The end of Zorpazorp

[@Zorpazorp]

Grab your Displates here: here: displate.com/?art=65b6c8c4a2aa5 In 2023 we took the massive step to make the move to New Zealand to get as close to Middle Earth as possible and create some truly ground breaking Scenery Crafting and gaming content on Zorpazorp. But behind the scenes things have been tough. Before the move to NZ, 65% of my income game from our Australian based online store. Ever since the move this started losing money, and combined with an awful year of KZbin performance income across the board has been falling. I've got so much more I want to give, and I'm making some big changes this year beginning with shutting down the shop and doubling down on making content for you guys but my family and I need your support now more than ever. If you're a patron, a former shop customer, or just a viewer cheering us on, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts, and here's to a stupidly massive 2024. Lachie and the family. Patreon: patreon.com/Zorpazorp EMPTY MY ONLINE STORE: www.zorpazorp.com

[@BoardGame-Hall-JP]

wishing you all the best, I was from Chch

[@skywalkersindar7463]

A day may come when our love for Zorpazorp fails, but it is not this day.

[@Zorpazorp]

It is not this day, but it might be a day soon haha. But THIS DAY WE FIGHT!

[@skywalkersindar7463]

@@Zorpazorp I have to believe there's a market for your skills somewhere, even if not for miniature wargaming. You've brought so much enjoyment to a lot of people, and I hope to see Dol Guldur complete someday! Best of luck, truly.

[@adinfinitum4765]

Weta workshop would hire him for absolute sure.

[@Patrick-y4d1z]

@@Zorpazorp Throw all your videos into a playlist. Upload a 30 second video telling your fans and we can just leave them running in the background for a couple of days to pump those numbers :) Zorpazorp 24hr playlist stream.

[@warhammer40kforthewin]

for zorpazorp!

[@aidanmckeown4791]

Having heard you speak about the recent KZbin struggles before, I've thought about why me and my wargaming friends don't always watch your videos. For me, what you build is incredible, the pinnacle of terrain building, truly pieces of art which I wish I could one day see in real life. But the videos you produce often don't keep me engaged with your projects. Sharing this feedback is meant with the best of intentions. Sometimes I wish your videos were more focussed and demonstrated progress on one project week after week until completion. I feel like I could be 20 year older, have moved on from the wargaming hobby and you still wouldn't have finished any of your giant projects. Which makes me feel less committed to come along for the ride. I know it's not always helpful to directly compare to other KZbinrs, but nearly everyone I know in this community followed the Squidmar Manta diorama build week on week. The videos for that project were so tightly focussed on; "This week we will tackle X.... great we completed that part....next week we tackle Y" , I'd love to see your projects showcased in this way.

[@carminecommander4297]

This, I absolutely adore the videos and artistic vision, but I tend to be more invested in videos that show more of the process, every project started gets me excited for it but not seeing it go places lessens that over time. I still very much hope the channel makes it through this rough patch and that we get more of Zorpazorp

[@snieves4]

This!

[@lifeinjersey9846]

I have to agree. I love his projects but he does switch projects so much that you lose interest. I get it as a person in the hobby its easy to get burnt out ,but he does start so many projects that he doesn't really finish other channels you see projects start to finish so you get engaged.

[@MightyWolve]

This!

[@guineapigsith699]

good shout

[@brendanarmstrong7802]

One thing I'd like to mention since it might be relevant: I'd actually stopped clicking on your videos for a long while this year because they all said something similar to "Biggest gaming board in youtube history". I had thought it was just a ton of incremental vlogs on one project, like Squidmar with the Warlord Titan diorama. I just wasn't interested in seeing a bunch of little updates on one project. It wasn't until I decided to check back in the other week that I realized you were actually doing new stuff in these videos. The attention-grabbing phrasing might have been a big boost to clickthroughs initially, but reusing it could also be a significant contributing factor to that decline in viewership.

[@PewpewFiah]

I can't echo this enough either. All your thumbails seemed the same, so I stopped watching and caring. Then within the videos themselves you also kept re-telling parts of the previous video as an intro. Cut down the length of your intros please, just be like "Welcome to Part 2 of this series" and jump right in. Saying "WELCOME TO THE BLAH BLAH BLAH OF THIS EPIC THING, *WEIRD PSUEDO LORE*". I thought you had re-uploaded your Dawn of War stuff because well... I couldn't tell it was new.

[@UtubeEric12345]

I have to agree. I typically shy away from anything that looks like click baiting. That also made me almost stop watching Squidmar and several other YT:ers. I get it that it works for many of them but it does turn me off.

[@NathanaelRouillard]

Yeah, I've not watched squidmar for ages because it just seems to be yet more minor progress on a thing I just don't find that interesting, because non stop GW GW GW is booooooring

[@Sesquedoodle]

Same. I don't mind seeing progress on existing projects but I couldn't even tell which videos were new without looking at the upload date because the titles and thumbnails were all too similar.

[@PewpewFiah]

Sad to see he didn't take on any of the feedback in the comments and released another "BIGGEST GAMING BOARD IN KZbin HISTORY" video. Unsubbed. Better look next time.

[@Miniac]

You rule, Lachie. I have no doubt that this next year will be absolutely epic for you and bring your channel's metrics up. I totally understand the difficult area of wanting to be honest while also not sounding like a whiner. To me, you've never come off as a complainer, but just confidently and honestly sharing the details of your life and business. Love seeing behind the scenes content like this! Your space looks great so far.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much mate

[@Miniac]

@@Zorpazorp I don't think it would take much to convince Amber that going to NZ would be a worthwhile vacation!

[@Zorpazorp]

Yesssssssssssssssssssss get on over here!

