The Price I Have To Pay (To Be A YouTuber)

[@MarySpender]

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[@milenakorovljev4209]

What is it that you're complaining about? I am an old time musician now retired, and just like you, I'm just a mediocre talent. I have watched your videos and heard your music. Yeah, it's ok, but it's just ok, nothing earth shattering, nothing that I personaly could remember or whistle as I go about. Your efforts are commendable, but your music has not reached the level of your ambition. That is the reason that neither you or me would never reach the height we were hoping for. But, who knows, maybe you'll hit the jack pot , but for now, I doubt it. And just like you, I've been told by my friends that my music should be heard, but that's all accolades I've gotten. But I'm not complaining. I had fun doing it. Maybe it's the time you do the same. Sorry to rain on your party. But some one should tell you that. A road to hell is paved with good intentions.

[@houseoftone5429]

@@milenakorovljev4209 Most interesting points made, I agree!

[@randypeters366]

The other option would be to become musically talented and try to make a living as a touring musican. That's probably tougher than being a KZbinr.

[@The_artist_called_The_Engineer]

So seeing as how large viewing numbers aren’t getting a whole lot of money. How do you make a living from your music? I ask mainly as I too am an artist and I’m still facing the issue of getting streams let alone actually making any money at it.

[@rickhood]

I didn't hear a complaint in this. It was just passing along info on how much it costs for her to do the KZbin thing. Also, it was not the only thing she was doing as she was working on her album and getting the September 2024 tour ready, which did, I think, address your point about "music should be heard". At any rate, one can focus 100% on music making and playing, which may or may not pay any bills, or one can create many streams of income rather than just one. That seems to be working for Adam Neely, RKC and others, so it's not a crazy thing to be doing. Very few people "hit the jackpot" just as very few Silicon Valley startups survive.

[@thetonetosser]

What I like most about Mary is that she is articulate and can actually speak properly. So that keeps me engaged. I think this is important in a world where people are increasingly croaking,(vocal fry) mumbling, or inflecting the end of their sentences towards the sky (i.e, like an Aussie). I think this makes Mary stand out in a crowd of creators. Thank you Mary.

[@SharonMacVicar-o9g]

She also actually has a grammar education, and she articulates well. The latter is important when viewing/listening at speeds faster than the `normal' setting. Richard B. ~

[@nadinedemacedo]

Thanks for talking about all the stuff running in the background. Many people think it's super easy to run and maintain a big KZbin channel.

[@RomainG6409]

I am a small entrepreneur since over 35 years (and a guitar player since almost the same time) ... I have built 6 businesses in my life, 3 collapsed in less than a year each, one worked and still is since 30 years and I just closed the two last ones, in the software and digital marketing industry, I am originally a sofware developper ... Your video is absolutely a must see for anyone who would like to build a business ... Any business, not only becoming a youtuber, any kind of business. But because too many people think nowadays that it is easy to make money staying behind a camera at home ... It is now time, from my pov, that your kind of informative videos are shown at ... school ... The young generation needs to understand what it means to build a business as too many of them believe they can make a living without even studying or learning a job ... Thanks to taking the time to produce them, a lot of your subscribers will learn from your experience ... You should be rewarded for that as well 😉👍

[@Palshoej]

Tak!

[@TwelvePaws]

100% Concur with your advice on getting an accountant. My wife is one working for small businesses. She sees the same issues and gets asked the same questions every time a new business enquires. It would take me 4 or 5 times as long as her to do my accounts, that time can be better utilised by doing what I'm good at and what brings in the revenue

[@AllenRiley-t1l]

