The REAL Reason I Quit Being a YouTuber

Take a seat and join me in the hangar while I work on the Zenith Super Duty and explain why I quit being a "KZbinr". This is a longer video but just think of it as me and you hanging out in the hangar and having a conversation.
Seats, Hoses, Fairings, and more!
www.KitplaneEnthusiast.com
PRODUCTS I USE AND RECOMMEND:
Orbital Polisher: amzn.to/3RyzSwa
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3NsQsfm
3M 3-step Polishing: amzn.to/3tmRoLz
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Light: amzn.to/3RrT8eq
Tripod: amzn.to/3TmYf2j
Fuse Holder (shown in Ep128): amzn.to/41ekDgg
DJI Cordless Microphone: amzn.to/3r1VXd0
FLUTING PLIERS: amzn.to/3FNgcQQ
MY FLUTING PLIERS: www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/de...
HOLE FINDING TOOLS: amzn.to/3WK1lwC
ICING Polyester putty: amzn.to/3DZhXZY
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3/8" reamer: amzn.to/38Dxth2
USB Charger: amzn.to/2VWxBSB
Park Brake Clamp: www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...
Dynon D3: dynonavionics.com/pocket-pane...
Adel Clamps: amzn.to/3ztVsI0
Snap Bushing (you NEED these): amzn.to/3gryDfm
Dremel Flap Wheel: amzn.to/3ztmXle
Air Hose: amzn.to/3wrqezA
Air Hose Fittings: amzn.to/3iIf2dB
Paint Gun (works GREAT for smaller parts): amzn.to/3vqDgMa
Air Filter for Paint Gun: amzn.to/3iHhfX2
USB Data Port (for Dynon): amzn.to/3iLsiOL
Paint Mix Cups: amzn.to/2RSM4gc
Fly Cutter (for fuel sender): amzn.to/3gvgXzO

[@Know-Way]

Thanks for everything you've posted over the years Mark. I've really enjoyed the ride. Godspeed.

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

I don't blame you for walking away from KZbin. They have changed the platform over the last several years, to maximize profits, and pay as little as possible out to creators. It's almost like they are trying to shut it down, by making it unattractive to creators.

[@rocroc]

Well, just yesterday I was wondering about you and checked to see when you last posted a video. I was going to send you a note but thought I would wait awhile longer. At my age I am not going to buy a plane or build a plane but I always enjoy watching what you do none the less. I also have to be very careful what I spend. If I was going to live one more year, I would have a great carefree year. If I was going to live another ten years, not so much. You just never know. I think you will probably miss the contact and the work you do. You're good at it and well respected. That would give me a good feeling and I know it does the same for you. Let's get this plane finished and see where the road takes us :-) You have probably sold more Zenith planes than Zenith. They will miss you. Somewhere there is a situation that can satisfy your interpersonal needs. I'll wait. You are on my subscriptions list and I intend to leave it there. Happy flying!

[@stevesp38]

For those of us who love aviation, whether as pilots or maintainers or even RC hobbyists, thank you for sharing your builds and videos. They are very well done and your attention to detail in your assembly and maintenance are first rate. I served with the U. S. Air Force for 37 years (21 Active Duty and 16 as a civilian civil service employee). I was a maintainer on F-15's and U-2 spy planes during my active duty career and I finished my civil service career at the "boneyard" at Davis Monthan in Tucson, AZ. Point I am trying to make is I worked many years with the Air Force as a Quality Assurance inspector and your maintenance practices and building ability are impeccable. Again, thank you for sharing your videos and your airplanes.

[@RafMov]

I fully understand and respect your decision. I will miss narration and your positive way of presenting content. Thank you for your job. I hope to see Super Duty flying.

[@DavidBruner_NJ]

Mark. Great videos over the years and very informative to all of us who build or will build a plane. You will be missed. I do hope that you continue to post at times. Enjoy the ride with your new plane! You do excellent work.