[@cayoo9906]

And here I was, for all these years, still waiting for the continuation of Battle of Geonosis...

[@Zorpazorp]

Jacko and I were just musing on that last week, if I have to quit next Feb, honestly I reckon we just make it. Who cares if it totally fails, everything has been anyway and then a least good old Geo gets tied off! Let's wait and see.

[@minipaintingforyou]

Yep, same here

[@dariolombardi7456]

Just realized that geonosis campaign is a playable one lol. I just downloaded the pdf but I can't find the cards and other stuff.... Any help pls?

[@dariolombardi7456]

Anyway, zorpa zorp, you are one of the most talented content creators here on KZbin. Your videos are AMAZING 🤩🤩

[@richardmartin6069]

I’m making my own Geonosis Board based off of your own design, and if I can find the time, me and my friends are hoping to create similar boards for 28 other planets over the next 5 years because of you! Your work has been a dream come true for me, and has pushed me deep into this hobby. I’m looking forward to this year, and hopefully manny more to come.

[@leiziru9642]

I hope stuff's gonna sort out but just in case it doesn't... Thank you for all the years of content, for Battle Companies, for stupidly big terrain, for all the builds which happend throughout this timeframe. It was a journey and I'm thankful for the opportunity to watch it.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you mate, that means a great deal. Ah good old Battle Companies, what an absolute riot those early days were.

[@mpetr2958]

THE BEACONS ARE LIT ! ZORPAZORP CALLS FOR AID !

[@Zorpazorp]

Hahahahaha yes indeed.

[@mpetr2958]

@@Zorpazorp this channel literally saved my inner child by re introducing me into Warhammer and terrain building ! You are a hero ! My friend, you bow to no one 🤝

[@bora773]

And we shall ride for Zorpzorp!

[@commanderguardian7292]

@@bora773 GLORY TO ZORPAZORP

[@JDWidhalm]

And Rohan Shall Answer!

[@darrenmcwilliams7291]

DUDE! DUDE!! Nearly bringing me to tears here! As you know I’m a patreon and I’ve been with you pretty much since lockdown. Finding your channel just before lockdown was massive for me. Your live streams and videos helped me through lockdown because you kept my hobby mojo going and basically kept me sane during lockdown. During that period I was into MESBG but got into Star Wars Legion when you released that content and I haven’t looked back. My daughter and I are massive Star Wars fans and I’ve now converted my roofspace into a Star Wars / Star Wars Legion shrine! My son is also a big fan of war movies / Band of Brothers so we’ve got into Bolt Action late war. So what I’m into at present is not the same as the content you’re releasing but you’re the best at what you do bud and it keeps me motivated in this crazy hobby of ours. As long as you’re on KZbin you’ll have my support bud. Big love to you and all the family. Dazza ❤

[@lanty693]

Never struggle in silence. I really hope you can continue this channel indefinitely

[@areshseptango9619]

If it helps I have skipped videos because the naming convention being used makes it hard to tell if I've seen it before. Also it can be hard to tell before a video what type of progress will be done on what project and can feel like it kinda ended in the same place it started, wich might be a unavoidable problem with the scale of projects, but maybe there's some video magic or something to address that. It's always akward to give criticism but hope it helps

[@otissupreme7918]

I do agree. There are 5 videos that are titled "I made the biggest wargaming board yadda yadda." Makes it hard to remember if it's new unless i see it as soon as it's posted

[@ChrisVe]

I recently found your channel and I can't get enough of your crazy big projects, it gives me motivation for finishing the smaller stuff like nothing else, just painting with your crazy long projects in the background Whatever you do, you'll have my, and many others views at the very least

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you Chris, I'm thrilled you're enjoying it all mate, I truly hope I can keep making stuff to get you hyped :)

[@nickkohlmann]

Absolutely with you here!

[@robertbarnes1783]

This is my favorite channel, for both terrain and MESBG. I will say that the thing I've been missing most recently is connected videos. Like I, and I think a lot of others, would love a series that was like weekly/biweekly episodes of a Battle Companies campaign or of building the same terrain project. It's hard to get as invested with a particular terrain build when it is started for a single upload and then not seen again for 6+ months. Humans are simple creatures-we like consistency. And you have the best terrain builds and amazing battle reports content-it's just a little irregular. (That, and the algorithm seems to hate you. No matter how much I watch your videos, you're never in my feed).

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much for the honest feedback Rob, that's super insightful mate

[@mikewyatt2262]

Your not going anywhere until we see that mega middle earth board!

[@Zorpazorp]

I sure hope so Mikey.

[@TheAwesomeviking]

I would suggest smaller production Tutorials could be a way to get some extra high view videos. While the huge builds and battle repports are amazing It`s something you only watch once or twice, while tutorials are consulted regularly. Also best of luck in 2024, looking forward to seeing more amazing projects from you.

[@rDunfee]

I am so bummed that KZbin stopped suggesting your videos to me. I just hit the bell icon so I could see more of your content. You're one of the folks that inspired me to write and release my own tabletop wargame and you had an awesome influence on the whole hobby. Hopefully you will have many profitable years to come

[@Buffaluffasaurus]

Hey mate, sorry to hear it’s been a tough year. I’ve always appreciated your channel, buying hobby supplies from your store, and just the incredible positivity and enthusiasm you bring to the hobby community. You’ve been an inspiration for me to make a bunch of terrain and a huge Necromunda Ash Wastes gaming board myself. Whatever happens, I appreciate you and your channel, and hope you and your young family can find a great way forward.

