How I Grew My Channel, Why I Regret It + Addressing BookTube Drama | Booktube Real Talk Tag

[@MackenzieLane]

drama on book twitter is half the reason why I deleted twitter from my phone :P like, what the hell "cancelling" someone just because they have a different opinion than yours/the mass majority?? I sure hope it's the ability to hide behind a screen that makes people react so viciously, and not how they are in real life. I also love what you said about wanting people to succeed until they actually do. That's so true in almost every social sphere on social media !!

[@Katesbookdate]

My thoughts exactly! I cannot imagine seeing these people behave the same way in person.

[@1Inked4Heart3]

Omg Im so behind I didn’t even know book Twitter was a thing 😩

[@crazybookcanary8941]

@Talitha Warren that's the worst and it's getting worse, i keep finding them more often now

[@safe-keeper1042]

Deleted Twitter for the same reason (not specifically books, but drama in general). Twitter just felt like an outrage platform, a place certain people went to find things to be upset about. There are good people and good discussions there, too, but all the drama and fighting ruined it for me.

[@madisondemille5244]

Your shirt is giving hella Harry styles Met Gala vibes

[@Katesbookdate]

Madison DeMille omg I didn’t even think about that but that’s so good hahah

[@madisondemille5244]

Katie Wismer haha I’m living for it tho 😂

[@dokidoki719]

🤮

[@lilyzanoff]

Lmao I literally only watch 3 booktubers so this is so wild for me to hear all this negative stuff that I had no idea existed (and I don’t have twitter where most of the drama happens lol)

[@Katesbookdate]

lol you're so much better off

[@RachelB.BookReferences]

I don't have twitter, either. Life is so much easier without drama!

[@IReadToday]

I avoid book twitter like the plague

[@bookishlymandy9585]

Don't worry about offending people! People seriously get offended when people breathe now a-days. Especially online! This video came up on my feed randomly, and I clicked on it on a whim. You're awesome, and you've got a new subscriber!

[@WildeBookGarden]

Wrap ups are my favorite videos to watch! I think another problem with the BookTube drama/cancel culture is that it takes away momentum from people calling out actual problems--if people get angry about everything, it's harder to get others to listen when someone is bringing attention to a serious issue

[@Katesbookdate]

this is such a good point!

[@2012funfamilytimes]

I found you while I was in the hospital for pancreatic cancer. Got bored and started looking up books on my kindle switched to youtube and started seeing tons of book reviews. Your sweet, positive, demeanor is what drew me to your channel. Never heard of booktube before watching you and, Kate Cavanagh. Absolutely love watching your weekly/daily life blogs now. Keep up the great work.

[@nikki9808]

harassing authors on twitter.... makes me so anxious. idk how people do that. like where is the humanity?? what you said about supporting people until they actually succeed 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Katesbookdate]

xonikkee when I first saw that happening I was just shocked. Like I cannot even imagine doing that

[@EmmaGillers]

I love how you actually discussed topics, rather than just giving quick answers! They were really interesting to listen to (and I would definitely agree!) It can be really difficult to talk, and make friends with fellow booktubers, which is a shame! Also, love how you can see how hard you work & how much you love the videos you put out now. Loved this!

[@UltraRAE66]

Just found this video in my recs and I really enjoyed it! Particularly, “someone else’s success is not your failure”. There is a lot of toxicity surrounding people when they are succeeding and we should be supporting instead. Well said, I look forward to your other videos! Keep it up.

[@ErynBroughtaBook]

Really appreciate your balanced perspective on these things. For what it’s worth, that’s what made me just subscribe to your channel - not any kind of negativity! From my perspective, you’re doing it right!

[@jinxapologist]

I actually only found this video and your channel now, but I agree with a lot of things you said. I had no idea how big the drama actually was because I haven't really been around on booktube for the past years. And I've actually stopped watching big booktubers completely and started trying to find smaller ones like myself to build a community with. Really enjoyed your video and your honest opinions!

[@ohsoabby4689]

You had such great answers to these questions, especially about how the content should be up to the creator. I love filming classic videos like tags, hauls, reviews, etc, and I honestly think that a lot of the discussions I want to have about books I love and would recommend come out naturally in those videos.