[@nathanmcguire1449]

Definitely sound logic and completely understandable. Please know that your videos are fantastic and very informative. All the effort put in is greatly appreciated. We will be here to watch the future vids! No expectations just have fun with it : )

[@generalcanby5847]

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Thank you for all the great videos over the years Mark. I really enjoyed this video in particular. Just so relaxing and pleasant to feel like I am visiting with you in your hanger and not needing to pay attention to the specifics of how you did something on your Cruzer or Super Duty Build. I had just assumed you were making $$$ per year as a "You Tuber", and it surprised me that you are only making $ over 8 years. I think it would be interesting to just have additional hanger chats like this now and then in the future. You are an interesting person with a clear aviation passion and career (fingers crossed). Thank you for all the meticulous work and the massive effort it took to share it with all of us.

[@simdpk]

Your channel has been very informative and thank you for all you have contributed. I wish you the best of luck with everything. We’re building a RANS S-21 and I decided to document it on YT, soley as a reference for other builders and fun for me to look back on.

[@barnesandrewj]

Just be yourself and do them when you feel like it and we will watch. We enjoy your content! Appreciate you brother!

[@maxwright1565]

Absolutely! 👍

[@clintgosch2306]

It's been great watching your build videos, I'm looking forward to seeing your creativity applied to the "Flamping" videos! Good luck and hope to see your SD at the Zenith Homecoming! I'll miss seeing your Cruzer, whoever buys it is getting one of the finest ever built.

[@edclark5682]

Thanks for all the videos and hard work building your channel! Will look forward to the new direction and some flying and camping videos!

[@cpg727]

You will be sorely missed! Your zenith related videos have all been top notch and a really comprehensive library! I understand completely your Spirit fears! Best of luck! Would love a video of your back story in aviation. Didn’t you do a full active duty USAF career? In maintenance? When and where did you start flying? Thanks again for all your great work!

[@cpg727]

As I start my own Cruzer build, I fully understand your airline concerns! During my 35 year career I checked every box besides medically retire! Yes, change airlines (twice), furlough, bankruptcy (twice) even fired!! (Thanks, Frank Lorenzo!) You never know how it will turn out until you get to normal retirement!

[@brymcl1]

I have enjoyed your build videos over the years, but have always anticipated your Super Duty flying videos. Good luck and I will be on the lookout for your future flying and update videos.

[@joseruiz-Joecool]

I have never tried to make my channel a money maker, I only post to educate someone who has never seen how something is done or is not anywhere else on the internet. I never have worried how many views or subscribers I had. You videos are educational on how to build Zenith airplanes and I love that. Just keep going!

[@edwardfarrar1975]

Wish you all the best. Your videos have been so very instructional and inspiring. I’ve learned so much and was inspired to build my own plane. So, thank you for all you’ve done over the years.

[@user-rj3io3zj7n]

Thanks for all your work, it has helped me an incredible amount during my Super Duty build! Good luck!

[@bobcottrell5555]

Thank you for showing me that I could, your the resson that I will build, and do it right, I can not weight to see your SD finished. Thank you for all your time, its been a wouderful!

[@thomasmurray1807]

It has been a joy watching you build your planes. Thank you for your time and effort. God bless. Tom

[@rileysmith8980]

I appreciate the effort and the content. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@davidascher1801]

Happy flying, lovely planes, keep having fun

[@gregorygehrke1850]

Been watching since the beginning. Funny how you feel like you know someone personally from watching videos through the years, when you have actually never met. You have been entertaining and educating. Thank you for the time you put in. I hope you received some discounts on the merchandise you used. I’m sure a fair number of people went purchased those product because of your video. Looking forward to the flying and camping video. Also keep us posted on life changes. You might be surprised by the number of people you have affected in a positive way. Best regards

[@gregorygehrke1850]

After I wrote this, I noticed only 23K subs, that’s a travesty. I never pay attention to those things, I just as you were 150K or more.

[@n206ja]

I certainly appreciate your efforts and best of luck with your future endeavors. You've been an excellent resource for homebuilding and especially Zenith aircraft!