[@Zorpazorp]

Aww mate that is so cool! I love the ash wastes stuff and Necro in general, absolutely thrilled to have help spark the hobby mojo for you :) Thank you mate, I really appreciate that

[@CJKilbride]

Commit to some follow through. I'm not enjoying a project starting and then never seeing it again for months at a time.

[@Jh9801]

I really hope this message gets to him because it's the main problem.

[@HeraldOfTheRiddermark]

No way we are going to leave. You make just amazing content and if its the last year you should have all of our full support! I cannot offer you much im still in apprenticeship but I decided to make the step to support your work by becoming a KZbin channel member

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much mate, I can't explain how much it means.

[@friendlyPsychoInc]

Love the channel, but I also second the ideas to sprinkle in some smaller vids wherever possible- months between updates just doesn't cut it on youtube anymore, especially in the hobby scene. Best of luck, and hope all goes well!

[@Stormhierta]

Just wanted to say that your work is an ongoing inspiration and being honest, truthful and open about the challenges you're facing is rare and beautiful today.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you Storm, and also absolutely terrifying haha. I haven't felt this vulnerable when uploading since like 2018. Thank you for watching and I'm glad you're enjoying it all.

[@gettubetur10]

Been playing SBG since The Two Towers and been following you since the early ages of Zorpazorp. Your videos got me through some of the toughest exams and rotations during medical school. Just last summer I watched every video I could find on your channel during study breaks for my insane clinical exams and I'm so grateful. I'm so sorry to hear things are rough, I wish I could do more to help - but right now I'm struggling as well, being a broke AF student I understand the struggle. As soon as I graduate in the next year however, you can expect a juicy patreon subscription from me ❤

[@BillMakingStuff]

totally relate Lachy, can't wait to see what's nixt for Zorpazorp

[@Zorpazorp]

Ah Bill my man let's have a digital beer next week or something, been too long

[@angusmcfelsface4729]

algorythm boost for my favourite crazy terrain guy!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you Angus!!!!

[@studiocamarasite]

If I were you, I would exploit the fact that you are living in NZ now. The "building on site" idea was fantastic in my opinion, and something that is not seen that often. We Lotr fans mindlessly devour content that makes us connect with the movies and the lore in one way or another. Have you ever considered more "open air" videos exploring the locations of the films? Maybe documenting those and building dioramas based on those locations? Not massive boards, but dioramas for the minis. Not meant to be playable of course, but something that maybe is more doable for the average viewer. Smaller scale pieces, packing a lot of detail, inspired by the real locations of the movies. I would looove content like that. Scouting the area, taking pics of the terrain, comparing it to the scenes we all saw in the movies, and then back in the workshop showing the process of the diorama being built. Among all the fantastic places that you could visit there in NZ, I am sure that you would find inspiration and reference not only for LOTR dioramas, but also for other fantasy IPs like Warhammer. I believe that you could attract a more wider audience. People that like the movies, people that love NZ, nature and nice vistas in general, and they will stay for the crafting, cause it is easy to feel inspired after visiting those locations. Just my two cents, man! I have been watching your videos for a while now and I really enjoy your content and your energy. I hope we can have more of it in the future!

[@gorram]

Sorry to hear last year was so bad, fingers crossed 2024 is much better. I'd love to see you keep going beyond that but I know you will work your arse off to give us the best 12 months you can regardless. Hope you manage to make videos for you throughout too.

[@lucasbourguignon6518]

I always thought you could open a museum with all your crazy builds, I know I'd be willing to pay to get a tour and see all your stuff in real life. Anyway thanks for your commitment, I'll keep watching all your videos and I hope you are able to turn things around this year but also I can relate to the struggle to provide for your family, you have to do what is right by them. You have a good plan and attitude, I'm sure things will brighten up for you one way or another :)

[@chad534]

Yes!!!

[@NickSibz]

We support you man. Your videos allow me to live out a dream that isnt feasible for myself. The talent and passion you possess is felt and known by us all. I look forward to every video you post and watch every one. If you left I think it'd be devastating for the community as I know I consider you "the guy" for this stuff. Hoping we can make 2024 the year and have a laugh about this come 2025. I believe in you and lets run those sub, views and patreon numbers up. Regardless, thank you for everything I truly love your work and this community.

[@Zorpazorp]

Ah Nicky boy, whenever I see that grin I get hyped haha, thank you so much my man. I hope so mate, I really do, I DO NOT WANT TO STOP. Thanks for the ongoing support brother

[@NickSibz]

@@Zorpazorp Same hype I get when I see a new video. I just joined your Patreon. We're gonna keep Zorp going. 🤝

[@Zorpazorp]

Absolute legend

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much mate, means the world!!!@@NickSibz

[@NickSibz]

@@Zorpazorp when zorp calls for aid, we answer

[@reeseshade6175]

I just found your channel a month or two ago and I have watched so many of your videos! I absolutely love your content! Hopefully this year is massive for you and the channel! I would hate to lose this beautiful channel! I can’t wait for the year!

[@brandtedmonston7534]

I really appreciate all your content. Your Chanel is literally the only thing on KZbin I even remotely follow. The courage it takes to put yourself out there and support your family off your passion and hobbies is incredible. You’ve done amazing things. As a Dad with 3 kids under 4 I can’t even imagine. If this ends up being the final year, I hope you see it as a season in your life that it’s time to move on from, rather than a failure. Doing what you’ve done, and creating the body of work you have is more than most people do in a lifetime for this hobby. But… what I’m actually praying for is that with the move and transition finished and stability returning that the views start racking up again, and we have years of ZZ and Lachie content to for years to come!

