My problem with making YouTube videos.

[@zahrasyed]

Dude. Keep making videos. You offer immense value. Keep going.

[@djkase1]

Currently dealing with illness, and have so more in the past few years. Most notably was a stroke I experienced in 2021. Dealing with illness means having no physical energy, extremely foggy minded, and need just something to do when I can't do much else. I have found that KZbin makes physical recovery easier. I don't like watching movies or listening to music--I enjoy watching creators who inspire and share their talent with us. One of my favorite vides that helped get me to take videos of my kids to the next level was your GoPro tutorial, and still is one of my favorites.

[@EvanLindy]

We choose to watch your videos, not forced. I feel your videos will ALWAYS do more good then bad, from inspiration to feeling good your videos produce positive vibes which is needed in this world.

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is your art form. Every form of art takes the viewer away from their surroundings. Even if your art form is landscape design, you're still changing the landscape that they are seeing. Enjoy your art make your contribution to the world and have fun

[@Leeroyz1]

Thomas, I sit here over the other side of the world in Australia and watch your videos by myself on my iPad whenever I get an opportunity. Your videos are informative and truly inspirational to me for someone who is still a beginner. There are lots of KZbin videos out there like yours, but yours just stand out from the rest. If I can, I would like to give you 1 piece of advice if I could, and that would be, “continue to make the videos from your heart and do it for yourself because you love what you do” People will either follow your KZbin channel for a reason or not. Do it for yourself mate. Keep up the great work 😊

[@IslandJumper]

As an introvert I spend time watching KZbin to help recharge, become inspired, and learn techniques. I don’t feel that watching videos are a waist of my time rather a tool at my disposal. I appreciate the information you share, and I feel that my videos are getting better because of the time I have spent watching your channel. I also don’t feel you are under any obligation to continue to create videos if you have other things going on in your life that you would prefer to do with your time. Live your life on your terms, and live well!

[@danlindner7115]

2 years ago I almost died in the ER. At the time I thought I’d never waste another second of my life. The reality is I need down time - every second can’t be entertaining and adventurous. I enjoy watching your videos during my down time. Your content isn’t a replacement for me living my own adventures. Keep making great content - we all enjoy it!!

[@nibimocs]

1st of all, I hardly ever watch videos -- especially quality ones such as yours -- on my phone. They're just too beautiful to contain them on that small screen. Instead I, at least, watch them on my laptop (17" screen) or, even better, on my TV where I can better appreciate their beauty. I make my own videos of my canoeing, hiking and camping adventures. I'm always striving to improve my videos and your videos are among the best resources I turn to. I started watching your tutorial videos and, while I fall far short of your quality, they have been extremely useful. By far though, your last video where you hiked to the top of a mountain to play a song was the most inspirational and instructional. It showed me how to put all those different elements, discussed in your tutorials, to work. It's inspired me to develop my own little video story that I'll be executing within the next month or so. Again, it will most likely fall far short of your work but, I know it will be better for what you've shown me. From the comments I receive on my videos, there are two groups that are pertinent to this discussion. One group are those who, through no fault of their own, can not participate in the activities I do. Whether it's a disability, age, family situation, where they live, etc. they just can't do it. This group lives vicariously through my videos. And yes, maybe I'm encouraging them to continue to just sit there watching videos. The 2nd, and larger group, are those who have been encouraged to actually go out and go camping, hiking, canoeing, etc. Through my videos, I've convinced them that they can go out and be active. And, I've given them enough information to help them plan and execute their own adventures. Yes, there probably are some individuals who you are encouraging to spend more time watching their tiny screens instead of getting out and doing something. But, I believe there are many more who you are encouraging to get out more and, more importantly, helping them make better videos. If your channel didn't exist, the 1st group would just find other KZbin videos to watch instead. If there wasn't any KZbin, they'd still find something to watch. For them, stopping your video making wouldn't make any more difference than removing your finger from the ocean makes a change to the water level. On the other hand, your videos have a greater positive effect on the many who watch your videos for tips and inspiration to make their own videos better. I have subscriptions to many KZbin channels, way too many. My "Watch Later" list has more than 1000 videos on it. There are a handful of "must watch" channels that I do my very best to watch what they put out as soon as I can. Your channel is one of that handful. Even then, I don't get to watch as quickly as I'd like. I definitely don't plan my life around KZbin. I live my life and, if I manage to find time to devote to KZbin, yours is one of the channels I turn to. I thank you for the inspiration and tools you've supplied over the years. Please don't stop over some fear that people are glued to their mobile devices due to what you're doing. It's not about you, it's about them. Think, instead, about the positive impact your videos are making... there's a larger ripple effect than you probably realize. For instance, your videos help me make my videos better while my videos help inspire others to get out and about more. The complete opposite from what you fear is happening.

