunting. I know it's not a competition and I am putting the pressure on myself but my 2 books a week on average seems low. I am busy and wish I had more time. I watch a lot of Book Tube too! Quality not quantity. Looking forward to the September books you've picked for book club.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 I agree, there are so many books I want to read and when I do the math, it’s so many years to get through them all 😂 If I read two books a week though, I would be very happy! It isn’t a competition and I hope you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself. If it helps, I’ve read one book this month! I’ve started a few more, but it’s going slow, and I’ve done some other things. I’m looking forward to the September books too! Although I wish August had like three more weeks ^^ 🌤️😊

[@helenclare3250]

@@ellenmadebookclub Me too. Time is flying by! I've just seen a weather report that says the UK will have a better September, weather-wise. August has had about 2 hot days here so by next month I'll probably be confused which month we're actually in anyway. It's usually cosy autumn vibes by September. Happy Reading!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 Hopefully good reading vibes either way! 😄

[@itsmimiduong]

THE INTRO WAS EVERYTHING FOR ME 😂😂😂 I was CRACKING UP. THE THUMBNAIL 💀😏 Because of what's been happening REALLY recently. Did I immediately click on your video when I saw it pop up on YT? Most definitely. I agree with your answer for #2; I think it's good to get your own opinions! I think some books NEED to be "problematic" to showcase the issue; eg. bring light to the issue. But again, with those aspects it's always a thin line between being part of the problem and raising awareness and it's up to us as readers to make the decisions ourselves after reading & doing our research. Don't worry, I'll start drama. #TEAMSPOILERS 😈😈jk, I respect your opinions and your thoughts 🥰 Though a real fight is Q7 👀👀 I think now after hearing your answer, I agree 😂When I first started my channel, I wasn't really in the mindset of "getting views" for the pure sake of views... I guess I didn't realize I want views but not in a frivolous way(?) if that makes sense. Like spam bots. Having big numbers on videos is nice, but I love it when I get to respond to comments or leave comments, and have DISCUSSIONS with people!! So you right, but if you didn't put it like that, I think I would've disagreed. Making this video and starting my channel is definitely one of the best things that I did in 2024 because I got to connect with so many other people, just like you said. Honestly, I really like this tag so much 🥹 I got so much perspective into your life and decisions! I might do the tag 👀👀 But I have a couple of tag videos pilling up to film too 😂

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Your comment got flagged, as well as your questions about Pachinko for book club! I don't check there very often, so sorry for the very delayed response! (I have no idea why though...) Haha I'm glad you liked the intro and thumbnail! I had to be a bit extra because of my point in Q7! 😉 Very meta of me, I know. And especially because of the Blake Lively drama and I've probably missed most of it, but that's everywhere on my feed. Which is also sad to me. I don't like her behavior, but I also don't like people getting on the hate wagon for their own benefit (views!) - now that it's "ok" to hate on her. ANYWAYS different discussion haha! But also yes, that's why we're here 😂 I didn't have the mindset of getting views from the start either, but my brain works the same as everyone else's and gets a little hit of dopamine anytime I get a new subscriber or a comment or whatever. That's how social media is designed. So even if that's not the ONLY goal, and it certainly isn't for me, I get a lot of benefits for my own personal development (best thing I did this year by far as well!), but if I could have this much fun and get paid for it... sign me up! 😄 And you're absolutely right about Q2, on the problematic issues. If it doesn't upset us as readers, it isn't done very well... so it can either backfire on the author completely or spark a discussion. A very big risk to take as an author. But without it, it can't bring about any kind of change. I would love for you to do this tag! It's such a fun one! I'll bring my popcorn! 😊🍿🍿🍿

[@itsmimiduong]

@@ellenmadebookclub LOL I blame my long messages 😭 And how I just go through multiple videos at a time writing up essays. It's all good! love it!! I love it when I hear about current on going things, and I felt like you connected the point very well. Also bonus points because hopefully it helps with your views 😏😏 I know it got me clicking on this video ASAP. Yeah, I think it's absolutely fine to get information and form your opinion about her. Though I think the best way to hurt them is to not talk about them 🫢🫢 less clicks to their name Yesss! I had so much personal development in terms of just learning how to video edit. Like the drastic difference from my first video to my newest 😅 I also feel like I've been using a rusty part of my brain since I feel like it's been a hot minute since I've thought about books critically. I can see why English teachers had us breakdown books now.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@itsmimiduong Haha I love your essays! I'm glad I'm not the only one ^^ You're right, silence is the best punishment. I just want to know what I'm punishing someone for first 😅 I also feel like people lose perspective sometimes. Like some things might be not the best, but there are worse things... I don't know. People are very keen to go along when someone is popular and in the power, and the second some other people turn on them, everyone's happy to just turn on the hate, like immediately. There's no nuance, and I don't like that. It's giving hate sessions in 1984 ^^ Oh absolutely! I think your videos looked good from the start, but it's so fun to see you try out new things and it always looks great! And yes, the critical thinking about the books... Sometimes it takes the fun out of it I think, like some books are just for fun and that's fine, it doesn't have to be a masterpiece. But it's probably a good thing to use that part of your brain as well! 😁 (In moderation! 😅)