Is it Time to Retire the OTB Channel?

This is my first video upload for three months and during that time I've received many messages and comments asking about my health, what's happening with the channel, and yes, implying that possibly I may be thinking
the channel has reached the end of its natural life.
Well in this video I will be answering those questions as well as giving an update on my biking experiences over the last few months and, of course, touching on Linux in the process.
I hope you enjoy the video :-)
For those interested in using the polywins script it can be found here:
github.com/tam-carre/polywins
If you enjoy my channel and/or find it useful, you can support me in a number of ways.
1. If you would like to become a Patron, my page is here:
/ oldtechbloke
2. If you would like to order OTB merchandise, I now have a Spreadshirt shop and a Teespring shop:
shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/oldtec...
teespring.com/stores/otbs-sto...
3. if you want to buy me a beer, I've now launched my new website and you'll find a PayPal button for that very purpose:
www.oldtechbloke.com
If you chose any of the above options you will be helping to keep the channel going and I am extremely grateful.
You can also join me on the following:
To join LBRY please click the link below. As a disclaimer, I will earn LBRY points if you use the link so thanks for the support
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Ramble On!

[@Jeff_Seely]

May you rest in peace Steve. Your contribution to our educational entertainment has been superb I think al of us were so very blessed to have known you through the otb channel. Godspeed and may he place you on a beautiful street of gold so you can ride long and beautifully. To the family of Steve: please let us know your wishes. To the best of my ability, I'll do whatever you ask or want . Steve, I considered a friend. I hope he's left you the capability to control OTB, going forward.. I am sorry for your loss😪

[@stephenwilson0386]

Pretty sure he's still alive though?

[@Jeff_Seely]

Sadly, my friend, I'm afraid he is not. I wish he were. If he wanted to get out, he would never have to fake his illness and death. I think he would want to be remembered for his integrity and his contribution which were both very substantial. The people that knew if he were still alive would not be very impressed by something like that much deception. And I don't think that would make him too happy. My family and I continue to pray for his loved ones. Take care...

[@1984_is_today]

@@stephenwilson0386 He passed.

[@andremagalhaes664]

Glad it's all ok with you OTB! Enjoying life is very important, i don't mind if you even post a video per year, i will still see it and continue subscribed to your channel :)

[@peppe540]

"I couldn't use it unless I was tortured badly ;-)" Missed your oh-so-British pun intended remarks! Good you're here, on and off, A small trickle of sense is all we need. Thanks Steve, throw the Beemer around the roundabout!

[@peterbrown6224]

I'm delighted that you're staying on. Not everyone can produce at the rate of TechMoan or ExplainingComputers, and this is more of a service to us than the other way around. That BMW looks the goods. No wonder it took a while to gain confidence with it.

[@biutifo1201]

Coming back to KZbin after 1yr and your channel is EOL. Wish you all the best. ❤

[@zc2012]

Really like your channel in terms of your clear explanation and gentle English. Happy to see you will stay on. Thank you!

[@chairman67]

Hi OTB, glad to see you're still kicking.. enjoy the rest of your sunny days whilst they last.. Looking forward to new videos from you as-and-when you feel the urge ! take it easy !

[@theshowmanuk]

The occasional distro review and a few bike ride videos would be cool. Congrats for 20K subs.

[@1960beancounter]

New Slackware users, such as my self, really appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work. And as a fellow 60+ old bloke, keep having fun! It worries the youngsters.

[@alphago9397]

Before you ever retire your channel; I'd like you to know that thanks to your video on Slackware 15; I was able to install Slackware for the first time ever this April without any hiccups and am now a proud daily Slacker..! For that, I will always be grateful.

[@luluslovebear]

I wish you would keep publishing. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and ideas.

[@phrtao]

I have really missed you over the last 3 months. Whenever you have something to say it will be a pleasure to hear it. I find your explanation videos relaxing to listen to and informative.

[@mousegeek]

Great you're carrying on the the channel. Always enjoy your videos.

