The Dark Side of Booktube/ Reaction Video

[@theonyxblack]

As a viewer, I love that there are so many different booktubers (and youtubers in general). People of almost all ages, people with different goals for their channels, people with different taste in books, etc. There's a channel for everyone. For me, reading should be fun/enjoyable. And to watch someone talk about books I like (or might like) is awesome. I've seen several KZbin videos and comments about "influencers damaging a community", but what they don't seem to understand is that viewers are human beings fully capable of making their own decisions. I don't buy every single book that a booktuber recommends. I always read the synopsis, check it out on Goodreads and/or Storygraph before I put a book on my tbr. And then it may take a while before I purchase it - if I even purchase it. Unfortunately I rarely use my local library, because it's too far away. Anyway, I enjoyed your video and I hope you keep enjoying making content.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello, and thanks for stopping by my channel. I am far from an influencer. I started my channel on my 70th birthday to do something daring. Yes, booktube has something for everyone. For me, it's a way to socialize while pursuing my favorite hobby, reading. I appreciate your kind comment. Aloha from Hawaii.

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Hi Marilyn. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts in this response video. I don’t think I’ve been here long enough to make my own version of this video, but I do really like the topics you address here. I completely agree that most of the pressures that I’ve ever felt here are almost completely self-imposed. I have always spent a lot of money on books, and that probably has even increased since I’ve been here. But that is probably the only thing I spend a lot of money on. But I also have donated more books than ever since being here, and I also use the library more. For me, the most wonderful part of this whole experience has been meeting people and becoming a part of a wonderful community. I’m so glad we’ve met here and become such good friends. 🥰 Great video, Marilyn!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@BookChatWithPat8668Hello Pat, Everyone buys more books when they first join the community. I was pretty nervous to do this video and sometimes my words got stuck. That happens a lot lately, probably age related. books were always my friends so when I had even a little bit of money, I would save up for a new release. I remember saving up the $10 that used to cost for hardback in the 70s in New York City. At that time a whole week groceries cost around $15, so $10 was a lot to spend on one book. But it was always worth it. I had to cut back on my book buying. Because of house repairs. Never feel guilty about buying something that makes you happy. thanks for being such a good friend. Aloha.

[@PaintingThePieces]

Oh Marilyn. I love your rambles. Never apologize for those. This was a great video for me. You touched on so many things that are important to me, libraries, book how and why you interact with other booktubers... I look forward to my favorite booktubers and wonder how I found them. It seems more and more my days are about reading books and watching booktube! They're both quite the delight of my day. I've been thinking about starting a channel since you first started yours and maybe today's the day.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Majel, Yes, Yes! Please start a channel. I will help you in any way I can. I can’t wait to interact with you on and off the channel. Just introduce yourself, maybe do the newbie tag. And voilà. You’re in. Please email me if you need any other advice. I also watch a lot of book tube as well as read. Aloha friend.

[@constancecampbell4610]

Great video. I had to laugh at the mention of BookTubers who say they are leaving only to reappear a short time after because of what I have witnessed within a different niche of KZbin. There, the creators would regularly make a video about a comment or comments they didn’t “appreciate” and go on ad nauseam about how horrible it was and that they were therefore not going to make videos anymore. 😱 Many of their subscribers would leave pleading, soothing or otherwise “supportive” comments and then, sure enough, they would be right back with a new video. I tend to unsubscribe from these creators. Maybe KZbin needs a new niche devoted to personal melodrama. Lol

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Constance, and thank you for stopping by my channel. I guess that melodrama works with vulnerable people who get obsessed with certain youtubers. That nonsense turns me off and I never again watched those KZbinrs who came back 😊 aloha from Hawaii

[@constancecampbell4610]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Aloha!

[@hopeisthething1965]

Love that word you used, 'fetching'. So much more charm in these older words.