[@linnyunt]

It's always people's choice to do what they do with their time. That's not on you. But also, your content always delivers value so it's something worthwhile for them and me. Keep at it, brother.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Not on the creator. I like that man, thanks

[@jamesyboy5158]

Is watching a meaningful, enjoyable and rewarding KZbin video any different than sitting in reading a book? Would that author be racked with worry?? What Lin says rings true for me - my choice to read, go out, wild camp… whatever. Your content is thoughtful and honest - this surely can’t be a bad thing.

[@nevermannsland]

I find it really remarkable that you think about what you are doing on a metaphysical level. Without wanting to sound culturally pessimistic, it is unfortunately often the wrong people who have the right thoughts. There are so many TicTocers out there who should be thinking about this. Your videos are an inspiration for me. Unfortunately, I came across your channel too late, otherwise I would have signed up for the Lifecaputure Academy. So keep making videos. I'll keep watching them and still live real life.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Hi Cristoph, I appreciate the thoughts and kind words! Due to demand I am still allowing people to purchase all the video files from my courses - shoot me an email [e-mail] 👍🏼

[@MyLeeoon]

Your videos give so much value that it would be selfish to not share them with your subscribers or the rest of the world. I never saw a bad video of you. You teach and inspire others. Keep up the good work.

[@MyLeeoon]

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." -Suzy Kassem

[@lovingreno8650]

I am a person that minimizes time on my phone and will occasionally go on KZbin to educate myself on topics that I'm passionate about so that I can gain the skills to be creative in a way that makes me happy and that allows me to help inspire others (the reason for my website). If I were to write about a spot on my blog, I'd only do it once, post it on my website, and call it a day. I will not constantly blog about the same spot over and over again because that will take too much time away from me living life. I think what you're contributing to the world is priceless, and I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I appreciate all the effort you put forward. Now, videos that aim to entertain, like blowing up things in a microwave, can be addicting to watch and the younger crowd may be affected by this kind of content... that's when the caretaker comes in with teaching the younger population what to prioritize and how to keep a balanced like with entertainment, relationships, self-care, etc. I hope that you continue creating because you're giving so much value to the world.

[@DamianStefanov]

Simply put - sounds more like overthinking :) I was interested in the part you explained procrastination and it's "forms". Knowing even the few you mentioned, maybe next time working on a passion project I wouldn't say to myself "I'll do it when I feel it." But to answer on topic - People always tend to waste time, but if they stumble on something meaningful while doing so ... that's more of a good thing.

[@mcdebugger]

Thomas, I watch your videos only on a pretty large 24-inch screen and I do it intently when I can set aside time for it. While watching I'm not disconnecting from the world - on the contrary, I feel even more connected because you radiate the life, joy, happiness, sincerity. Often I come here to find inspiration, to be motivated to do my creative work. I had (and maybe having sometimes) something like you've described. When I was very fanatic with my spiritual practice, I thought that my passion for music, filmmaking, technology were useless and in some cases even harmful. But later I've discovered that I just can't live without it, I was feeling that some very important part of my life, of my soul is just dying. Figured that and having paid some attention to it I found some identity, something unique inside, something that could be my path regardless of what I or somebody else thinking about it. This path is not wrong, this path is not right. I don't know how to live this life - nobody gave me instruction when I was born... But at least I know: I can't ignore that voice that is coming from my heart... Good luck Thomas! I love watching your videos so please keep going! ❤✨🙏🤗😊

[@divinefeminine3]

Very good points. I’ve just discovered you and it’s really helping me gather my energy to start filming and sharing my knowledge. Something has been stopping me, and your other videos have helped me to understand why. I was trying to be a typical KZbinr but it wasn’t authentic. This video has helped me to see KZbin as a short term goal. Using it to build my business and creating several revenue streams for my future. Good to see you have maintained your spirituality and connection to source energy. Thank you!

