The Problem With Overland Influencers

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Thanks for making a video on EXACTLY how I feel about this. I’ve always told people I’m an enthusiast and not an influencer. Love the humility man.

[@BakerOverland]

I literally stole the line from your instagram bio dude. Resonated with me deeply. Appreciate you.

[@ArkansasOffroad]

@@BakerOverland Im honored

[@WanderlostOverland]

I clicked on and watched your video for this reason. I wanted to hear your take on largely the same thing I'm struggling with. I'm in the process of becoming a "reformed" influencer. I got into the whole overland content creation for the same reason you and most do, to have fun, be helpful, and give back to the overland community. Unfortunately, in order to put out videos frequently and consistent like KZbin likes, I've caught myself going down the wrong path. A path I see many of my peers taking too. Wanderlost is currently in a somewhat state of limbo, not exactly knowing what we need to do to get back on track. We'll figure it out though! One of our current "overland" projects is a completely different vehicle build. Because it's so different it's not resonating well with our loyal viewers. LOL But that's okay, we're having a blast with it! Thanks for the video.

[@BakerOverland]

Man, the honesty in this is so refreshing. It takes a lot of confidence to publicly say you’ve been heading the wrong direction in your content. I’ve had several people send me similar messages privately, and a few have posted publicly about the same thing. It’s a sort of vortex that sucks a lot of us in and that’s why I use the line in the video, “Don’t lose your soul”. I’ve seen it happen to a lot of us and I’ve been pulled down the wrong path too. Don’t sweat it though. Just pivot and get back to what you know you’re supposed to be doing. Mad respect to you.

[@OFFTHEGRIND]

Killer video man, this is something that I really struggle with as well. So much so that I am making big changes to the channel. Very well said.

[@BakerOverland]

Dude you are a massive inspiration to me. Off the Grind is one of the best out there. Appreciate you man.

[@varsityoverland]

I'm glad your helping bring attention to this concept. I recently released a video about how selective I am regarding sponsors or specific products because I don't want to come across as a "sellout." Building a trustworthy reputation on KZbin can be challenging when certain companies don't allow content creators to give their genuine thoughts about a product. I agree that telling the story of your adventures should be the main focus ... with a few honest product videos sprinkled in lol

[@BakerOverland]

It’s especially tempting for small channels like me and you. When the terms of the deal are bad for our channel, it can still be hard to say no because we’re not getting offers every hour like the bigger channels. I think the goal for guys like us has to be to keep our subscribers as our main focus and not the brands we partner with. If we are always asking ourselves, “what is the best for my viewer”, I think we’ll land on the right side of the coin.

[@varsityoverland]

@BakerOverland Love that mentality. Thanks for sharing man!

[@thedaywemake]

This is so true: "when certain companies don't allow content creators to give their genuine thoughts about a product." We just had this exact conversation last night with another creator. Do you want an HONEST REVIEW or a PROMOTION/ADVERTISING video? They are two different things, and you take a considerable risk by associating your channel with a product. We do product review videos, but it is very rare. To us, it's about capturing the moments with our kids and inspiring and educating others!

[@kellypw8186]

Great perspective! I've personally experienced the shift from sharing the adventure, to meeting obligations, to flogging out trips to feed the machine. I began to dislike, then despise trips. I've since regressed to traveling purely for my own edification and couldn't be happier. I still have relationships with some brands but there is no obligation on my part. It's far more comfortable for me. I enjoy it again. You're doing it right, brother.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks bro. 😎

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

What I find frustrating is that it seems most overland video makers take these sponsor deals so by association, viewers assume I did too. I talk about TrailsOffroad all the time… they pay me NOTHING to talk about them (I don’t even have a shirt or hat). I do it because I take offroading seriously and want my community to have good info. However, if I took the OnX deal I was offered, my Jeep Liberty would be fixed and modified right now. So my only frustration is as a fellow creator that gets lumped into this. As a viewer, I don’t care unless it’s an ad for a product that sucks. On a side note, do I want overland youtube friends? Yes, my viewers love collabs, but the only ones I seem to truly align with are the recovery guys as their content is not product focused. I just wish more overland creators were adventure focused and not product focused. I think there are some awesome videos that could be shot with a bunch of video makers working together!

