Thoughts on the Community📚🤔Fun & Frustrating

[@RekindledReader]

This video is just my two cents on a topic that’s already been discussed lately. Also mean to to poke fun at myself a bit. All in good fun - Booktube is my fav. No offense intended 😊

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Booktube is whatever you bring to it, consumerism, greed and all that comes with the person imo.

[@RekindledReader]

Pretty fair point!

[@NerdishlyActive]

The bigger BookTube channels are notorious for creating greed, jealousy, and consumerism while simultaneously becoming more phony and analytics obsessed. Whether that’s on purpose or not it doesn’t matter because that’s simply the reality.

[@NerdyKathi]

You make many valid points but perhaps because I am an older person on Booktube I haven't felt the pressure to read or purchase certain books. Ultimately I think it is important we be true to ourselves rather than try to please others. And we should not hesitate to voice our opinions if they are honest and fair. It struck me as sad that people feel they must have a certain number of books before they can have a channel. For me I don't care how many books someone has but rather how cogently they can review a book. I agree the community I have built is the best part of having a channel and worth all the negatives. P.s. I just discovered your channel and am looking forward to seeing more content.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks for the insight and support, Kathi! Well said :)

[@Johanna_reads]

This is an impressive list of fun & frustrating aspects! I always admire those who seem to be having the most fun sharing the passion of reading, but I’m sure everyone has their challenging thoughts or moments. You’re proof that breaks can bring success! ❤

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Johanna!

[@EpicTalez]

This is awesome. The booktube community is very welcoming. There are aspect to it that I love and have benefitted from. There are other aspects that I've tried to distance myself from. At the end of the day, my experience taught me to just do my own thing. I go through cycles where I am either reading or creating videos. It's hard to do both at the same time. This is another great video!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, buddy! And well said - have to agree.

[@gryftkin]

Dang it. I wish I had thought of that username :D That's what I get for starting as a gamer on Twitch :D

[@lorifrederick2367]

I appreciate you and all the book tube content creators. There is a lot that you do, and your hard work shows. No one in my immediate family reads. I have no one to discuss books. So, i happily watch you all, sitting in my book fort!

[@RekindledReader]

We appreciate you being here 🫡🙏🏻

[@M-J]

Comparison IS the thief of joy. Create the channel you want. Create the content you want to watch. We make time in life for the things we love. And it’s okay to say NO. Boundaries are beautiful. My BookTube is mindful, shiny, and bright. I hope yours can be too.

[@RekindledReader]

@@M-J very well said!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Really appreciate this open and honest discussion! As a viewer, it honestly always baffles me a bit to hear what kinds of stuff goes on in a creator's mind. Like I simply could not give a single flying fvck about the background, amount of book hauls (don't even enjoy book hauls tbh) or the types of books people read, so long as they are genuine and passionate about the things they feature on the channel. I mean, as a book blogger myself, I totally get what you mean by feeling the pressure/obligation to read certain things, but in the end I think your viewership cares most about your happiness, and they can tell if you are forcing yourself in certain directions that don't bring joy. It's so easy to let this entire thing become a (part time) job, when it's all supposed to be good-hearted fun. I am glad your mindset has shifted since the break and you are finding a healthier balance; I will always be here to support you, no matter what! Cheers, Theo 🥰

[@RekindledReader]

@@esmayrosalyne you’re an angel 🫡🙏🏻❤️

[@jellyghostt]

You’ve absolutely nailed it with this one. A few years I was consuming so much Booktube, felt the pressure of keeping up with what everyone else is reading and buying special editions etc. I’ve declutted my collection, have a much healthier approach to reading now and don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.

[@RekindledReader]

Honestly, it’s just about balance and not letting yourself get too caught up. It can feel quite discouraging - I’m glad (sad?) it resonated with you!! Cheers!

[@TheBeardedBookBeast]

Great video Theo! Interesting conversation and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I would agree all could be negative but its all in how you approach it I think!