This is fantastic, Mary! Thank you so much for going to the time / trouble / expense of showing your numbers like this. It really does put things into a sober perspective for some who may have goals, desires, dreams, etc. for doing successfully something similar to what you have been doing for what has turned out now to be what many of us would call "the long haul". I won't make this much longer, but did want to take just a moment and a paragraph to tell you that I have been watching your videos for several years now (not all 18 yrs, but maybe the last decade give or take a little). By your viewership numbers that we can see and now the behind the scenes numbers you have shared, I feel like I'm not only speaking for myself when I say, "Please be encouraged to continue with your original purpose of making music publicly because you are greatly appreciated by many of us. You and your music are well worth the effort for all of us who are glad you are a faithful KZbinr. Keep on keeping on..." Thank you sincerely, One appreciative viewer

[@philduffy3063]

So cool of you to do these "pull back the curtain" type videos! Love this. Will always be back for your musicianship, but really appreciate that you mix it up sharing your "back of house" experiences as a creator. Keep up the great work (and congratulations on the album - there are a few real gems on there!)

[@robertpayne9009]

Thanks!

[@Foodgeek]

While I appreciate your skill as a musician and songwriter, I think your insightfulness and thoughts on almost any topic you touch are your true skill when it comes to your KZbin success ❤️ As a creator myself, I appreciate a look into how things are run. I am still a one-person operation, but I do dream about having someone to spar about ideas, scripts, fact-checking, thumbnails, and such 😁

[@danabiondo9243]

I Agree. This just Might Be her True Vocation. Funny How The Universe Manifest in Our lives. Very Funny. 🙂

[@danabiondo9243]

Dear Mary. Not Only Illuminating, Enlightening And A Awakening. After Seeing Creators like You. I " Was" Inspired to Create My own channel. Just for Education. Deffinetly Not Fame Or So Called Fortune. Now. Thanks to You. I Know Why. I did Not Follow that path. Back to You. Your Brilliant Brave, Boldacious! Thank You. This video Blew my mind. 🙂

[@charliefrago1380]

As a relatively recent CPA (Certified Public Acct- in the US; equivalent to a chartered acct...). THanks for recognizing the value we can bring to our clients each day. This (and your others too) video is well structured and professional, and shows how well you understand the business aspect as well. Best for the Future!!!

[@davidscotbrown3241]

I'm so glad that you did this video Mary. There are far too many people who think a KZbin career is a cakewalk that returns multiples of what they are actually willing to put in. I wish you every success moving forward!

[@kasplat5874]

The majority of the advice in this video is relevant to most micro businesses. I might have missed it, but I think she also forgot one of the other key partners and expenses, which is legal. Considering that her whole business is dealing with intellectual property, copyright, fair use, etc. that seems like a big oversight. Even a business that isn't dealing with those issues needs good legal representation and it is worth every penny. The other bit she skipped is that even before you are successful there will be a lot of other people / businesses that want to "ride" your work for their own benefit without taking any risk themselves. Again, that is probably even a bigger issue for someone in the music business or any content creator that historically has been exploited. However, I'm guessing most aspiring tubers / streamers won't take any of this to heart. Back in the early days when I tried to help other people that wanted to get into building web businesses, they just wanted to talk about their great ideas. I would explain that their great idea is probably not what will make their business successful as there were likely tens, hundreds or thousands of people around the world with a similar idea. Managing people, income and expenses, cash flow, legal, accounting, sales, promotion, etc. were far more important. If you can last the next six months or longer, most wannabes are going to start failing by then.

[@benwu7980]

@@kasplat5874 Legal is a thorny one to deal with within a fairly short video like this. This is not legal advice but.. it would have benefited from at least a mention of setting aside a certain amount not just for a bad month, but to cover some of the issues that surround the legal stuff. Fair use, can vary between countries in law, though can still be a little vague as not many creators would have the resources to actually fight a megacorp in court. It more often comes down to the platforms' Terms. Have seen some channels near destroyed by spurious takedown requests, or swathes of their content de-monetised by over-zealous copyright claims. The main recourse is trying to get the platform to be the arbiter, but judging by some of the stories from large creators, wouldn't exactly rely on it regardless of size.