[@alanswanson5642]

I have been a landlord since 99. Now is a hard time to expand because both home prices and interest rates are high. I currently have 5 units would like to keep expanding, but is hard now. I have wondered how spirit does it. I am flying from ord to mco for under $55 round trip for sun n fun. I fly them about 10 times a year. I enjoy your videos hope you keep making them for fun.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You're right. I'm not even sure I want to own more properties anymore. Especially since a tenant can stop paying and they have more "rights" than the home owner!

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast if you write the lease agreement correctly, and you know your laws on evictions, you can create a situation where squatters won’t be a problem. 11 doors here.

[@stephentrull4298]

I love seeing your process on decisions that you make. Helps me with my project.

[@keithgempler4479]

Your videos have been very helpful for building my 750STOL. Have enjoyed them all. Hopefully Spirit will turn things around. That’s the big downside to the seniority system. I’m sure it’s hard to sell the Cruzer that you put so much time into. Someone’s really going to enjoy it!

[@vindoll6237]

Mark thanks for posting over the years. It was a pleasure watching many of your videos. I get you need to limit all the things you do. Time is limited. Thanks again. 😊

[@DIYPackraft]

I’ve enjoyed watching your videos and will no doubt keep enjoying whatever you choose to put out. Do what’s fun! I had a similarly frustrating experience buying from Michael/Zenair… I’m sorry to hear I’m not the only one.

[@Daniel-np1wb]

Really appreciate all the excellent videos and content on building. You are a great teacher. If you packaged the build videos on a dvd, I would be interested. I am hoping to take the plunge on a SD kit within the year and I was looking forward to your instructional videos. Whatever you do, it is understandable. God bless.

[@slavimihaylov2455]

Will miss your detailed and magnificent videos Mark!

[@sullysairplanefactory]

Hey Mark. The math just doesn’t work on it, I agree. But the community is great and you definitely have helped me a lot when I was starting my build. As you know the community will still be there of course. And we have lots of ways to connect with each other. Especially the fly ins and Osh! I’m about where you are on your super duty with my Rans S-21 build. I have my cowling and baffles all put together and fitted up. (Continental Titan engine). They look very similar to yours. If you’d like to see how the baffles work or fit, let me know. We are Michigan folks too, so we can connect if it would help you in any way. Talk soon! -Sully

[@stevenwilkes5737]

Thank you for your time and efforts, maybe I will see you some year at Osh. Build on!

[@davidrobins4025]

Understanding how you feel about the KZbin video thing. Wish you success with your venture into the real estate world. I have always appreciated the quality of video/audio you produce and ALWAYS enjoyed following your progress with both builds. I trust something will work out for your flying career. All the best.

[@collinnewberry]

It's been a blast watching your videos. Hopefully this will speed the the completion of your project. Best of luck with the career. Hope to see you flying the super duty in the bush soon!

[@anyquestions2023]

Thanks for the years of great videos. Good luck!

[@gavinferguson]

best of luck and thanks for all the videos so far .your not along giving up and being lost in the demands youtube makes on your time and life

[@DoRC]

I definitely understand where you're coming from. KZbin can easily take over your life and use up all of your energy.

[@flyod26]

Mark, thank you so much for everything you've done. You're a hero in my eyes, and you've answered more than 1 question from me. I wish you the very best of luck sir!

[@jerrylittle7797]

The idea of aviation adventure videos sounds great. I like the idea of using KZbin to point to your website (not Patreon) where your merch is available. The CD idea is good as well. Whatever you decide, there is a path ahead!

[@travisweide9071]

Work can be enjoyable. Hobbies are meant to be fun. Keep having fun! Thanks for letting me hang out in your hangar for a few minutes here and there! I appreciate it

[@cfg83]

Thank you for making this video. You are mostly doing a public service for fellow plane enthusiasts, so you should only do this on YOUR terms so that you are happy. Fly safe!

[@johntyrone307]

You are providing a great community service. Thank you for what you do.

[@robertottwell605]

I have watched every video of the zenith builds . Your attention to detail I don’t think anyone can top.

[@Sometungsten]

Thanks for the KZbin financial picture, that was an eye opener. I've enjoyed your videos a great deal and I will still forward to the occasional updates. Flying and camping - flamping ???

[@fly4fun24]

Where about are you in FL. ??

