BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Luke Rosdahl on July 26, 2017, 06:50:24 AM
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My YouTube channel is getting pretty "busy." The more views and subscribers I get, obviously the more requests to add things to my videos. As anyone who makes videos can tell you, it's not cheap even just to make simple videos like I do. I empathize with the requests, and as a viewer, I'd love to see all that stuff people request, but it's not feasible. I have a paypal account set up for just bowling stuff, and my wife had suggested posting it to take donations that would help be able to do stuff like drilling a ball to throw lefthanded or drilling a second ball with a different layout, etc. I'm not entirely comfortable with that though, even if it's just going into the videos, I can only be so transparent with how much money is going where because I'm expressly forbidden from talking about how much the equipment costs.
Now, just because I post my paypal info doesn't mean anyone has to contribute, but I'm iffy on how that would be perceived. I highly doubt I'd donate to any channel that did that, I'd just be happy with what they could provide to begin with and move on, and I'd rather you just put the money into buying equipment. Plus let's be real, they're just bowling ball videos. I'm perfectly content to keep doing what I'm doing, but being able to improve my videos would be nice too. I'm leaning towards no and just continuing what I'm doing, but if we're being honest here, the idea is kind of tempting. Thoughts?
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I don't think your videos need much improvement. That said, I see no moral issue here. Subscription would be over the top, but it's just a donation.
Frankly, I don't care where the money goes. I'd consider donating just to thank you for your time. It's not just the videos - you're one of the few respected staffers on here because you stick around to defend your videos and opinions, answer questions, etc. Your opinions and videos legitimately affect the construction on my arsenal (even if I think you're nuts about IQ Tours).
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Maybe put more" Time" and "Effort" into your regular job that already makes you money.Get good enough with your regular job to the point where you can become self employed. You tubers that ask for money look like beggers in my opinion. I know since Google bought YouTube things have changed ,like way more adds and cut revenue for people that post videos and constantly beg you to subscribe.There's nothing like being self employed. The advantages are huge
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Maybe put more" Time" and "Effort" into your regular job that already makes you money.Get good enough with your regular job to the point where you can become self employed. You tubers that ask for money look like beggers in my opinion. I know since Google bought YouTube things have changed ,like way more adds and cut revenue for people that post videos and constantly beg you to subscribe.There's nothing like being self employed. The advantages are huge
How remarkably "holier than thou" of you...
This has nothing to do with his daily job. Bowling is a hobby. Most people that provide a service or have a skill are compensated when others take advantage of that skill, even when it's a hobby. I've known plenty of woodworkers, artists, etc, and if you want one of their pieces, it usually comes with a price. I'm not sure why this particular service is different for you.
Regardless, I'm sure there are plenty that feel that asking for donations is like begging, but the silent majority has spoken with their money. You tubers ask for donations because people have proven to be willing to donate to channels they feel deserve it.
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Plenty of people who do take money for their videos on youtube and istagram from people who are helping support future videos. Most use patreon.com
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Eh, I don't think he meant it that way, and I get what has been said so far. Yeah, there are tons of youtubers that get weepy about how much money they don't make and beg for your subscriptions and likes and donations, and I don't want to be seen like that. Very few people can make a living at youtube, and most that are trying to make that happen are the ones who are doing all the begging. Yeah, my time and effort would be better used elsewhere most likely. It was a rough weekend last week getting those new videos up, and ultimately for what? But at the same time, the channel has kind of started to take off, and I wouldn't mind seeing where I could go with it, it's already opened a few doors and provided a few opportunities. Plus it may be the factor that gets me a contract for next year since I'm not in the pro shop biz anymore.
P.S., the IQ Tour still sucks! Lol . .
Maybe put more" Time" and "Effort" into your regular job that already makes you money.Get good enough with your regular job to the point where you can become self employed. You tubers that ask for money look like beggers in my opinion. I know since Google bought YouTube things have changed ,like way more adds and cut revenue for people that post videos and constantly beg you to subscribe.There's nothing like being self employed. The advantages are huge
How remarkably "holier than thou" of you...
This has nothing to do with his daily job. Bowling is a hobby. Most people that provide a service or have a skill are compensated when others take advantage of that skill, even when it's a hobby. I've known plenty of woodworkers, artists, etc, and if you want one of their pieces, it usually comes with a price. I'm not sure why this particular service is different for you.