[@wolfumz]

I've got youngsters in my family, and I've been quite surprised to see how kids don't want to be rockstars anymore. Totally uninteresting to them. Instead, they want to be streamers and youtubers. It's _the_ dream job, in their minds. You just make videos while playing video games and talking about stuff you like, and let the money roll in, lol. Success _appears_ effortless, like anyone could do it, since the barrier to entry _seems_ so low. Everyone has a camera and a youtube account. The youngsters are going, "I like goofing off and watching videos, and I like making TikTok videos with my friends... so running a channel is probably just like that that!" Plus, the most popular streamers are exorbitantly wealthy. So it just seems like easy money, like winning the lottery. The kids aren't considering all the failed channels, the droves of people who are getting dragged along the bottom and grinding.

[@elvispresleysongssunginmyc4463]

@@kasplat5874KZbin does have tools available for creators for copyright issues. I’m sure Mary takes full advantage of that service. I do a little KZbin channel, and received strikes for covers of Eagles’ tunes. I stay away from them now like the plague.

[@Diana2112Gaming]

Very illuminating! Also holy wow, those numbers. Just, man sakes. I knew there was costs, but I don't think my brain processed it. Thanks for the video, and thanks for doing what you do. You're quite possibly one of the most open and honest KZbinrs out there, and I'm very grateful that we have you!

[@GreatMotorcyleridesWashington]

Thank you for being so candid, as a life long musician, with a passion for motorcycles, I know how expensive it all is to just operate daily. Count me as a new subscriber. Going to see if I can find your music now. Best wishes!

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Mary, this is a great example of being a good steward of your time, talent, and treasure. Thank you for educating us. I cannot believe the cost. You're videos have value and the music is good too!

[@markkempton4579]

This is incredibly insightful. Thank you for your continued transparency. I had no idea you had full-time employees or a dedicated office/studio. I've never heard of Mister Beast, but I can't imagine I'd learn more from him than I have from you. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@widely]

this should be required viewing for all prospective tubers and musicians and everyone else. running a business isn't impossible, but not easy. well done Mary.

[@MadeOnTape]

her insights are invaluable 🙌

[@paulcraven9217]

Wow, openness and honesty, it’s very refreshing and I’m guessing what so many of your subscribers follow you for. I am not a musician but my son is and I have enjoyed so much watching his skills develop and I now have a real passion for all those musicians out there who just want to create great music and have a long career, rather than a million dollars and sixty seconds of fame. Mary while still a wonderful musician, I think your real skill is the information and support you provide to other new musicians. Never underestimate the value this has.

[@JS-pt-219sg]

Thank you Mary. This was a thoroughly refreshing, honest and straight forward look into how things really are. Thank you for your commitment and joyfulness that shows through each and every video.

[@LMacNeill]

3:52 -- "... my editor John, my producer George..." All you need is Paul and Ringo and you've got the whole band back together!! 😂

[@miahconnell23]

Mary’s not above putting on a fake moustache: therefore, I second this comment. ✔️

[@RealDevastatia]

Please don't let Yoko sing on the rekkid album.

[@Musician-Lee]

A really interesting video once again Mary! Among other things it explains why so many KZbinrs fail…. They are hopeless at business. Thanks ❤

[@rev.leonidasw.smiley6300]

…Mary is a star in this way; she shares her experience and knowledge of the internet business; thank you.

[@GeraldDoyle-p7c]

A bad month can be nerve wracking when there are bills to pay, it takes a lot of dedication, stamina and bravery to keep the enterprise going. Good on you!

[@Meiaximilian]

Love it Mary! Authenticity at its best ;) Would really really like to hear the story of paying foryour album!!! Good vibes from Germany

[@moderncrocs]

Mary, thank you for being such an inspiration! Would love to see that video you mentioned about the cost of making your album if you ever feel like making it, and you think it would do well. Sending appreciation from the USA. Keep up the great work!

[@Milessongs]

This is such a great video, and you are an absolutely brilliant woman, Mary. Thanks for 1) all the great content and 2) your most generous, thoughtful approach to your career! I can't imagine where else in the world anyone could find this sort of honest information so well organized and so freely offered!