[@BakerOverland]

It’s tough when you’re trying to stay true to your community while still being financially responsible. I think there's a balance but I don't have it ironed out perfectly. Regardless, you sound like a creator I would like to collab with someday.

[@BluebirdOverland]

You rock dude! This is gold. My wife absolutely hates the term “influencer”, and it makes so much sense why. You can tell which channels are creating content because they get paid and lack passion for what they’re doing. For me, I’m doing this for the memories and the relationships I’m building along the way. I’m learning and developing, and that’s what truly matters. Money would be great but it’s not what matters most and it never will be.

[@BakerOverland]

Yep. I feel the same way dude.

[@deanjohnson9976]

I've been watching overlanding on KZbin for a long time. Initially, it was to get information on an area im planning to explore. Pre Gaia and OnX after google Earth, this was how I planned. I have followed many creators, and some I stopped watching their content due to them being more about products. I don't blame them for trying to make money, but it's not what I want to watch. I watch vids for inspiration and motivation to get out and to keep planning that next trip.

[@BakerOverland]

Yeah I get that. They are free to make what they want but you are also free to watch what you want.

[@TravelinCatfish]

There’s an issue I’ve noticed where content for some channels has taken a turn into purely an info commercial without a storyline or arch. They’re not produced from the standpoint of explaining the product to a prospective consumer but instead purely to sell it. Lots of long term channels have lost my subs over the last year.

[@BakerOverland]

I hear you. I’ve experienced that some too. The cool thing about KZbin is that there is plenty of content for everyone to pick and choose from. Not every channel will resonate with you or me and that’s ok. Doesn’t make those channels wrong for everyone.

[@PhiLIdahoTaco]

I don't really have a problem with overland influencers. I don't have a problem with them endorsing their sponsor's product. It's not like it's forcing me to buy their product anyway, that would be a different story. As an overlander I am meanly interested on their overlanding adventure. I get it, overlanding is not cheap and having sponsor helps them. They can say all they want on the product but in the end of the day, do your own research.

[@BakerOverland]

I love your mentality on this. Sounds like you have a pretty healthy approach. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kevin90604]

You hit the nail on the head with this one Caleb. As someone that watches tons of overlanding KZbin videos, there has been a few that I’ve quit watching. Because, as they got more popular it seemed like their values had switched from being a channel that does it because they love it, to a channel wheee they do it one for the views or two to sell you something. I’m all for creators making money. But when it becomes every video is of a new product that is the best thing on the planet. It gets old. If I wanted to be sold something I’d watch QVC with my grandma.

[@BakerOverland]

Hey now QVC with grandma sounds like a good time to me. 😂 I hear you. And I agree. If we all collectively allow this space to become an infomercial it will die. I want to see this stuff thrive long into the future.

[@WelcomeToTheOutdoors]

I like your saying that we/they have lost their way. In the beginning of a creators life, that first brand to reach out for product trade for content is an incredible feeling. And then it does get hard to navigate the "well I want to explore more, but I need to make money from it in order to do so." And this isn't a problem in just Overlanding, this is a problem across all influencers in any niche. Social media has gotten oversaturated with non genuine product placement that social media as a whole now just feels more like a large advertisement rather than genuine content. Now, this isn't the fault of social media, its just where peoples attention is and brands are trying to figureout how to get that attention.

[@BakerOverland]

I’m glad you got this point. It’s the same in any niche. You are definitely doing it right. I have a lot of respect for what you’ve built.

[@SecretSquirrelOffroad]

My channel is small. I just make videos about things that I like and that I’ve researched. Sure I might have an Amazon affiliate link here and there, but that’s it. I only feature things I use and so far I’ve never been paid for an endorsement and I’ve turned down about 10 in the past few months since I’ve been monetized, since the hurricane here and in Western North Carolina, most of our off-roading places that are at least local are inaccessible so I’m gonna have to get really creative in the next few months and maybe a year I appreciate your video. Thanks for being real. Subbed.

[@BakerOverland]

Man you’ve got some work ahead of you. Appreciate the sub.