[@Comrade_Anka]

My friend's mother did the whole Swedish death cleaning before she passed away, she was very upset as there were no memories to go through once her mom passed away. Part of the grieving process involves going through stuff and memories and deciding what to let go or not. That, of course, depends from what kind of relationship with parents one has. I think the decluttering thing can go to some extremes as well. I am still unsure what I would do. I definitely do not collect books for my kids to "inherit" my collection, but I can see that one of my kids actually might be interested in it, so who knows.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@Comrade_Anka Hi Red, what a coincidence, I’ve been reading some videos debunking the minimalism trend. I think it’s individual decision, like you mentioned. Only you know your own family and what they can handle. My mother left me a crystal vase, from her grandmother and I have never opened the packaging since 1995. Having something so valuable gives me stress about breaking it or losing it so I’ve lugged it around wherever I moved. It’s certainly a complicated subject, but I do enjoy reading about it. Thank you so much for your perspective and for watching. Aloha.

[@MikeColetti]

Thank you for a great video! I have a different sort of competitiveness. It’s with time. In my older years now, I realized that I no longer have the time left to read everything that comes to my attention. I needed to put more attention into getting my reading done and making sure I was reading what I really wanted to read! I needed focus. BookTube has really helped with putting together that reading plan.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Mike, Yes, we all deal with time. I read at night because there are so many distractions in my day, even at my great age. With booktube I am examining new genres I never thought I would like, so prioritizing is a must. It's fun though! Nice to meet you and thanks for watching. Aloha friend.

[@BookishTexan]

Great response Maya.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, Brian, you are very generous. I was nervous but tried my best to explain my feelings. Aloha friend.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Brilliant response Marilyn! I love what you have to say about this topic and I’m definitely someone who falls into the fun category but if I’m honest, I’ve definitely been a grind booktuber, at least in the beginning. Not grind to make money , but I certainly wasn’t in it for the fun or community in the beginning- that has been a happy accident and one of the best things ever.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Jack, I don’t know what I was looking for when I started my channel. I was just lonely and wanted to be acknowledged. Of course I love books. aloha dear friend

[@jf8559]

Hi Marilyn Maya! I agree with you - the community is everything here. Book stacks and reviews are content, but the people are the heart and soul. Thank you for sharing yourself and your reading.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you JF. Aloha.

[@lnnunley09]

I’m always happy to see older book-lovers on booktube…genuine readers who are not pushing for subscribers all the time. Thank you for your video! I subscribed! LOL😊

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@lnnunley09 thank you for watching. i’ll be forever grateful that I had a mother who taught me to read at age 3. 70+ years of reading and I’m still learning about new genres and discovering new books because of book tube. Thank you for watching and subscribing. Aloha friend.

[@KaylasBestie]

Your video was recommended by KZbin and I'm so glad I did. I enjoyed your video and loved the chill out vibe. One of my biggest issue with the genre is the high school clickish behavior that goes on. Most of the channels I follow are the smaller channels. I find those channels to be a lot more opening and welcoming.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@KaylasBestie hi Kayla, sending you a warm welcome and thanks so much for stopping by my channel. I love connecting with subscribers with long comments , maybe too long. I’ve been a creator for four years and I’m pretty sure this is the first video I made that KZbin recommended, but I’m not complaining. Aloha friend.

[@barbaraboethling596]

Great video Marilyn. It got me thinking how my viewing habits have changed since finding Book Tube. I quickly winnowed out channels featuring massive book hauls and unhauls. I got the feeling they weren't serious readers , and the consumerist slant bugs me. Why make a massive haul only to later do a corresponding unhaul where you ruefully say, "I didn't read it anyway"? Who benefits watching somebody cram a handful of unread mediocre books into a Little Free Library. ? I value those who read a well chosen book,can deliver cogent thoughts on it, and say they got it for 35 cents at a library sale. Gosh, I guess I'm another ranting senior. Not sure what my point started out to be?! Well, off to the library. 💕

[@lindysmagpiereads]

I’m allergic to book haul videos. I don’t make them or watch them because consumerism is already ubiquitous without giving it even more prominence. I could easily rant on this topic! 😂

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Barbara, no you’re very coherent and I wish I hadn’t been as nervous because I wanted to talk about other points regarding bookhauls, and unhauls. I’m always happy to hear your thoughts and thanks for watching. Aloha friend.