[@dekoningtan]

Wow, this was so detailed and honest. I've barely seen any other videos like this on KZbin. Thanks for this Mary!

[@theuserthatishere]

but she's still youtubing... getting paid somehow

[@danfelixmusic2536]

6:45 is absolutely spot on. To survive in. the arts you must think of yourself as a business. It is essential for survival and longevity. There are some very real grains of truth in. his video and I encourage you, if you're serious, to heed Mary's wisdom. It will save you harsh lessons many of us had to learn for you✌🥁🙏

[@Yogurt5150Games]

Great info. Thank you for sharing.

[@jvin248]

One channel I follow only does 'live videos' so there is no fancy editing time. He uploads twice as often because he is not putting that time on the video editing end. Content is king, the person doing the video is important, and those are why people return.

[@chriskohh]

I personally find these invaluable. Please make more, I'd like to see what I'm getting myself into, lol

[@chrish7694]

Welcome to the life of the independent business person. I'm long retired now but I've started many small businesses in various industries. Bars and restaurants, construction companies, R&D, Sound reproduction, testing labs. I think you've done a very nice service to those independent musicians that can look to what you've accomplished as a blueprint for them to work from. They don't have to learn by trial and error, and can adapt the knowledge you share to their own situation. You're a wonderful songwriter and musician and I must say a strong business person as well. Much future success to you in your career.

[@Shredxcam22]

The whole turning youtube into cable Television is killing the platform. We want DIY content, not massive media companies spamming us to death with Ads

[@bobward7489]

And without ad money, who pays?

[@Shredxcam22]

@@bobward7489 no one. Remember when youtube wasnt full of commercial media group owned channels and it was DIY content. Honest reviews, real play thru videos and not 100 take studio edits. Feeds werent jammed pack full of paid ad read videos.

[@bobward7489]

@@Shredxcam22 If it weren't for ad money, there wouldn't be a KZbin. Basic economics, KZbin (and now Alphabet) surely wouldn't maintain 100's of millions of dollars worth of servers out of the goodness of their hearts. And without revenue sharing there would be a dirth of content.

[@Shredxcam22]

@@bobward7489 KZbin's pre video ads are different than creator bought and paid for content aka ad reads and sponsored content. KZbin is struggling with profitability iirc due to the cost to host the video vs return from ad sales

[@HumanAreYou]

@@Shredxcam22 The burnout of people doing it would be even worse without an income. This is hard work.

[@timchalmers1700]

People who have never tried to run business will have a hard time understanding the costs of running a business. Thanks for making this video.

[@tasisto2]

Deeply illuminating. Thank you for your sincerity.

[@musicman0024]

Awesome video and so informative! Thank you for doing so!

[@Alleged_Mercenary]

My hats off to creators now, after seeing this and having a glimpse in to what you do I can honestly say I could never do what you do. Thank you for this video.

[@BucketList-h8v]

Tremendously educational one of the most worthwhile videos I've ever seen! This ought to be required viewing for both graduate and undergraduate business students. Thanks tons!

[@clansome]

Mary, as ever illuminating, refreshing, honest and above all INFORMATIVE. I believe someone else commented exactly my thoughts, this video should be an educational video that all prospective KZbinrs should be compelled to watch, just so they know what mountains they are going to face as they become more famous. Thank you as ever @Mary Spender

[@martinsmallridge4025]

As someone who sells physical goods developed in-house I learned the very hard way about costs and accounts. Solid advice on getting a good accountant but learn to do your own books starting out. It’ll avoid you getting stiffed if you understand what’s involved. Beyond that remember “Turnover vanity, profit sanity” Beyond that know your value and don’t undersell your product/service/self without considering the costs.

[@sodoffski5642]

Thanks for this insight. You are a good KZbinr and seem to be talking without script.