[@MooreAdventures.]

Man this is so true in so many ways. Great message and video! Absolutely loved it was by the ocean

[@BakerOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it! Something different for sure.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Real talks, man. Respect!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks bro. Love your content. Keep it coming.

[@castironbackroads1447]

I really liked this video! You brought out the essence of why I decided to start a channel. Your closing remarks about grace are right on! We can be the change we want to see in the world (to coin a phrase). Giving grace helps us grow as individuals! This is a rock-solid video. Thank you!!

[@BakerOverland]

Love this comment. And you watched to the end! Hahaha. Thanks my friend.

[@castironbackroads1447]

@BakerOverland, I watch most videos until the end. I respect the time and effort a creator puts into what they offer. If they say or do something I disagree with, I say so to my computer/TV screen but never on the keyboard. That's their perspective. I may ask a question for clarification but not knowing the full story limits my criticism.

[@BakerOverland]

@@castironbackroads1447 I respect that man. 👊🏻

[@OverlandCalling]

Love the style and honesty! Thanks for taking the time at the beach to share!

[@BakerOverland]

🤘🏼

[@RhinoOffroad]

This is awesome man, really well said. In my mind the only real "influence" that I hope to have over my audience is instilling in them the desire and confidence to get outdoors. I always laugh at the irony of that statement as most are probably sitting inside on their couch as they're watching my content. That said, if it does nothing else but prove to people that it's something that they can get out and do; I feel like I've done my job.

[@BakerOverland]

Amen. I love your content bro. I’m with you.

[@DogGoneOverlanders]

This is why your channel has grown and will continue to grow so well. True authenticity and transparency. Along with your amazing talent of videography and storytelling. Keep doing what you're doing man and we'll keep watching!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks brother. Appreciate your support.

[@dboverlandjd]

Amen! I started my channel because a friend of mine one day told me "You have some amazing adventures and you should film them" so........ I did. The excitement and joy of creating videos and sharing them with others fuels me everyday to get out and adventure! We were given an amazing world to explore and experience so lets go explore it!

[@BakerOverland]

Love that man. Keep rocking it!!

[@dboverlandjd]

@BakerOverland Thanks! If you make it over to Wyoming hit me up 😎

[@Sea2overland]

I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I started my channel. I really live this lifestyle and always have. I have to live like this to feel normal, and give the best version of myself to everyone. I just want my content to be valued by people, and give them something for free. I just want KZbin to pay for my gas money. Well said brother. Hope to someday spend some trail time with you and other passionate enthusiasts. Keep the 🔥 lit brother. My wife said what a blessing this will be to look back on for your children and family when you’re long gone.😢

[@BakerOverland]

That last sentence… that’s it man. That’s why we do it. 🥹

[@maxmoore4315]

I wasn’t going to watch this video for many reasons but Caleb you surprise me on your views and thoughtfulness of others it makes me happy to call you a friend!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks brother. Yeah I know it’s a controversial topic so I wouldn’t fault anyone that decides not to watch it. But I’m glad you did. Appreciate you man.

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Just subscribed, this is a great video. Am reading the comments in the fb group where you posted the link.

[@BakerOverland]

Awesome! Welcome bro. Thanks for subscribing!

[@BenStinnett]

Really well said! When the dollar signs start flashing in front of you, it's easy to get led astray. The reminder of why we started, what we're trying to achieve, and what's true in souls is definitely worth reflecting on!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks Ben. You’re a big time inspiration. Dec 17 for a makeup Roundtable???

[@317bourbonoverlanding]

Love the integrity and transparency of your channel sir, keep pumping out the great content

[@BakerOverland]

Appreciate the kind words, my friend.

[@XoticOverland]

Awesome video, just became a subscriber. I started Overlanding about a year ago just because some of the channels had inspired me. I tried to create videos but just a little harder than i thought. But I loved it so much I crated an Apparel line just for the Adventure Enthusiast folks.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for subscribing and for sharing your story.