[@taidee]

I've come back to this video to hear OTB's voice again as we sadly say RIP to the legend.

[@maboxupdatesextras4592]

I am undoubtedly glad to see you back and know that you are enjoying your own time off and your slow pacing decision about your amazing linux channel. Nice fresh bike btw..envying you a lot hahahehe.. hugs.

[@keithmiller9665]

Hi OTB, just to let you know the DistroTube channel (199k subs) discusses your retirement video. He actually watches your channel and has some nice words.

[@OldTechBloke]

Hi Keith yes I saw that last night 😁

[@gildersleeve5228]

From a lad in the states, I would be a bit bummed if you disappeared from my recommended section. Glad to hear you're staying on, even if it's a sparse schedule. Be well, you're awesome.

[@ironmanlifts]

Good to hear you’re doing well. Been on Dwm for a while now with 1 patch only. I feel your pain on Xmonad. Careful on that bike, I sold mine was getting too brave.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Enjoy life OTB. We enjoy your videos but never feel pressured to do them either.

[@taidee]

You're becoming a young rascal OTB, I'm loving it. It's great to have some fun man. We'll see what you bring on the channel when you do deliver.

[@rkenw996]

Enjoy your break OTB. Ride the rocket, see new places and rejuvenate your mind, body & spirit. It’s good to know you are well and taking care of yourself. When you return to the channel we will be here … eager for the gentle, knowledgeable perspective only a revived you can bring. As another older guy, may i suggest that when you come back; do not commit to more than 1 shorter (than in the past) video per month? There’s no need to be under the same pressure to produce as previously. It should be fun and not onerous. I too would enjoy viewing an occasional 3 to 5 minute episode of your summer biking adventures; admittedly in part, for the reassurance of your continued well-being. In the meantime thank-you for your channel’s wonderful library of content. I often re-watch your videos when trying a distro you have already reviewed. Wishing you all the best.

[@xKB616]

I’ve been worried about you, mate. Thanks for the update!

[@testingstuff6111]

Great to see you doing OK , would love a vid or two even if just for sightseeing. Riding and running Linux are one of the best things a man can do :)

[@STONE69_]

You inspired me to install Puppy Linux on my old Laptop. Now I use Linux on my main Computer.

[@wiz3905]

Never retire this valuable channel. Miss you Steve

[@themroc8231]

Enjoy your free time and your country roads. It's a pity the algorithm pushes creator to burn themselves out with crazy video release schedules, but I selected the little bell in my subscription, and I am notified whenever you publish something new. If you don't want this to become a job for you, do it at your own rhythm, so it remains an enjoyable hobby. And I trust the British weather to keep you from riding the country roads soon enough anyway. :) I am here for the Slackware content! They just released a new version of Slax. Be well, we'll be here when you feel like coming back.

[@jonglass]

Oh my goodness! the video title gave me a heart attack! I don't mind infrequent videos, and an irregular schedule, nor the long summer breaks, but I'd hate to see you disappear entirely! Thanks for this video update, and patiently looking forward to your next one!

[@stevesveryown]

Glad to hear all is well. Us old guys need to keep going. One thought, because of your title, OTB, you are not stuck with just linux. Looking forward to more content.

[@dropshot1967]

Your channel definitely has been a good source of information about Linux and computer-related subjects. But I feel you should only make videos you are interested in, because it shows in the videos. My best recommendation is to do whatever interests you. Stay safe and healthy

[@derekr54]

Keep on enjoying the bike and take care.

[@johanb.7869]

Smoker myself for 32 years, but 17 years almost 18 years clean next week this month. Take care😉

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

You clearly do this as a hobby and hobbies can become boring if you lose control over when you make time for them, especially if the demand to continue that hobby comes from other people. Put yourself first and keep your sanity! Good luck with whatever you do in the future.

[@Redyf]

Your channel is one of the best i've ever seen, linux related. But i do understand the situation and i'm here to support your decision.