[@davedike]

The cost break down for your intro album would be lovely. And thank you for sticking with it over the years. I've started a couple of small enterprises over the years and nearly lost my minnd. You're on a challenging path. God speed.

[@LeelandCopeland]

As a fellow micro-business bootstrapper (not on KZbin though), I always try to educate others who ask questions about how I did it on the importance of multiple sources of revenue in weathering the volatility of being a row-boat in the open ocean. And also, because of being quite small, the importance of considering the amount of extra effort and expenditures each new growth direction creates BEFORE choosing which directions to grow; I don't always get to the thing I want to be doing first, but at least when I get there, the business can support actually doing it. Bootstrapping is one of the hardest entrepreneurial methods to start, but one of the greatest for long-term stability once you get going (no loans or investors messing up the decision theory so you can focus on quality, employees, and customers). I am glad to see someone in the public eye making good with it. Thank you for posting.

[@MASAMEDIATV]

Definitely this type of content is of huge value for a lot of people. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!

[@schwabra]

What I love about you doing this is that the numbers and actual glimpse of the industry are inspiring by making the idea real. In so doing, you take some of the fear of the unknown away. It becomes just "Can I do it?" not a fear of the unknown.

[@AndySnap]

Quite fascinating and illuminating, thank you for being so open on the costs. I'm often curious about the KZbin 'economy', as its plain to see some channels/creators make very little money, whilst others literally buy Ferraris, plural. I think it might be worth bearing in mind that the winner is always Google itself, as they pay a cut of everyone's ad' revenue, and have recently changed their ad' policy to include more ads'. But back to Mary, thank you for your great videos...🙏

[@DJMikeron]

Hi Mary im just a normal viewer and iam speechless how much work goes into your Chanel and business. I had no idea as most of don’t. What an amazing presentation . I really enjoy listening to you . Danke schön❤. Best of luck

[@thelastnic]

I like how you share this info because so many think it is easy and you make easy money. In the States, many kids in public school were polled their #1 career as a social media influencer and youtube. These videos show there is a great deal of work involved and it is a business

[@michatrieba8947]

Yes, illuminating! It stays inspiring through the end of the video because you don't overwhelm listeners with too much information but authentically walk the thin line of attraction (become an entrepreneur) and the awareness of what that entails. You're a splendid living example of how multi-talent can be explored in a productive and satisfying way rather than being channeled and silenced in stereotypical work patterns.

[@a.o.marcos9555]

I think as a business owner, youtuber and presenter you are fantastic. A beautiful woman with a very very smart brain.

[@peterrobey1654]

Very interesting discussion. Mary is a great presenter.

[@Birkguitars]

A couple of years ago I heard K T Tunstall say that to keep her business going she had to generate enough income to pay for seventeen people. Some people may be put off trying the KZbin path but I have seen a lot of ideas fail because people didn't understand the reality. They think if they can generate a six figure turnover then they will be rich but then hit the buffers when all that does is cover their fixed costs. I am setting up a little carpentry operation as my "retirement" project. I no longer have to work full time but have a very modest income and want to stay active. But I can do this with zero debt and minimal overheads. I have a workshop attached to the house so no rent. I refuse to buy equipment on credit. I can stop operation at any time. But I still need an accountant and I still pay council tax. This was a refreshing honest take on the subject and one a lot of people needed to hear. Huge credit to you for putting this out and to paraphrase Katniss Everdeen; may the algorithms be ever in your favour.

[@ravennewton7556]

Thank you for providing this video. While I don't know where your music career will take you, this video and a few of your others showing behind the scenes exposes of the KZbin creator business already elevate you to the level of a superb educator. And you should take great satisfaction in that. My wife teaches public school at the first and second grade level and there are many teachers she works with who fail miserably at being educators. It is not an easy skill or attitude for many people to acquire. You have those in spades. Best wishes for continued success.

[@janeyadey3336]

This stuff is always an education and a reality check. Great latest song by the way (Chicago).