[@novareadsandtells6788]

i can relate to things your sayin, im doing my booktube twitter and bookstagram drama video tomorrow.. and boy since i started bookstagram im just like woww are you kidding me with the childish stuff like high school.. so i def relate ..

[@JordanHarveybooks]

Woah I had no idea you watched my videos! What a great response to this tag. I completely agree with the twitter drama and how much of an issue it is. It's becoming a really toxic branch of this community. I also think you're right - we shouldn't be criticising or demonizing big booktubers for getting deals that own voices may not be, that's something we have to look at as a community (why are these channels smaller?) and something that should be demanded of the publishers.

[@Katesbookdate]

haha yeah I'm pretty bad about remembering to comment, so I'm usually a silent viewer, but I love your content!

[@JordanHarveybooks]

@@Katesbookdate Thank you so much! I'm the exact same with you aha

[@biancavictoria8746]

You're totally right, Katie. I've had to unfollow and mute so many accounts on Twitter because the negativity and drama was overtaking my feed!! The problem is that people LOVE drama, and I think we'll find that wherever we go. It's great to lead by example though and produce more positive content. Great video, I really enjoyed this!!

[@Katesbookdate]

Thank you so much! Honestly, I need to do that and just go on a massive unfollowing spree to clear all of the drama out of my feed

[@sparklebaby07]

I love you Katie!! I found you through your college weeks in the life actually! Because I am in college and love reading, it was a perfect match! I appreciate how you are always so true to yourself and don’t care what people think when you do something different!

[@oliviatheresa]

I think the drama is mainly on one side of booktube....the booktube channels I watch have little to no drama lol....No community is perfect but I watch booktube all the time and am oblivious to the drama. I love the little corner of booktubers I watch 👍😊

[@1Inked4Heart3]

Olivia Theresa I had no idea there was drama .. so out the loop 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@LisaOfTroy]

Good for you! I am happy that you were honest about Booktube. There are a lot of people who do sell out to grow their channels. Recently, a KZbin star reviewed my channel and I was told 1) Do something that no one else is doing (aka something that no one cares about) or 2) find another Booktuber who is trending, copy them, and hope I get lucky. I fired my coach. If I am not enjoying making my videos and offering videos with unique, value-add content, then what am I doing? I am just going to be frustrated and quit (like all of the booktubers that started with you). That being said, it is SUPER hard to get views with non-rant videos. Best of luck to you! Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@vaishalirawat3142]

I loved your perception and the way you put a lot of complex things so simply.Most of what you said wasn't exclusive to booktube and I resonated with a lot of it. Thanks for putting your thoughts across so gracefully.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Great video. Much of this resonates. I've only been on about a year, and im grateful that I've made a small handful of freinds, and I really enjoy regularly connecting with them...at the same time, I likewise see inauthentic or superficial online freindships..though that could just be in my head. Great video

[@karrysmith9336]

I am currently looking into starting a channel and came across yours! I love this honesty and openess , I am subscribing and I know I will enjoy your content! Thank you!

[@emmaberger3748]

Negative videos are okay in my opinion as long as you’re not being cruel or rude or whatever which you never are. Plus it’s not all the time. I think you’re amazing and inspiring no matter what content you make because I can see who you are. I love that you put your genuine feelings and personality into your channel. It really does attract similar people. You’re the only booktuber I watch. I’ve looked at some others but haven’t clicked with them like I have you so I really don’t know anything about all this drama but I think you’re handling t really well and your honesty is impressive. Also it’s interesting that this video got like 9000 views compared to the typical like 2.5. I never noticed that; I think you might be on to something

[@CamScottt]

This showed up in my recs and was such a breath of fresh air. Been watching booktube for awhile and somehow have never come across your channel until now. Subbed. 🤗

[@monstahhgirl]

Love your answers to this. I have been wanting to start a channel but am honestly nervous about it. Ive been watching it for years now and watch so many big and small channels. Yours is one of my favorites. You are 100% my kind of person.

