Life Update - The Future of My Channel

[@HistoricGentleman]

sometimes after we quit drinking it takes a bit before we can return to certain environments while feeling comfortable.

[@CraigRoccanova]

About two weeks after, my best friend was getting married and we went out to a bar. The bartender was giving me crap when I only ordered a coke. "Hey man I just quit a couple weeks ago" and he said "When you are ready to start again, I am right here." Not cool but it didn't stop me from giving him a big tip to which he then apologized for pressuring me. I just told him to know his audience. I love alcohol but my health is more important right now

[@ThePengineer]

Congrats Craig on your sobriety and everything else. Wish you the best and excited to see where the channel and you go

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks man!

[@huangyboy]

To be honest, I've also come to a realization about collecting fountain pens, after more than 2 years- it's not always about collecting them all or finding the best deals, but to experience the pens you truly enjoy using. I'm currently trying to downsize my collection to a much more manageable amount, so I can give my favorite pens the attention they deserve.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Yeah that's why I have been selling a lot. I had at one point nearly 160 Waterman's... I have gotten it down to under 100. Still, that is too much for a reasonable person to own

[@huangyboy]

That's some sizeable progress! Gotta pick up my game lol

[@BlackthorneSoundandCinema]

My favorite aspect of your channel is the content about the vintage pens. Even though I do not buy or use vintage pens, I like seeing what they're like and seeing the ephemera. You're like a youtube museum curator. I really romanticize the days when pen and paper were more important and when everything moved more slowly.

[@BlackthorneSoundandCinema]

Also congrats on quitting alcohol. It's bad for ya. I quit too.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I have had so much fun with it but a lot of people wanted me to actually have my own Waterman's Museum and I will go totally broke. I am content with what I have and there will be more videos about them when I am ready to make them! 😃

[@ImCFoxx]

Hi, I’m at least the age of your mom& I met you at the SFPS w Drew. I did look for you yesterday. None of my faves were there. It was very very crowded. Almost unpleasant.I did get to speak with some of my favorite vendors. Alcohol has never been anything I’ve particularly cared for, although on occasion had more than I needed. For health reasons about six years ago I quit and frankly, I don’t miss it. I have had a rare sip or two of wine, but really could care less. I prefer coffee lol. The pressure to drink alcohol is ridiculous. I have been a collector of many things. And now as an older adult, I have had a great life, but I have so much “stuff”. I love your content regarding vintage pens. I did purchase an old Pelikan yesterday. I think the history of certain brands is fascinating and I enjoy that part of your podcasts. I find that “the gifting“ of pens or any product to a podcast is very offputting. I see it in the Yarn/knitting world, and and I see collectors utilizing products that are far beyond their personal financial capabilities. I enjoy seeing things that people have actually worked hard for and have sought out or used that are meaningful to them. The fancy intros and etc. don’t impress me. Fake. Ostentatious. do what you do. Denim is an interesting topic. And I did some research on your interest in clothing. Be strong, be healthy, and live your life🦊

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you! The main thing is to do just that, be myself. I will probably be back next year but they need a bigger space for the show. I had a panic attack last year with the crowds!

[@ImCFoxx]

The space was huge, but I felt that the idea of combining all of the stationary items with the pens really caused a lot of clutter perhaps separating the two would be a good idea. It was so dense it was almost unbearable. The noise level was fairly high just with people talking. All of the small rooms crowded. It was weird I thought. Of course I love every minute of it, but I decided not to go back a second page. It’s really great that the interest in fountain pens and paper goods has increased, but the space was crowded. I suspect staying at the hotel with eliminate some issues with parking. I had to walk nearly quarter mile SF airport parking and fly lot. It took me as long to find a parking space as it did to drive to the venue. Take care of yourself have a good year stay strong.

[@konradyearwood5845]

As you know I have said that you are (were) overly generous so if you have decided to throttle back I am in full support of your decision. I look forward to seeing where you take your channel as I really enjoy your laid back style.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I appreciate it Konrad! You did tell me to take it easy on more than one occasion! I’m finally listening.. lol

[@waylon_willie]

Craig, congratulations on all these life realizations! I'm a month away from 9 years since my last drink, and it was unquestionably the greatest decision of my life. I'm certain you'll have a similar experience if you continue to choose that path. It's easy to justify (excessive) drinking when you're drinking top shelf whiskeys, etc., because drunks don't drink the fancy stuff, right....?? You do you, man, I'll continue to support your channel. I'm looking forward to following along as you evolve into your next phase. Peace, brother!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Matt!

