What’s on your mind?

[Herdfan]

I wished that I felt comfortable dressed well. We didn't wear jeans to my primary school but somewhere along the way, I was good with it.

I remember that either late in HS or early in college I had to have an "expectations" talk with my mother.

She grew up in an era when successful people wore suits. Every day.

Had to explain to her that if she was expecting me to get a job in an office wearing a suit every day, she was going to be disappointed. Pretty sure she thought it was a phase and didn't believe me.

Today, I own 1 suit (it's a very nice suit) and a few pairs of Chinos and 2 sport coats. Rarely wear any of it.

Jeans in the winter, shorts in the summer.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's a stitch-up IMO.

Yes, one is unfortunately almost compelled to arrive at this conclusion.

You have expressed it more bluntly that I, perhaps, would have done; nevertheless, I will say that the unkind thought crosses my mind that these conditions are deliberately contrived to ensure that they cannot possibly be met.

Which is, yes, something of a stitch-up.

 

[VisceralRealist]

Permit me to be a "hipster" for a moment, but I don't see how anyone can watch Mr. Beast or those other dead-eyed "mega YouTubers" with clickbait thumbnails and hundreds of millions of subscribers. Whenever I see a video that was posted three days ago but already has 5 million views, I know it's shallow crap. There is good, incisive, interesting content on YouTube, but it's not the mainstream stuff.

 

[rm5]

Permit me to be a "hipster" for a moment, but I don't see how anyone can watch Mr. Beast or those other dead-eyed "mega YouTubers" with clickbait thumbnails and hundreds of millions of subscribers. Whenever I see a video that was posted three days ago but already has 5 million views, I know it's shallow crap. There is good, incisive, interesting content on YouTube, but it's not the mainstream stuff.

I think this also applies to smaller channels, too. I haven't watched YouTube in almost a month. It's all just not interesting to me anymore. I have other, more important things to do with my time. I'm sorry, but people I used to watch have just gotten really boring these days. So I think what you're saying is absolutely true, but it's also true for smaller channels. Smaller channels are also producing clickbait.

Now, REALLY small channels (1-20K subscribers) are still outputting great stuff. Not the bigger ones with 50K+ subscribers. At least that's been my experience.

Now the channels you're talking about with many millions of subscribers—it strikes me that their only goal is to obtain hundreds of millions of views. They don't care about the creative aspect, it's all just crap IMO. All they care about is to gain a large following and become a "YouTue star."

 

[turbineseaplane]

Agree about YT comments

The only channels that are of interest seem to be the ones that aren't spending time caring about the algo and/or pushing sponsor hits.

I've unsubscribed to dozens of channels in the last year

 

[VisceralRealist]

It is unfortunate what the business side of content creation can do to the quality of that content. One of my favorite book reviewers on YouTube has only a few hundred subscribers and he releases videos when he wants to, not on schedule every week whether he has something to say or not (which seems to be the case for many creators). But I guess that's what happens when creating content goes from being a hobby to a profession. By that point you need to be producing regular content on a tight schedule, you need sponsors, attention-grabbing video titles, and you often find yourself less involved with the content directly as your "team" does much of the work.

If you were to ask "kids these days" what they want to be when they grow up, 90%* of them (*made-up statistic, but probably not too far off) say "YouTuber" or "influencer". Uh oh. 😅

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It is unfortunate what the business side of content creation can do to the quality of that content. One of my favorite book reviewers on YouTube has only a few hundred subscribers and he releases videos when he wants to, not on schedule every week whether he has something to say or not (which seems to be the case for many creators). But I guess that's what happens when creating content goes from being a hobby to a profession. By that point you need to be producing regular content on a tight schedule, you need sponsors, attention-grabbing video titles, and you often find yourself less involved with the content directly as your "team" does much of the work.

Deeply depressing, isn't it?

If you were to ask "kids these days" what they want to be when they grow up, 90%* of them (*made-up statistic, but probably not too far off) say "YouTuber" or "influencer". Uh oh. 😅

Ouch.

Why on earth would anyone want to be "an influencer"?

As a part time (completely unfathomable, to my mind) hobby, or interest, perhaps, but, as a full time career?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Why on earth would anyone want to be "an influencer"?

It's one of those things that sounds good initially ...

But anyone thinking that should look up any of the many who've burned out doing it and watch their videos about it.

It's a never ending treadmill that burns out most folks

 

[Apple fanboy]

Deeply depressing, isn't it?

Ouch.

Why on earth would anyone want to be "an influencer"?

As a part time (completely unfathomable, to my mind) hobby, or interest, perhaps, but, as a full time career?