[@NatalieWestgate]

I'm late to the video (and your channel) - youtube only just suggested it to me! But I wanted to say it's great that you discussed these things, because yeah a lot of these topics don't get talked about fully (or at all). Booktube is definitely changing, and I think it's good overall...hopefully lol!

[@lisaeadesauthorandartist]

This came up in my recommended. I know this video is a year old but I found you through a recommendation on a book page on Facebook :) your videos with tips, tricks and advice for other authors etc. Also love watching your recent vlogs about your life :)

[@jamncat92]

I just want to say that I love your channel. I found your channel through your videos of when you were studying abroad. I studied abroad in Wales a few years ago and wanted to find more people who had that experience and loved to read. You’re awesome! :)

[@xiomysbooktales6279]

Personally for me Twitter is a bit toxic, but depending on who you choose to follow. I've unfollowed a few over the years because this is my happy place, no drama please! I'm not above drama but I want a place where I can relax and disconnect from reality!

[@Katesbookdate]

I totally get that! I'm thinking I need to go through and clear my twitter out because I'm just tired of being inundated​ with all the unnecessary drama

[@KalynAbridged]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I just started my channel a few months ago, and having this information was helpful! 😊

[@alexandracampos4950]

listen. I'm a small booktuber but I still feel that comment about making connections. It's hard!! the smaller booktube community is super welcoming and nice but finding that one person (at least) who connects with you on the same level is so hard lol also interesting how your channel grew because I can definitely see that 'negative' video trend in other booktubers, too. It almost feels like clickbait. But I actually found your channel through your writing vlogs and summer reading/writing vlogs :)

[@Katesbookdate]

thank you! It's always so nice to hear when people found me through videos of mine that I actually like haha

[@adrianbooklecter7545]

Alexandra Campos do you still have a channel ?

[@ArehBoo]

i just found your channel because this video popped up in my recommendations and i subscribed a couple of seconds before you started talking about the whole “making negative videos”. i found it funny since i hit the button because of the amount of positive vibes you gave me and the maturity you expressed through all of your answers, so there’s that! i really love that you’d rather stay true to yourself than double your views, keep up the good work 💕

[@BasicallyBrittx]

I LOVED this video and I literally agree with everything you said. Really interesting to hear your opinions about how your channel has grown and how you would've changed it if you could do it all over. The Twitter drama... I also never try to intervene or comment haha

[@emiloubooks6708]

Really great vid!! 😁👍🏻 so interesting to hear your thoughts on Booktube. I've been away for a really long time but slowly coming back & hearing your view on things gives me hope.

[@VanessaMarieCreates]

I agree so much with the making friends on booktube thing! SO many people who I met when first starting out stopped making videos (some even disappear on social media as well), so it's not exactly like I expected, either! Also, I think I remember watching some of your first videos way back when, lol! You make so many good points in this video, well done!

[@DaisyXMachina]

As someone just starting a channel, I appreciate your insights. I must not be looking in the right place though... I'm oblivious to booktube drama!

[@JasonLorette]

Thanks Kate...I've been considering starting a Booktube channel as I read a ton of books (also have a photography based channel)...this was very interesting. :)

[@erynchen2829]

I’m 15 and I really enjoy your content and I believe that you should create the content that you enjoy. I agree with everything you said in this video. And sometimes I feel that some booktubers hate on a book because everybody hates it. I like the fact that you don’t do that and give us you honest opinion. Keep up the good work 😊 💕 ⭐️

[@SkinnyPigDesigns]

LoL I clicked on your video because I love your earrings 😍 I actually really enjoyed the video itself though, so I'm a new fan!!!

[@kassidycarom4722]

I love having a mixture of loud energetic and calmer people

[@annamarlena6326]

Loved this video! I agree on so many things with you! I’ve watched booktube for a few years now, and I feel like a lot has evolved over the years, for better or worse. I love how calm and articulate you appear to be in your video. I find many super bubbly and energetic youtubers to be pretty annoying sometimes, but maybe that’s just, like you said, because I’m a bit older than the target audience. But man, I’ve been distracted by the paintings on your wall! They’re so pretty, I keep looking at them in every video!!