[@ikay2102]

1/2 of my tools, and I got a lot of tools, came from watching your channel or advice. In reality I would like to thank you for your dedication and energy Mark.

[@kenfawcett4006]

I have totally enjoyed all your content and the presentation is excellent too. I have been dreaming of building a 701 for almost a year now, but life's incidentals keep bogging me down. Wish you were in Texas because I also own a video production business and would probably just send a camera and sound crew to your hanger because people seem to love watching someone accomplish the impossible- building an airplane. You could sell and get 10 acres here in Texas and lay in your own grass strip with a nice hanger and modest house and have money left over from what I see. Looking forward to whatever you decide and especially to see the Super Duty airborne.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That would be awesome to make some real professional videos. I've almost moved to TX a few times but each time realized it would be better for me to stay here (for now).

[@kenfawcett4006]

Acreage here is still reasonable, but I'm about 20 miles east of Dallas so I think around here is too high. A little further east and 10 acres can be had for 100k. You've got Southwest, Delta, American pretty much every airline at DFW.@@KitplaneEnthusiast

[@pforbom1844]

Thanks for all your work on these videos Good Luck 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@scotabot7826]

I'm sure another airline would pick you up Mark, with the shortage of pilots we have, and you already have the experience and hours. Wish you the best, and I don't blame you letting the youtube channel go. I will miss my Flitz polish man trememdously though. : ( Hope to meet you at Oshkosh one day!!

[@johnmalloy9304]

I’ve really enjoyed watching you work. You’ll be missed. Best of luck.

[@LTVoyager]

KZbin is like everything else. Even the car industry and airplane industries were this way. In the early days there are many participants and more keep entering. After a while, nobody can make any money anymore and the incumbents either merge or go bankrupt. Since it will be hard for individual KZbinrs to merge, the reality is that more and more will have to exit to allow those that remain to make any money. I’m personally amazed at how many people watch KZbin and pay KZbinrs through Patreon and such. I think it is nuts, but many do it. It just shows the wisdom of PT Barnum.

[@GroterRonald]

Dank je wel voor alle mooie video's!

[@murrayhelmer8941]

Im in Canada and agree with you about Zenair. They don’t care. I had planned to buy a 701 kit from the states as im from western Canada. And its actually closer. But Dammit I had a stroke. So im a ground bound watcher now

[@tonyalto1014]

First of all, thanks for doing all the video you have done, we really appreciate it. This sounds like a good move for time management. Just do a video when you feel like it. I hear that Rumble is a much better platform for revenue, especially for smallish channels.

[@JoseRamos-su3ep]

Right on Mark!! Good for you! The honesty is a breath of fresh air!

[@tikunshana784]

Came across your channel just as you say you're wrapping it up. I can't find the promised video where the LS3 Corvette Powered Velocity gets airborn . Is there an insurance issue, or what held it up? It could be you took the flight test video down, but I guess it simply hasn't flown yet.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

There is a video from his first flight. We keep talking about making an update video but we've just never seemed to match schedules to make a new video. Maybe this summer.

[@truckdrivinmilanr]

Did you start KZbin as a income creator or to share your life’s experiences?

[@scottcummings8074]

I do hope we ger to see your finished plane fly. Love your channel and will be happy with anything you put out.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

❤

[@josephcapps6416]

If you do decide to pull down the videos, try to hang onto the associated comments. There is some very good info to go along with your excellent videos.

[@richardturner6278]

Really appreciate all the videos you have done. The construction videos are very informative for other builders. U-tube I getting worse by the day. Advertising is taking over. I can't stand being interrupted every 2 minutes for a damn commercial! Totally unacceptable! About don't blame you at all I don't spend as much time on it anymore for that reason. U tube needs competition. It's getting to big for its britches and that's bad for everyone except utube. It's also sad that your experience and flight hrs don't transfer to another airline. You shouldn't have to start at the bottom. No wonder the airlines have problems. I don't understand companies always wanting the least experienced help they can find. I've been wanting someone to do a modern build series on all the Zenith models. Even if it's on a CD for sale. The Homebuilt Help videos are so outdated. They are still helpful but just need to cover the new kits. Lot of differences between old and newer kits. Good luck Mark and thanks for all you do for the Zenith community especially.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You are right there are too many ads. I hate when I'm watching a video and an ad interrupts. But as a "creator" I also understand that they are a necessary evil as that's how the creator gets paid for the time and money it takes to produce videos.