[@Terry2227]

First, I have to say that i was so impressed with your message and the honest way you laid things out that i just had to subscribe and like. I have zero interest in having a booktube channel and truthfully, this is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen. You popped up in my feed and I genuinely wanted to hear your thoughts. You brought up so many excellent points and truly honest takes on what it takes to be a content creator. I’m always searching for new booktube channels to follow and I just wanted to say that your genuine approach has made me a fan. Can’t wait to watch some of your stuff.

[@RekindledReader]

Wow, Terry! What an awesome comment to wake up to, thank you! I appreciate the feedback and support! Happy to have you here 🙌🏻🎉💙

[@NerdLevelRising]

Great video man, very much relate to all this! I'm super new here obviously, but it seems to me that so much of the 'dark side of booktube' can be avoided by having the simple mantra of doing this for YOURSELF. If you want to buy all the books and spend hours and hours editing videos because that makes YOU happy, that's awesome! And if you don't, that's awesome too. But don't force yourself to do anything you don't enjoy doing here

[@RekindledReader]

Precisely!

[@KindlesandKicks]

Thank you for this! I could relate so much to everything you said here because all the points you touched on is how I became so overwhelmed after just a few months of doing Booktube. I had to learn to pace myself and do what I can, when I can. Otherwise it takes the fun out of content creation for me.

[@RekindledReader]

That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. Keep a pace that works for you! Appreciate ya Dark-o

[@reading_by_myshelf]

Sometimes you read a book and don't really have anything inspired to say about it. This has been a challenge for me at times, feeling like I must disect every book and offer great insight into what I just read, when at times I just felt like....who cares! hahaha. Other books...I have all the things to say. Not to mention the meanies online but we just ignore them. Great video!!!

[@RekindledReader]

Totally understand this hahaha

[@strixytom]

Really enjoyed that video! Having more booktubers like you talk about the preconceptions around the community will hopefully start changing this dynamic of high and consumeristic expectations (that personally, I believe stems from the 'monetization' and grinding aspect of KZbin). For me, setting long-term goals has been really useful. I'll say "This year I plan to work on such and such reading and writing projects" and during the year, I take time to be more flexible about exactly when I meet those goals; it gives me breathing room and takes off a lot of stress. It's kind of ironic that the worst piece of advice that has come from BookTubers is 'post consistently,' because fundamentally, it's good advice, but when you apply it in practice, it's the best possible way to burn yourself out, especially if you're just starting a channel early!

[@RekindledReader]

Absolutely! And thanks for the support :)

[@strangementalitypaperYT]

I love what you said about expectations in reviewing. One fairly popular BookTuber told me that "how we review reflects back on us." It shouldn't be that way, and the fact that a lot of people think your reviews, whether positive or negative, are a reflection of whether you're a good or bad person is just crazy.

[@RekindledReader]

Yeah we need to be able to separate opinions that way. I’m all for being respectful but honest. And sometimes, if something really doesn’t jive with your taste, you can skip talking about it altogether lol.

[@CoverswithCassidy]

Such an interesting discussion. I find consumption culture so interesting to talk about. Because I obvs know it's a thing that ppl think about booktube. But I have never met anyone on booktube/watching who has thought differently about someone who doesn't have "the books" or can buy books. A lot of my fav channels use their library's regularly instead of buying. So I find the consumerism part is often in our heads being like "damn will ppl like me if I don't have books behind me" but like duh we're gonna like you.

[@RekindledReader]

Great insight! I think a lot of it is psychological, and self inflicted lol.

[@binglamb2176]

Thanks for the great overview of the yeas and nays of booktube. I am a constant comment lurker and quite frankly, for many of the reasons you cited, I have never been tempted to take the next step and start a channel of my own. I am perfectly content to read, comment, and absorb the talent and wisdom of people such as yourself.

[@RekindledReader]

I appreciate that! Maybe I’ll be commenting on your channel someday though 😉❤️

[@AFictionalEscapist]

Being on booktube for the love of it for the win 💪 great video Theo!

[@jasonrstacy]

Appreciate you bro! Much respect to anyone who takes the time and energy to give booktube a go and hope them nothing but good vibes and enjoyment from the experience.