[@JiminTennessee]

Thanks for this. I am a bookkeeper and Fractional CFO. I am pleased to hear your appreciation for the things I do. I agree, having this part of your business wired tight sure does bring peace of mind.

[@Coolcmsc]

Your greatest skill - in my view at least - is as a writer of lyrics and an author of scripts. That is the heart of your creativity and its fuel is the music. How lucky we all are to benefit from the moments of engagement you provide for us. Thank you 😊

[@ronaldberman3596]

Mary, I'm so glad you are ok with being known for an educator because that's where you shine. You play guitar well and your write your own songs and sing them but as an educator, video maker, communicator you deserve the cover of Rolling Stone. For my ears and analysis of your songs your personality will get you a core group of fans but your videos alone made you a star. Great that you're "real" and keeping your feet on the ground. I work as an expert witness where communication skill is what counts. You could do that with ease. Keep it up and play for your hearts healing.

[@nigelmarshall6603]

For what it's worth, I think this woman is amazing for her diversity of talent, her genuine and engaging personality, and her professionalism. All success well deserved. I also really like her version of Crossroad. 😁

[@LarryGaither-c9p]

Mary, I subscribed a while back because I saw you as a well spoken educator, thank you. Now I am beginning to enjoy your music. I just retired after 28 years owning a micro business. One of the years which stands out is the one where my wife worked a full time job, I a part time job plus the business and we wound up $56k in the hole. A tough year

[@vincentrenaud7249]

Congrats for having posted this video. I’m also a micro business owner (completely different field though) but business rules remain the same : increase revenue, reduce cost and stay legal. You’ve demonstrated you ticked all those boxes. Well done! Always love watching your videos 👍

[@jenniferc23]

Mary, you are the only KZbinr I will happily listen to talking to camera for a whole video. Thank you for the video!

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

No1 is "Health" and all the rest fall into place with help. Good Doc, good mouthpiece and a brill accountant , sincere Friends and loads of energy..."Be Lucky"!💫

[@MACEASY2]

This is so interesting and informative. Thankyou for being so open about what it costs to run a channel like yours - I am quite astonished how expensive it turns out to be, which only increases my respect for you and your dedication to it. Whatever the fuutre holds it is obvious that your talents extend beyond simply music making and you would be an asset to any creative company.

[@recumbentrocks2929]

Once again Mary Spender has opened our eyes to the real world of making KZbin videos. It is way more complicated than we thought and we are very impressed with how professional everything you do looks and sounds. Thanks for sharing this insight Mary.

[@genevievehumenay3530]

Thank you for your authentic openness! I would truly love a breakdown of what it took to produce your album. All the best to you on your creative journey!

[@rayschoch5882]

"Illuminating" is a great word to describe your explanation, Mary, and you are spot-on. All the "business" stuff absolutely has to be attended to, and correctly, if a creator wants to be even minimally successful, and that's just as true out in the non-KZbin world as it is online. I tried making art as a business, failed miserably, and in the course of that failure I learned a quite valuable lesson: I truly loathe most of those "business"-type things that have to be done to make it all work. You have adapted. I decided I was not willing to make those adaptations. Making art thus become an (expensive) hobby, but that's a conscious choice that I made on purpose, not something I drifted into. Running a business, KZbin-based or otherwise, requires focus and determination as well as talent. Good for you.

[@dorhirst3604]

Mary, you are an inspiration

[@sixtofive]

This was a very interesting discussion. Thank you!

[@vimana17]

Love you Mary! Such an inspiration.

[@ronvitale]

I appreciate your honesty as so many people think that the GROSS income that content creators tout is what they're bringing home. But when you factor in all the fees, etc., the actual revenue is what's important. As an author, each year I share a blog post with how much I spent on my business and earned. It's not a lot, but my point is, like you, to share the truth of what it takes to make a profit as a creator. Thank you!

[@fannyingabout]

That is a serious amount of money on expenditure! I would never have thought that at all. Thanks for sharing.

