State of the channel update
Added 2024-09-22 07:53:55 +0000 UTCA lot of creators have a general purpose update every month; I don't feel like that makes sense for me, but once in a while I feel like I should just let you all know what's going on.
The studio is finally tolerable again. I've shot two videos in... moderate heat. Unfortunately, for complicated reasons, I can't release either of them.
I actually shot one of them well over a month ago. It's a thorough investigation of the Microsoft Response Point PBX; I've had that "in the can" for so long that I can't actually remember when I shot it, but due to feeling extremely miserable about it, partly due to the studio STILL being sweltering hot and partly due to my finding nothing to sink my teeth into narratively, I can't get myself to finish editing it. I roughcut it like eight weeks ago, maybe longer, but every time I look at it I just think "This is the most boring video anyone has made in the history of youtube, you couldn't pay me to watch this, why would anyone else" and my enthusiasm turns to ash. So that's still sitting on some SSDs.
A couple weeks ago, I went in and shot a video about the Abit BP6. Except... it wasn't really about the BP6, it was about the Pentium II, and the first Celeron, and the incredible weirdness of Intel's late 90s business practices, and how that culminated into the BP6... but not in that order. Not... not really in any order. It ended up being 1:45:00, and did neither subject justice. I decided that it made more sense to release the video as two parts, so I cut out the back half, planning to release just the part about the BP6 on its own.
Shortly thereafter, i decided that the entire back half needed to be scrapped and reshot, that I had rushed it too much, cut too many corners.
Shortly thereafter, I decided that the entire front half needed to be scrapped and reshot, that I had rushed it too much, cut too many corners.
The story is intertwined, don't get me wrong; but what I should have done is made two completely independent videos; the lesson I should have learned from the Niveus series, is that even if I'm talking about two things that are joined by a common underlying phenomenon, if I attempt to merge them into a single narrative and tell the whole story in one breath, I will constantly trip myself up, telling myself "no no, don't spend too much time on that, it's just setup so we can get to the Real Story." In the end, neither story ends up being Real.
And so, here I am, months out from my last studio production, still putting out these bench videos. Let me tell you, the shine has worn off, and the public response seems to reflect that. I know my fans like em, but nobody else does (the view counts are pitiful) and frankly this just isn't what I got in this for. So I'm not releasing another one until I put out a proper studio video, the thing you're all paying me to make (let's not mince words here,) but every time I think I'm closer to that, it slips away from me.
It's frustrating, but everything's under control. New video... soon. Thanks for sticking with me.
Comments
Don't worry too much about it, we're here for you!
Grey Panther
2024-09-27 04:27:22 +0000 UTCWe're all supporting you, emotionally as well as financially. You do cool things, so keep going. I hope you don't mind as I put an idea out there about avoiding overly long and complex videos. I get a similar problem at work, when I'm trying to draft a knowledge article and wind up confusing myself. If you can't explain B or C alone without the context of A, then make three shorter videos. A becomes the background and sets up the launching pads for B and C. Then B and C can each make callbacks to A but also have their own personalities. Let's look at the Pentium II, the ABit BP6 motherboard (a darling of mine as well -- I had two of them at one point), and the worlds that led the former to be the grandparent of the latter. The likely story A centers on Intel wanting to lock out third-party CPU vendors and move L2 cache closer to the CPU. You explain about die sizes not yet being small enough to move cache daughterboards onto the CPU. So they developed Slot 1 for P2 and Slot 2 for Pentium Pro. Cyrix fell apart from this, but AMD seriously responded. Story B is the invention of the Celeron to capture the cheapskates, the growth of the Pentium III on slot 1, FSB speed-locking restrictions to prevent easy overclocking, all of the CPU stuff. Story C is the BP6, which used the flexibility of bottom-level CPUs to provide SMP features almost by accident. This ties into the growth of Linux culture, Beowulf clusters, the works. Three videos, everyone comes out interesting, no love lost, more clicks. Yay!
Dante Blando
2024-09-26 22:35:09 +0000 UTCAs with pretty much everyone else on here I enjoyed watching pretty much everything you put out, obviously do what you think is best but I love watching you deep dive into stuff I've never ever thought about looking at before. As a (recovering) phone nerd, any chance we could get the rough cut of the Response Point video as a patreon exclusive? It sounds right up my alley and I would love to see your take on it. Thanks for doing what you do!
Sam Carl
2024-09-25 12:27:49 +0000 UTCFWIW: I really like the bench videos, they’re perfect content for me to have on while I’m working and keep me company, as well as my ADHD from going too wild and taking me off track for an hour. I _do_ totally get that the studio videos are the Big Chalupa though, just wanted to chime in. (And if anyone else happens to have any suggestions for additional videos for background, I’d love to hear them :) )
Rufo Sanchez
2024-09-23 02:56:24 +0000 UTCFirst up, for my part I'm as much supporting CRD the human as anything else, and I'd stay on here for a long time even if no new content appears. That said, when I look at which of your videos I watch again, it does seem to be the ones that are long and deep - the scanners video, the phoenix hyperspace, the 5140, and the word processor videos are particular favourites. I'm not sure how well that correlates with regular viewers though .. I'd like to hope that the algorithm lets you do less videos that are not in depth than more that are somewhat disposable, but I get that might not be the case - obv I think we all want you to do what you need to do! Apologies if this is unhelpful... Mostly I just appreciate your candor on this stuff I guess?