[@pennythoughts1766]

I just want to say that I loved this video and I’ll be subscribing because of it. I like how real you are and that’s rare to find on here. This was super helpful for me because I want to start my own channel and I watched this to get an idea of what I would be walking into.

[@ZarriahRose]

I honestly don’t care if people don’t like if people don’t like wrap ups. For me, this is to share where you read. If ALL YOU DO is read 2 books a damn year and post a wrap up about those two books, you’re a valid booktuber to me. I really don’t like any sort of “you must be this high” attitude in digital spaces that are people’s to make their own - like a virtual bedroom to share what you like and enjoy what you enjoy, at your own pace and preferences, with the only obligation to make what you want and like. If you WANT to see a different kind of content than someone makes (and they aren’t asking), instead of ranting about how it displeases you - go out and make that content yourself! 😂😅 Idk I guess I just like to stay in my own lane and enjoy books and support anyone taking the time to read!

[@santaclara042992]

This is my first video of yours, so I have no idea the problematic videos you are mentioning in your earlier videos, you just seem like an honest person and that you are just trying to do what you love and you also had a lot of valid points:) looking forward to seeing your other content:)

[@yuliasejdi1099]

Just found your channel and I love it, your calming voice is so easy to listen to

[@frostfang1]

I think part of whats great about getting angry at nonexistent characters and their choices is you can just be fully angry at them. You are in their head, you know why they are being stupid.They cant be hurt by it because they dont really exist. I think people see other people doing the "i hate this and that" on booktube and dont realize that for many they are so passionate about it because there was a huge chunk of the book or the series that they actually enjoyed. Im always most "angry" with something contained in a book i thoroughly enjoyed reading. I can separate it actually being a "bad" book (badly written, plotted out, negative message, etc) from the bits that bother me personally. I think being able to vent that is fun. I think theres an issue when you cant separate those two any more than you can separate a booktuber from their rant video or negative review here or there. And i think it helps me gauge if we are into the same stuff, or what they are really into versus what they are just reading to read. I trust them more, and with the more mild shelved ones its not always clear if it was disinterest or its a book that i should avoid. But if youtube in general has taught me anything, theres no point in being subscribed to people whose content you can no longer enjoy. Its rare that it "improves" the way you think it should. Sometimes you have to let it go and your interest will come back around.

[@mrsmobsluvzbooks8558]

Well I found you with this tag!!! Yay another booktube channel

[@kathleenmulvihill7801]

Great video Katie!! 👍🏻

[@Cinnamon0209]

This was the first video I have seen of your channel so not the negative ones :) I found this video very interesting because I just started my own Booktube channel and you said a lot of things I didn't realize about Booktube. Not that it will change my mind about my own channel but I'm interested to see if I will experience the same things; My channel is very small but at the time that I'm writing this, it's not even a week old so its absolutely fine.

[@rickieblu2598]

beauty community on fire and eventually turn into ashes up next book tube?? pls everyone! dont let our community turn into this take-down culture trend! i love our community

[@LyfePhoenyx]

Thank you for sharing your opinion! I’m debating on starting a book tube channel, learned a lot from this video!

[@kahliskawaiicorner]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I love your positivity and am looking forward to checking out your other videos!🤗

[@VelvetLibrary]

I'm so glad I found your channel through this! You made so many excellent points, and honestly I agree with everything you said

[@BookishJenn]

Lowkey found your channel through the Nope Book Tag lol...but honestly your channel is what got me into booktube and I've seen so much positivity in your videos :)

[@Booksandothernerdthings]

Great video and you explained your points so well. I just joined booktube/ book twitter as a creator and it can get so overwhelming especially on twitter. Sooo many lovely people who are so nice but I can see how it could have a dark side too.