[@scottelder7648]

A net negative? Not a chance. And I say that as I’m on my phone watching this. I assume many people are like me. I had 15 spare minutes so I decided to watch a couple videos, but am getting ready to go to a cookout and hang around friends and family. Just realized that their is “dark” and “light” in just about everything. I suspect you bring more light that dark!

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Yeah it's like just another way of communicating, I guess a way to look at it is if you're being honest/authentic whilst also putting out a good energy, that's a net positive. nice

[@rjt1201]

I'm watching it before work... Love a good little nature or camping video before heading off to start the day, makes me feel that although I'm in a stuff office, I've had my little soulful fix, then disappear for the weekend x

[@shabbastoni]

Maybe I’m going to surprise you with this: Before about a year and half i was struggling with starting my KZbin channel, and that’s how i found your channel, watched all of your tutorials of how to make travel videos, literally you had a huge impact of getting me to move; since many others want you to just sit and watch them. Fast forward currently I’m traveling the world to do KZbin videos. living and growing through the journey that always dreamt of perusing. Please consider it as a procrastination or something 😂 hope to meet you someday!🙏💯

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

That's great to hear man. Stoked for you!!

[@shabbastoni]

@@ThomasAlexNorman thanks man! i like the good music "no more fear!!"

[@redbarondroneimages8871]

Man I totally hear every word you're saying. It's a struggle that I have been trying to comprehend too. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but if we're unsure of what is right & wrong, good intentions seem like a great place to start.

[@warriorsoul7893]

Sharing is caring. Share your creativity, share what inspires you, share your passions. It may inspire someone that watches you. Spread goodness, i for one am one human attracted to that :) feel free to be you xx

[@Dallanpilch]

Hi, how are you doing? You're the first person to teach me the B roll, once I learned how to do that I had way more exciting videos on my channel for filmmaking. That should tell you that the prime reason that people watch your content is because they are learning and then in that process going out and filming. 😀

[@dyverge]

Small content creator here. I've often considered the same dilemma you propose here, and what I've concluded is this: The world is going to use technology no matter what, as you said it's typically a personal decision. However, as a content creator, you can choose whether or not to make content that is worth the viewers time. As anyone who uses the internet knows, 99% of the stuff popular online is brainless garbage. so honestly, if you release engaging, intelligent, and thought provoking content like this - that subsequently competes with said garbage, I'd say you are actually doing the world a favor. In fact, even if you were to release a video about the importance of staying grounded in reality, you would still need to release it online in order to reach the people that need it most. And by doing so you would definitely be producing a net positive by many standards. Thanks for this video man.

[@OuterSpacesWales]

Have you considered the fact that myself (and others) tune in to your channel to escape a bad day they might have had or they're tuning in to escape the worries of this world? It's a crazy depressing place out there, and people like you, and other channels do wonders for mental health. Keep us going, dude! ❤

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

thanks for sharing mate!

[@miteshmer165]

Yeah, I'm totally agree with you. It is time consuming and lot of times we end up just watching KZbin videos instead OF LIVING life.

[@skymoni]

... think depends on a content of a video what makes it a worthwhile... if it has inspiration, joy, good information, wisdom,,,, that gives out to viewer...

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Agreed :)

[@travelfoodielove]

Pls continue sharing your genius and art with the world ❤

[@MisaelMatute76]

I think you are correct about videos possibly being a net negative for people. But you are wrong, about ALL videos being a net negative. Videos can inspire you, teach you and even comfort you in certain times. So nothing should stop you from making videos that can serve that purpose. In fact the negative would be holding those backs for fear that some can use it a negative way. So continue knowing that much more, will do good with those videos!

[@UCBerkeley_videos]

Dear Thomas, I could share my story of discovering your channel, admiring your character, and learning a ton of useful things from you. But I guess that would just create another projection trap for you. As lovely as viewer's feedbacks can be, it's best to keep your creative motivation close to your own heart. There is a beautiful quote by Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others”

[@davidleomorley889]

Watching too many KZbin videos might be something that mindless content KZbin videos do help to promote, but when you observe the observer in yourself, and in others, and try to come to terms with that situation, and remind us all about the need we all have to spend more time being in the healthy, real world, you close that loop of responsibility and your videos become a potential positive, enlightening experience in people's lives. I hope you continue to explore this topic.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Closing the loop that's a cool way of thinking about it. A 'potential positive' also I like that

[@MehakSharmaVlogs]

I really appreciate you sharing what you feel and first of all you care about others. But your content is really good and someone like me who is very new to this, it helps a lot. So I think you are doing greater good than bad. So you should keep making awesome content. 🤘🏻

[@mduoba]

Making travel accessible. Making interesting videos accessible. These are net good. Been following you for a long time: don’t take yourself too seriously.