[@thedaywemake]

Well said Caleb! I (Misti) actually wrote a blog post back in September about this very topic: "From Dirt Roads to Digital Feeds: Has Overlanding Lost Its Way?" Thanks for highlighting this topic, as I know it's on the minds of a lot of people in the overland community. Also, don't you just love Florida beaches? Florida will always be home to our family no matter where we travel! 🥰 Safe travels to you and your family.

[@BakerOverland]

Appreciate that, Misti. Thanks for sharing your blog post - I actually read that a while back and it was part of what got me thinking about all of this. If I remember correctly Cara McClellan shared it on fb?? Anyways, thank you for the comment. I’m a sucker for Florida beaches. So relaxing.

[@frenchie4wd]

@@BakerOverland❤

[@ThisWeeksWander]

This is something that I have struggled with at the start of my content creation journey. I so badly wanted to find the quickest way to make money off of it. I just recently have found a huge passion in photography and videography more in a story telling method vs a product showcase. It has given me motivation to go next level and I can see that the quality of my work is improving from it. With that being said, I would love to make a living off of content creation, so there still is the monetization need, but the message you are sharing and the "why" behind doing this is so important. People really do want to see memories and authenticity and I don't think they mind hearing about products you love to use to get out and explore. They just don't want it shoved down their throats. Anyways, i just found you and subscribed. Thank you.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for the sub! Keep building what you are building. You’re on the right track!

[@ThisWeeksWander]

@@BakerOverland Thanks man, that means alot!

[@vengeanceoverland]

Caleb, I met you once. It was in passing on a trip. You made a great first impression as someone who is genuine and authentic. That level or raw honesty based in reality not chasing KZbin fame is something to be cherished. Staying true to your character will be something your kids look up to you with. My channel is simply behind schedule for raising an almost 2 year old, as family comes first for me. It is a balance for sure, paying bills, building your rig, while balancing the wallet. What I have learned from over the years is that staying true to ones self, your family, and whats important in life will always shine through in other facets and endeavors. I just hope one of these days I can camp with you in the Ozarks to sit down with you pick your brain and learn from your insight. Thank you for being an inspiration to keep going with my channel 🤙🏻🦅🇺🇸

[@BakerOverland]

Appreciate you, man. That means a lot. It’s always great to meet like-minded people on the road. And we will definitely camp together. Let's get a trip on the books.

[@FastRackOverland]

Well said brother! Now go make make me an enthusiast video. ❤❤❤

[@BakerOverland]

On it.

[@fubarfab808]

I hear you brother!!! You are so right! Love what you do, Keep on keepin on and do YOU!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks man. Will do.

[@JonathanHines-rb1ko]

Very well said! Your passion and enthusiasm is precisely translated into all of your videos… thanks for doing what you do for the community!

[@BakerOverland]

Man that means a lot. Appreciate you bro.

[@misplacedoverland]

Nicely done!

[@BakerOverland]

🤘🏼

[@boondockedhaverlock]

Great insight and perspective. Watching this helps keep things grounded. Thank you sir.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for watching. 🙏🏻

[@TheCrayonBrotherhood]

Loved it!! Keep spreading the love man.

[@BakerOverland]

Right back at ya!

[@andrewstocker7457]

Well sir , this video is a nice bit of fresh air in a stale space..subscriber here, sorry for the long post...a bit of my back story first, been an adventurer for many years, as a teen on bicycles, then mopeds, and dirt bikes, then a life pause school job etc. then in my mid- late 20's bought a '70 F-40 from a friend, @ wheeled the snot out of it, (that little goat would go wherever you pointed it) regret ever selling that little gem...bigger life pause job job job etc... inherited a little chunk of money , and the search was on for an off road vehicle .. After two years of searching, I lucked up on a nicely built 2020 launch edition Gladiator, at a dealership in Kansas, ( i live in Memphis Tn.)after talking to the employee there for two hours that traded it in on a 392 , . now mind you it was not the color i wanted, but it was built pretty much how i would have done it. and at the end of the phone call, i pulled the trigger and committed to buy it, turns out he delivers vehicles for the dealership and he drove it to me in Memphis.. the idea floating back in my mind and one of the reasons to go for it was , as i near retirement i want to go see parts of this beautiful country most folks don't get to see, and it was kinda a turn key way to start a youtube channel.to share the same with anybody that wanted to watch my adventure..... sorry for that tangent,... back to my point, the fact that you have answered nearly every post to this video tells me; one, you care about your commenters, two; that if you are in Arkansas, we are close neighbors, an could ride some trails together in the future, and Three could share with me some pointers on starting out as a youtube creator.... Your video resonated with me and I would love to have conversations with you wether it is on the phone or around a campfire with a beer or three, somewhere in the Quachitas or Ozarks.. Cheers, happy trails, and God Bless...