[@matthewwilliams7019]

Hey, as a long time viewer I really hope this year goes amazingly and convinces you to keep going, the effort you put into your projects and the quality shown deserves it, especially if it keeps the channel alive :). obviously cant talk on sponsors or resource management/efficiency and I can only speak personally with my own viewing habits and those of more casual viewer friends but while I love the content itself when it comes, it is difficult to keep engaged with some of it when each project seems like as though its going to be abandoned or at least put on hiatus for long periods between episodes. I have ADHD so I personally get the hobby butterfly effect when it comes to projects/tasks and their lack of, or half completed nature especially when you put in so much effort in but then doesnt feel like it got the return such effort should get. But as a viewer seeing a massive, awesome push on a project with a video leaves me wanting and hoping for more, and not seeing even smaller, consistent progress made makes the attention butterfly go somewhere else XD Even smaller update video's or smaller vids regarding a specific goal might help keep the consistent eyes on a project/channel overall and hey, might also keep the hobby mojo and motivation going when you feel like your not making much progress with a overall project The video's are ALWAYS bangers when they come but when one video every month or other month claiming a big commitment and release schedule but seemingly goes away, or a chunk of video's come out at once with then little follow up due to poor views at the release, it can make it hard to keep the consistent interest long term for more casual viewers. Obviously throw this away if your more experienced mind says otherwise but outside of click baitey shit talk videos (may they burn in low quality hell XD) personally seeing projects split up into smaller chunks/video's, with the bigger video's reserved for when things are coming together with a more consistent (as much as it can be with complex projects at least) and known release schedule would help my ADHD brain with keeping interest. Having a big, once in a while video for a project that hasn't been touched in a while is great, but smaller, more consistent video's following the overall project might have a more followable and binge watching quality to them. Might make it less about wanting to see the overall project finish and being disappointed if it doesn't due to time/other commitments, but instead wanting to see a specific aspect finished over a few smaller video's (even if the overall project isn't finished, at least that specific bit is and might make it easier to pick up as a viewer later when the project is returned to) For example the Mark of Calth/Dawn of War Warhammer/siege of terra, some of my fav hobby/bat rep series as of late iv viewed multiple times had so much push behind it, video's released over a short period and then it went away for a long time with intermittent releases (hopefully to return). After that it was difficult to keep consistent focus/interest when there's not consistent releases or updates about a project that seems like its going to remain "unfinished". Big video's and pushes are great if you can keep up with it, but if you cant due to other important commitments then perhaps having still high quality, but smaller , more specific goal focussed videos released more consistently might keep the engagement up as opposed to looking for the big numbers from occasional long form vids. Consistency doesn't even need to be that often, just released at a steady, followable pace Regardless on what happens in future or it you take the random comments of a muppet like me seriously, I sincerely hope the channel keeps going and you get what you need to keep doing what you love while providing for your family. Looking forward to what comes, your going to smash it im sure :) this video proves this. Going to buy some stuff from the store/sponsors to help where I can

[@terrainaholic]

I lost my job in 08 and tried terrain as a primary job for a year and it went HORRIBLY!!!! I can't imagine the stress your under I wish you Amazing luck and Hope doors open up for you. I can't offer advice since I failed but you'll be in my prayers!!!!!! Terrain is a hard art that will eat your time energy and SPACE (what's that???") I feel your pain and Like Mel in the UK I've been there. I know It hurts. You have my undying respect Buddy, may a path to your dreams emerge and God keep you and yours safe, secure, well and happy!!!!

[@jamesfirth-haydon7381]

Hey dude, I’ve been a massive fan of your channel since I found it. It helped reinvigorate my MESBG interest. With what you said about your viewing figures, whenever I see one of your mega build videos get loaded it does look like it’s titled to one I’ve already seen before and o wonder if that puts viewers off. But, maybe not. Who knows man. I do wish you all the best for 2024/2025 though because you’re channel rocks. 🤘🏻

[@jmemaxwell]

Hey man. Sorry to hear about your challenges. My son and I really enjoyed your videos. You got us into Star Wars Legion and from there into Warhammer and OPR. We loved your narrative campaigns. He'd come home from school excited to see them. Good luck

[@foxtroika1698]

I hope this year really pays off and I'm glad you're sticking to the channel as best as you can. I can say that your channel has been a big inspiration for my own hobby projects and it's fun to see all your massive builds.

[@ogrepyle]

Looking forward to what's in store over the next year. I hope things turn around, I really enjoy your content.

[@Zorpazorp]

I hope so too mate, thank you

[@TheWizardsBrush]

You are the reason I got back into lotr miniatures and ultimately start my own KZbin channel. I'm one your channel members on my other account (immutofilms) I remember emailing you about editing, you very kindly responded and gave me some words of motivation to get into youtube for myself, so thank you! If you do another epic Minas Tirith expansion, you have my brush.... if that wasn't clear, I would love to make a building or something for it! I'm starting to find out hard it is to run a YT channel, so massive respect for what you've done so far! You're still he best, biggest and boldest miniature crafter out there!

[@forresterdunbrook4536]

Let's make 2024 better! Very happy to see a studio tour that I always wanted, but definitely wish it was under better circumstances.

[@Zorpazorp]

Haha yeah certainly an odd way to finally back the studio tour video I'd always hoped to do, but hopefully 2024 can go boom! Thank you mate :)

[@SnakeWorksStudio]

I have to agree! Here's to an awesome 2024

[@dedrite4781]

This is devastating to hear. We obviously understand. I’ve been out of work since Covid because, if you remember I made the decision to care for my 90 year old Dad w Alzheimer’s and cancer until his death in late 2022. You were a major distraction for me and helped me find relaxation and somehow, find a way to remain positive in such a shitty time in my life. I’ll be hoping Patreon when I can afford to and I just wanted to say thank you once again. You’re a legend in this field and the realm of terrain. The Heresy campaign was one of my favorite warhammer content ever. Thank you Lachy. I’m with you for the duration and beyond if things continue in the future.