[@RekindledReader]

You got it, man - thanks buddy. Love you.

[@cassieplatt1480]

Great discussion, Theo! Valid thoughtful, and honest points! I also appreciate the humorous editing to perhaps offset the topic a little 👍 😆

[@RekindledReader]

💙🙏🏻

[@ShelfCentered]

Great video and really makes me rethink some of the videos I make. I do a healthy amount of book hauls and it's usually because I see the books piling up and don't even notice what I'm doing during the month. I'm also in a point in my career where this is doable for me, but I should make a disclaimer like, don't feel like you need to do the same. I've also made a very clear rule, especially after having done this in a blog, to be careful what review copies I accept or give a disclaimer to not promise to review anything because that can end up becoming your TBR when you might have had other plans. Thanks for a great perspective and love the channel as always!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Bryce! Yeah, just my unfiltered thoughts, but with anything, it’s all about balance and perspective. I’m lucky enough to be in a position to spend extra money and time on hobbies I love, but it’s important to remember that we should all enjoy ourselves within whatever circumstances we find ourselves. I personally love watching hauls, and I wish I had more space on the shelves - nothing wrong with buying and owning ALL the books! Appreciate you, man.

[@Chance.Dillon]

Alllll great points and a cool discussion-it’s a nice reminder too that as a community the best part is how connected people can be about their passion and the stories we’re passionate about. I think baseline that’s the best part to me at least 😂 I take a super laxed approach but I can totally see how it can become so easily separated from the intention of beginning a channel mostly just based on pure excitement of talking about said passion

[@ChristopherNavoBooks]

Insightful video, Theo! I love buying books, especially getting them at physical bookstores where I could spend hours each visit if I really wanted to. There are far worse hobbies. Authors sending their books have been very patient with me in getting around to reading them, but love making those connections since I hope to be a published author myself. As to Booktube...well I've been on for a little of a year and have taken numerous extended breaks already. (I think in 2024 I put out maybe only 3 or 4 total videos?). That being said, I think this is one of the more positive communities on the Tube and I still hope when the craziness of this year settles down I can get back to making videos. I never try to compare my channel to that of others. To do that robs me of all joy from this hobby. 🤘🏼

[@RekindledReader]

Well said!

[@Kellen81]

This is very insightful. Even as just a community participant I have felt the FOMO as a big book or series gets a lot of attention. A year or two ago I was discouraged because I couldn't do all the real-alongs or keep up with the reading numbers I wanted. This year I fully embraced mood reads and have had a much more enjoyable time for it. I don't think I would be articulate enough to get behind the camera, but I still love participating in the discords and comments sections.

[@RekindledReader]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@N.A.Summur]

Good video. I completely agree with you. I was skeptical about starting a channel for a lot of reasons (not as well read, not reading as much as quickly as others, not having a large bookshelf to show off, etc.), but I'm happy I did. I enjoy interacting more with people than I did in the past. I enjoy the motivation to read and write more that it gives me. I'm excited to make more connections in the future and to hopefully put out more interesting videos as well. I have a few ideas, but it really does take time to do all these things.

[@RekindledReader]

Absolutely. I (and likely most people) shared the same reservations you expressed. It’s natural! Just do what you enjoy, and all will be well. I’ve learned that :)

[@N.A.Summur]

@RekindledReader thank you for the video and the words. Will absolutely continue and love to see that you came back to it after a break. Keep making awesome videos as well! :)

[@someokiedude9549]

Yeah, I generally don't bother with trying to keep up with new releases, with the exception of if a favorite author of mine or an author I enjoy is putting out a new book. Though I do have a problem with comparing myself to other Booktubers, it's hard not to do when you see people you were getting big with blowing up faster than you do. I also get up in arms about my reading count, but that's more about goals I set for myself more than anything else. Anyway, this was a good video. Keep up the work!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, buddy. Yeah, all those feelings are natural - I struggle myself to keep them in check and not lose focus on why I’m here.