[@trinimedia19]

Keep making the videos, it allows people to escape from their reality if only for a moment.

[@RafaLases]

Thank you, Thomas, this is real. I really feel you and whenever I start thinking like that is somehow disappointing how what seems like an intelligent thought is holding us back from doing something. ANd is counterintuitive and therefore confusing and hard to distinguish between real "intelligent" thoughts and self-limiting beliefs. And I find it very useful thought reframing and actually testing both ideas the one I think is intelligent and the other. For example, now, I spent a lot of money on subscriptions to create my youtube videos like Adobe, VidIQ, Epidemic Sound, and Motion Array and I've been wondering if I stop using all those "retention" tools like music or effects will damage my youtube channel, but I look back and see my old videos and I wasn't using any of this software. So I'm going to test just using a headshot and some music to see if that is detrimental or doesn't affect at all. SO THE THING IS, I WANT TO TEST so I can really see if it's real or just limiting that if I don't have those tools I cant make it. Just do it and test it. Love for y'all

[@gabescully]

Great honest dialogue dude...One of the reasons I like your channel.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Glad to hear it

Actually I find myself having a very similar belief system mechanism! On one hand I do think that the content I'm making on my filmmaking channel will help, and even change in some way, people's lives for the better. But on the other hand I also find myself procastinating, and even get some philosophical thoughts that maybe people just don't care about my content, or maybe that I will make a negative impact on someone, just because I'm sharing content that might be a little bit "overproduced" for a "beginner". Finally, currently I'm on a very difficult stage of my life where I feel like I'm not really contributing for any "greater purpose"... And that felling of lacking meaning in what I do ends up contributing for even more procastination. So the bottom line is that sometimes I fell that I'm contributing for something good but sometimes I feel that I'm not really making any "difference" in the world. Thanks for sharing these types of videos! You got me thinking and reflect more about myself. Also I love your music! 👌

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Glad to get you thinking man :) And thank you about the music, means a lot!

[@melaniegriesemer]

That idea of the resistance Steven Pressfield writes about in The war of art was life changing!! I re-read that book every so often just to remind myself. Also I never thought about creating videos this way of it taking away from the moment, the “real world” I always view it as providing someone a positive experience through video, an inspiration, gems they can bring into the world after watching.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

That's a really refreshing perfective to have Melanie

[@growthmindset6549]

Hey Thomas, thanks for making this video! Been a subscriber ever since I started the journey of learning to be a filmmaker and you've taught me a lot. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take your course at the time as it had already closed about the time when you made your announcement to pursue music full time and take on that journey for growth in what is fulfilling to you. Truth is, I don't find it to be a "net negative" as the intrinsic motivation from within comes out to pursue what makes your cup fulfilled. Keep in mind as they say in marketing, 'your niche market will find said niche content' and thus will feel fulfilled to share the content on other platforms or perhaps verbally with others via dialogue on the phone or perhaps at the watercooler convos at work. As they say in physics, energy is not created nor destroy it simply changes form. Back in the day content was passed by newspapers and then radio and today it's on your phone. The way content is transmitted evolves and such the way its shared and even tho it may seem like the individual is merely alone at the time of watching, perhaps they are simply awaiting to then tell others of the findings they just encountered. Keep doing what makes you grow as an individual and consider the paraphrased words of the late, Jim Rohn in which he said the comedians in a group will do what comedians do and the serious ones in the group will do what the serious do- the same content can be interpreted and felt differently to each person as they identify given scenarios to what their philosophies are thus giving 2 completely different perspectives on the same matter. Cheers and hope to have the opportunity to one day learn about filmmaking from your course! Continue staying blessed and remember that opening up a conversation on what your feeling inside is the best way to create awareness for others to be inspired! - Andres

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Appreciate that, thanks Andres. Definitely agree with putting growth first. Also the programs are still available for a little while to those who missed the last sale, shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send you over info

[@WedrowkizPlecakiem]

Hey Thomas, I think as creatives we have too many exaggerated doubts. Maybe it's because of our sensibilities... or maybe it's because of what's going on in the world. By making films about mountains, as you do about filmmaking, we rather provoke people to action and create their better lives.... I hope I'm not wrong.... Greetings and keep uploading videos because I have learned a lot from you and I myself am now making videos. That is, you didn't tear me away from my life ;)

[@stevenmanicom]

I would say your videos at least the ones from the past were educational and motivating to go out and implement what you taught

[@andrefritsch]

it depends whether people use KZbin to learn or consume something.