[@TailwheelTimes]

Are you going to continue selling seats and fairings for the STOL and the Cruzer or are you just selling out your remaining stock?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

We will continue making and selling all the products on the website.

[@biglee13m]

I'm no longer part of aviation world anymore but this is one of few channels that I'd show someone and say "look how cool the general aviation is" "watch this guy building his own airplanes"

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

This has been a very useful video. Your average viewer doesn't have much of a clue about what goes into running a youtube channel, while maintaining a full time job and a home life. Ultimately, youtube isn't real life...and you have to look after your real life. Whatever you do...have fun.

[@skyboy1956]

For a minute I thought I was at an airport ! ! All the departures are being announced ! !

[@brandenraftery5074]

What are you selling the Pitts for? I currently have a RV-6 and have been thinking about getting a more aerobatic capable ride...

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Last year I flew 2 hours in the Pitts. That's over $500/hr to fly it. I just don't fly it enough to justify it.

[@drmtbc]

I think Branden is asking how much are you selling it for.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

@@drmtbc Oh! 35k

[@brandenraftery5074]

@@lulubellers Washington state

[@lulubellers]

@@brandenraftery5074 Is it for sale? I have a Pitts S-1S.

[@greket1]

You should start a Build Assist business. Your experience would be vastly useful to other builders.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That would be a dream! But realistically it's just not possible. I couldn't do it from my house, so I'd have to rent or buy a large hangar. Then I'd have to equip it with multiple set of tools and air compressors. And I'm guessing I'd have to quit my job so I'm actually there to help! There's just no money in that. If it were possible to even replace my airline salary with that it would be fun to do! Don't forget utilities, taxes, and insurance!

[@crunchied8]

nice pitts in the back ground hope its going to fly soon as well

[@theresacaron4238]

As a previous Canuck, I'm very disappointed that Zenith is ignoring you, and trust me that's not how most Canadians provide customer service. That remark about how things are done in Canada was a bit insulting, there are poor providers in the US too. Otherwise, as an aviator, I'll miss seeing your regular updates on your very detailed build, fly safe and keep the blue side up. Phil.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I didn't mean "Canada". I just meant Zenair in Canada. I was trying to differentiate it from Zenith in the US. Zenith customer support is #1. But I (and others I've spoken with) have not had positive results with Zenair.

[@theresacaron4238]

Good, I'm glad I misunderstood.@@KitplaneEnthusiast

[@planesounds]

So on the money with your discussion on the ins and outs of being a KZbinr. KZbin was good in the early days, then Google bought it and changed the Rules to make it less lucrative for the casual contributor. Have to upload within every six months and still people have to stop by and view and even with my Channels, they don't come up if I do a search by their name. Got to know so many regulars at the fly-ins and airshows and while they are shooting stills, they can chat among themselves whilst working with video, one looks for the dome of silence to capture the sounds and not the crowds and PA. Mute friends waiting for the perfect shot. And always there's the Tax aspect, having to claim costs or pay Tax or do both with tedious record keeping and pursuit of justifiable expenses. Keep it as a hobby and below the Taxation threshold. I'm more a consumer now than a producer though the pocket money did pay for one camera upgrade and I've got a few good rides thanks to my Channel identity.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

At the end of the first year I was able to earn money from my channel, I earned $980 in one month (I thin it was December). And that was at the start of it all. At the time I thought that if I could keep growing the channel and attracting more and more viewers with quality content, the pay would only keep going up and I could have an actual business. Eight years later I'm making about $150 per month. Yep, Google ruined it.

[@yuritatar]

I will be interested in buying your Super Duty when you are ready ;)

[@derilangevin2457]

Thanks for everything ! Best of luck ! And you can count on me as subscriber if you ever change your mind. Even though your reasons are totally understandable ! Fly safe !