[@johntoledo4438]

Hey, Congrats on your self realization. I'm sure you're feeling a well deserved sense of relief. All the best on whatever you do.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@fmbrownie2916]

Congratulations on your new ideas. I will be watching.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@josephllamas8520]

I’ve always loved your videos regardless of what you were giving away. You’re one of the most generous people both on KZbin as well as in person. I really enjoy your videos on vintage pens and look forward to seeing what videos you have coming for us in the future. And as always, thanks for your genuine nature and your kind disposition.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Joe! I will still be at the next pen meet up!

[@MadsMcKay]

Proud of you, Craig!! Happy to see and hear about whatever makes you happy. Congrats on the last 4 months, this is inspiring as I'm in my first month of sobriety as well. Thank you for sharing that.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Mads! Congrats to you too!

[@zupzupzupzup]

That's awesome! Congrats on quitting alchohol! I really love your content so far and I think with volume of youtube videos uploaded everyday, the best way to produce quality content is to do what you like rather than obsess over subsciber count etc and just be another channel that tries to replicate the youtube formula to satisfy the youtube algorithm. Part of what I love about your content is being able to discover new things that I never even knew about. Magic Pencils, Watch Collections...wow!! I can't wait to see what is next.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@michellek649]

You are one of the nicest young men I've met in the pen community. You go ahead and make videos whenever you want about whatever you want. I think being yourself is much more interesting that keeping up with what's popular on youtube.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much Michelle!

[@coffeeandbarbells2271]

Great update. Congrats on the alcohol decision. Look forward to the videos that explore your unique interests.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@alexgray6082]

Craig, I got into the pen hobby just in the last year and a half. I have learned a great deal of information about the hobby in a short amount of time. The most important thing I have learned about this hobby is that most of the people in it or involved with it are really nice, fun supportive folks. My sincere thanks to you and Miss Marilyn Darling for introducing me to the OC Pen Club folks. Thank you also for gifting me the lovely Kakimori fountain pen that has become a beloved writer in my small collection. And finally, as it comes down to your channel, most of us watch it because you are an engaging host no matter what the subject of the video is about. We will keep watching because we like you. Make the channel about what you are passionate about and we will keep coming back. Variety is the spice of life and there are only so many pen related videos I can watch in a day. See you soon, perhaps at a cars and coffee (loved that video).

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks for watching the videos and all the support Alex! More good stuff to come!

[@FalloutVault]

Hey Craig, thanks for the update! Congrats on the sobriety as well! I don't drink at all and the pressure to drink in social situations can be rough, people always ask why I'm not drinking. I can't imagine how much worse it must be as someone who has just quit drinking, so I can totally empathize with the decision to skip the pen show this year. It's good to hear about the change in direction for the channel as well. I've been subbed for a while; I've always been impressed but a little bit worried by your generosity but I didn't think it was my place to tell anyone how to run their own channel. I hope you know that the vast majority of us watch your videos because we like you and the super high quality of your content, you don't need to bribe us! I'm not really into "modern" fountain pens much anymore, and you're pretty much the only person on KZbin making high quality videos about rare vintage pens. I really like all of the ephemera related stuff too - I don't know of a single other channel that talks about the history of fountain pens instead of doing the usual reviews. If you decide to make a video about denim, I look forward to watching that too. I have always wanted to buy a good pair of jeans for myself but the world of raw denim is sometimes even more intimidating than vintage pens!

[@CraigRoccanova]

More vintage pen videos and yeah denim videos are coming! Thanks for all the support!

[@PalashBackup]

I think we enjoy people who enjoy doing their thing. Ironically, if you are not bothered by how people treat you (which is a lie, but at least true partly), people start to treat you better.But I really did enjoy your videos of vintage pens. Wishing you more happiness :)

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much, I do care too much about what people think. A big part of this is just trying to let that go.