[@dedrite4781]

I just joined paetron for a year. Fly the banner!

[@MrCowboy6588]

Your passion for the hobby is infectious, thank you for making this video so that those of us that love your content but maybe haven't done as much as they could to support you, can do so! Just subscribed on patreon, and grabbed a bunch of base ready materials from the site - will be sharing your channel with local hobby communities as well in case people are unaware! And went back and liked like...every video just in case I hadn't. Best of luck, lets hope this year is a massive win for you and your family!

[@BenjisHobbies]

Love the honesty in this video, man. I think it’s important to share your frustrations and pressures so they don’t get on top of you. I’ve got high hopes for the next 12 months!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you buddy, it's been a weight for a long time now and it feels really nice and also terrifying to be so honest about it all.

[@graefx]

You were one of the first channels i discovered when i got back into the hobby with 9th. Minas Tirith was awesome to behold come together. It was more than anything my little kid brain imagine could have dreamed up and evnvisioned playing on and then some. The scale and skill of your builds is something special in the community. Ill be here for the next 12 months and beyond. I know youtube always preaches consistency, maybe theres a way to put out more bite sized progress of epic builds that wont burn you out but will generate more regular traffic and build viewership habits and algorithm boosts.

[@PeterHyder]

Hey Lochie, that must have been such a rough and stressful time especially with the new addition to your family going on the whole time. Just in case it is helpful (and feel free to ignore if not I'm sure you have already thought of everything) I had some thoughts on future content: Right now you have some core viewership that loves watching the whole process. They will probably stick around as long as you keep chucking those videos out. And you are building the gaming channel/videos on top of that. It makes me wonder if it might be worth splitting out (or just making a new video) purely using the finished works each time as well as the process one? So for example when you finish the grey havens why not release a 10 minute video just showing off the piece. You could even lore dump a little over the top? This would potentially start to bring in some folk who might not be as interested in the process but would love the final piece and enjoy the nerdy talk? What about experimenting with youtube shorts, quick little videos showing off each of your finished builds? They don't necessarily need to be big earners but could be quickly put together and put out there as extra leads into the channel? In terms of the videos themselves, I like that you take us through everything as it's like a little story but I do sometimes wonder if it might be beneficial to us to get some kind of rundown of what you were wanting out of the work going on in the video. So like 'today we are going to turn this (quick shot of empty room/supplies) into this (quick shot of final product). But first I need x and y and then carry on? Sorry if I've just ended up telling you how to suck eggs. I really hope this year pays off for you and your family. I'll keep watching! Final bit: not everything is under your control. If things don't work out it isn't necessarily because you failed. You are doing a great job, be kind to yourself.

[@shakazulu301]

We all love you Zorpazorp! I wish I could contribute more monetarily, but I watch all your video, I share them with friends, and I’m literally thinking about Zorpazorp things almost every day. I will always support ya in any ways I can. Thank you for all your words, and more importantly… THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR WORK AND VIDEOS AND LAUGHS! You’ve inspired me to make my own terrain, to write my own campaigns, to make more friends in the hobby…. Man, you are one of my favorite KZbin channels ever. We love you Zorp Bae. You do what’s important for you and we’ll all be here for you 💜

[@julianboyd2138]

Let’s make this the greatest year yet!!! ✨ “There is always hope.” ~ Aragorn

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

This is very sad! As a fellow youtuber, I totally understand what you're saying about revenue issues 🙏 I learned a lot with your videos and I've had a so much fun, so thank you for that! I also understand that your family is growing and needs you more, so you don't have as much time as you did before 🙂 I'm glad you're giving one last (year) chance to this! I'll be here supporting and watching all the videos! I hope your situation gets better! All the best, Lach! 💪

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much Tiago :) :)

[@ToxicPancake88]

A boost for the algorithm! Wish you all the best this year, love your work

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much Pancake!!

[@glengoodwin3369]

Big love, and good for you for having the courage to make this video. Talking about hard things is, well, hard, but its the only way we will all make it in this crazy world. I couldn't afford to get behind you on Patreon, but hey, I'll keep watching and liking your videos for as long as you feel you can keep making them. High quality content is something we need more of in the age of noise. Also, for something off topic, the beard is looking really good!

[@Nat1videos]

I'm here for the journey how ever long it is! Lover your channel mate, looking forward to seeing things pick up for you this year !

[@Zorpazorp]

Ah Mikey you're such a legend, thank you mate

[@roadgoeseveron7128]

okay, now is the time for me to get on patreon, i need your channel in my life, its kind of watching you making my dreams come true and seeing your enthusiasm always helps me with my own projects! You are an inspiration and that just needs to continue!! I think its great, that you laid it out bare and talked about this stuff, hopefully the support only grows from here on and in the words of aragorn: there is always hope!

[@rey6932]

Hope you have the best year possible. Your inspiring work is what inspired me to try making my own terrain, and this year, I'm going for my first board, so I wish you well.

[@Zorpazorp]

Ah that is so awesome. That really makes me smile Rey, thank you for that and for your support :)

[@Robert-bm2jr]

I'm a huge fan of your content. You've been a major influence on my crafting. My first build was a board that was way too big for any novice to try to tackle. But I love it. My wife always accuses me of building things that are too big. That being said, I want to see more. So, I just signed up as your newest patron. I hope this is your best year. If you're giving it another year, then I want to be here with you.