[@michaelr2656]

Love your video's. You do whatever makes you happy and this project enjoyable. Don't worry about a bunch of strangers on the internet.

[@exfokkerflyer]

Please don't take this as a criticism or as a slight on any of your previous videos, but I appreciate your change in candor. I don't mean to say that you lied, misled, or fabricated any opinion of the vendors you deal with... maybe you are just now a bit less optimistic? If I'm off base, really, it's not intended as an attack... but with this video you were much more like a guy I'd encounter at the airport talking about frustrations with the baffling kit he bought that doesn't match up rather than something trying to give the benifit of the doubt... to the extreme. We are in the same business, my sister in law works at your company as a new FO... so we have the same concerns albeit for different reasons. My company loses doors, yours loses mergers... hopefully we all end up ok. Blue skies and tailwinds... best of luck to you.

[@chandlerfrog09173]

Good Luck Brother.

[@bauderk]

Thank you for putting these out.

[@woodturner1954]

Even though we enjoy watching your videos you are absolutely right. You don't make money as a KZbinr and you surely can't make a living at it with out giving up your life. You could have finished the new plane last year. Truthfully if you can't have some sort of 'gain' and do nothing but give. It's time to stop. Like you mentioned, do it for you, for fun, for your own learning experience. We have learned a lot from you on the process of building a plane, thanks. Even so, you shouldn't have to pay out of your pocket to entertain or teach someone else. Thanks anyway. Good luck. I built a Jeanie Teeny II in 1977 from a magazine, while in school to get my A&P. I wish I could have bought videos (VHS tape back then), lots of questions. Selling a series of construction DVD's could be worth a couple hundred $ to save a new builder time and money.

[@hadleymanmusic]

When I was about 10 years old I sawvthe arupS-4

[@trailrider570]

So true iam an youtuber and you are right 33 hours a week on here,

[@krasw]

For what it is worth, I enjoyed your videos, dreaming what it would be like to build an airplane. Thanks!

[@jamesjensen3113]

Have always enjoyed watching your videos, if you are ever in eastern Iowa look me up, we can go flying together! I've got an old Taylorcraft.

[@scotty9462]

Sell the videos on DVD. Your decision process makes good sense. Much respect to you and best of luck. Ill tune into any updates.

[@robertspencer9345]

Good Luck

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Good luck, Utube is hard work. Would love to see the engine runs & test flights.

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Most “KZbinrs” earn 50% from their affiliate links and brand deals. KZbin ads alone isn’t enough!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

In the 8 years I've had the Amazon affiliate links posted on each video, I've made $87. LOL, not getting rich there either!

[@spyrosg3172]

"Flamping"? There's "glamping", so why not? Beyond that, watching the videos is fun, but obviously if it's not fun making them (or you're making them to keep the algorhythm gods happy) then do what makes sense for you. The Spirit situation is a mess... I wonder if Frontier might come back (and how the regulators will like that), but... that's for other YT channels I guess. Best of luck, at all counts (YT, airline, real-estate)!

[@alessdre]

Everything on the internet was cool years ago. Now, when the startup cokpanies became giga companies, they become a new version of traditional media, lots of add-ons, less payment for who produce contents.

[@user-tl5fi9lz9z]

It’s my understanding that Zenith is moving everything to Mexico now that they have expanded their facilities.

[@DylanClements98]

As if their quality wasn't bad enough to begin with...

[@andrewbetances1203]

Mexico Missouri? Or Mexico?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes I’ve heard that too and I think it’s a very good idea!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Mexico, Missouri!@@andrewbetances1203

[@andrewbetances1203]

I thought they were there the whole time?

[@flytoday]

The reality of apps is once someone installs TikTok they use KZbin a lot less, especially if you are pumping out 20 minute video to maximise your revenues. TikTok means your revenue and audience is declining

[@mhilderbrand7693]

🧐 I’m not sure I like this new format your trying out? 😂 Just kidding. Maybe you should try a Mark’s morning routine video? Seems like all the million + subs channels have one of those videos…. Granted their all young teens😂 Good luck with your job!!