Jaymz Julian
2024-09-23 00:25:00 +0000 UTCI completely get that. I know what it’s like to get so deep into a project you become disillusioned and forget why you started it. I really hope you have the means to have a break every now and then because sometimes you just need to mentally reset. Aside from that, I used to be (and still am) one of those weird kids who would buy some random junk because it looked cool then see what it actually was later on. Your videos really scratch that itch and I love seeing how meticulously researched and planned they are. Overall I wanna say I love what you’re doing and I think I speak for most of your viewers and fans when I say we’re all weirdos obsessed with anything old and obscure.
Joe Thatcher
2024-09-23 00:10:57 +0000 UTCI came for the long vids, I'm paying for all the vids lol. Sucks the casual audience isnt as keen on them as we are or whatever the YT algorithm may be doing.
Nathaniel Donahue
2024-09-22 22:43:55 +0000 UTCYeah, I was kind of wondering if there was something like this. I like the bench videos, but the studio ones are definitely the primary attraction. Don't worry, just take the time you need! That's why this is a monthly support stream rather than a per-video support stream.
PositiveDigital
2024-09-22 17:55:37 +0000 UTCDude, I enjoy all of your content! There's always something to learn. We're all our own worst critics. You do what feels right, but know we'll be here! You're a smart and funny cookie, so I'll just look forward to your next work, whatever it may be. Intel history stuff sounds awesome! Have you ever read the poem, "The Guest House" by Rumi? I know it's pretty popular, but I first was given a copy by a friend, and it's meant a lot to me. Maybe it would help you feel a bit better, too? 💜 Sending you good vibes.
Eleanor
2024-09-22 17:40:06 +0000 UTCOh yeah, I believe I actually have one of those laying around. Archos was such a strange company; you're right, I haven't yet figured out if there's a video in it though, haha.
Cathode Ray Dude
2024-09-22 17:37:14 +0000 UTCPentium II video sounds good! We believe in you. Try not to be so hard on yourself.
Benjamin Garrett
2024-09-22 16:55:25 +0000 UTCBuild a large insulated room with poly styrene foam and put the portable ac in there. Only half kidding lol
8b!t7r3x
2024-09-22 15:20:19 +0000 UTCDo whatever you need to do. I like everything you put out, but obviously you need to be happy with what you're doing. Either way, I'm here for the long haul, to support you. Not to pay for any specific video.
Ruben Iusim
2024-09-22 14:40:52 +0000 UTCI'd say most of us supporting on Patreon are here to help you do what you do, whatever that is, but I understand that frustration of not doing what you want. Have you possibly considered one of those little portable (on wheels) A/C units? If you can get one with two pipes, they're the better ones. They're nothing on a split system, but we have a little 6000BTU unit in a small office, which really takes the edge off on those days where it's just *too* hot. Think we paid about £300 for it in total, and it uses ~600 to 800 watts. I'd love a proper split system, but we rent too and like 6k is just not justifiable.
jcx
2024-09-22 14:39:50 +0000 UTCWhatevs works for you, Dog. I'm not sweating your release schedule. As an aside, is a mini split possible for the studio? (costs notwithstanding, just wondering if it's technically feasible for the space as a heating/cooling option)
J H
2024-09-22 14:23:16 +0000 UTCYou know I think I'd listen to a rambly video about nerdstuff, just cause I think random old tech is just neat. It kind of doesn't need to have a point or a story.
Strawberry Puptart
2024-09-22 14:23:07 +0000 UTCReally I'm happy with anything you put out whether it's at the bench or in the studio. I'm of the opinion that as long as you're making something you like and are intrigued in then I and many other folks will enjoy it. I always appreciate the narrative details you can extract from these bits of electronics that provide excellent context. Even if there's not a story there, we can always get a kick out of the most boring beige box bog standard PC. You've been honest about creative slumps, roadblocks or your previous hospitalization before and that's fine! You should not meet a quantity quota. Self care comes first. I'd rather you continue to stay honest and stick with the quality you feel even if there's stretches of time without anything.
LorneChrones
2024-09-22 14:09:29 +0000 UTCI literally have Playlists about bad videos because there is one tech or coding nugget in them. Possibly consider a Patreon only "JunkPile" playlist/subchanner where we can provide advice. We could point out the "interesting bits" and help at least conceptually with final edits and general appeal ideas.
Dennis Shelgren
2024-09-22 13:27:15 +0000 UTC> the thing you're all paying me to make For what it's worth, the reason I - and many others - stay subscribed is so you can be a little less concerned with those view counts and focus on whatever you *want* to make. But I know those production videos are more your passion; so glad to hear the studio is usable again.
ChiraFox
2024-09-22 13:03:30 +0000 UTCBreaks the BP6 into multiple parts. Alec at TC does it every now and then and it's a good format. Lets you see feedback on part 1 and adjust as necessary. The bench content is fun.