[@BakerOverland]

Love reading your story dude. Thanks for sharing.

[@AaronandTaylor]

Yup. This is why I’m doing it. Memories, family, and experiences. it’s also been a great way to build community and connect with like minded people that do the same thing and I never would have met them otherwise. I love filmmaking and adventure and all the places it has taken me and I will continue to invest in it even if I don’t make money off of it because I don’t care about running the rat race to my grave.

[@BakerOverland]

I'm with you 100%.

[@jloverlanding21]

Thank you for sharing brother! We have experienced both. Super humble interactions with big channels and uncomfortable ones where you feel the person thinks is above you just because they are big creators and sponsored. But For us as a small channel it teaches us who we want to be if we grow one day. We have also received negative comments from people in some of our videos and it has been a learning process for us not to react negatively, if they only knew how hard is to go out and record specially with a family and a normal life. But we are learning😅…

[@BakerOverland]

I swore from day 1 that I would not turn into a creator that thought I was better than anyone. I’ve met people like that and it’s always a bummer. But being kind in person is only one piece of the pie. Kindness online is another. It’s hard not to be a troll to the trolls. Most days it takes more restraint than I have in me. But I’m trying because I think it’s the right way. The difficulty is that it’s so easy to be a jerk behind a keyboard. That’s why the trolls do it and that’s why a lot of us creators do too. My dad used to say that you look pretty silly When you stoop down to bite the ankle of a Chihuahua for nibbling on yours. Be better than the Chihuahua lol. That means developing a thick skin. When we put things out into the world, we get the praise and the hate and that just goes with the territory.

[@jloverlanding21]

@ I agree brother! Thank you and God Bless!

[@Wade_the_Xterra]

Awesome point man and this is where our page and channel are powered towards, to evolve our family to inspire other families or just individuals to just get out and EXPLORE ESCAPE and ENJOY

[@BakerOverland]

Yep. That’s the goal. 🤘🏼

[@LRtwins2]

Don’t be it, be about it. I started Instagram as an outlet to show my adventures, and inspire others. I’ve been able to introduce so many people to Nature that’s given back to me in was I couldn’t imagine. I get the most pleasure out of seeing someone smile on their face or enthusiasm for it. I have partnered with a couple companies, but only ones that I would have otherwise used regardless, or am already using. Good words man, authenticity will prevail 🤘

[@BakerOverland]

That’s what it’s all about.

[@HinnantAerialImagesLLC]

Nothing better than REAL talk from REAL people. Thanks for sharing as always 🙏

[@BakerOverland]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@blindspot_adventures]

Motive is everything. I don't consider myself an overlander or an influencer (I don't have the audience to influence lol) I hope to inspire people to seek out beautiful places and if you look those places are probably closer than you think. Great topic with hard questions.

[@BakerOverland]

Bingo. Motive is everything. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m a fan.

[@blindspot_adventures]

@BakerOverland from one fan to another thank you

[@alpinetactics]

Great stuff, there probably isn’t a video creator out there that hasn’t struggled with this in one way or another, I know I have.

[@BakerOverland]

It’s nice not to be alone.

[@OldManOnTheRidge]

Thanks Caleb, another great video with insight. You obviously put a lot of time and thought into this video. I’m going to say that this is one of those must see video lessons that all new KZbinrs should watch. I’ve met some of those, I’m in it for the freebie stuff folks, and I won’t be a subscriber. And you make a great point about establishing your channel and protecting your brand while still giving good honest feedback to the rest of us. I appreciate the point of free content creation along with providing a means of support to make that content and the balance it takes to do both well. Keep those videos coming, you have a great gift of storytelling.