[@bogdiworksV2]

Burnout is a thing. For me, and i know there are others like me out there, i learned a very long time ago that there is a heavy price to pay if you turn your hobby into your livelihood (so i went back to separating them). I'm sure it works for some, but for those of us who have a playful nature rather than an entrepreneurial one it can take all the fun out of it. I commend you on your thoughtfulness regarding what you own. My mom spent all her money on books, I'm not exaggerating. She could afford to, after a lifetime of, well, grind and because she was naturally frugal. But when she died she left 2 properties full of books. Don't get me wrong, i inherited the love of reading, which is my dilemma now. I live in another country and, yes, i have a space problem. The thought of selling them pains me but so does the reality of sorting it all out. Regarding YT in general, i think these days advertisers have too much power. There are more and more (legal!) things you can't say or your post gets flushed. That's worrying, advertisers should not have that kind of power in a free society.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I hope it will give you some solace to know that when you sell your mother's book, someone will get pleasure from them somewhere. My daughter lives with me and will inherit my small house when I'm gone. I will ensure the books that stay are the ones she wants to keep. I will keep my fun channel as a hobby that gives me pleasure. Aloha friend

[@davidnovakreadspoetry]

“Been there done that with grind” - Amen! 😂 I’ve heard your name mentioned but somehow never been to your channel till this. These are the answers I might give were I to do this tag.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi David, thanks for stopping by. I love poetry so I definitely visit your channel today. You probably heard my name through the Maya Angelou phenomenal woman book tag that went around last month. Before that I was pretty invisible to the algorithm 😊I don’t have a lot of subscribers for having been here for four years. But I’ve had a lot of fun and I definitely don’t want to feel any pressure at this time in my life. Aloha friend.

[@hopeisthething1965]

Was attracted to the title of this video, and hope to check out those other videos mentioned. Personally, I like to see someone having a drink (if they want one or need one) - lemon water, tea, coffee, or even wine etc. I find it interesting, and adds a further human element.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@hopeisthething1965 thanks for watching. You are right I don’t see anything wrong with sipping a cup of tea or a glass of water if you need it. I have done done so in videos. Especially in Hawaii, where there is a volcano, erupting and VOG that makes your throat scratchy. Thank you for watching.. Aloha.

[@royreadsanything]

Great video! I definitely agree with your points about the pressure being self-generated. I love your point about the baggage we bring - for me it's competitiveness, which means every now and again I feel I'm failing somehow. Which is mad as really I make videos for the fun of making them and to talk to a small group of people, so the numbers don't matter. If there were two doors going into BookTube I would definitely go through Fun rather than Grind! The problem I suppose comes from doing Fun but expecting Grindy results. I've had a job and don't want another one know I'm older. Though I appreciate the semi-pro people who work on all the aspects and follow the rules. Thanks for sharing your thoughts; I found this video very enheartening.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Oh Roy, I am so with you on not wanting to have a grind job anymore. I think humans come with a bit of competitiveness and something I should have said was comparing yourself to others and then feeling less than. I’m going to try to be more of a fun book tuber, and not look at the KZbin studio, which keeps on chastising me😊 . Sending positive vibes to you from Hawai’i . Aloha friend

[@readandre-read]

I'm in agreement. I'm just not competitive; I have no hustle! I just want to read and talk about it. Editing is tedious; that's my least favorite part so I keep it basic. I appreciate this ramble!

[@sandrahollins3520]

Interesting video Marilyn, and well said. It's always important to remember to 'do you'. That won't be the same for everyone. I love your videos and perspective on books and hope you make many more! 🌻

[@toddfh]

Recently watched a video that talked about getting rid of extra things before death... believe it's called swedish death cleaning.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Todd, Just borrowed it from my library. Thank you. I'm so into this topic at the moment. Aloha friend.

[@MargaretPinard]

Yes, I was reflecting on the summer's book haul in my latest video and we had some kumbaya moments about how we all like to get recs from each other to expand our reading tastes and palates. 💗

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Margaret, It's been an education for sure on booktube. I never thought I would read some of the books I've read in a million years. Sometimes they and sometimes not. But, I've grown for sure. Aloha friend

[@books_and_bocadillos]

Thank you for being a fun booktube friend 🫶🏽

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

And thank you Mariandrea for being a friend. Aloha

[@PageTurnersWithKatja]

Loved your thoughts, agree with a lot 💛✨️

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you Katja, Aloha.