[@margalo399]

Love the new direction-authenticity. I look forward to watching.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@fernandodonoso1575]

Congratulations on quitting alcohol. In a dark time in my life i needed a drink to go to sleep until i found what that meant. It's good to know you found out that before it was too late. In regards to your channel, i started watching you because that Sheaffer fountain pen video, but i stayed because of you (please don't emulate much of the Iron Snail -its like watching and hearing what's inside of my head- 😂). The important thing is you being enthusiastic about what you do and the channel being just a hobby. Have fun, that's the most important part!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much Fernando! I just mean his filming styles. I can’t be as cool as Mike 😅

[@fernandodonoso1575]

You are cool as you! But, if it's any helpful, you need to zoom in/out anytime you make a comment or change the subject and move a lot around grabbing your lapel mic 😂

[@randy25rhoads]

Congrats on your sobriety man!!! We’re proud of you! And don’t worry about posting non-pen stuff. I have about 500 pens in my collection, but it’s still a love hate relationship with them sometimes. Again, congrats!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@McAmeron089III]

Craig,I just quit alcohol July 23! All the best to you.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Woo! Keep it up!

[@evanbasnaw]

I love the videos on the vintage pen stuff. I'd rather just see you upload whenever you feel like. We have way too many people trying to do too much content for the algorithm (that doesn't even make you money) You know it's bad when evey creator you subscribe to is trying for 4 hour current events live streams. If you put out one 8 minute video a month of a neat thing you actually wanted to share, that's a better model of content.

[@nancymcnee2707]

Bravo - being true to yourself is a hard thing to recognize and follow. Looking at your life and make these changes are tough. Congratulations and I will watch more of your new videos. Take care. I like you. And I like hearing what you will say in the future.You've been there, done that and what are you keen on.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Nancy!

[@alternativerohde]

I started watching your videos because they were a bit different. I think I started when you began talking about the meaning behind some of the art on pens. Keep doing you and the right followers will find you and stick around.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I appreciate it!

[@matty6244]

First of all, the decision to reduce drinking/quit it is one the best things to do when it comes to long term health. I'm so proud of you! And when it comes to the content of the channel, yeah the giveaways were amazing (No other way to describe it), but the overall quality of the reviews (camera shots, writing samples, and even the available models) are top notch And yes, moving to show off other stuff you like it is a perfect way to grow a small yet organic community and prevent ending up hating one of your hobbies in the process I can't wait for the new content :3 And don't forget! Most if not all damage done to your liver will be gone in a matter of a few years! Physical and Mental Health are a top priority o/

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Matty!

[@ve5394]

Good on you Craig. You have done really well on quitting the alcohol. Love your pens collection too. All the best for your future and will support you for sure

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@SuzanneLee-w7c]

Congratulations on your journey to a better self! You are a wonderful content creator and I have no doubt that many of us will continue to enjoy your videos. Stay focused on your authentic self and be happy 😊

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@blerg3000]

Congratulations, man, sounds like you’re in a better place. And brave of you for being so open about it. Let your hobbies be hobbies, yeah?

[@CraigRoccanova]

I appreciate that!

[@nourin_siddique]

I love your videos because of your video and personality. If you take sponsorship, it's ok. As long as you also enjoy the product too obv xD Oh also can you also sometimes talk about your job at Disney only if you want to.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I actually did in a podcast back in March. It will get reposted at some point but let’s just say Disney wasn’t pleased with it 😅

[@nourin_siddique]

@@CraigRoccanova I am not surprised they want their job very private I guess....

[@archivist17]

Good to see you again, Craig! I hope you find a direction and a focus for your channel that is fulfilling for you.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Me too!

[@davidbyers7246]

Sounds like you have stopped the booze habit before it got to being a major problem. Good for you. I know what it’s like having a problem with booze, and stopping was the one of the best things I ever did in my life. Stay strong, and stay happy!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you David!

[@storge306]

I absolutely enjoy hanging out with you. I have learnt so much from you and you have such a pleasant / calming demeanor. This style of video is probably my favourite. I really appreciate videos that do not follow the standard "cookie-cutter" style which - as you pointed out - are so prevalent on KZbin. You are such a legend, mate. Look after yourself!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much! I shall return better than ever!