[@elizabethsaunders9640]

Thanks for the honest tag responses.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

Oh snap, I’m raising the bar on the age demographic here :) We’re analytical and quiet over here, so you’re exactly right you’re channel attracts people like us at least! Thanks for sharing :)

[@kristinreads5192]

This video is really insightful, I'm very much a booktube newbie and i think it's nice that so many larger creators are doing this tag to share their thoughts and helping out with what you have learned over your years🌹 I already find it different going from a booktube watcher to creator, I guess you have to see where it goes

[@FangirlsHeartSoul]

I've been really excited for this video! And I can't wait for another one of your vlogs

[@BooksAndThings]

Y E S you addressed so many important booktube issues in such an articulate way I loved this

[@knyzhkarium]

Surprised to see so sincere thoughts about the booktube. Thanks!

[@ElaineAlec]

Yes! Self awareness is always number one ❤️

[@SAVYWRITESBOOKS]

this is one of my favorite tags, and I'm glad you did it! :) i think it's easy to fall into negativity, but I totally agree that everyone should make the videos they want to make! for me, i enjoy complaining on camera, lol, but i also like making positive stuff. i like your videos-- keep up the good work!

[@capricioushelen]

i 100% agree about the negative review thing, one of the comments i often get is asking me to do more negative reviews and i'm like... why? you want me to deliberately seek out books i don't like so i can be mean about them? why would i do that? especially since i want to be a writer myself, i don't want to be obnoxious about someone's book on the internet and maybe offend someone i might want to work with! i do sometimes feel kind of like making those kinds of videos because like you said, people love them, but i'd rather be small and spread positivity 🤷‍♀️

[@Katesbookdate]

yeah exactly! I get requests to do more rant reviews and I'm just like...?? I can't just pull those out of nowhere? lol And yes! It's definitely a weird spot to be in if you also want to be a writer because of course you want to be honest and real, but you also don't want to step on any toes

[@kaitiecakes6868]

Just found your channel! Love your honesty. Can’t wait to see another video from you. PS - love the picture with the umbrella.

[@RetrievingBooks]

Yeah one of my rant reviews is still blowing up from December, while my other stuff barely is seen. So I feel you there.

[@155books]

This is the most honest of these tag videos I have seen and I LOVED IT. 😂❤️

[@nadahosny5892]

this is so true, I'm on bookstagram not booktube but both are kinda similar,so Im relating to this video so much, making friends at first was super easy, everyone was super nice at first? now it's all about competition!

[@AngelikaRenee]

I actually found your channel from this video and I’m really glad I did. I agree with so much that you say in this video. I am new to this community and I found that It not what I thought it was before I joined though I do love it and I’m glad I joined.

[@jenb7780]

About the negative videos... I tend to watch those videos because if they are well done, they can be an honest critique of a book. I vastly prefer honest critiques over the gushing "oh this book is amazing" reviews. Of course, some of the negative reviews can just become mean and nasty, which is unnecessary and unhelpful as well. There is definitely a good medium where honest criticism is given about a book.

[@briannacorral4118]

Tune into the ASMR community. ALLLLL good vibes there!

[@magdelineadler4284]

I've been watching BookTube videos this week for research, and all I see is how crazy the drama is.

[@tarajazdzewski5216]

Oh my gosh. So I Literally just heard of booktube TODAY and my mind is blown. I have been an avid reader since I was pre kindergarten. Never knew any of this existed. And I am stunned at hearing some of the drama. Especially coming in as an author and wanting to make connections within the community. A few things I thought about with this video: 1. The attacks on authors send ripples throughout the writing community as well as the book/reading communities 2. There does not seem to be a bridge between booktube/bookstagram and the writing community 3. Booktube is probably changing just as much as the industry as a whole is changing. 4. I think building relationships with Indie authors may benefit booktubers, especially smaller ones who want to receive ARCS

[@kisekishojo]

I found you through one of those popular videos, but I stuck around for the rest of the content! Keep doing you because it feels like I am hanging out with You friend.

[@Katesbookdate]

thanks for sticking around! :)

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I’m not around here much (not usually the biggest reader) but when I first stumbled on it, I was blown away by the.. consumerism.

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I’ve only read a handful of books and I do appreciate the inspiration to read/own a book I’ve read. I’m definitely not the type to go out and buy a book (much less read it) just because it’s popular though.