[@BakerOverland]

I always love when I see that I have a new comment from you. Your points are always well considered and supportive. Really appreciate what you’ve said here bro.

[@kyletatum1551]

Well said my brother!!!. Just ventured to your neck of the woods took a trip from fort worth to rogers arkansas and picked up a 2020 200 series land cruiser. First time in arkansas what a beaufitul state you are from.

[@BakerOverland]

200 series! Love it. Thanks for watching.

[@newfoundoverland]

Needed to be said. 👏🤝👌

[@BakerOverland]

Preaching to the choir for sure. Thanks bro.

[@BenCruisingAlaska]

Well articulated and thoughtful. Imo the people who are / turn into shilltubers will do so at their own cost. I have no sponsors but speaking as a viewer of various YT categories, it becomes pretty obvious to everyone when their videos just become ads or they are willing to do one for something mediocre. I think people are growing tired of it of as the availability of videos online expands. A good and authentic story like you said will always be better in the long run. Glad I came across this and your channel 🤙

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks bro. I’m with you and that’s the content I intended to make my focus going forward.

[@myrtlemcnappy1641]

Beautifully said

[@BakerOverland]

Glad you agree!

[@LoveTribeOverland]

Man I love EVERYTHING about this.

[@BakerOverland]

❤️

[@LoveTribeOverland]

@BakerOverland I learned years ago... as a photography enthusiast, when I started shooting professionally... it took something I loved and turned it into a job. So we decided early on... no sponsors, no affiliates. I'll keep my day job and just do this for fun. The videos are my "side hobby". I'm slowly learning the art of "storytelling" (that's where people like you inspire me)... so yeah.... words like "enthusiast" and "storyteller" speak to my soul. But dude.... the way you talk positively about having the grace to handle mean people.... wow! Seriously inspired! Thank you for making this and for being a light of positivity. I don't know what coast you're on, but if you're in the PNW, I'd love to buy you a beer.

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

Great video! New sub to the channel. I started mine a year ago with no thought of making a buck, just documenting my adventures, and hopefully inspiring others to get outside. Props to you kind Sir!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for subscribing! Some unsolicited advice: Remember why you got started and never veer off that.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

And you say your not a influence... Well said. Thanks! I started my channel to document my trips and it turned into a bigger channel than expected. I am approached by brands from time to time and I have selected a couple. I have also made some other brands quite mad at me because I would not support their product, who knew? Once I decided to take on a brand I told myself best to keep my content separate from my brand support. So I make videos just for the brand and items they may give me to review and my content videos free of commercials. I figure if my followers are interested they will look at those commercial videos and if not they don't have to sit through a commercial on my regular content. This works out good because if a brand drops you you can take down those videos instead of them getting free advertisement on the regular content forever. See you on the trails! George.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for sharing your approach George, I appreciate it.

[@PruittKnivesofValor]

Great video and reality check! 🤘

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks bro.

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

Great video, well edited and great music. We agree hate the term influencer. We got into this to slow me down and for the love of filming adventures. Even as a small growing channel we get brands reaching out with what is basically crap that’s not relevant to us or our channel, we say no all the time. We will only work with someone who produces a product we either want to run or already use, because we are still small we are not on these companies radar. So many channels over herein Aussie slut themselves from one brand to another constantly and viewers are getting sick of it. Ultimately people can do what they want with their channel but I feel there is a shift towards as you mentioned more authentic channels. Matt & Leisa

[@BakerOverland]

Matt & Leisa, I agree that there is a shift in the industry moving away from such a heavy emphasis on commercialism. You’re already seeing the trends. Massive slowdowns in product purchasing are hitting new companies hard. I really think that long-term success in this space is going to go to the people that are focused more on storytelling and adventure seeking. This isn’t because selling product is bad. It’s just because the industry at large is realizing that you don’t need to buy that much stuff to do this. I’m predicting a lot of companies will go out of business in the next two years that jumped on the Overland bandwagon. I think you’ll start to see a lot of Overland product review channels morph into camping/hiking/general outdoor product review channels. That’s going to be the way they survive. The Overland specific space is going to become story driven almost exclusively in the next five years. This isn’t just my gut either. Look at the numbers from the last 3 years of almost any brand in the space. Over half are declining YOY. Now look at brick and mortar retailers. They are declining at an even higher rate. That being said, YT channels are still on the rise. That means people are still interested and still going out they just don’t need another diesel heater or Chinese tent. So if you want to build a channel in this space that’s not going to burn out or pivot into another market altogether You need to be telling compelling stories. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am.