[@laoc5270]

Hi Craig. I’m so happy to watch this video and so happy for you. I’ve worried about you in regards to how generous you are in person and on your channel and I’ve told my wife so many times how I worry about you. I enjoy your channel and friendship regardless of the content you produce. Pens or no pens. I probably need to downsize my collection as well as there are only a handful of pens that I keep going back to. The vast majority of them never see the light of day. I do look forward to seeing your new content. Chat soon my friend.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks Jason!

[@Schon_DSGN]

I fully support this! Keep doing what is fun, healthy and makes you happy!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks Ian!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Hey Craig! I'll still watch your channel. Whether it's fountain pens, vintage jeans, watches, etc. How about doing a series on behind the scenes at Disney ?

[@CraigRoccanova]

I sorta did do that kzbin.info3GYVYZyJrX8?si=QMincvuFLgvED7sf the podcast episode will return!

[@heartoflyn]

I must have been late to the party and missed the videos you talked about. I like your channel because it’s different than the channels you mentioned, even though I watch and enjoy them. It’s always great to have something different!

[@CraigRoccanova]

I appreciate your support!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Craig, you have done so much for the pen community - that's the hard truth for a lot of us smaller YTbers is we use our own money on a lot of pens to review for others. Now you doing all those giveaways of expensive pens xD that's crazy!! You are a gem for the community, but I am happy you've put your foot down on your own actions and are doing something you'll love rather than trying to follow the damn YT algorithm. It's not worth it when you don't enjoy the content you're making or the content you're making is making life hard for you. YT should never have to be that way, but it is a lot of the time. I feel like I only share and review pens I like to buy and not buy it to review just for the sake of reviewing. Those who have the money or interest in a pen and will buy it to review, I'll leave those videos to them! Can't wait to see all your videos on the things you are super interested in right now! Excited for how your channel develops and grows! Always here for ya wherever your YT journey goes! Also, good on you for quitting your drinking. KEEP IT UP!! ♥

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much man!

[@christopherbritton293]

Good to see you back and it is great news on your personal decisions and how you hope to run the channel in future. You've got some very mature values for one so relatively young, for which I am sure you'll always have a worrhy band of followers here. Keep up the good work!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Chris! I have been called an old soul before. I just want to have fun with these videos like I used to!

[@christopherbritton293]

@@CraigRoccanova Ok, I'll rephrase that: you have a wise head on young shoulders. Not keen on you considering yourself an 'old soul'! 🙂

[@jmm95076]

May you be happy and well. 🙂 Thanks for all the Waterman videos. I learned a lot.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I’ll keep making them!

[@kuyagords]

Sounds like a good plan. Passionate people will watch passionate videos.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@afewfairthings]

looing forward to the new channel of you.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@cedarbylard]

Nice video Craig. I can relate.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks Cedar

[@jeremyschuh]

I've found that vintage pens to just be too much of a roller coaster and have recently stopped buying pens/ink all together. When it goes beyond my writing needs I just get overwhelmed. Just need to find out what works for you. Also leaving the FP reddit/slack/etc and sticking with a few youtube channels has been good too.

[@CraigRoccanova]

I’m not done but I need to scale things back. Fun fact: I had the white balance turned off on my camera. That’s why it was so yellow… anyway thanks for the help!

[@jeremyschuh]

@@CraigRoccanova Any time! I really enjoy your channel and what you do. Make the content that you want to watch and the audience will follow.

[@davecharvella4854]

All the best! 👍👍

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@kevinlandon7578]

congrats, best wishes, and good luck

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@kevinlandon7578]

@@CraigRoccanova , you're welcome

[@Volkmannx]

No alcohol, good for you!

[@davidparrishproductions5082]

As a fellow non-drinker I think you’ll find drinking makes less and less sense as life goes on. I also think your viewers, like me, adore you and don’t need to be bought. I love your car videos, pens, watches… I look forward to seeing your fashion stuff too. It’s you, so it’s all great! Just make sure you are having fun!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Fun is the number one priority! Thanks David!

[@cerealnana]

Congrats on quitting drinking! I have been there too. I am interested to see what you get up to!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you so much!

[@Secure-IT]

We are proud of you being able to quit drinking! Stay healthy, my friend!

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you!