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

Excellent observations all around! I was on hiatus as well, from December of last year until very recently, and so far I've only uploaded two videos this year. I like Booktube, but it's quite a time commitment, and I'm completely with you in terms of mindset: it's best to view it as a hobby and have fun with it. On the plus side, I've really enjoyed talking with fellow Booktubers like you, and I'm actually starting to branch out more with my reading. Cheers!

[@RekindledReader]

Awesome all around!

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

Well said man. Best thing you can do with this is to draw your line and decide how much of your resources you want to dedicate to it, and to make your peace with when and how much you decide to engage with the community. Personally I mainly do ebooks and library, you know what Canadian real estate and cost of living is like these days. And if this ever starts feeling like a second job I'm done, lol, already have two of those.

[@RekindledReader]

Nailed it!

[@BooksWithNeen]

I really appreciate this video! I had to take a step back from booktube. I was getting so stressed out and comparing myself to other channels. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself, and I lost the passion of reading. It's been almost a year since I last posted, and I am falling back in love with reading again. I want to go back to posting again, but not until I feel ready to come back 🙂

[@RekindledReader]

Take your time and come back organically, that’s when it feels the best in my experience. You’ll get the itch to turn on the camera soon enough, I bet .

[@literatimedium]

I could not agree more to all of this. The consumption is something I really have to watch because like you, I have zero space. The time aspect is real, though, for sure. Online friendships are so bittersweet. Some of my best friends are folks I met through different online groups. I wish I was as eloquent as you in my videos! I end up getting very repetitive with my language. So real to just want to create an authentic experience. Hope you feel better soon!

[@RekindledReader]

Thank you SO much! Appreciate you being here :)

[@BookishChas]

Good stuff Theo! Less time to read the books is a big one for me lol. I still love it, but it’s a reality.

[@RekindledReader]

@@BookishChas 💯🤙🏻

[@KindleLitKat]

I just started my channel yesterday, and with regard to your first point my situation is actually really unique. I'm doing my videos with a vTuber model since my health and living space wouldn't really lend itself to a real world setup, and I wouldn't have the books for that even IF I wanted to go that route since I'm legally blind and buy all my books digitally since I can no longer read physical copies of books.

[@RekindledReader]

@@KindleLitKat wow that’s amazing. Good on you for making a channel! I hope you read some great books and have great discussions.

[@shaykininmybooks]

I agree with all of this. I’ve taken 2 months off from booktube and have been able to sit back and look at things and the community as a whole! I’m just about to make my return, but definitely making some changes and trying to just be more myself.

[@RekindledReader]

Yes!!!!! Welcome back! ❤️🙏🏻

[@ColinsCornerYT]

Great hearing your thoughts on these topics, Theo!

[@RekindledReader]

🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@thatsci-firogue]

Yeah, the consumption culture is why i don't watch book hauls as much anymore, usually from channels that don't often post them. It can get, show off-ish at times.

[@RekindledReader]

I totally get that!

[@Space.Panda1805]

In my case I don't have this obssesion, I like in a country where we don't have special editions, or hardcover. Not a English-native speaker country, they came here only some in Spanish (the officile language) but I read mostly in English. And inflation is soo high that a basic salary is only for 3 or 4 books and nothing else. So, you only can use kindle for reading if you want to keep eating while you read some books. It's good because over-consumption doesn't exist, but at the same time, they are more things (not only books, simple things) that you want to consume but you can because the economy sucks.

[@RekindledReader]

@@Space.Panda1805 I totally understand. So many challenges depending on where you are and your circumstances.

[@RJGibson7]

I’ve definitely felt the pressure with booktube, even though no one is actually putting pressure on you. I talk about this a little bit in my update, I’m gonna put out a video and not worry about it, whatever views it gets, that’s what it is (not that I ever gave a shit about views lol) I truely love this community but it is very easy to get overwhelmed sometime, but I can’t wait to get back to doing videos again somewhat regularly.