[@jeffreyhughes7107]

Did you know Tom Glotfelty? Thank for doing what you do and thank you for your easy going talk/work video.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Tom will always be remembered as a great guy. I flew with him a few times when I was new here. Everyone missed him.

[@jeffreyhughes7107]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast He and I had mutual family/friend connections in West Virginia and Maryland. He ferried my Cherokee from Wisconsin to North Carolina. I texted and texted him without a response not knowing what happened. Had a friend that was flying to Michigan on Spirit, so I asked her to check to see who the captain was... she texted me back asking when was the last time I spoke to Tom followed with a link to his obituary - I was just devastated with that real sick feeling of mortality. I know he was counting the days of retirement and looking forward to his float plane with his GF. My last time with him was after he delivered my plane I was rushing him from the country airport to Wilmington, NC as he changed into his uniform. He was telling me about his next ferry adventure that involved someone stranded in Corvallis, OR -- I asked him if it was N69**W... He was shocked - I explained to him that was a plane that was sold to someone else (sold out from under me) after the owner and I agreed on a due diligence so I could do a pre-buy. What are the chances!?!?! He sent me photos from that ferry. Tom was such an easy going fella and dry... his delivery was the same level, calm. Anyway, sorry to ramble on. On another note, I think the DVD idea might not be that attractive because the format is falling in obsolescence. You may find the time/expense of pressing or burning DVDs may not be worth the hassle for a dimensioning market demand. I could be wrong but I do work in the production side of the film industry and I haven't even heard that as a consideration in ages.. keep in mind that people in distribution may have a different opinion. In production, particularly in the 1990's, if we knew we were working on a feature that had a lousy script we'd call it "straight to DVD" as a slight. The younger Gen Z folks starting to appear in the ranks probably wouldn't have an earthly clue what that meant, just like millennials with a phonebook or a rotary dial. I don't think my daughter has ever heard a busy signal.

[@jeffreyhughes7107]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Gosh, I wrote this long winded story about Tom and for what ever reason the response has disappeared. That took the wind out of my sails. Well... I may try to reconstruct it later. That stinks.

[@serg2963]

@KitplaneEnthusiast Let me know when you want to sell that house!

[@sipet214]

But there is something that you Mark forgot, you become the celebrity in the aviation community. That cannot be payed.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

A celebrity! HAHAHA!!

[@Kolbra2004]

Another thing Mark is the fact that aviation videos are not like other videos that get a lot of views because of a limited audience. In my opinion, the popular KZbin channels are making stupid videos about nothing. I guess young people like those kind of videos but not me. As a full-time KZbinr you would need to make videos twice a week on a regular basis. People that don't have jobs can do that because they treat KZbin as their source of income. My wife watches videos of full-time RV families traveling across the country in their RVs. Sure, they're kind of interesting because they're traveling to all these cities around the country showing the views and what they eat and how they cook it. As an aviator it's not as interesting to me, but she likes them.

[@tikunshana784]

Just a thought. There is another Utuber with 20k Subs. Micro Sailboat builder Sven Yrvind. He puts up a begging sign with accounts info on every 22nd of the month. It seems to bring him some extra pennies.

[@LTVoyager]

Would that be flamping? 😂

[@jaideld1]

It will be a shame not to see you as i love watching your building skills as your not afraid to show the mistakes that have to be re done

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Most of the actual building of this airplane is complete. So I'll post a few update videos and then flying videos once it's flying.

[@johnnunez17]

👍🏻🇺🇸✈️

[@hadleymanmusic]

I liked it better in 2011

[@keen1957]

00.6 an hr Ha ! Im like you I've been doing KZbin for a few yrs now. I worked for the port of Houston and I filmed all sorts of dangerous things. ive traped raccoons, beauty pageants, car repair vids. Biker events and the list goes on. I have 52 followers.....I don't have an airplane or a sailboat with a smoking 24 yr old, I really think that's my problem. I do really have enjoyed watching you do a 1000% detailed project. your airplanes are beautiful. so....just enjoy life and share once in a while if you feel like it. Just a few thoughts