[@patrickskramstad1485]

"Look as sentient meat, however illusory our Identities are, we craft those identities by making value judgments. Everybody judges all the time. Now, if you have a problem with that, your living wrong." This is one of the quotes that has stuck with me about judgment. maybe it can help with some understanding of human nature. The understanding of human nature is one of the great conversations books/art/movies make repeatedly.

[@rachaelmarie3194]

I loved this video and I’m a new subscriber. Wow yes I feel you on all the cancel culture and drama.

[@heyitsaradia]

I love your energy & your honesty💛🌸 this video was so informative and fun to watch! Thank you :)

[@johnsparegrave5996]

I like wrap ups the most, then TBR then hauls in that order. And in my opinion, your channel, your content.

[@aurorastoprose]

I’ve been so excited for this video. Also your whole look is amazing !!!

[@ALatteThoughts]

Im a very very small booktuber. Sometimes I wish my channel was more known but then I look at the drama and kind of really prefer my small community at times.

[@theliterarywitch]

"someone else's success is not your failure" I just subbed

[@denaiir4775]

I left Twitter because of all the drama, it's so crazy!! I really didn't think the bookish community would have so much drama. It's crazy that people get angry at you!!! No way.... I think I found your videos through a rant review but I love your positive personality and my favorite videos are about the vegan lifestyle and "week in my life" :) You inspired me to become a vegetarian so thank you!! (I still eat eggs from the local farm though)

[@Katesbookdate]

oh yeah I've definitely thought about just leaving Twitter all together. Thank you so much! That's *so* awesome that you went vegetarian - seriously, hearing that is my absolute favorite thing.

[@denaiir4775]

well your videos really were the little final push I needed, so thank you! you made me realize that it was really easy and not at all something that would be hard to sustain in the long run and leave me with cravings

[@scarlet8078]

Just so you know, from authors'/ artists' perspective, the vast majority of us don't mind critical videos. Most of us LOVE when people have ANY emotional response to our work. As long as you aren't being outright abusive to the author himself/ herself, I 100% support honest critique. Literature is a form of art; we want a reaction. I'd much rather folks rant about my work than not react to it

[@andrealovesbooks8670]

There is nothing wrong with rant reviews, I find them very enjoyable and amusing

[@ZarriahRose]

I also totally agree about the negative videos. They get way more views and it’s tempting to film them because a lot of the time making creative, uplifting, original content gets WAY less interaction - but I reached a point that incentive still wasn’t worth it. I don’t judge that discussion if others like to and maybe one day I’ll feel like it, but most days, it makes me feel drained and gross hating on things I don’t like and I feel so much more fulfilled pursuing things I feel passionate about and spark me to put more creativity and effort in! And I really love what you said about not always being super energetic, I’m someone who can be really bubbly / energy but also very “quiet, calm, composed” and speaking similar to how your videos remind myself - and I don’t think doing either isn’t “not being yourself”, I think people are capable of a big range and we don’t need to judge. We’re capable of coming across in many ways and it may not be any of those are “fake” or not “truly themselves” - it’s just that there are many sides to people. You can be more serious / mature as well as light hearted, childish or bubbly depending on the moment, mood or video! :)

[@ladi-da8053]

Really enjoyed this video. Interesting answers and insights 😊

[@BookDiva]

As a brand new Booktuber (literally lol I created my channel 1 week ago today lol), but this was pretty helpful. :-) Great video! :-)

[@IfersInklings]

I have found that the booktube drama typically starts with the younger booktubers. I think they are fired up to make change happen and so they get worked up easier over stuff that I just don’t see in the same light. Nothing wrong with that, and it’s typically the younger generations finding their voices that help push needed changes, but when you are young, everything is a cause for change. My more mature outlook knows that you have to pick your battles.

[@mikaylareads]

This was such a great discussion! Got some super great tips for my new booktube channel😊 thank you

[@Katesbookdate]

good luck with your new channel!!

[@mikaylareads]

@@Katesbookdate thank you so much Katie!!