[@SonoVAo]

I watch every Zorp video for quite a while now. I’m not saying that this is the cause but I do get a little frustrated in how scattered the projects are. Here’s to completing projects this year. :)

[@oscarl.7856]

Zorp!Zorp!Zorp!Zorp! All the love for Zorp! My two cents as a viewer, to help some way some how, be more consistent with videos even if it’s smaller updates. You’re like a Zorp treat instead of a regular digest. I’d love to see more content, somehow I got one kid I can’t imagine this with four so kudos to you! Yeah especially if you teach. You make amazing boards I’ve already learned a lot from you but getting to have little classes from you would be great. I have no idea what shorts do for the channel but now that you’re in the home of lotr maybe shorts about the locations, challenges, or hell gaming tips for the actual game. I’ll be here the whole time though and can’t wait to see what you do!

[@C0m3TSw1tch]

My friend, you bow to no one. It is clear you have a great passion for this, and I hope this year works out a lot better for you. Your dedication and skill shines through all of your content. Whether you continue full time or wind it down to a more personal hobby channel while you do something else to lay the bills, we'll be here cheering you on. We will follow you to whatever end. God bless you mate. I can't wait to see what you do next.

[@North_Of_Nowhere]

I absolutely love your channel, it would be a true shame to see it disappear and im really saddened to hear about your store and viewer counts, i personally get super excited every time i see a new video posted by you, some recommendations i would have is maybe do some smaller projects, stuff you can finish start to finish in 1 video, we all love the mega builds but i think all of us would drool over some normal gaming board builds with your flare and some dioramas as well as just some painting vids of models..... i wish you all the best and hope you don't go anywhere!

[@IceJoust]

Really sorry for all your struggles mate. There's lots of creators but only one Zorpazorp. No matter what, you've built a unique legacy. I hope this is the start of some good years, but mo matter what I hope you're as proud as we have been inspired and entertained.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you mate, I hope so too. Did you see the latest Dawn of War Warhammer batrep on @ZorpHammer? I reckon a Chaos champion might enjoy it ;)

[@IceJoust]

@@Zorpazorp I did indeed! But no such thing as enough of the old Dawnhammer, especially when Khorne delivers the goods 🤌

[@joshsolomon8222]

When I saw this video on my homepage my heart dropped, I've been watching for quite some time now (you quickly became my favourite content creator) and love your builds, they are truly awesome and inspired my passion for terrain. Your videos have kept my hobby love alive for the better part of a year now, and I am always looking forward to the next Zorpazorp video. I truly hope that 2024 is the year of the Zorp.

[@humaninvestgroup]

A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends, and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.

[@Zorpazorp]

THIS DAY WE FIGHT!!!!!!!!!

[@abasheddevil]

This is just me talking, not as a viewer, but as a human being, but I think it takes courage to admit to one's shortcomings and failures, to show vulnerability. So much respect for you, man. I wish you all the very best in all your future projects and endeavours.

[@KrullMaestaren]

A lot of big projects, would be interesting with more small stuff or where you focus more on a smaller piece in a project. Things that people can do at home for better terrain on their own board/map 😊

[@ikesutor9654]

I concur. Need a lot more project updates but disguised as tutorials. Ie the tutorial is inspired by the large build, maybe a component of, but explained in a little more stand-alone way which is usable for our own stuff without following the entire large project

[@LizardofDoom]

I feel you brother, i myself am a dad with a young kid trying to make it on here painting minis and working 80+ hours weeks to do it with two jobs. I wish you the best this year, it'd be such a shame to see this go. Much love!

[@Morgulvale_]

Ah Zorp, so sorry it's been a tough year for you. Your scenery videos have always been a joy to watch, loved your ME streams and your batreps are great quality too.

[@Zorpazorp]

Hey Morgy, thanks for your kind words mate :) Hopefully I can actually do some streams soon now!

[@everettlefebvre4985]

This channel is truly something special and it' been such an inspiration to me as I've set out on my own hobby journey. Your passion for this craft is electric dude! I know you'll be able to overcome and make Zorpazorp better than ever!

[@Poppi.the.breton]

I hope things get better, your videos are the best in the hobby by far. I don't waste any second the moment I get the notification of a new video. Tough times for many of us, really hope we can all get through this.

[@gregoryhall4062]

Been following for years for middle earth sbg. Hope an uptick happens. Will continue to support how I can. Thanks for years of content and fingers crossed for more.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much Greg, you've been here for the longggggg haul (Hall? haha) thanks so much for the continued support!

[@BBQSAC]

Good luck with this year and I'm sure we all hope many more to come. I'd personally love to see the return of a battle companies campaign to make use of the awesome wall map, that was the series that got me on to your channel originally.

[@maltebengtsson777]

Say it isnt True..

[@sonicbread]

Say it ain’t so

[@richardpeace3292]

Turn the lights off….

[@agollumcalledgandalf]

It's not, at least not for another year

[@vee_tinymoose]

👆

[@DonWaffleDude]

Carry me home

[@RunawayStereo]

Came for the bigger well known projects, stayed for the rest of it. Really hoping you can keep going!

[@JayGranthamArt]

I love the large build but I think a mix of content would be good like smaller more achievable Terrain for the average joe could do really well like how squidmar has huge projects along with smaller scale hobby videos. Hope you make it mate

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you Jay! Me too :) And thanks for your thoughts mate

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

⁠@@Zorpazorp- Personally, as a punter, I want to watch realisable small-scale projects that are done in a couple of hours, not gargantuan flights of fancy that go on for months.