[@drumrit]

My opinion: You're wrong. I'm facing a similar dilemma, in the sense that I want people to be more in touch with reality because of my videos. Helping people gain the right perspectives will over time help them change. Also, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. After many years of watching videos all the time, I'm now gaining (internal) momentum to make videos myself. Turning from a consumer to a producer, being careful not to make my videos more about entertainment and passing the time but rather about being still and in the moment, learning to slowly step by step, see reality for what it is. I've come to your channel today ON PURPOSE, because I watched a video of yours where you did it in one take and spoke about authenticity and how that is what will drive people to you. I couldn't have agreed more. I see you as someone trying to figure themselves out just I am as well.

[@thinpins1]

For a different take on procrastination, I can recommend the writer David Whyte. PROCRASTINATION is not what it seems... What looks from the outside like our delay; our lack of commitment; even our laziness may have more to do with a slow, necessary ripening through time and a central struggle with the core realities of any endeavor to which we have set our minds. To hate our procrastinating tendencies is in someway to hate our relationship with time itself, to be unequal to the phenomenology of revelation and the way it works its own quiet way in its very own gifted time, only emerging when the very qualities it represents have a firm correspondence in our necessarily struggling heart and imagination. ... Procrastination when studied closely can be a beautiful opening to the way we are, a parallel with patience, a companionable friend, a revealer of the true pattern, already, we are surprised to find, caught within us; acknowledging for instance, as a writer, that before a book can be written, most of the ways it cannot be written must be tried first, in our minds; on the blank screen on the empty page or staring at the bedroom ceiling at four in the morning. Procrastination enables us to understand the true measure of our reluctance.

[@tomsviewphoto]

Definitely wrong my friend. Your content is a net positive. You inspire others to create and improve their “real lives”.

[@danielschwarz6894]

To give you my take on it. I don‘t think your videos or KZbin videos as a whole are a net negative. Let me tell you my perspective on it. Today I had a fight with my family just a few hours ago and I‘ve been sitting in a park for the last 2 hours. I feel lost and alone right now and don‘t know what to do in life. I‘m still young and in my 20‘s but I have no direction to. No ideo of what I want in life. And no plan on how to get further from here. I feel lost at home and in public. I destroyed my moms laptop out of anger and I feel like shit. She litterlally called my while I was texting this comment and I told her her laptop is broken. She wasen‘t even angry and was okay with it, this makes me feel even worse. To get to the point. Your videos helped me distract from real life right now and I also lerned something about editing. So I think that is great.

[@AndreSjoberg]

The problem with most thinking like this is the belief that things are black or white, when in reality everything is shades of grey. A youtube video with meaningful content will never be inherently «evil», however, a person watching your video as part of an endless stream of videos instead of doing something meaningful or «useful» is their own problem, and if your video was not there someone elses video would take it’s place. At the same time, you *not* making a video will deprive those of us who enjoy your videos, from that pleasure - and making videos, which is something I’m guessing you enjoy since you keep on doing it, is not creating an «addiction» or bad behaviour in people, they will need to adress their problem themselves. If, however, you where to start making «haul»-videos and booty-shapeup-videos you should probably consider stopping ;) So yeah, this idea *is* you being a master procrastrinator, if you *want* to make videos you should make videos, and screw the rest :)

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Yeah it's like if I followed that belief i=I would be somehow taking responsibility for everyone else's actions, which is just ridiculous, even just typing it out haha

[@AndreSjoberg]

@@ThomasAlexNorman Yup, and again, your stuff is pure inspiration, and not trying to push bitcoin or nft’s or needless crap, so no need to worry about negative effects of your creations, your output is never going to weigh down on the negative side of the world scale :)

[@BeginningsAndPaths]

You know the answer: no writer feels guilty because reading a book could ruin one's life :)