[@nates9029]

Great video! Glad you want to be true to yourself. I don't think your videos about books you disliked were overly negative. You didn't like them and you said so. I hope you get more views on videos like this. I love the fact that you said creators should create the content they want. If people don't like it then they just shouldn't watch. Creators don't owe people anything. People today are way too needy and demand that things be the exact way they want them. I suggest that those people create their own content. Anyway, cheers! I loved your video!

[@madisyngreen4403]

My channel has stayed around 200 subs for the last 3 months. I can’t figure out how to grow it. While I’ve gotten more subscribers, my views have been cut in half. 😕

[@Katesbookdate]

I know sooo many people feel your pain about this. KZbin has become so saturated and the algorithm really unfairly favors certain creators, so it can be so frustrating. I'm at the point where I'm losing subscribers pretty much every day but hey, I enjoy what I do, so I figure I'll just let things work out the way they're meant to

[@55djaki]

You know, an interesting positive side effect of doing those negative videos is that you greatly increase the audience for that author. Also, as a writer, I found your feedback very useful. You talked about books that I never would have read (not my taste) so if it weren’t for you I never would have been aware of the existence of these authors. Although the reviews were harsh, I actually wouldn’t mind being the author of one of the books that you criticized. At least people would be aware of and discussing my work. Also, watching videos like those really helped me when I was working on outlines. I was able to avoid a lot of common mistakes. Anyway, the point is that you shouldn’t be embarrassed by those videos. They definitely have merit. Maybe you could do more critical/analysis videos in a more joking way? That way it won’t be so harsh but we can still enjoy hearing your perspective.

[@johnsparegrave5996]

Also it is funny, I don't like negative videos at all like I watch "my favourite books of" but never the negative version.

[@FaeryLaume]

I didn't even know Booktube existed until October 2019. I'm really enjoying it, except perhaps for the time watching videos has taken away from time reading, LOL. (Honestly, it's more that I've stopped watching the news and watch Booktube instead, which is a far more optimistic use of my time.) I find it interesting that more people watch negative themed videos, because I usually skip watching them.

[@Katesbookdate]

welcome to booktube! glad you found us!😄

[@ellalewis6063]

Love this!! so down to earth and non-judgmental this is what we need more of !!

[@siyahans4964]

I love how the entire video has a 'no hate vibe' to it. :)

[@septimasnape]

just found this video while looking for booktube advice. i really like you and subscribed! 😊

[@WellDressedGypsy]

I am living for your whole outfit by the way.

[@Katesbookdate]

WellDressedGypsy thank you!🤗🤗

[@monstahhgirl]

Agreed lol love it

[@authoralysmarchand4737]

Something I've seen happen many times, both on KZbin and not, is that someone getting a sponsorship or free stuff does start to change. To stay on the good side of PR reps, positive reviews happen more that otherwise wouldn't, and a sponsorship is paid positive review. Oftentimes it's for something that that person already liked and talked about, but then you'll find those where a person suddenly talks about a product they've never mentioned. By the very nature of PR and sponsorships, a person does have to change tactics. This is why all reviews that came from free stuff, including ARCs, are supposed to have a disclaimer. It absolutely does affect a review, even if the person isn't aware of it. Sometimes a person will even be harder than usual to try to compensate, but usually their reviews are softer. I think that's the crux of the matter. We want to see people succeed, but paradoxically, that thing that usually indicates success is the biggest riving force behind a lot of negative change. A non-book example is someone I personally know who had a video game podcast, and they got a small sponsorship, and, to maintain that sponsorship, were barred from talking about games available on a certain maker's platform. Now, that might not sound like a big deal, but it does hinder reviews, and not talking about a certain game that might be their favorite of the year in a years-best video will indicate that that person liked all these other games better, though that's false. Not all sponsorships do this, no, but that it can, and does, happen, as well as some things that are downright unscrupulous, has many, many people weary of reviews that came with anything free or paid to them. Again, it's not always conscious, and sometimes seems so mild that it's not dishonest, like that bar on talking about those games. But it's a real thing. (To disclose, I'm older than the age range you mentioned, and have seen enough to understand the wariness. I also wish the purposely negative videos would end.)

[@ddgraywrites]

I'm so oblivious to the book tube "drama". I'm just in my own little bubble here haha.