Probably because the kids perception is you go and make a 10 minute video once a week and that’s it. They don’t realise there is a bit more to it than that.

Personally I watch two photographers on YouTube. No idea how many followers they do or don’t have. I just like their content.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's one of those things that sounds good initially ...

Well, yes.

But, what is "good" about it?

Even the very name, or noun, "influencer", sets my teeth on edge.

It is one thing to wish to make videos about things that are of interest to you, or, about which you are knowledgeable, to share this, but, to set out to "influence" others....

The very concept is utterly repellant and repugnant to me.

But anyone thinking that should look up any of the many who've burned out doing it and watch their videos about it.

Yes, I should imagine that it is fairly thankless, should you wish to make a living based on the reactions (especially if occasionally economically advantageous) on something rather than simply deriving enjoyment from it.

However, given that one's economic status depends on (ever increasing numbers of) "clicks" and (what one hopes is) subsequent economic engagement, this must be very dispiriting, spirit sapping and soul destroying work.

Sacrificing yourself and your privacy for a few likes?

Ugh. What an appalling concept.

Give me a regular salary any day, instead, while employed doing something I enjoy.

It's a never ending treadmill that burns out most folks

yes, I can see how that might happen.

Probably because the kids perception is you go and make a 10 minute video once a week and that’s it. They don’t realise there is a bit more to it than that.

A lot more, psychologically as well as physically, from what I can gather

Personally I watch two photographers on YouTube. No idea how many followers they do or don’t have. I just like their content.

To my mind, that is the only reason to watch stuff on YouTube: Because the content (and sometimes content creator, because you like how they present their stuff) is of interest to you.

Sometimes, I will watch cooking videos (there are a few chefs whose work I like, and I have learned quite a lot from them), some music (especially Baroque specialists), some history stuff, and occasionally, will also watch some coffee and beer and book reviews (and videos).

Oh, and, my guilty pleasure is classic car stuff, a rationed treat.

 

[bousozoku]

Deeply depressing, isn't it?

Ouch.

Why on earth would anyone want to be "an influencer"?

As a part time (completely unfathomable, to my mind) hobby, or interest, perhaps, but, as a full time career?

It helps you avoid real work.

 

[bousozoku]

I remember that either late in HS or early in college I had to have an "expectations" talk with my mother.

She grew up in an era when successful people wore suits. Every day.

Had to explain to her that if she was expecting me to get a job in an office wearing a suit every day, she was going to be disappointed. Pretty sure she thought it was a phase and didn't believe me.

Today, I own 1 suit (it's a very nice suit) and a few pairs of Chinos and 2 sport coats. Rarely wear any of it.

Jeans in the winter, shorts in the summer.

I'm sure it's just a phase.

Here in California, I rarely see anyone wear a suit, unless they're on the way to a wedding or a dance.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It helps you avoid real work.

Yes, but...

Making a living - trying to make a living - in such a manner, is - to my mind - so empty, so shallow, so vapid.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Well, yes.

But, what is "good" about it?

Even the very name, or noun, "influencer", sets my teeth on edge.

It is one thing to wish to make videos about things that are of interest to you, or, about which you are knowledgeable, to share this, but, to set out to "influence" others....

The very concept is utterly repellant and repugnant to me.

Yes, I should imagine that it is fairly thankless, should you wish to make a living based on the reactions (especially if occasionally economically advantageous) on something rather than simply deriving enjoyment from it.

However, given that one's economic status depends on (ever increasing numbers of) "clicks" and (what one hopes is) subsequent economic engagement, this must be very dispiriting, spirit sapping and soul destroying work.

Sacrificing yourself and your privacy for a few likes?

Ugh. What an appalling concept.

Give me a regular salary any day, instead, while employed doing something I enjoy.

yes, I can see how that might happen.


A lot more, psychologically as well as physically, from what I can gather

To my mind, that is the only reason to watch stuff on YouTube: Because the content (and sometimes content creator, because you like how they present their stuff) is of interest to you.

Sometimes, I will watch cooking videos (there are a few chefs whose work I like, and I have learned quite a lot from them), some music (especially Baroque specialists), some history stuff, and occasionally, will also watch some coffee and beer and book reviews (and videos).

Oh, and, my guilty pleasure is classic car stuff, a rationed treat.

I watch some car stuff to, but not that I really follow. But generally YouTube is background on one screen whilst I’m doing a task on the other.
I watch LR or PS tutorials if I need to learn something as well.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I'm sure it's just a phase.

Here in California, I rarely see anyone wear a suit, unless they're on the way to a wedding or a dance.

Same in the UK. No one wears shirts and trousers to the office anymore, let alone suits (thank goodness!).