[@itildude]

Glad you're sticking around! I think you are taking the right approach...do videos when they are fun and meaningful for you. No need to burn out on it.

[@bobwright8000]

Thanks for the update. I've missed your smiling face lately, and always enjoy the channel. Take care and I'll catch you when you are up to it. Enjoy the bike; they are a lot of fun.

[@davidjackson3928]

Glad to see you again! Hope you have a great time with the scooter. I've been a biker for most of my life and just sold my last two bikes last year. I'm having withdrawl! Anyway, I started using Slack back in 1996 and it became my daily driver for a decade or so. Since then I've moved on to other distros and settled on Arch. But I'm really curious to catch up with your Slack vids and see what you like so much about Slack. Thanks for your work and your channel! Great to have another 60-something geek in the house!

[@NOPerative]

Running out of things to say about distros maybe; now the filtering process through collaboration working to find that sweet spot where you find that comfortable distro and then there's settling in with the distro. There's also just chatting like you're doing in this video. It's all up to you, but we'll be here when you are. Ride to live, live to ride. 60s my ass - young at heart baby! That bike is gorgeous. Got to respect the power under your butt and become one with the device allowing it to become an extension of yourself and work with it instead of trying to be its master - feel the thing. The zone is real.

[@rickforges8918]

Well I did the same thing and bought an 1150RT 2002 after 30 years away. Did like how it carved the corners too. never scraped the pegs , to scared to lean it over on public roads. Sliced thru the air so easy. But I found it too hard to pick up with my bad back if I dropped it. Had Sargent seats so I could flat foot it at a stop. The final drive on that model was prone to early failure ( the new models are OK I hear but why not change the oil at the same time), so after I had it fixed I bought my 'Old Geezers' bike an Honda 1800 Goldwing ; actually a lot easier to pick up. Linux wise my main is Mint Cinnamon but I like to play with others too. Love your relaxed style , good move to pace yourself and enjoy your hobbies.

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

Agree with everyone else. Happy that you are going to continue making videos. Speaking for myself, I appreciate variety in videos that follow along with the maker's interests. I follow the folks I like, and watch to see what they are up to. As far as "learning things", usually it is a one-and-done for me. In other words, keep being you and I'll keep watching. Thanks!

[@groundluminosity1]

Just to thank you for your videos and to say I've got a lot out of them. Thanks to you I gave NixOS a try and, three months later, I'm hooked. Your video on Void also encouraged me try out that distro, and I'm now using it on my older machines. Your work has an impact and I hope you carry on producing!

[@RobBoudreau]

Nice to see you Steve, glad all is well. Those newer Beemers always look so much more top-heavy than the older ones did, though I suppose it's just all in the way they design the fairings now. Weather here hasn't been too friendly to riding this Summer. Had more rain than anything well into July, then it got hotter than blue blazes. Not much fun riding when the temp is 36C+ out. Like riding into a blast furnace. Something to mull over: There's a lot of new tools and apps in the Linux world. Lot of old standards being rewritten in Rust or Go, lot of new more user-friendly ones coming out. Perhaps a look at some of them may be worthwhile in an episode or two later. Enjoy yourself my friend. Cheers!

[@ArniesTech]

I can TOTALLY understand you. Only after starting my channel, I realize how much of an actual Job it is. Especially as a non-native-English speaker 💪😅

[@eznix]

Cool to see you are still kicking around. Have fun with the BMW and I look forward to motoring vlogs. I completely understand and can relate to your lack of interest in most Linux related content ideas. I have almost given up doing anything other than my own projects. Maybe a quick look at video of something Arch related, but that's about it. Take care and have fun. 🙂

[@bradleypagliaro9133]

I really appreciate your style and your approach no matter what you choose to discuss. Keep at it as long as it feels like the right thing!