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Hello Marilyn, I only discovered Book Tube in January of this year and immediately joined BOTM to receive current popular books featured on BT. I love the young women I follow because of their enthusiasm for reading. They always have post dedicated to Book of the Month books. They put in a lot of work because they want to earn money. I really enjoyed your opinions. Thank you for sharing.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, Elizabeth, I'm glad you discovered this wonderful community. I agree that these youngins are energized and positive. I joined to share my love of books and make friends. Aloha friend.

[@theonlyrealproperty2567]

A lot of wisdom in this video, I very much appreciate it! Also, congratulations on the upcoming marriage of your daughter :-)

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

Hi MMM! I almost named my channel Lazy Cow Reads, because, well, I'm a lazy cow :) I don't feel any of these pressures, because I just sit down in front of my phone, record then post. I don't edit, or do fancy thumbnails, or script my videos at all. Plus, doing all of those things doesn't guarantee that your channel will grow. Most of my favorite channels are very low-tech. But I totally get it why people feel pressured. It's great to hear your perspective on it.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, Gina, I love how your channel is so low-key and calm. I don’t think you’re lazy at all. You’re just chill. Aloha friend.MMM

[@lilsvintageworld]

Love this….. I am listening to this video as I declutter my book shelves….having lots of books doesn’t make you a reader. Just the love of the written word

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Lil, so nice to hear from you. I was a little nervous, but I eventually got there. Sending you positive vibes from Hawaii. Aloha friend.

[@SDYoungren]

That's very brave of you, to read slowly on Booktube! I daresay this is one of the reasons we like you, the way you're just being yourself instead of trying to impress everybody. Thank you for being a Fun Booktuber! And thank you as well for admitting that you're a human being with anxieties and also kindness. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates you for that. Nemesis arrived safely today--thank you for that was well! I am a mood reader, but I'm sure I will be in the mood for this soon.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@SDYoungrenHi SD, yes, at my age I have no one to impress or have ever had the desire to. Thank you for accepting me as I am. The friends I make here make everything worthwhile. Aloha friend.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@SDYoungren Hi SD, I’ve never followed the crowd and always marched to a different drummer. There’s no one I need to impress except myself when I am kind to others and make friends like you. I appreciate your friendship. Aloha.

[@SDYoungren]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Thank you! Yes, trying to please "everyone" wouldn't be worth it even if it were possible. Really appreciate that you are just being yourself--and I'm very happy to be your friend. Aloha!

[@SluggishReader]

Marilyn, your drink looks delightful (any drink with citrus slices in it looks delightful). You bring positive energy as always 💚💚💚

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Freddie, I was nervous and stumbled, but I think I got to the point eventually😀

[@SluggishReader]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Well you sure did not look that way! 😁🥰

[@OmnivorousReader]

I hear you about trying to slow down my reading - I am not good at it, but I am working at it. Goodreads had a darker influence on my reading patterns than KZbin/Booktube: because I read fast, the GR challenge made me read faster, maybe bypassing better books, just because they would take longer. I am breaking the habit however.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello and thank you for watching. I am less pressured by Goodreads since I lowered my reading goal. However, I tend to write reviews on their site and then never talk about it on my channel, which is a mistake I think. I am a greedy reader and I am more influenced by other creators who recommend books. Aloha friend.

[@OmnivorousReader]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza You totally should talk about them. I started reviewing on youtube as a backup for Goodreads, but it has given me the chance to talk about the books - both with my own reflection and other people online - and that has been really fun.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@OmnivorousReader You are right! I'm always nervous about making a video reviewing a book. I'm more comfortable writing. But I want to review a particular book, so I may jump in. Aloha

[@MyGrannyEra]

Lots of interesting thoughts! I just want to talk to people and have fun! I'm glad we're BookTube friends!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Sarah, me too! Aloha friend

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Your teaching experience in Japan and Hawaii sounds fascinating! Thanks for your frank discussion about booktube.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Eric Karl, i’m a faithful subscriber of your channel and I’m honored that you stopped by my channel. Going to Japan in my 50s was an amazing experience. I lived there for three years. I’ve been reading a lot of translated Japanese fiction and I’m currently reading “butter“by Adana Yuzuki. Aloha friend.