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

@ agree 100%. We first or foremost want to capture adventure/overlanding content that’s what we live for. What we find interesting is when we do the “review” style videos they tend to go very well. We would never tilt that way as it’s just not what gets us excited to pick up the camera. It’s about the adventure, planning the trip and sharing these remotes less visited locations that most people can’t experience first hand. That’s why we do it 😁. Again great video and very well articulated responses. Keep it up. We definitely share the same DNA 👌😁

[@TravelinCatfish]

It’s always a great day when your homie is dropping truth bombs on KZbin.

[@BakerOverland]

🤣🤣🤘🏼

[@Followthepinas]

The problem I see these days is that people will push a product just because they are sponsored. Its getting harder to find true honest product reviews.

[@BakerOverland]

Yeah it’s becoming a problem. That’s part of the reason I made this video. We need more honesty in the space.

[@That_Paul_Guy]

I watch a lot of channels for overlanding content. The only ones I support are those who don’t spend time trying to sell me something. When I want a product review, I’ll watch someone who’s actually done some testing and can provide empirical data. Or, at a minimum, I want to hear you’ve been using a product for months before giving an opinion. Otherwise, it’s a paid infomercial and I’m moving on. Honestly, it seems like some people do overlanding videos just to get free products. They’ll take whatever comes to their doorstep.

[@BakerOverland]

Yeah man. I feel you. It's all about building trust and credibility.

[@812Taco]

Great video!

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks man.

[@ArizonaAdv]

For me it's about trying to find a place when life went so wrong trying to find a place of acceptance and fulfill a empty place when deep down I crave my dreams and trying to find a way of keeping them alive . Jesus is the way but we do have to fight . I probably will never get big enough to make money but it's a place I can be me . And life has kept me pinned for many years . KZbinrs can't mix one time a guy contacted me came from where I lived we were going to ride but after realizing I wasn't going to benefit his channel I never heard from him again . I tried to contact him with no return . Be yourself don't let people push your dreams and realities around to where you don't believe them yourself . Stay true . be carefull out there ""RIDE ON""

[@BakerOverland]

"Jesus is the way but we do have to fight". Mic drop. Loved this. God has a plan but we still have to go to work to see it through. Great mentality.

[@timthetrailman4563]

A lot to unpack here. Matt at Ozark recenlty made a similar video and threw shade at a smaller channels video title. Who starts a YT channel and doesn't want to be monetized? I made mine with the goal to be monetized. Took me 2.5yrs with mediocre videos to get there. I believe a channel leverages a brand to build their channel. People search for Devos way more than Tim the Trail Man. People wear Nike for the same reason. A sense of belonging. Its in us to belong. At some level those that are purist of the hobby we will never meet because they aren't on YT. Tech review channels are just that and overland product review channels are the same. We probably blend the adventure and review more than a tech review channel . All of that to say. YT is ever evlolving and people vote with their watch and wallet. I'm a fan of your channel and look forward to more adventures you go on.

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for this well considered comment. Here’s what I would say: I’m not calling out anyone specifically. Just sharing my observations. I worked hard to get monetized and am thrilled when my KZbin revenue goes up. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a product review channel. Just like I said in the video, if you want to be a car salesman or an insurance salesman or an influencer affiliate salesman, go for it. That’s just not my Northstar and this video was me Reminding myself of what I’m building and where I’m heading.

[@timthetrailman4563]

@BakerOverland absolutely. You didn't throw shade at any channel or anything. Well thought out on your delivery and I could sense you were preaching to yourself just as much as the audience.