Regardless, I'm sure there are plenty that feel that asking for donations is like begging, but the silent majority has spoken with their money. You tubers ask for donations because people have proven to be willing to donate to channels they feel deserve it.
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In the age of go fund me and Kickstarter begging for money on the internet has become an accepted behavior, not that I understand or will contribute to it. Bowlers are a very cheap bunch, especially when there is free alternatives, so I would keep your expectations low.
And since you can't mention it, I will for you. Most companies charge $50-$75 for staff balls beyond the contract allotment. Contract allotment varies by who you are. Some deals are for as many as you want, other deals are just the ability to purchase at the discounted rate.
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I dont see any issue, with just posting something like if you enjoyed what you saw feel free to contribute to help with production, if not continue to enjoy everything for free.
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My thoughts exactly. Currently I'm one of the "other deals" guys. Now if they decide next year that my videos are worth comping one of every new release for, then I'll be able to do more, but $10-15 per video in youtube revenue doesn't go very far, and I already do occasionally buy balls just to make a video and give it away or let it sit. I don't even really want to ask because that's the way I'd perceive it, but the go fund me and Kickstarter thing has become pretty widely accepted. I mean, if somebody wants to send me that much money just to drill a lefty ball or do an extra layout or something, sure, but I don't want it to seem like I'm ASKING for money and even just putting donations out there as a possibility would seem like begging to me, so didn't know whether to even mention it or not.
In the age of go fund me and Kickstarter begging for money on the internet has become an accepted behavior, not that I understand or will contribute to it. Bowlers are a very cheap bunch, especially when there is free alternatives, so I would keep your expectations low.
And since you can't mention it, I will for you. Most companies charge $50-$75 for staff balls beyond the contract allotment. Contract allotment varies by who you are. Some deals are for as many as you want, other deals are just the ability to purchase at the discounted rate.
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Yeah but I hesitate. I'm old enough and tend to be more old school anyway, plus I'm kind of doing this because of a benefit I have already, and people tend to lose perspective. I'm sure to some people it sounds like I already get stuff that cheap, but I want them to send me money so I can add an extra minute of "extras" onto a video PLUS then I expect them to go spend full price for their stuff?
Of course the real kicker here should be that I don't think the extra information is worth the extra cost, if it was, I'd already be doing it. Now other people may feel differently, and we'll see what happens with my contract for next year, but what it amounts to is advertising, and that's a company responsibility, not a customer responsibility. Now if I did more original content that I felt warranted a payment or sort of admission fee, sure, but I just can't find any way to spin this to make it sound right.
I dont see any issue, with just posting something like if you enjoyed what you saw feel free to contribute to help with production, if not continue to enjoy everything for free.
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I don't see any issues. People are free to give or not give....
It's more of an invitation to donate if one feels compelled to. Nothing wrong with that.
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I don't see any issues. People are free to give or not give....
It's more of an invitation to donate if one feels compelled to. Nothing wrong with that.
+1
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Yeah as long as you are upfront and honest about what the donations are for and where they go hard to see any ethical problems.
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As long as you don't have your paypaal account scrolling across the bottom of your videos I don't see an issue. Put it in your description and leave it at that.
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I think you should look towards the route of content monetization through YouTube. I've been working in the internet advertising industry (mostly Google/Youtube/Facebook/Twitter) for 4 years. I would be willing to help you learn about the industry, free of cost if you're interested.
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Just curious .. how does this tie into TRACKING and INCOME TAX? Wouldn't want to get in trouble with the GOVT!
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If you're some schmoe that has invested in a cell phone and a tripod, and just play music over the top of you throwing the ball, then no.
You, sir, offer some of the best videos I've seen, content wise, with Tamer coming neck and neck. Hell, I don't even like Storm, but your videos are informative without being fanboyish, and it would be a benefit to have someone like you on every staff (900G, I'm open!). Honesty sells balls, not hype.
So what am.i trying to say??
HELL YEAH, MAKE THAT MONEY! #cashgrab #notaradicalplug #philisgoingtostealthatname
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Btw, how many views do you need before you start generating money? I'll sit at work all day and F5 until your numbers are HUUUUUUUGE
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I'd welcome advice. I have monetized my content pretty well since I started making videos, but revenue is nothing spectacular and comes nowhere close to defraying the cost. Last time I calculated it I was getting $0.0014 per view. I've learned a few tricks here and there to increase views and traffic, but I'm not a tech whiz by any means, so progress has been slow.