[@RekindledReader]

Totall, man. Glad to know you, and have you as part of the community.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Dude. The editing on this thing is out of this world. 💪 I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing but I’d be as out of control with my book buying even if I didn’t have a channel to show them off on, even without much extra $ and with less than zero space needing to stack them in a closet 😅 - maybe not the worst addiction but I need to take a page out of your book and do more e-books and be more intentional with the physical purchases! You’re so right though about the consumption it may be encouraging and I hate hearing people are hesitant to start a channel without a collection to show off 😢 You’re right on about the time balancing - sometimes I just want to read in my free time instead of keeping up the channel. Right on about the community being why it’s all worth it 💪

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks so much man! And you know, it’s important to distinguish some of my points from the act of collecting books. People LOVE owning books, regardless of showing them. I’m the same way. Definitely not what I’m talking about haha. You get what I mean - it’s the “rest” of it…😋

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

@@RekindledReader indeed!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

I’m addicted to buying books and I wish I could stop…

[@RekindledReader]

Hahaha I know how that is buddy!!

[@hectatereads105]

I’m new to your channel from Joanna’s why read video. Really loved this discussion, especially the consumerism and feeling behind/stressed about all the good books to read.

[@RekindledReader]

Totally get it. Felt compelled to add some thoughts :) Appreciate you being here.

[@hectatereads105]

@@RekindledReader sooo sorry! It autocorrected my loved to over. I really loved this discussion! Thought it was great! I thought you articulated your thoughts really well.

[@RekindledReader]

@@hectatereads105 OH! well, thank you so much!! Either way, I appreciate the input!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@hectatereads105]

@@RekindledReader glad I was able to correct myself. I cook while watching book tube, but obviously need to reread my comments. Book tube has mostly been positive in my life, but there are aspects that are bizarre. I read Malazan before being plugged into social media and enjoyed the ride without understanding it all, clearly it is a series that can give more in rereads. But once I plugged into booktube I discovered everyone’s opinions and how it’s so hard and complicated and you need to take notes. Oof. glad I got to enjoy it on my own

[@RekindledReader]

@@hectatereads105 Oh that's so interesting!! Yeah, sometimes I deliberately shield myself from too many opinions before going into something. Funny how that can affect one's enjoyment or at least, experience :)

[@cynthiap.5391]

Very insightful…..fantastic video!

[@RekindledReader]

@@cynthiap.5391 thank you!!

[@Talking_Story]

Do it for the love and chances are you will love doing it! Thanks so much for this 1!

[@RekindledReader]

That’s my only point!

[@kaywebbharrison3373]

Really thoughtful video. I have learned that seeking BALANCE in all aspects of one's life is the key to fulfillment. Kay

[@RekindledReader]

@@kaywebbharrison3373 very well said!

[@BookishDaddy]

Awesome video man, some great points and some really good editing 😁

[@RekindledReader]

❤️🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@derekb.4292]

I think this is great perspective and advice for really any kind of creative hobby.

[@RekindledReader]

🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Best wishes everyone. I hope you are reading something great and enjoying fantastic stories.

[@RekindledReader]

@@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk 💙

[@lieslherman]

Really great points!! I always toyed with the idea of starting a channel someday, but after watching booktube for 5ish years, I've really seen the struggle it can inspire in some creators, and it's made me confident that staying a viewer is the right choice for me. I instead made a very low-key bookstagram, where I do none of the things that people say to do to get followers, and I've ended up with a tight group of people I enjoy chatting with, a low stress process of writing book reviews and taking low effort pictures, so I get a taste of that community without the pressure and time consumption. For me, it's great. That isn't to say there aren't pitfalls!! I spend far more money on books than I ever have, and there are times writing a negative opinion on a popular book is stressful, but I feel like these are all downsides to being online in-general, not just in bookish spaces. It does give me mad respect for you guys putting out vids and staying socially active, while also reading and having a real life! It takes a lot of effort, and I appreciate what you guys put in so that plebs like me have some bookish entertainment! I'm glad you took a break to recharge, and look forward to your content going forward!

[@RekindledReader]

Great points, and thank you! Glad you’re doing your own thing and enjoying it. We are all plebs, my friend 🤣

[@madisongoodyear5040]

So many GREAT points!!!! Omg yes. I find myself not wanting to record videos because since we’ve moved I don’t have a very aesthetic bookshelf background. How silly! Booktube shouldn’t be about what you own or what your backdrop looks like. Great video, and I’m with you on all these points! Pros and cons, but overall a net positive for SURE.