[@wlbrockman]

Congrats on your decisions to quit drinking alcohol and to contents of your videos. As a certified geezer, I may not share your interest in t-shirts and jeans. However, I have found that when a person who is really interested in something speaks passionately and intelligently about it, he/she holds my attention even if it is something I never thought I had an interest in. So I'll be tuning in faithfully. As a trial lawyer for 45 years, I became very well acquainted with wine bars. While I never thought of myself as an alcoholic and was never diagnosed as one, eventually I realized that the drinking I did was a form of escapism. By the grace of God and with the help of an understanding family, I was able to quit a number of years ago and have remained sober. I have found that the price one pays for indulging continues to be paid well after one ceases to indulge. However, I've also found that it is a price well worth paying. I will hope and pray that you're able to remain sober for the rest of your life. With warmest best wishes, I am, yours, bill

[@CraigRoccanova]

My dad couldn’t quit drinking while doing chemo. I want to be there for my nieces. I don’t need it but there is one thing I can’t give up… coffee! More pen videos are coming soon. I might just do a single video about my denim collection. But it will still mostly be about pens.

[@wlbrockman]

@@CraigRoccanova Very sorry for you dad, but it is a powerful addiction. There is sometimes a genetic component that makes quitting almost impossible. As you've found, the good of one's family is a wonderful incentive. I hope one day your nieces will appreciate what you're doing. Viewing your recent jean post on IG, I couldn't help but think you have good taste in clothes as well as pens. Recalling the days of my youth when I loved jeans, I wonder: do you suppose bell-bottoms will ever make a comeback? 🤣 Lastly, I know what you mean about coffee. After drinking as many as 8 cups of black coffee a day most of my life, my MD restricted me to 1 cup in order to help keep my blood pressure under control (high blood pressure being another occupational hazard of being a trial lawyer). Cutting back to that level was a real challenge. Sort of like quitting wine. But also worth the effort because my pressure is just where it should be. However, I have to admit that I'm starting down a different coffee rabbit hole. After 40 years of making all of our coffee at home with a Cold Water Toddy, I recently bought a Hario Switch after watching some KZbin videos. I've been amazed & delighted with the difference in flavor using the combination of pour over & immersion brewing that device makes possible. Long ago, I did learn to enjoy beans from all around the world & to buy whole beans from a great local roaster & grind them myself. So I'm in the process of trying all of my favorite beans using the Switch. The temptation to drink multiple cups a day is well nigh irresistible, but so far, so good. Do you have some favorite beans? Right now, mine are Columbian Pink Bourbon from Orleans Coffee. They have a great website & if you order $69.00+, they ship free.

[@jamesfahey7188]

I quit drinking 8 years ago and 0 regrets. It creeps up on you and before you know it you’re living under a bridge with your worldly possessions packed in a shopping trolley. You’re better off without it. Would love some hot tips on men’s tees. Drives me insane trying to find good quality men’s tees in basic colours. Thoughts on Nudie jeans?

[@CraigRoccanova]

I hadn't heard of them but I did see their logo yesterday when I went to my local mens clothing shop in Long Beach. I have a pair from Iron Heart (their pocket bags are not great), a super expensive pair of Samurai jeans (they are a heavy 25oz for their 25th Anniversary) and the rest are from @nakedandfamousdenim I just dig their story and the less serious approach to making their denim

[@gabrielgalicia4553]

❤

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thanks for your support buddy!

[@judyjacobs5827]

Giving up alcohol can only do you good. Your color looks better, your facial expression is more relaxed, and there are a number of joys in life that are improved by not having the waste products of a single-cell organisms floating around in your body. I decline to specify, but you and your bf likely know some of them. Not to mention the money you'll save! Thanks for having the courage to tell us, and for taking the step. Progress is rarely linear, so don't be surprised when that fine, barrel-aged product beckons. Don't be surprised when cheap, artificially carbonated garbage beckons. BTW, I haven't won anything on your channel, and watch primarily because your taste and choice of writing items is stellar. Ok, I'll stop now.

[@CraigRoccanova]

Thank you Judy! Would you like the Piston Blade from Things by Dan? I appreciate your comment!

[@judyjacobs5827]

@@CraigRoccanova Being entirely unfamiliar with the Piston Blade, but often up for an adventure, sure. Thank you. Do you want my mailing address? I used to work as head treatment hotshot for the Dept. of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services for the state where I live, and though I stopped renewing my license, I did have one in psychology. Available any time you want to be listened to, scolded, or bossed around. Seriously.