I think you should look towards the route of content monetization through YouTube. I've been working in the internet advertising industry (mostly Google/Youtube/Facebook/Twitter) for 4 years. I would be willing to help you learn about the industry, free of cost if you're interested.
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Not entirely sure, I think it's just one of those honor system things where you have to report it yourself. Lol no worries there though, the costs have so far outweighed the return significantly. I haven't worried about itemizing anything yet, but I may start soon.
Just curious .. how does this tie into TRACKING and INCOME TAX? Wouldn't want to get in trouble with the GOVT!
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All you have to do is a short and fairly easy process to set up being monetized, and it's pretty hands off from there. When you upload, you just select to monetize the video, it generates ads, and you get revenue based on clicks of those ads. Lol I appreciate it, but I think they have scripts and stuff set up to prevent spamming or whatever. Revenue is really nothing special, but it's starting to get to the point where I'm at least getting a deposit of some kind every few months. Trying to get a new camera, battery died in mine so I have to carry extension cords everywhere now. It's just that the bigger the channel gets, the more time and money it takes, but investment is growing waaaay faster than the return, so lol I'm not trying to turn this thing around to make money, I just need it to pay for itself or at least come closer. My wife is starting to chirp at me LOL.
Btw, how many views do you need before you start generating money? I'll sit at work all day and F5 until your numbers are HUUUUUUUGE
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No problem with it ethically.
Will it be profitable asking for donations for videos is a long shot.
Direct $ from users of content is a hard way to make a buck.
The internet for 99.99% of us is somewhere we go to get info, entertainment, etc. for free. Look at profitable podcasts such as Rogan or Corolla for example and they make $ from advertising exclusively. You are in a much smaller niche market, bowlers, and serious bowlers at that so while your videos are great I think asking for donations is fine but being in 99.99% I wouldn't donate.
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Yeah this is pretty much my opinion. I wouldn't donate either, but I'm going to assume you're in the 30+ age range as well. If somebody I watched made a "money drive" video, even if they were good and I liked them, and they said they needed donations or they'd have to shut down the channel, I'd pretty well say, "damn, that sucks. Need to find someone new to watch now." But then I see all these people that get CRAZY donations, like the whole Twitch thing is mind boggling. People dropping hundreds of dollars a stream just because they want to watch someone else play video games. Really? Yeah I know bowling is in a super niche market, I'm kind of at a crossroads right now. I didn't think it would turn into what it has, which is nice, but looking at other channels, even official company channels that have production values waaaaay past what I'm even going to consider trying don't draw much more, definitely not enough.
The snowball effect is how most youtube channels make a living. The more videos you get up, the better because instead of just relying on the newest video, you're still getting views from the old ones and as soon as you get a new subscriber, they're likely to go watch most of the videos you've made in the past. Review videos have a short life though, I mean nobody two years from now once the ball is discontinued is going to be searching for a Storm Torrent. Being that I'm exclusive to Storm/Roto, that also limits my options, but all that opting out and doing reviews for all the companies would do is just multiply the expense. I don't like the idea of stagnating though. I think I put out above average material, but it still feels amateurish, like it's passable, but I've got higher standards I'd like to hit. It's depreciating rapidly though, effort and expense to improve is increasing while the benefit or the return it provides is decreasing. New editing software and a microphone helped out tremendously, but those two things alone cost more than the entirety of the ad revenue from the channel.
It's just an absolutely prime example of why there are so few good review channels out there, it's a labor of love. I think it's why so many youtubers beg for money, the time and expense required to put out the quality of content to just break even, let alone profit from it is beyond a full time job. The return isn't monetary at least . .
No problem with it ethically.
Will it be profitable asking for donations for videos is a long shot.
Direct $ from users of content is a hard way to make a buck.
The internet for 99.99% of us is somewhere we go to get info, entertainment, etc. for free. Look at profitable podcasts such as Rogan or Corolla for example and they make $ from advertising exclusively. You are in a much smaller niche market, bowlers, and serious bowlers at that so while your videos are great I think asking for donations is fine but being in 99.99% I wouldn't donate.