[@nickkohlmann]

​@sirrathersplendid4825 Gotta say, the large scale stuff is what made this channel stick out to me, and I'm all here for them. A big problem with them is the continuation and actually finishing a project. What I've seen so far is for example Squidmar working on usually one big project with many smaller update videos, and now and then a video that opens something extra that usually is completed within one or two videos. Maybe that's something Zorp could do to help with the view count

[@miniaturepainter8805]

Your channel and videos will always be here my guy. Nothing will end forever, doesn’t matter if 10 years go by there will always be a new and old audience to welcome you back. I have the utmost respect for your ambition but remember people didn’t follow for the high production content, they followed coz they were just a person watching a dude enjoy a hobby with the same enthusiasm as them. Of course being able to make a living off your hobby is always a goal for many and I really hope it works out for you. But if it’s not meant to be right now and operations need to be scaled down then that’s okay. From one father to another, alot can change with time. One day your kids will be grown and you’ll have all the time in the world again. Either way you’ll still be highly respected member of the community who will go down in history for making some of the worlds best gaming boards. If it is all to end next year then that’s still one hell of a legacy to leave behind my friend.

[@BeardClipper]

Ahh mate - that sucks but it's awesome that you are so clear eyed and honest with yourself (which is most important)... .... I am SO glad that I decided that KZbin was a hobby and ONLY a hobby and NEVER about income or cash or whatever :) You know we've got your back brother... we'll be here watching and cheering you on!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you

[@BeardClipper]

@@ZorpazorpYou know it brother and yes, I was there until the very end of the video as always

[@drchristophermaguire]

Hey mate, I'm sorry it's been so tough lately. Especially around the time that your family has grown - those financial pressures can really mount. I know there are a lot of us out here who really admire the work you do and the sort of person you are. We want to help, and don't always know how best to do that. So thank you for making this video. I've added a patreon subscription to contribute a bit more in the hope that many others will do the same and we will get to enjoy your content for many years to come.

[@Zorpazorp]

Ah Chris you are just a legend mate, thank you so much. your continued support is really humbling mate, thank you getting behind me :) :)

[@saint3371]

I honestly think you have too many project at the same time. I loved following the Minas Tirith megaboard. But you started A LOT of Projects and very few got finished. I loved the Dol Guldur Build for example, unfortunately it never got finished. The 40k Terrain was nice, but there is way more 40k Content, so the competition for views is way higher. Focusing on one nieche might get you way more total views

[@Cameron5043]

I shared your video to my Facebook page to boost your views with my gaming buddies! I'll be sticking with you throughout the year in anyway and everywhere I can. I have faith in you and your incredible content. I think your channel will live and thrive! "There is always hope!"

[@Reagusmage]

TL;DR Poor financial decisions such as an expensive move to NZ, along with countless unfinished projects, reused footage, and new content that doesn't actually go anywhere, so now you're threatening to leave for a quick burst of sympathy income Hiding your patreon numbers is a bit sus as well

[@klocks2543]

Happy to know there's still time for Zorpazorp! I realized only a bit ago that your vids, like other channels I'm subscribed to, weren't making their way into my feed so I'm hittin the bell. I hope and pray your hard work comes to fruition! I have 3 kids 2 and under, I can barely work. Idk how you do it!

[@danieljvanrensburg]

Damn man I wasn't ready for this news

[@TheJamesCambridge]

I don't know if other subscribers have had the same experience but I feel I overlooked a lot of Zorpazorp's content lately because a lot of the video titles and thumbnails look the same. I simply wasn't aware that it was new content because it looked old. When you're subscribed to many different KZbinrs all vying for attention, a simple thing like that can make all the difference to whether you click or not. I'm sorry to hear you're struggling at the moment and hope the views come back because you really are one of the best model makers on KZbin in my opinion and I'd hate to see you have to pack it in.

[@hyberias248]

I am very sorry to hear that, lachie. To give you some intel: I have been one of those people who didnt watch your videos anymore because everything was about "mega board", some weta vids, and lots of wh30k (?) content. I once followed you for terrain videos and for battle reports. You had your peak on the pelennor board but after that I lost interest in your content. But I still wish you sucess and hope you can smash this year! :)

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you for the intel mate

[@JacopoSkydweller]

Welp, I'm subbed, but apparently haven;t been a lot of notifications from your postings. I just opened 15 of your videos, dropped them to 240p and 2x speed. I'm going to listen to you stuff today and keep "watching" everything. You're a huge inspiration, I *really* hope this works out for you long term.

[@Das_Nooch99]

I really dont want to sound harsh and mean no hate, this channel is a huge inspiration. But I'm not surprised tbh. Personally, i was put off from the channel because it felt like half the videos have been just reused footage. I tend to skim most everything posted in the last 12 months. And while the scale of projects is big, they're too big, never finished, and honestly not very technically impressive cause it's just spraypainted grey...

[@nickkohlmann]

"Not technically impressive because it's just spraypainted grey" Fam wat

[@EntmootVideos]

Sad to hear all this, but glad you’re still giving it a go this year, you have my axe!