[@Altera_Industries]

It's a pretty gross label. I'm sure it had to have been coigned as an insult and the gigantic narcissist who was referred to it first, adopted it enthusiastically. Cool video. INtrospection is necessary.

[@BakerOverland]

With you. Thanks for watching.

[@BFAAdventures]

Spot on brother. Thank you for this. Reminded me of what is more important when i decide to record our adventures. I value your tips and opinions. Would love to get feedback from you in what you think of my channel.

[@BakerOverland]

Yeah man! I’d love to help however I can. Shoot me an email (info in my about)

[@claudhenrysmoot7957]

I sit on the other side of what you are doing. It's a different audience/market, but there's no otherway to slice it-- if you are pimping a product, you are an influencer. The term influencer really isn't a consumer facing word, but rather an industry term that made it to the public. As a consumer, I'm beyond "influencer" content-- I know how the sausage is made. Even looking backwards 30-40 years to the 4X4 magazine world, I realize it was all advertising. Even the adventure stories. Fast forwards to David Stacyesque content on cable TV in the 90s-whenever-- All advertising. I'll turn on overlanding videos and listen, not watch, at work-- if whomever is going on about their feelings in a poetic manner or talking about another freaking diesel heater, I skip to the next one. I just want to hear the the outdoors sounds, some exhaust note, and a little commentary, maybe underscored with a little low-key atmospheric music. What is true in the 4X4 world that is my hobby and the gun world that is my job is the same thing. You don't need to accessorize to enjoy your thing. In fact, you could start deep-sixing most of your stuff and never miss it. There's a fellow called Bear who made a great video commentary on this subject (The Gun Industry is Lying to You). His advice can be applied to other outdoor activities as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4mQeGt4hrqmaaM

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for sharing this. I say in my video that I realize some people will still consider me an influencer because I do market products from time to time. And that’s OK with me. I just disagree with them. The disagreement stems from the fact that my primary goal is not to sell product. To draw a slightly ridiculous comparison, I doubt that Ridley Scott considers himself a salesman for Paramount pictures. He wants to create movies, experiences and emotions, and those things cost money and so his compromise is to work with a studio, to help promote them, so that he can make the art he wants to make. People could call him a Paramount salesman if they want to, but I preferred to think of him as a filmmaker. In my mind, an influencer is someone who’s primary focus is to influence their audience’s buying behavior. Everything they do is in service of that. For me, everything I do is in service of the story I’m trying to tell and the short film I’m trying to make. It’s a fine line but a significant distinction.

[@AramatOverlanding]

Your video influenced me. LOL

[@BakerOverland]

🤪 there’s no escape! 😂

[@haverbecks4p4]

Great Video! I got motivated from watching your videos and did my first video in our family trip with our brand new UEV 14 in Chile! Hope you can take a look! Cheers!!

[@BakerOverland]

That is awesome! I loved making that 490 video. Glad you enjoyed.

[@davewain363]

I get where you're coming from, however...."influencer" doesn't have to be about $$$. You "influence" people to go camping.

[@BakerOverland]

I see what you did there! Haha. In marketing, the actual definition of the word is, “a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media”. That is what I’m referencing in this video.

[@Orangebrigade]

Good video Way too much self promotion bullshit going on and show I tell.Not to many good overland KZbinrs out there worth watching

[@BakerOverland]

Thanks for watching bro.

[@Orangebrigade]

Anytime Your one of my favs to watch hands down

[@Casey250]

There are different products for different people and their needs. There is massive value in having a trusted source to go to every time for gear reviews. A product launch review has as much value as a long term review, and it was a gamechanger to figure that out. At the end of the day, make videos about what you want and don't worry about what others are doing or not doing. The viewers will dictate what works and what doesn't.

[@BakerOverland]

Mad respect for you bro. We definitely do not all have to make the same thing. Honestly, the space would be boring if we did. You keep doing you.

[@Plinian]

With all due respect, I’m not sure that I follow the premise as to why this comment is relevant.

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

❤ Well Said! 🛻+⛺️=🙂! Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland • Purpose Built Adventure Rig © • Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 # 1919 • Kia Soulverlander • Nissan Xterra Off-Road •

[@BakerOverland]

❤️🤘🏼