[@premanando127]

Most videos I watch in the evening or on bad weather days anyway. :-O

[@lennysvibe]

Bro bro...KZbin is not bad...It's the communication hub of the World...It's like the World Library. I go to KZbin to get informed, entertained, give an opinion, find out what other people think about a subject. Improve my life, escape my life, dream, get inspired, ...It's a beautiful place and has changed so many lives! KZbin is what you make of it! I didn't watch your whole video, because usually I come to your channel to be informed a particular subject. There are philosophy channels on youtube, life coaches. It really is a wonderful place. People are so amazing and inspiring. There will always be distractions from the real World. I remember when I was only a kid...I almost never got to interact with my mom because she was either engaged in one of her Harlequin Romance books, watch and old black and white on the tube, or sending me out to buy her lotto tickets. It was her way of escaping reality. This was before the Internet ofcourse. I am lucky to have lived a full life before internet became popular. So I never had the distractions. All the things you could do on the youtube I was out doing them in real life. However I was lucky I lived Southern California where there was sunshine and lot's of interest people drawn to the area. However not everyone is so lucky and KZbin, like my mother's escapes is a way for them to dream and escape the boring, mundane, rigorous, and even toxic environments. Keep doing what you are doing. Communication no matter in what form is always an enlightening process!

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Interesting your example of your mum being 'distracted' before the internet. Hard to even imagine these days. YT is what you make of it for sure

[@davidsen1805]

I think almost everything can be used in a poor way, or as an unhealthy coping mechanism. I can say with absolute certainty KZbin, and specifically all that I've learned on it and the new ideas, topics, and niches I've been exposed to on the platform, have hugely positively impacted my life and the lives of so many others. I admire that you're considerate of how your work contributes to the world, as I think we all should be, but at the same time I definitely don't think it's justified to put the burden of every viewer's habits on yourself. I think a little relativism can be helpful in some situations, and so another way you could think about it is that the kind of content you make (or used to make more, I believe) is far far from even the realm of contributing to the problems social media has. Though this way of thinking has drawbacks as well.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Cheers David. Appreciate that point of view

[@twosdayswithtk]

I mean it makes sense... I use videos to unwind at the end of my day, so personally I try not to watch any during the day.

[@AlexanderGent]

I think there should be a balance, looking at what provides substance, quality over quantity. If your video offers something useful, productive or provides some creative inspiration then that's good. If it's something like mindless tiktok style videos which seem to be infecting youtube at the moment then that's bad. Comparing to food works. Some offer nourishment, some can be bad for you in the long term. It's best to offer something that's of benifit to others. Maybe it is procrastination or maybe it's worrying whether people are benefitting since you've changed direction?

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Could be something of each of those. Interesting how the mind can work to confuse and misdirect sometimes!

[@GoodLifePilgrim]

Seems to me you maybe should continue on to read or listen to more Pressfield... "I have a theory about the "Hero's Journey". We all have one. We have many, in fact. But our primary hero's journey is the passage we live out, in real life, before we find our calling. The hero's journey ends when, like Odysseus, we return home to Ithaca, to the place from which we started. What then? The passage that comes next is the "Artist's Journey". On our artist's journey, we move past resistance and past self-sabotage. We discover our true selves and our authentic calling, and we produce the works we were born to create. You are an artist too - whether you realize it or not, whether you like it or not - and you have an artist's journey. Will you live it out? Will you follow your muse and do the work you were born to do? Ready or not, you are called." From the "Artist's Journey" by Pressfield

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Crazy passage. thanks for sharing

[@abhidhotre]

Wow

[@modengoCHANNEL]

I agree completely with you however it's very subjective how people use their time, that is something nobody can change. I do believe 99% of people just mass conzume and don't live life. However, your chanel is good and positive and should not stop you from creating or posting. People will do what they have to do, whatever you do, do for yourself. By the way, all of us hwre enjoy it 😉

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

Yeah I'm trying to get to that point of just doing it for the enjoyment. Thank you

[@vh2205]

Hi, my english is not perfect, but I will try to explain... I think like everything, it has good and bad things... social media can be inspiring but also distracting... and distraction leads to procrastination? So in some way making videos and taking photos is ok, my grandpa was a photographer and I am grateful for his photos, its like journaling... But back then you only had like 32 photos to take... now you can do everything kind of perfect, the best shot, light, place... so you waste so much time making it more perfect than it is and end up with 1000 special photos instead of 32?