[@payitogris]

Glad to see you back and that you are doing well. As you said, to live and enjoy the life outside this realms is is essential. Nothing like take a fresh breath to see things better and, why not, gain perspective. I hope you enjoy those moments and your impressive new bike. I will be here to see and learn with your videos whenever you'd want to publish them. My best wishes from Spain. Cheers! 🙂

[@BrucesWorldofStuff]

No! No retirement for the OTB... Lol Now we need to get on with it... HaHaHahA Here is what I say. Do what ya want and well be around. If they don't like it, so sad to bad.... What no Spectrwm? The shame of it all... 🤣 I'm still rocking SpectrWm and LeftWm. Although LinuxDabbler has almost got me to install DWM with this latest video.. He does not post often either. Once in a while is fine with me. As long as we know your kicking... LOL Ya know it is a hobby after all... 😛 Take care Professor and ride safe! LLAP 🖖

[@chrissoskavounis4307]

Hi Steve! Nice to see you again after a long time! I ll be honest with you... your channel is one of the best youtube channels about linux. Many videos you have made are amazing, one of them about configuring openbox helped me very much to create my own openbox respin! But in some other videos you look like you were trying to find something just not to break the weekly chain of videos... so my "advice" is keep doing what you do as long as you enjoy it...and create a new video only when you feel you have something new and amazing to say, no need to folow that weekly basis.

[@Esteban7GT]

I’m not one for bikes but the ones you showed are really cool. Great to see you’re doing well and taking things at a pace that is comfortable for you. We all look forward to your awesome content!

[@JeffWaynee]

It seems very easy for youtubers to get burnt out. The key is knowing when to step back, and it looks like you've figured that out. Good on you.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

I am disgusted by some comments that I see on KZbin from what are usually self-entitled millennials that expect everyone to wipe their backsides for them. Comments like "Your sound was bad" or "Can you make a video about [INSERT TOPIC HERE]?" within minutes of a creator's hard work being posted - it's no wonder creators get p*ssed off with it all.

[@tiitulitii]

You don't need to update too often. It is in my opinion quite fine to do, when you like yourself and when you think it is good/important. In any case, I myself like to listen you more than anybody else in the internet. RelaxedTechBloke is quite alright, too.

[@wnelson8332]

Glad to see you back and 'revived' to some extent! I guess I understand the logic of your choices so far, however much I miss having something to look forward to each week.... My first thought is that monthly is good too - but that might limit you (downward) too much - so whenever you feel like it is good enough! As for the bike - from what I remember of 'winter' in most of Britain, and what I remember of the RT version, with a little application of heated 'accessories' (especially gloves) it should be well suited to an extended riding season. this would have the bonus of being an additional reason not to park it in the 'shed'! A couple of notes on getting used to different bikes - I remember switching from a 400 to a 750, then a GS100EN and what the differences were - and how I shortened the familiarization process considerably. I assume (hope?) you are familiar with countersteering on (especially) a large bike, or making use of gyroscopic precession in steering - and I found that applying pressure (pushing forward) on the inside handlebar for steering precision, and using that to run down an empty road with a dashed centreline - weaving between the dashes at increasing speed as comfort increases can REALLY shorten the time to acquire comfort with a bigger bike! Having the same precise steering I expect from a capable 4-wheeler makes a huge difference. Oh - and a thought about Harleys. From the same age perspective as yourself, I would highly recommend that you get at least an hour ride on your desired Harley before laying out any cash/credit on one! What you have allows some long-distance comfort - many Harleys do not, especially if the far side of forty! I won't even go into the unneeded excitement that dragging hard bits in corners can cause - especially when you NEED to tighten your line through a corner! Many thanks for your efforts so far, BTW, and in hope that the bike might make an appearance or 2 in the future, if you can avoid distraction when creating!

[@OldTechBloke]

Thanks mate. Taking car to purposefully practice counter steering and low speed manoeuvres is exactly what I’ve been doing, and as you say it does speed up the familiarisation process

[@charlieoscar09]

Just do what you can when you can......I really enjoy your linux work and was one of the reasons i started with Linux.

