Is There Life After FranLab?

Rush can charge that - but I don't have the free time to write the book, and I would not have the cash to publish the book, and people do not buy books anymore unless they are scandalous.

Fran Blanche

The costs of keeping up the lab would mean I'd have to have all those full time jobs at the same time to scrape by.

Fran Blanche

Ebay sellers make very little money, even the really big ones - and that is an immense amount of time and work to do, which I do not have.

Fran Blanche

Always have to think of the bills first.

Fran Blanche

Teaching would not pay the rent on the Lab.

Fran Blanche

Good to see that you are better. This is quite the bad scene for so many of us. Hang in there, things can only get better.

Rocco Rizzo

Consider projects that the maker community (your subscribers) would enjoy. Many are interested in electronic circuits,

Bob Cunningham has some good ideas. ebay - I know you're maybe not keen to sell your stash of parts, but I bet there's someone out there looking for parts not available anywhere else.

Ian Harris

I feel you're thinking about it backwards. The first thing to consider is what you enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, to some extent, you'll be bad at it. Based on your videos, you enjoy the intersection of old technology, beautiful design, and art. That''s just my thought. Then you worry about the intersection of money and what you enjoy, making that graph and finding your dot on that space is all the fun. And I think you've found a close fit with you patreon supporters. We support you, and recall the youtube is not the only venue in the world. So there is a marketplace for your ideas outside of youtube, but still with your supporters.

Michael Norton

Whatever you do in the future, let us know. The idea if teaching that others have mentioned seems like a logical continuation of what you are doing now.

Kendra Akin

Consider doing technical consulting work perhaps. Or yes teaching as others have mentioned, perhaps special electronics classes in schools? Franlab/Frantone is amazing so don't give up on it. I was fortunate and managed to base my career in electronics until recently, but I still consult to a couple of places.

Anton

Thought provoking stuff Fran. Almost getting into the meaning of life itself. If you can find work that you enjoy things get better, but also take time away from work to do the things that you enjoy, but are not necessarily work related. Have you always lived in Philly. I ask because there is so much more to see in this world than just one city. Anyway I’m glad to see you looking somewhat better. Take care.

You’re an incredible human being, Fran. You could probably make a fortune on the Inspirational/Motivational Talk circuit, but I’d rather you just Fran along on Patreon & YouTube for as long as you can stand it. You’re a born teacher, I suspect...

Mark Wilkes

Write a book. A work of hardback Fran would be the coolest book in my book case. Rush want $150 for a 40th anniversary deluxe reissue of Permanent Waves so... just sayin'.

You Are the product.

Eric Dickinson

Here's the start of my list of the many possibilities I see for your post-YouTube future, many of which can be ramped-up now. Can be combined or mashed-up as desired. 1. Conservator/restorer. Thought if it before you mentioned it. Despite the difficulties, I still feel it's the first-best choice. Perhaps a "trivial" online degree or certificate to grease the rails? 2. Community college instructor. Ability matters FAR more than credentials. Your rare multi-disciplinary skill set could blossom there. 3. High school STEM instructor. In California we have CTE (Career and Technical Education) instructors who need only pass some exams and take some online (often free) courses to qualify, with the #1 requirement being life experience in careers other than teaching. I'd recommend starting with electives over AP classes. I'm considering this as a part-time job in retirement (I'll never want to retire to idleness). 4. Substitute teacher. Very simple entry. Extremely flexible. Also on my list. 5. Etsy, eBay, whatever. Start with FranLab "surplus", add small runs of projects done for YT videos. Hire a student to help with inventory and photos (maybe one of your own students?). Use a GoFundMe for this targeted task. 6. Modern recreations of retro equipment/devices. Do as $5 file sets, perhaps kits, perhaps even fully assembled, following demand. But the main goal is to sell the file sets, like Alexandre Chappel. 7. Graphic design, all the way to doing/specifying production. Your T-shirt designs are epic, and there must be other YT folks who would enjoy something of similar quality, including logo design or whatever. Then, maybe, companies will take notice. I suspect this would particularly suit you. 8. Maker spaces. There are multiple income opportunities (instructor, manager, facilitator, designer, skilled labor, etc.), but it requires significant time up-front to become known as a resource in any particular space. More soon!

BobC

It makes the shirt.

Fran Blanche

Hope to see you some where, weve all been hit with our 'businesses' Heck I old and a artifact,I just hope and pray your ok Physically You introduced me to Tne 'Nimo' Tube My Name sake!!! Still can not find one Ha HA Your still Young and Pretty,take it from a Old man whoes falling apart!!! You are one of two Patreon pages I support You and Clive so Be safe and oh forgot to say 'Nice Rack' Im A out of work Bass Player G your Talented Bye Dont be a stranger!!

William Nimmo

Can I ask about what appears to be BASIC code on your shirt?