[@marvcapitola4262]

Hi Mary, Thank you for always being honest and true. Love your work. A California guy, now in Sheffield. ☺️❤️❤️🥂

[@JoshGordonGuitar]

I paid no mind to my channel until the lockdown hit in 2020. At that point I had 9 subs and just started posting whatever guitar content I saw fit. I just did videos to be creative as playing live was a no go then. Eventually I stumbled on to some minor success with a super niche audience for a Line 6 product. I spent a little more time in my one man operation to attempt to make better videos and just reach the monetization goal...just to say I did it. Goal achieved. I still do all my videos by myself as I'm still a small channel. The money I make each month now covers simple expenses like guitar strings or gas to get to my gigs, which is just fine with me. I create for the need to do it and to share knowledge. Any money that comes from it is a bonus. I can't imagine the stress of being in your shoes with such a successful channel. Your content is fantastic and I can see the need you have for a small team. Keep putting on your vids...us aspiring musicians/KZbinrs need them! 🙏

[@mikebaker7964]

So if I purchase a Line 6 Pod Go, which I've been mulling over for far too long, it sounds like your channel is the first one I need to subscribe to for tips and tricks on getting started...

[@JoshGordonGuitar]

@@mikebaker7964 Well, there are plenty of videos on my channel to help people out with the POD GO. And there are many other channels that also offer excellent information. Thanks for your interest in my channel 🙏

[@ralfklonowski3740]

Thank you for opening up this far! I do not think I have ever watched a comparable video in more than ten years of using KZbin as my main evening entertainment. While it is obvious that many of the more productive KZbinrs have a team, it is difficult for us viewers to get our head around what this exactly looks like. Again, thanks for giving us this look behind the scenes. As far as additional income is concerned: Tour Northwest Germany, f.ex Cologne, Dortmund or Münster, and I'll definetly buy a ticket. I'm also pretty sure that others would do the same. Give it a thought ;-) Til then, greetings from Germany!

[@patrickjordan2233]

Thank you Mary! The misconceptions involving monetization of Any endeavor/activity lead to some really misleading perceptions of (some) aspiring creators? & Congratulations! Amazing perseverance/longevity... 🙏🏼❤️

[@richardmongeon5355]

Kudos to you Mary…..I’ve been following you from Canada for several yrs now. You’re witty, intelligent, well educated, resourceful……and I should add you’re a wonderful guitarist, singer, very attractive and loving! The information you share will be extremely beneficial to young and older artists….. Keep up the wonderful work you do…..👍❤️ Btw…your sense of humour…well you are British!😉😊🤣❤️😘

[@madnessbydesignVria]

As an aspiring content creator, this was worth its weight in gold (metaphorically). Thank you so much! :)

[@J.B24]

@mary spender, you have a beautiful soul and thank you for giving us this information!

[@_left_eye]

Thank you Mary, as you said at the very end of the video, this was illuminating. It showed me what not to do. And, as far as I’ve learned in my 53 years on this planet, that’s even more important than knowing what to do.

[@mjrisinsd6836]

Man, speaking as a Gen X’er, we really lost the fight. I thought I fully died inside when Pearl Jam tickets for the last tour were upwards of $1k through Ticketmaster, but somehow hearing a musician talking about “partnering with brands” and citing Goldman Sachs reports has killed my soul even more.

[@TheTransitmtl]

Stop. I'm a Gen X born in 78 and never paid more than 100$ for tickets. I saw 30 bands this year. Pearl Jam has been irrelevant for over 20 years. If your music taste got stuck in 1994 that's a you issue. There is more and better music produced now than at any time in the history of mankind it's just not in the mainstream. I still listen to bands from when I was young but I just buy their vinyls. Go support younger, less established bands at local venues. If Pearl Jam is touring it's because they all want to buy another mansion. They don't need your money

[@jaygallamore562]

Your video was very illuminating. Personally, I have no desire to be an on-line creator but I find the whole phenomenon very interesting. I am an amateur musician and have greatly benefitted from various on-line content, mostly KZbin. This has opened a broad world of learning and opportunity for me so thank you and your peers for what you do for us consumers. Lastly, always remember to unselfishly take care of yourself.