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

This was so lovely, thank you. A really interesting topics about what you want from your channel, and how there is no right or wrong ways to do booktube, providing what you want out of it as a viewer or as a creator and as a reader. Enjoy the bookd and the wedding! 💜📚

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you so much. I was a little nervous about making a reaction video but I love this community so much. I appreciate you watching. Aloha friend.

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza I thought the points you made were very valid and really enjoyed your very humam approach. 💜📚

[@lunalupus63]

Hello Marilyn, I don't know if you'll see this comment, but I wanted to thank you for a lovely take on this topic. I'd recently watched 'library of a viking's video on the dark side of booktube and the algorithm obviously decided I needed to watch you next! And I'm so glad I did. I've been dithering about starting a KZbin channel to share book reviews I've posted on my blog over the years. I don't have as much anxiety as I used to, it's more 'imposter syndrome' that stops me in my tracks. Anyway, you've given this 61-year-old the confidence to get it done because, like you, I'm not looking to make money either, just to have fun. Again, thank you and take care.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Luna, I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. My daughter married this month, and I've been a bit MIA with the KZbin studio. You are perfect for the community. I wrote reviews about books on Amazon, etc., but I never had a book blog. I look forward to getting to know you better and supporting your channel. I'm 74 and in January I plan to start a second channel focusing on navigating 75 and beyond, especially mental health I'm still keeping my booktube channel. The people here are awesome! Much Aloha sent your way.

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Appreciate your thoughts. Best wishes and happy reading.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you for watching, reading ideas. Hope you have a wonderful reading month. Aloha

[@audreyh7892]

Thank you for a thoughtful discussion

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Audrey, thanks for watching. Aloha friend.

[@stuartgriffin1001]

Great points. I never expect to make money on my channel. Most of the channels that do make money need to sometimes read books for reasons other than their expectation that they will like the book. I only want to read books that I expect to like. Like you, I want to talk to other people about books. Booktube gives me that opportunity. I am heartened by that fact that there are many young booktubers on here. Many just here because they love books

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Stuart, another perk for having a channel with all the book recommendations. I forgot to say that. also that it’s depends on what sub genre you are reading on how many views you get. Fantasy and dystopian books have more viewers. Thank you so much for watching. Aloha friend.

[@stuartgriffin1001]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza You're welcome. Aloha

[@ihath]

Lovely to hear your thoughts, giving me things to think about.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Thank you, ihath. Aloha

[@lindysmagpiereads]

Be kind. Excellent advice, my friend. ❤

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Yes, kindness is everything. And you are kind, my friend. Aloha

[@MoondogMadness]

💖💖💖

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@MoondogMadness thanks for watching Moondog. Aloha.

[@debbieinlondon]

I just found your channel. I love this video! I really like your take on booktube. I keep threatening to start a channel myself :)

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Debbie and welcome to my channel! Oh, do start a channel. I encouraged a few subs who became friends and they're doing well and having fun. If I can do it anyone can. Aloha friend.

[@NicolesBookishNook]

BookTube is for sure niche, so I think people getting into said niche need to curb their expectations. Are you going to be huge, like gamer channels? Nope. I think there’s only 2? 3? BookTube channels that are over 1 million subscribers, for example 😂 Something changed in the YT algorithm where Shorts reach more and that’s how you can possibly grow larger, but I just don’t like Shorts, so I continue to grow slowly yet steadily. The big thing that helped lately was re-branding my thumbnails!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Nicole, What is branding your thumbnail mean? I'm so clueless about the algorithm. It's sad though, that books are so low niche. I think they offer more personal growth to a person than gaming, but what do I know? I never gamed. Thank you for watching. Aloha friend.

[@NicolesBookishNook]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza all my thumbnails look uniform and have the same colors, same background, and same font.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@NicolesBookishNook thank you, Nicole, my partner does my thumbnails and I think he does that sort of. He’s an IT person. I wouldn’t know how to make a thumbnail if I tried.😀 I also don’t like shorts because I experienced a fellow creator getting bad comments on her shorts. She said that the audience is different for shorts than for videos. Aloha.

[@NicolesBookishNook]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza I had a friend create a template for me and then share it with me via Canva Pro because I couldn’t get the layering done right 😝 it’s a lot of work but once you get a template done, then it’s easy peasy.

[@juliekdavis73]

“I’m a reckless person and I want to be part of the action!”😂😂😂 Me too, me too😂

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Julie, It's the truth! It's the truth! Aloha friend.