I didn’t even wear one to my wedding. Jeans and a T shirt for me.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I watch some car stuff to, but not that I really follow. But generally YouTube is background on one screen whilst I’m doing a task on the other.
I watch LR or PS tutorials if I need to learn something as well.

Same in the UK. No one wears shirts and trousers to the office anymore, let alone suits (thank goodness!).

I didn’t even wear one to my wedding. Jeans and a T shirt for me.

Depends on the job, or the context, but, in general, I agree that this - what one wears to work - has become a lot less formal, a tendency that was already underway but has become ever more pronounced since the pandemic, and the advent of home working.

Decent Brother (who is a solicitor working for the Solicitor-general's office) still always wears a suit (but not a tie unless he has meetings, or is obliged to appear in court).

Likewise, if I have any sort of meeting, - especially when I am working abroad - I will wear a jacket and well cut trousers, even when giving a public talk, but not usually otherwise, although I still dress fairly smartly.

 

[Chuckeee]

I'm sure it's just a phase.

Here in California, I rarely see anyone wear a suit, unless they're on the way to a wedding or a dance.

Or a funeral

 

[Apple fanboy]

Or a funeral

Where I was yesterday. Yes most people were in suits. I don’t own one so just wore a black jumper, trousers and a shirt.
It was so wet and cold I had my winter coat on in the church and graveside anyhow.

 

[DaveOZ]

Or a funeral

Same for me. Sadly I’ve lost two people very dear to me in the past couple of months and the suit will be worn tomorrow to farewell my favourite Aunty.

 

[rm5]

Ouch.

Why on earth would anyone want to be "an influencer"?

As a part time (completely unfathomable, to my mind) hobby, or interest, perhaps, but, as a full time career?

I think of YouTube as a hobby, but I also think about it as an art - to me, it's two-sided.

My prediction is that in the next 10 years, colleges will begin offering degrees in content creation, possibly as part of their Film Studies department. I think it's an art that should be respected. But at the same time, I think it's a little stupid.

 

[rm5]

I still feel like absolute crap, and I'm sure going to that rehearsal (that, mind you, ran nearly an hour over) wasn't a good idea. At least I played one of my favorite pianos on campus, a Yamaha C2. Also, I just hate having to eat my meals up here in to-go boxes, it sucks.

 

[mollyc]

Influencer is just a new word for marketer/marketing. Companies don't want to have huge ad budgets anymore, and advertising is harder to place - streaming, ad blockers, lack of print media, etc. So they give free products to people already online with a following and then the influencer does all the work. It's not inherently an evil thing. It's just sales.

 

[Flowstates]

I think of YouTube as a hobby, but I also think about it as an art - to me, it's two-sided.

My prediction is that in the next 10 years, colleges will begin offering degrees in content creation, possibly as part of their Film Studies department. I think it's an art that should be respected. But at the same time, I think it's a little stupid.

I know that here in CH (having a system with a robust emphasis on apprenticeships and practical education) we have had degrees available in "mediamatics" - "creative direction" and the such for 10 years.

I'd say that the wind will most likely blow in the direction of on demand generative ai and real time video generation. Influencers will seldom exist hopefully.

 

[Flowstates]

Influencer is just a new word for marketer/marketing. Companies don't want to have huge ad budgets anymore, and advertising is harder to place - streaming, ad blockers, lack of print media, etc. So they give free products to people already online with a following and then the influencer does all the work. It's not inherently an evil thing. It's just sales.

I do think that the bad rep for influencers stems from the para-social relationship some people build with content creators de facto treating them as something else than glorified PR mouthpieces.

But there is something to be said about the race to the bottom for "views" and "engagement" as the sole discriminating metric in big recommender systems, but don't get me started .

Small creators seem to owe their existence (at least in the post 2016 YT world) to alternate revenue streams (patreon, etc...)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I still feel like absolute crap, and I'm sure going to that rehearsal (that, mind you, ran nearly an hour over) wasn't a good idea.

No, it probably wasn't.

I know that it comes as a surprise to students and young people, but, no, you are not immortal, and life is not eternal.

At least I played one of my favorite pianos on campus, a Yamaha C2. Also, I just hate having to eat my meals up here in to-go boxes, it sucks.

If you are not feeling better by tomorrow, then get thee to a doctor.

Your campus will have medical staff, and students and college staff should be able to attend them without having to sell your internal organs to pay for it.

Part of growing up includes taking responsibility for your health, which means taking steps to deal with it, when you fall ill, or feel ill. (And yes, I don't always take my own advice).

Thus, stop complaining, and have someone qualified take a look at you which should determine - or diagnose - what is wrong, and which should also allow them to treat it appropriately.