[@Dalestructor]

I have sympathy but you need to take care of yourself and your family. You never stay on a sinking ship until it goes under. Get off, get employed elsewhere to support your family and continue this as a hobby/side gig. Lots of youtubers are feeling the crunch but the fact is you no longer have the captive pandemic audience that would watch anything and everything. A lot of people came back to the hobby during that time, and it ended up being a fad for most of them and they're gone. Most die hard fans are back at work so you no longer have a totally captive audience like you did in 2020/2021. Its hard for everyone everywhere right now, and the first thing thats getting cut when you can barely afford overpriced groceries and utilities is insanely overpriced plastic toys. For the people who are staying in the hobby: A lot of content has just gotten stagnant across the space. There used to be a lot of fun and interesting content like painting challenges or interesting full army conversion projects and they've just seemingly dried up *everywhere*. Most of the content these days just feels like painting a single space marine. For you specifically: You never finish a project. Battle Reports like Mark of Calth? Cancelled due to bad viewership. So you've burned the people who wanted to see it end. Big Board Projects? Seemingly on indefinate hiatus as you try and chase the newer potentially big release projects. You've got what, like 4 on the go? "Epic" LOTR board, the Big LOTR map hex Board, the Horus Heresy Epic Board. No where near completion. Did you even finish your 40k board with the Ork Kommandos? I have no idea because every single one of your thumbnails looks identical and with your insane overuse of the same B-roll over and over again its impossible to even tell if you've watched the video before or if its new. Viewers want catharsis. They want to see a project started, interesting segments, failures and challenges along the way, and a final big reveal of a completed project. The strategy seems so obvious, start a project, develop a narrative through-line, and finish it with a big reveal. I'm sorry for the tough love, but I unsubscribed last year because of all the problems I've listed. You're giving yourself a year to fix this channel but you've already admitted to wanting to quit multiple times. The answer is obvious, get out before its too late for you and your family Lachie. Get yourself re-established, and come back with passion projects in your spare time when you're ready.

[@kylemeadors7101]

For what it's worth, love the tour of your shop! I started in on your channel for terrain tips, and I'm now at the point in my journey where I love seeing how other people are storing their projects and managing their workspace!

[@kennethscreations3138]

Stick to MESBG. Finish projects, have regular weekly livestream and do battle reports. Essentially what you used to do. No more massive builds. No one can relate to building heaps of GW terrain kits. Love your work. Hope you stick with it.

[@mjinoz1677]

Sorry to hear about the struggles, Lachy, but good on you for being open about them and talking things through; it’s bloody hard to admit to yourself, let alone publicly. Look after yourself and I hope things turn around - I love the stuff you do and the crazy inspiration!

[@chrismontgomery1386]

As a viewer, Some feedback, I don't watch your content as much as I used too, I personally find the content you've been releasing all very much the same, so I don't bother watching, as I've seen the same content before just with a slightly different theme. Maybe there is a way to change up what you produce, tips, tricks, tutorials and maybe diorama's etc as huge board builds are cool, but for most are completely out of the realm of possibility, so its difficult to associate with. Hope it helps you re-engage and get back the views you once had.

[@wargamereric9929]

That Middle Earth tile board is freaking gorgeous - I love it! Keep it up m8, I hope to keep seeing you in my feed

[@dartmart9263]

“Heap of business developments: the Ukraine war affecting shipping prices…” Wait. So they’re telling you guys that the postage hikes were because of Ukraine? LOL. Bless your hearts.

[@PaulyC1989]

I’ve always loved watching your videos, especially your MESBG content. It’s inspiring to many of my friends and I as we explore this incredible world of Tolkien through a game we love. That being said, I and a number of the above mentioned friends would love to see you finish some of your incredibly ambitious LOTR inspired scenery projects. Dol Guldur especially has been grabbing my attention and the Osgiliath board was absolutely mental. I truly hope this year you find the success you deserve and that it signals a new stage of growth and development for Zorpazorp. We love you Lachie! From your Canuck fan base in Canada!

[@michaelreid1209]

i love your content but i think the support is dropping because there are no finished projects. Cut down to like 3 projects and finish them and your following and support will massively increase. I think people are tired of reading “i BUILT the worlds biggest…” and then never actually seeing it fully built

[@jamescurtis2112]

Good luck with the transformation of the HQ. I'm really excited to see the next year of massively insane builds. Truly inspiring.

[@jamesforsyth86]

Please don’t go

[@Zorpazorp]

I'm trying my hardest not to I promise. But it's getting tougher every month.

[@elimycroft]

Looking forward to seeing what you’re working on this year, hope it picks back up for you ❤

[@HartogM]

Dude I love the content, but you said it yourself in the video and even the comments are saying the same thing. You don't finish shit, nobody gets a payoff. "I'm gonna build the biggest x board ever!!" and we get a video about the idea and the start of it and then you drop it for months. Horus Heresy thing was that, Dawn of War was that, most of the recent LotR terrain things are the same. It's annoying (at least for me) to get a ding for an upload of yours and it's another new bloody project when I'm waiting to see what happened with the last four.

[@mvmusic8467]

Valid criticism but your tone is unwarranted.

[@jacopocolcera922]

I visit youtube just to see if you drop a new video every week because your builds are so unbelieveble that it's a joy to see them come to life! It's a shame that every artist here struggle for keep going, even the ones that deserve it the most!

[@user-hi1mj4mc3w]

Real talk. Content is completely unfocused imho. No one wants to watch someone cut styrofoam. Your focusing on a tiny sub genre, and even then I am not inspired as you reinforce the common problem people have of not finishing projects. Most people can't finish painting their miniatures, let alone build elaborate terrain. LOTR is the same, the films came out 10+ years ago and the dawn of war stuff is just odd. Perhaps focus on Warhammer the old world as the terrain you make would work well there? What about kill team, necrmunder etc?:small highly detailed boards which could actually he finished? GL

[@Mighty_Average]

love your videos man and would hate to see you go. you make some of the best terrain out there! as a long time viewer i'd say i super want to see you make progress with your projects instead of starting a new one. i get excited with your new projects but then i don't see the next stages and i find myself watching less and i don't want that!!! lets see more progress with your already existing amazing projects and i bet folk will come flooding in!

[@kobiharrip6570]

I’m bailing

[@josiegreene6140]

Weak