[@MFTAQ]

Glad your sticking around, love your content

[@BrucesWorldofStuff]

Rest In Peace my old friend! May God Bless your Soul and he holds you in his Arms for all eternity! Thanks you for all you have done for me and the whole Linux Community. Your Voice will be Missed OTB... 😥 I will miss my bloke across the pond! Indiana Calling OTB, Signing Off Air for the Last Time and Good Night God Bless you OTB...😥

[@matildezelaya6734]

Please continue.

[@paulofernandobuzzarellohaa7788]

Excuse me, let me ask you some that glad for you, I guess. Sorry by curiosity: What kind bike you mean that is new yours? A Harley Davison, Vulcan . . . yes, it would be nice to know about your leisure as well. Nice videos, excellent linux knowledge and we would be happy if OTB shares with us your than turn you happy, buddy. :)

[@johnjoyce]

You should totally start interviewing folks

[@mikewojcik7686]

Great to see you back! Just make videos when you want to, that way you will enjoy it and not have it feel like a commitment.

[@guilherme5094]

No problem man, just take your time.

[@simpan197]

personally; I've really liked your videos as you give off this very chill vibe, as such: you could consider doing videos on your bike as well (or similar)

[@Fil0125]

Yes

[@momomaniac1234]

i'm glad to see you again Sir i honestly worried about you as i didn't saw you from days and i'm also glad that the chanel will keep and you'll make videos in the future 😃 the new bike is amazing i think it's a fast bike Sir i would like to suggest Alpine Linux for the next video or a future video Alpine is lightweight distro and use openrc instead of systemd and use openbox and busybox and has latest package versions and latest kernel version too in the edge repos and is good to to use with a window manager it has many window managers including dwm and the Wayland window managers like sway and riverwm and it's iso size is under 200 mb

[@tomas-wi8dy]

just stay healty

[@gollenda7852]

We have missed you.

[@timknowsbest1425]

I love your content. The Linux community is better with your opinion. Go at your own pace. Enjoy your bike while the weather is nice 👍 ☀️

[@Danielddiniz]

Steve, you could do both things you love: the bike and Linux. Put a raspberry pi in the BMW and make Linux drive some improvement in the bike. What do you think?

[@OldTechBloke]

Worth thinking about

[@Mr7263255]

Great news we need more non bias linux content hang in there and enjoy a nice ride!

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

An opinion isn't "biased" just because you disagree with it. Besides which, most Linux content is based on the knowledge and experiences of the content creator - therefore I'd argue that most of them are presenting their own subjective opinions on Arch, GNOME, systemd or whatever else they are talking about. It's not someone else's job to "not be biased" on what is essentially a public messaging and video forum designed for everyone to express opinions just to make it easy for you not to think. You should be cogent enough to watch and listen while somebody gives you their opinion, and then form your own opinion - including watching other content that maybe presents a different perspective on the same topic.

[@uMalice]

great video, btw the fedora lxde spin with openbox is quite nice and speedy. you may like it.

[@cantdance3077]

I really value your perspectives on the current state of Linux. Too many "drive-by" reviews out there. Those were helpful, in the beginning, but at the same time not very deep. Your channel is instrumental in my Linux journey. Safe riding, sir!

[@FabulousWanderers]

Fantastic, loved listening to your story here, i"m an oldie biker like yourself. i've only just come across your channel recently, i was looking for a way to use the ventoy iso tool and also within a virtual machine setup and saw your video ( a bit late , i know ), it's going to help me so much, thanks. Please make sure to continue to make content, the way you come across is great and your knowledge is fantastic too. Best wishes for the future 🌟👍 ♥

[@anon_y_mousse]

Have you tried KDE? I'm a lazy Slackware user, and I've always liked and used KDE. I personally love how little I have to do to maintain it, something which seems to be a problem for others on other systems. One of these days I would like to try out dwm. Also, I would love to see a bike riding video from you. You could even just do a voice over to talk about some Linux subject with the video being that of you riding.