[@lenkeesee5038]

Thanks Mary! Great info. I have found that few people are willing to talk about the Expense side of the Balance Sheet. And Yes, I want to hear about the Expenses of making an Album!

[@marks915]

Really outstanding and illuminating. For my small business, I’ve cut out some of those types of items, but that ends up costing you as additional time needed. Expenses have an upside, as least in U.S. - they are deductible. I really enjoyed seeing and talking with you at NAMM!

[@everythingiseverything6740]

Your skills as a presenter is one of the big ones on your site. Incredible information!

[@Manu_Nayar]

She speaks honestly ❤

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

I ran my own video production company for 25 years , I agree 100% with your advice. Nice job on this video!

[@Mytro8533]

The information you offer is invaluabe on so many levels. Thank you Mary.

[@airmangirard]

I can only hope that by going through this overview, confronting it in a way, and then sharing it, has been a source of confidence as you look at all you have mastered (and you have). :-) It is clear to see that your heart is in the right place and I for one dread the thought of a world without Mary Spender. You teach more than you might realize - in this case the axiom, "Knowledge gained should be knowledge shared". How true. Now it's up to us "users" to be more than just "users"!

[@mreich1224]

Thank you for sharing the behind scene of your growing business. I always learn so much from you. Best wishes for your continued success.

[@AJC508]

Thanks Mary. I am currently wrestling with a couple of idesa for creating my own business, and hearing from people who have succeeded always helps.

[@KordTaylor]

As always, great video Mary. Thank you. 👏🏻

[@mrelmoresmusiclab]

I'm only a year deep and having a blast. I'm pretty blessed because I already have an amazing career in music and YT just fits right into it organically. I'm still going to take YT as far as I can though. This is great info. and thanks for sharing Mary.

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@MarySpender, I actually ran a home based travel agency in the US years ago. Every failure is always an opportunity to learn new skills. Fast forward ten years, I am building a career in the criminal justice and private security sector in order to help pay for my work as an actor and musician. I have considered doing a little KZbin channel, not so much to monetize(though that would be great if it worked out), so much as to share a bit of myself with the world. The problem I am having is at the conceptualization stage, though I would like to teach people something new with each episode. I have also considered documenting my journey as an older person, in my 40s, as a beginner in unexpected hobbies and careers. I would not start anything without a focus in place, otherwise it’s wasting a lot of time, money, and energy.

[@nanadanso5958]

yup, please do the album costs breakdown!!

[@MesaGuitarGuy]

thanks for sharing this info Mary. All the best!

[@davidnuckols8151]

Mind blowing actually . Thank you for sharing. Mary you are an inspiration to me and I enjoy your beautiful voice and calm demeanor.

[@RemotelyNews]

Brilliant insight. I've been a fan for a number of years (about 6 years) and find your content always engaging. I'm on a break from my musician interview podcast (Local Open Mic) due a proper place to record it and because wearing all the hats is catching up with me too. You have good advice on strategies that I pay attention too, so, keep up the great work and I'll continue to benefit from all your efforts.

[@murraypollard]

Well done and informative. You have a difficult job, few people would understand that. I needed a job so I could afford to be a musician, you're doing it! Congratulations!!

[@shadedmindsmusic2200]

Yes Mary, I would like to know your expenses for your album. I love your content your music. You are very entertaining. The best to you and the success to you.

[@TheRRstar]

Thank you very much Mary for this most interesting insight. I have had my own one-man company as an IT specialist for nearly 10 years but my passion is music and starting a KZbin channel around music as been on my list for a while... I love your videos. Just wish I had time to watch them all...

[@TACamping]

You have got to be one of the most transparent people I know, even when you don't have to be.