[@RekindledReader]

100% Thanks, Mads!❤️❤️

[@gryftkin]

I only finished two books this month (and one was for an author interview, so I kind of HAD to finish that one :D ). I get it, sometimes it's not as fun to read a book as an "assignment" as it is to read one just for fun (luckily I really liked the book). "Booktube" (for me) was a lot different when my KZbin channel was just where I posted my author interviews (I was a Twitch streamer) after the fact and really didn't pay any attention to it. Now, once I did pay attention to it, my subscriber count went way up, but it does bring an entirely different set of responsibilities and expectations.

[@RekindledReader]

Definitely - well said.

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Nailed it. Awesome video my man.

[@RekindledReader]

@@blacknbluecollarreader appreciate ya, dude 🤙🏻

[@Man-With-a-Hat-Who-Reads]

I hear you on the filming stuff. I have had little to no time to film lately, but my reading hasn't slowed too much, so... ;p A lot of good points here. I do understand the 'not wanting to be too negative' thing. However, I have gone full blast on a book. It just has to be really bad for me to go that way.

[@RekindledReader]

🙌🏻🤙🏻

[@elainedejong2806]

I’m glad to be part of your booktube community 😊

[@RekindledReader]

❤️❤️ appreciate you, Elaine!

[@SplinteredLight_]

Yeah I definitely feel inadequate every time I watch a booktuber with a slick background filled with books. I started my channel when I was preparing to move from Japan back to the States (still am btw) and so I'm having less and less in my background as time goes on 😆I also prefer reading on a kindle ever since I deployed on submarines and I couldn't bring many physical books with me so I had to adapt, and now I can't switch back! Anyways, thanks for the video and making me feel more confident putting the videos out there. Keep rockin man

[@RekindledReader]

You bet, buddy! Also submarines, WHAT. That’s awesome. And yeah I totally feel you. Just wanted to diarize some thoughts to share with people so we remember it’s ok to not do all the “booktube” stuff, and we’re here to talk about books :)

[@TedMattos]

I just had to hear you were a fellow "Theo" and I subscribed. I'm a simple man!

[@RekindledReader]

Theos must support each other!

[@curtjarrell9710]

Hi Theo. I'm not on BookTube as a broadcaster but I used to blog. The pressure to keep reading and reviewing got to me and I stopped blogging. Now that I'm a senior citizen with vision challenges, I've taken a step back from ambitiously large TBRs. My eyes can't handle it. I've also made the conscious decision to not read certain massive book series such as ones by Janny Wurts and Steve Erikson. I can't read everything, but I intend to read what I can and not drive myself nuts with FOMO in the process. Read what you love and enjoy your loved ones. It's how I want to live every day.

[@RekindledReader]

I completely agree. FOMO is real, and it gets to me sometimes, too.

[@trinforeman54]

I think I needed to hear some of this.

[@RekindledReader]

🫂❤️🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@ZOMGfantasy]

Great stuff Theo! Definitely relatable on the consumption front. I'm not too much of a book collector and the fact that I don't have fancy shelves definitely is a point of hesitation when it comes to turning on the camera That said, Bookstagram and Tik Tok are so much worse when it comes to consumption imo 😅

[@RekindledReader]

Yeah it’s a little out of hand. Don’t let it get to ya!

[@Bawbcaht]

My idea of "Booktube" is to record a video on a book that nobody else has and then speak into that vacuum. No editing. I show the BOOK and not me because it's actually about the BOOK and not trying to date a Sarah Maas fan.

[@RekindledReader]

I respect that 🤙🏻

[@FineReads]

How much time goes into this… soooo true 🤣 at least 5-10x more time spent on prep and editing, “blah, blah, blah”… vs the length of the video . And then some 🤣 but ist so much fun!!! I like testing all of these things. What works, what doesn’t? The consumerism and fomo is real though. Also, what are real life friends? Can you elaborate?