[@allenwc]

Okay, very interesting premise. BUT. It depends on the content. It's like TV. Some shows are just taking people away from real life and preventing them from understanding the world around them. BUT, there are also other types of TV. And KZbin as well. Does your content elevate? never under estimate the power of uplift. The world is a stressful and isolating place. Being able to make people feel good about themselves and the world around is incredibly valuable to the world. Does your content educate? Education is seriously the primary force of good in world. I mean, truthful honest education, not indoctrination. Education can allow you to distinguish between attempts to control, manipulate, mislead and help you understand the world around you or simply to teach you how to do something, develop a skill. There is a lot more, but the point is, content and context are king. Your more recent content falls into the "elevate" category more than the educate, but all you other content is valuable education. You're doing great, making the world a better place. I honestly don't think you are making things worse. The fact that you are evaluating you actions means that you are aware.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

That's awesome. Elevate or educate - nice concept

[@nature_body_adventure]

I think it is difficult. Do you/we contribute something with your/our videos? Is it worth sitting in front of a phone to watch all these videos that are popping up? Does it add value to our lives? Or would we be better off, if there would be less content and we would be "forced" to experience more of the real world? Yes, it is up to everybody him- or herself, if that person is watching a video and how many. Still, considering the fact that these platforms are made in a way that is highly addictive, being like a slot machine, not knowing what comes next, it maybe shouldn't be up to oneself. Maybe kids should be protected much more than they are right now. And it is mostly young people being on social media. When turning to social media rather than real human contact, is that wrong? Should we be worried? If the dopamine hit that we get from a like does the job of feeling worthwhile, why should we have real life contacts? Do we even need them in our "modern society". In my opinion we do need real life contacts. We need deep contacts. We need the feeling of being safe and secure. Nature is healing and simplicity is healthy and helps you keeping peace of mind. Stillness lets you find out what is right and true for yourself. In the end. Apart from the political questions, what politics should/could do, one important question could be: Why does your question even matter? Not in an offending way. Why is it important that the video that you are creating is adding worth to someone's life? Wouldn't it be enough, if the process of making is adding worth to your own life? Feeling fulfillment in one's doing is beautiful. Why would that ever be less than perfect? Imperfectly perfect. If what you are doing isn't hurting someone else and if some ethical standards are assumed (don't do what you wouldn't like others to do), than I would argue doing what one loves to do is the healthiest way of living for yourself and the most likely way to touch the most amount of people. Of course, one could argue that adding to the world wide web nonsense with even more content is unethical as one is part of creating a zombie like addicted society that is so bombarded by media and weird societal beliefs, that people can't feel themselves anymore. In that case you wouldn't like to post, I guess. So basically, what you think and choose depends on your beliefs, just like you said ;) What actually helps me, is to think about my own insignificance. Yes, maybe your/our videos are useless, but who cares. We are just humans. Experiencing this short sequence that we called life. (Hopefully in the least harmful way possible, as this planet (not "our" planet) deserves a bit better (again, in my opinion ;)). Thanks for the video. I liked it...

[@dna8269]

Yeah its definitely pseudo-philosophy / procrastination sneaking up on you. I can tell you that because I do the same thing. Also as a viewer, I can tell you we make the choice to ignore the world around us for a brief period of time because we want to do that. You aren't contributing a net negative. We are humans with free will and we choose to focus our attention to specific points as we see fit

[@vilvideo7734]

is book writer asking the same questions?...that he is taking readers attention from ,,real life"?

[@somedragontoslay2579]