[@OMG_ItsDrJennie]

Thanks for your wonderful, wise video 🎉🎉🎉

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@OMG_ItsDrJennie thank you for your kind comment. Aloha friend.

[@OMG_ItsDrJennie]

​@@MarilynMayaMendoza Alloha xxx

[@nathanfoung2347]

Aloha Maya 🌺 Go well.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Nathan, I got to the point eventually. Aloha friend.

[@kassandrik]

❤ Cheers for having fun and be happy ❤

[@CGyog]

I am trying to slow down my reading, also. I don’t spend a lot of time watching booktube videos, but sometimes do so as a palate cleanser between books, or to see how others enjoyed a book I have just finished. I think the dark side of booktube is those individuals who trash a particular book just because it didn’t speak to them. After a terrible review, some people may choose not to read a book that they might have potentially loved - even one that is a Pulitzer Prize winner - and all because a booktuber completely discredited it. And that is a shame.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@CGyog hello C, in this corner of book tube, I haven’t seen anyone trashing a book very often or doing it bitterly. But, I think it’s a mistake to do so without giving the positives. A good book review should state what you liked and didn’t like about the book, there are exceptions where a book is truly terrible. But I don’t think that would apply to a Pulitzer prize book. Many people did not like “Emperor of all maladies” but I liked it and learned a lot from it. Thank you so much for watching and your astute comment. Aloha.

[@ArtBookshelfOdyssey]

But all books are beautiful lol! But I know what you mean… great video, very thoughtful. I wouldn’t mind making money, but it’s not my purpose. I want to be myself and have my videos reflect my personality, even if it is a “bad practice”! My audience will find me.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Art, yes that’s true. I guess if you have the right sub niche and you’re super motivated to make money you will. But it’s also not my goal. I guess I’m a fun book tuber🤩. Aloha friend.

[@ArtBookshelfOdyssey]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza there are easier ways to make money than on Booktube 😂 - this community has been so fun! I love my bookish friends. Keep on making your great videos the way you like!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ArtBookshelfOdyssey I've never been lucky in money making, but I always managed to live the life I wanted traveling and meeting new people. My motto always was: I can't have everything, but I can choose one or two life goals that are important to me.

[@ArtBookshelfOdyssey]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza That “choosing life goals” was the thing that finally motivated me to start my channel like I always wanted to do. I thought I’d do it and see how it goes - it’s something I’d regret not trying at the end of my life. It’s been so fun and such a great creative outlet for me!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ArtBookshelfOdyssey Me too. It’s amazing how starting my channel opened up my life. I’m a pretty introverted person, a writer, a former Latin dancer, and finally an ESL teacher, none of which made a lot of money. But I lived in Japan for three years, the Philippines for six months and Spain, where I danced in the 70s. But books were always my comfort zone and when I didn’t have the money or the energy, I had books. Now I have friends who love books. I never had that before. and we both have a small platform where we can share our love of books with others. Perfection!

[@TerryJ950]

Aloha, Marilyn! I have to say that for a young person, which I haven’t been since the dinosaurs roamed, the lure of having a successful KZbin channel must be very intoxicating. When you consider that jobs are getting harder to find, even for college graduates, KZbin offers an opportunity to be an entrepreneur, instead of facing a possible dead-end, boring minimum wage job. Admittedly, I don’t usually gravitate toward the style over substance channels, but a lot of young people do. There is so much to watch on KZbin, too much, actually. Something for everyone. I also wanted to comment on your downsizing. That’s called Swedish Death Cleaning. I did that when I turned 70 because I realized my only child would not be interested in any of my stuff, so I basically got rid of most of it. Great decision - it was like losing a lot of weight - you just feel lighter. I honestly don’t miss any of it.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hello Terry, you make very good points. And I loved to watch the enthusiasm and energy of those young people. Even if it never works out the way they envisioned, at least they put their all in. I’ve heard of Swedish death cleaning, but the title kind of put me off being a little too close to the truth😊. But coincidentally, I have a bunch of books about decluttering that I wanted to show later this month. I’m obsessed with it and I think that’s why I went off topic on my video and talked about decluttering because I’m actually doing it. I sincerely hope that the younger people will have more opportunity outside of KZbin because they are so talented and eager. thank you so much for your intelligent comment and for watching. Aloha friend.