[@RekindledReader]

💯 Real…Life…?????🤔🤔🤔

[@FineReads]

@@RekindledReader is this the one where you have to go outside?

[@RekindledReader]

@@FineReads EW

[@FineReads]

@@RekindledReader 💯 ugh… then no…

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

I feel attacked with the book hauls 😂 I agree with how BookTube promotes consumerism. I was against posting hauls for a while, but they are some of my highest viewed and I’m buying them anyways 🤷🏼‍♀️ I adore seeing library hauls though!! Those are so cool

[@RekindledReader]

Definitely don’t feel attacked - I have a haul coming myself. As long as we get reminded that it’s ok to not buy books, or need all the books just to talk about books, that’s all! As long as we’re here to hang out and discuss and not make people feel like 💩🤣

[@RichardHolliday]

4:38 ALL THIS SHIP 😂🚢

[@RekindledReader]

@@RichardHolliday 🤣🤣

[@RichardHolliday]

This was a fun video Theo! There's a certain irony in the point about social media being overwhelming considering we're largely a community of introverts, right? 😂 Also reading is meant to be fun, right? That's the #1 thing!

[@RekindledReader]

Haha, totally :)

[@locolima279]

Really good video. Thank you. Love how you beeped out "shit" in one spot & 3 minutes later no bleep. 😅

[@RekindledReader]

I KNOW right LMAO. Bruh editing is shit. Sorry ship.

[@locolima279]

@@RekindledReader 🤣

[@valliyarnl]

Agreed abt book consumerism and hauls!! Libraries on top 💪 (More thoughts will be in comments)

[@RekindledReader]

Indeed! I still like buying books, but like…it’s not necessary and people shouldn’t feel terrible for not - you know?

[@valliyarnl]

Rlly good video about the darker sides of booktube! Agreed with a few takes but for me for now it’s still a net positive 😊

[@Paromita_M]

Very nice video. I am just a reader, viewer and occasional commenter but for me a) The text is what matters as a reader (I love acquiring physical copies of some of my favourites but mostly it's ebooks) b) The discussion is what matters as a viewer. This is also because most of the time I am listening. So as long as the audio is decently audible (what a sentence 🤣), all good. People making a living out of reviewing and/or Booktube, I understand their compulsions and priorities will be different. But for someone doing this for leisure, I appeal to not let this become another "thing" one has to do. I agree there is pressure. Maybe if we all try to practice a leetle more self-care and understanding, the pressure will also seem less? Very much enjoyed listening, thank you. 🙏🏽

[@RekindledReader]

Thank you!!

[@NevsBookChannel]

I approve this message!

[@RekindledReader]

🙌🏻

[@TheObsessiveBookseller]

Preach.

[@RekindledReader]

🙌🏻

[@safinan8008]

Good video 🎥

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks! 😃

[@laurablakeauthor]

100% on time stretching

[@RekindledReader]

💯

[@zodlord5669]

You are describing booktube like a p diddy party, nice clickbait video btw

[@RekindledReader]

@@zodlord5669 🤣🤣🤣 best comment

[@heidi6281]

Theo just use your phone & talk with no edits, the Durfee method is the best. I do like when my favorite booktubers give me two videos per week, one does not feel like enough. Also the junior high clique culture of livestreams is the darkest part of booktube and the bullying of other commenters in the live stream. Just say you do not care for Suneater and the knives come out. There is also a favoritism for other booktubers. I think creators forget their 10k subs are not all booktubers. Jeesh, if your username does not have the word “ book” in it, you might as well be invisible. There a few booktubers that go out of their way to give their plain old subs some love & attention but not many.🫠

[@RekindledReader]

Wow, this is such good insight. It’s hard to disagree, I’ve witnessed some of it myself. Most of the booktubers I’m close with make every effort to to ensure their channel and comments are a safe space but absolutely you have a point. It happens. And super interesting about the livestreams. It can get a little cliquey. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! I APPRECIATE YOU.

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@heidi6281 I'm not on the Sun Eater hype train either but the worst I've got was for DNFing Mistborn. Cosmere fans are no fun.