[@tiitulitii]

PS. Speaking about flu and health in general: If you want to keep well and even get better despite of the years accumulating, please check the video "How to Start Keto Correctly" by Dr Berg. That did change my life, ie. no more all kinds of pains and pills!

[@garulgerm8344]

Focus maybe on source based linux distrobutions they're quite popular lately as Arch and Debian based have had their spotlight for quite some time.

[@peterjansen4826]

I know of mone person who reinstalled his Arch-system because of that grub-problem. He used bttrfs and he struggled to chroot into his sytem. Oopsie. 😆That is one of the reasons why I keep it simple with ext4, but if I ever go on an adventure with another file-system then it will be zfs.

[@sagarhp2350]

RIP Steve.., 🙏🙏😢

[@Igomeowigomeowigomeow]

How about a video on upgrading your kernel with slackpkg on an efi system.

[@iamjiwjr]

When you return, could you consider exploring openSUSE’s MicroOS and/or Fedora’s Silverblue?

[@OldTechBloke]

I’m really not a fan of the immutable desktops, and both run gnome as default which also puts me off, never say never though

[@eddieoconnor4466]

Greetings Sir, and while I applaud your wanting to weigh your options?..I'll respond to the question in the title of this video: DON'T YOU DARE!.... LoL!

[@adelabdel-azim5261]

Don't retire we will loss you

[@nymnicholas]

Even if you Stop now, we understand, as all Good Linux content is hard to come by. Learned a lot from the past videos. The new generations will have to learn by themselves, and Fail a few times more. Afterall, Linux is not for Everyone. Quantity is not everything. You content need not be that way. Ok, keep it up. You are NOT done yet. Peace :-) Maybe, if you run some videos for Pi4 Linux, will be interesting, as ARM is not the same as Intel/AMD stuff.

[@peterjansen4826]

One of the Linux-KZbinrs should dive into controllers for Linux. I am trying to get one (8BitDo) to work, somehow the mapping is wrong in games for the right stick and the trigger-buttons even though basic-utilities show a correct mapping. It seems to have to do with SDL2 messing that up somehow. I know that OTB is not a gamer but if you want a new challenge then this might be interesting, trying to figure out how to work with controllers on Linux.

[@tonywise198]

Just enjoy what you do - don't make YT be your master.

[@somacruz8272]

There is a whole world of source based and unix like distros no one makes content on!

[@htx80nerd]

RIP

[@yolamontalvan9502]

Could you make a video every 6 months or every year?

[@neotwenty-nineBzH]

Oh? 🤔😔... Let's watch 👍😉

[@SunIsLost]

Yes

[@miah6202]

don't retire

[@SunIsLost]

Ok

[@Linux_Lucy]

Nice bike but .. Er, BLACK ! ! ? Why not White / Bright Red or Blue. Riding a bike is all about BEING 'SEEN' by Blind Car Drivers ! ! ! .. Hoping U are not Kitted out 'Head to Toe' in BLACK Clothing ? Or, if you are, that you wear a Day Glow 'Vest' over your Jacket ... Hoping your LID is White / Bright Yellow / Orange ? ? Ride Safe .. Good to have U Back.

[@OldTechBloke]

Hi Lucy, the bike is actually a very dark metallic blue but don’t worry, I always wear high viz vests

[@sirrobertdowneysenior8080]

No!!!. If you are sure u in creative thing for welfare of people, not some multi billion dollar company known for immoral practices. We shud never retire. You shud never retire. Do it if it makes u happy. Beside we are just a push away.

[@toranderbeck3173]

Maybe retire and start an online blitz chess channel

[@JamesSmith-ix5jd]

you need to do something different, doing distro reviews will get boring, I'm surprised you lasted for as long as you did

[@yolamontalvan9502]

Don’t you have a son or a grandson to continue with the channel?

[@Little-bird-told-me]

i have had a youtube channel with about 2000 subs and I know how much effort it took on a daily basis to get videos out. Its hard work and their is not much money to be made, honestly. So it really nice to see _OldTechBloke_ manage his with a job on hand et el.