Oh, boy. I have been thinking about this a lot, so sorry if this turns into an eternal essay. But summarizing, I think you are chatastrophising a little bit. You could make a sloppy case for YT being a net worse for the world, but coming to the conclusion that ANY video is a net worse is a stretch. Let's imagine a baker who makes good sweet chocolate cakes. Would you say that that baker is worsening the world because he is making products with sugar? Sugar is highly addictive and it's one of the main culprits of our current obesity epidemic. So, why not ask him to stop using sugar? No. The real problem is not the baker, or candymakers of the world; the real problem is the sugar industry lobbying to hide that sugar is bad, looking for subsidies for sugar, making advertisements for children and trying to move responsibilities away to fat, and trying to sabotage any medical recommendation against sugar. Those are the ones who you could say are a problem. Do you see where does my metaphor come to? You are the baker and YT and the people behind our media is the one who has the responsibility on people "not living real life" or them being addictive. But hey! You could say. Even if I am not responsible, my product does contribute to the problem, like the baker. And I would answer: Kinda... A baker making cakes maybe doesn't improve the world a lot, but still it depends on the specific consumer whether his or her life improves through that cake. Maybe you have a child who is celebrating his birthday, and the cake contributes to the fond memories he has 20 years later of the only birthday party he had. Wouldn't you say that's a main positive? Maybe that cake is the reward an employee gives himself for doing a project he didn't feel like doing, and suddenly he didn't procrastinate thanks to the hope to eat that cake once in a while. Isn't that good? But hey! You could say again. But those are net positives put by the consumer, not by the cake. And that is somewhat true (a philosopher would put objections to that, but ok), but that's a big difference between a cake and a YT video: it's much much clearer when something is just junk food and something has values added to it. Why? Because, besides the cases of people starving to death and children with fond memories, a particular piece of cake rarely has a long lasting clear impact on someone. YT videos can and have had those kinds of impacts on people; I have a whole list of videos that have built me into a better person: tutorials on how to do things I wasn't able to do (some of your videos are on that list, by the way); video essays that gave existential crises, painful but that allowed me to become more compassionate, understanding and caring; conferences that made me a better professional in my field and I wouldn't have been able to access them since they were expensive, in other continents or in the middle of the pandemic; vlogs where people made me know I wasn't alone in some struggle I had and that there are alternatives; and so on. I guess millions of people have had similar experiences with the pandemic. And also, some people cannot experience "real life" because of REAL LIFE: disabled people sitting on bed all day, poor people not able to afford going out, people isolated in abusive environments, introverted people. All of them have been able to feel empowered through screens. They can have friends, learn how to face their real life circumstances and so on. Just removing these media won't suddenly make these people go outside and experience the breeze of the wind, the birds singing, and the love of their fellow humans. They will either become more isolated, or find some other thing to do, like reading. And talking about reading. Did you know that Socrates, the Vedas and ancient Egyptian papyri were already having these same complains about writing? And nomad people also complain about agriculture for "protecting us against real life", making us compliant and so on? Unless you agree with them and want to go back to monke (including getting rid of medicine, btw), you have to accept that "real life" never existed or is no longer with us. We are social creatures and we live and breathe a social world. We wander around our current time's public squares, be it actual squares, books, radio, or YT. And each medium has its ups and downs. No one is better or worse, just different. In the same way that Proto-Indo-European, Latin and Italian are not don't make a better or worse world, just different. In the same way that our metaphor of sugar shows that people are responsible for their own diet habits, the only legitimate worrisome thing here is people lacking digital hygiene and digital media trying to sabotage their efforts to learn it. If you cultivate digital hygiene and promote it while adding value to your product (I think you already do), you are in the safe place of history, I think. Sorry for the essay.

[@somedragontoslay2579]

Also, pecisely because I try to have mental hygiene about these things, I don't use the main YT app (except when mindfully trying to support a creator or commenting, like this), but have FreeTube in my desktop that I connect to my speakers and only watch videos in specific times I can 100% focus on them or when washing dishes: I don't need to be mindful of my dishes.

[@somedragontoslay2579]

Also also, neat sentence I was thinking of but I didn't know where to put in the essay: Yeah, tools and technology carry the values of their designers, but those values are not good or evil, just compatible or not with your own ones. If you value mindfulness, that's awesome: We share a value, but don't expect everyone to do so. That's it. I will shut down now.

[@ThomasAlexNorman]

This hits home, thank you for writing. The tools/products carry value and are then to be used by the consumer. Whether that's for 'good' or 'evil' is up to them. Nice essay, quite the epic read!

[@challoy06141988]

Seek Jesus!

[@michellehanscom-gh689]

Beautifully wrong. Your videos are like little rays of sunshine. They throw light on new ideas and can challenge standard perceptions. Viewers can take these new perspectives into their own creative process, into conversations with others... you can help push others to grow in ways that simply can’t happen without collaborating with other people outside the regular circle of influence 🧐

[@fin2643]

You are depressed......

[@cobhashimoto7918]

p̳r̳o̳m̳o̳s̳m̳ 🌈