[@theresepazell7875]

We watch cause we like you..❤ There are so many if u don't like don't watch easy to do . duh..Take care b safe ..

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Therese, Thank you, my friend. Aloha.

[@enie8751]

❤

[@rosecortez7472]

❤❤

[@ROSESCortez]

❤❤❤

[@Ursulas_Odds_and_Sods]

I don't think I'd want to monetize, since I hate watching videos that are cut off by ads right in the middle of a sentence or word. Maybe this is just me being a dinosaur over forty, but I see blogging and vlogging as a way to connect with like-minded people and build one's brand in a friendly way, not as a way to earn a full-time living.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Ursula, I don't have the energy to try to monetize. They used to say life begins at 49, so you are no dinosaur; that would be me. Aloha friend.

[@BradMangas]

Just so you are aware, even if you do not monetize your channel, that will not stop ads from being ran during your videos. It just means you will not receive any of the ad revenue. Google will just keep it all.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@BradMangas hello Brad, thank you for the information. I hardly see ads on any of the book tubers I watch. If you saw any in mine, please let me know.😀

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

I am not monetized, and ads appear in the middle of my videos. I have zero control over this.

[@AloBal-n1g]

What unic in you is that you are old and smart .most of them look but dont.tell you something if you are open minded to try the interesting thing you are the one.

[@ba-gg6jo]

Personally, even if you were sipping from a bottle of whisky, I'd still watch and look forward to seeing your vlogs. It does annoy me when you hear "well I only read 25 books" this month, absolute nonsense. My will says all my books will go to a Hospice charity and everything else to friends, etc, as i have no relatives to leave anything to. You made some very relevant points, and hopefully will make people think about what and why they acquire and keep books. Thanks again young lady.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ba-gg6joThank you ba, I love my subscribers. I don’t drink whiskey, but I used to have an occasional Tom Collins. I don’t think anyone drinks those anymore. Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate you. Aloha friend.

[@ba-gg6jo]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Tom Collins, a different era!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@ba-gg6jo oh ba, I miss Tom Collins, and the era. I also enjoyed a gin fizz now and then. Aloha.

[@magorzataniewiadomska5914]

Cheers dear lady. I would love to make friends with you.🎉❤

[@jdedelli4838]

Screw the algorithm and what others might say. Go ahead and have a drink on me. Maybe next time have some scotch on the rocks and a cigar. 🍷🚬😁😛😉🤘

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Good idea. Do you want to pour?

[@jdedelli4838]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza Of course! I even got a bottle of moonshine I've been saving for special occasions. 😁😁😁😉😛

[@sarah-roadworthy]

i love getting book recommendations for other booktubers and I hope I can encourage someone to pick up and try a particular book.I have found it is hard to stay focused on the books that really interest me and not get sucked into book tube hype. Staying true to my own reading journey has been the biggest challenge for me.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@sarah-roadworthy hi Sarah, I felt like that in the beginning and still do up to a point. But I have found books, in other genres from booktuber suggestions that worked for me and opens up new genres. I’m still reading. I’m thinking for example of graphic memoirs and middle grade books. But I’m almost always disappointed in prize list books and only like one or two in any particular list. It’s a balancing act. Love you, Sarah. Aloha friend.

[@sarah-roadworthy]

@@MarilynMayaMendoza I too have been pushed to read books out of my comfort zone and that has really opened up whole new reading horizons. I'm way more likely to pick up translated work or works that are more "experimental". Not everything works, but I'll give just about anything a try. I'm greateful to Book tube for that... and , of course, the fabulous people. Lots of love to you and your family. Lets plan our next buddy read with Lindy when things settle down at your house.

[@Littlebiglibrary]

Near the start of this video you mentioned something that I am not interested in. But that's just me. I stopped watching the video. And I mean No offense. Coming from me it won't amount to much but. Best of luck to you and your channel. And I might add that you look Happy and Healthy. I should be so lucky. Thank you -James

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

@@Littlebiglibrary hello James, was it the lemon water or the booktuber I mentioned?☺️ . Seriously though, I’m sending you healing vibes from Hawaii. Aloha friend