Mark the K
2024-09-22 11:48:41 +0000 UTCUnrelated but I assume you've heard of the ARCHOS 605 , "Digital Media Player". It was a pocket PC, that marketed itself as a digital DVR. But as a kid, my dad bought it to watch all our pirated movies portably. It also had solitaire and a few other games. Entirely controlled by tbe stylus. It , to me, represents a weird era just at the end of the palm pilot style PDA , and just before tablets and netbooks (maybe during netbooks). No clue if theres a video in the subject but worth mentioning. I think Archos as a brand still exists in Europe. But up in Canada I only ever saw the 605 from them.
sadnehs
2024-09-22 11:47:39 +0000 UTCJust stay the course... I'm here for the duration. Keep up the great work - whenever it lands and in whatever form.
Richard Thompson
2024-09-22 11:41:17 +0000 UTCI admit I havent been keeping up with the bench videos (Im not a hardcore fan , I just like your videos). So I'm sure your harsh evaluation is the valuable perspective. But I do like the bench videos and would hate to hold a gun against your head to make studio videos. Reminds me of the video essay channel Big Joel, who made a second channel for low stakes and "low quality" videos called Little Joel. Who then ended up thinking "is this good enough for Little Joel?". He got so sucked into how well the Little channel did he was using his time on it instead of frankly what he was proud of, Big Joel. Im not sure what the lesson was though, Little Joel videos were great and I personally like his side channel more because of the faster/shorter pace. Point is cover what excites you I guess. No point in sticking to categories. Obviously unsolicited advice from a non-Youtuber.
sadnehs
2024-09-22 11:32:43 +0000 UTCA mini-split is awesome and only <$1000 but maybe you need to look for a different rental? The heat seeping in sounds terrible (though maybe a good thing in the winter?)
Mukunda Modell
2024-09-22 10:38:43 +0000 UTCThe history of Intel by someone who's not afraid to really dig into the weird stuff they got up to, not just the broad strokes from a business perspective, would be very interesting to me.
Warren Garabrandt
2024-09-22 10:29:18 +0000 UTCthere are too many other channels on this topic already.
adorfer
2024-09-22 10:25:18 +0000 UTCWas the portable unit a single-hose or dual-hose design? The single-hose ones are absolutely horrific.
skyhawk
2024-09-22 10:03:44 +0000 UTCGiven there are rumbling about Qualcomm or Broadcom (got help us all) buying Intel, a video touching on Intel's past business practices may be highly topical.
skyhawk
2024-09-22 10:01:40 +0000 UTCI'm happy with paying you to make bench videos as much as the full studio productions, or really anything tech related. Hell, your videos about those weird half baked home design programs are genuinely some of my favorite tech related YouTube videos.
Nicole Crawford
2024-09-22 09:45:56 +0000 UTCWhile you may disagree, I'm subscribed/paying because I like the content, *not* because I'm wanting more of it/faster/etc. It's a treat when you release something new; but I like quality over quantity, so if something takes a while, so be it. Since I found your channel a few years ago, I don't think I've not liked a single video. Always super interesting, always learning geeky stuff. :)
wreckedcarzz
2024-09-22 09:10:41 +0000 UTCthat's totally understandable! i myself will admit i have still been eagerly awaiting the next in-studio episode. i support whatever you make. very best of luck to you! 🫡
OPAL
2024-09-22 08:45:12 +0000 UTCDamnit :( Sorry, dude
Asaf Sagi
2024-09-22 08:43:37 +0000 UTCoh no, I put my all into those videos, I'm glad I made them, I'll make more, it's just... not what I wanted to be doing fulltime and I was astonished at how unfulfilling it ended up being.
Cathode Ray Dude
2024-09-22 08:41:37 +0000 UTChonestly I'll take it - my studio has a big Reznor gas heater and it has no trouble bringing it up to a reasonable temperature in a jiffy. If I could sell my soul to make it always winter outside that studio, I'd do it in a heartbeat, I'm WAY more prepared to deal with cold than heat, haha.
Cathode Ray Dude
2024-09-22 08:41:05 +0000 UTCit's really funny how the *moment* I mention Response Point I get a vitriolic response - which I *completely* agree with of course. I supported and maintained PBXes for ten years, and if anyone had come to me with an RP I would have been disgusted. These things are truly horrible, and I'm... not convinced they had to be. The reality though is they're barely even Microsoft products, they were the product of a bizarre internal skunkworks that really only existed in order to prop up the resume of one guy. RP got done dirty; it could have been better, but what else is new.
Cathode Ray Dude
2024-09-22 08:39:52 +0000 UTCtbh I am really reluctant to do that - I don't know what the number would be, probably something like $6-8k, but my studio is a rental so I'd just be throwing that money in the trash if I ever move out, and it's made even worse because I have no idea if it would actually work. I tried installing a medium size portable AC and it did literally nothing; I know a "proper" unit is a lot more powerful but the amount of heat seeping into that studio from *somewhere* is so intense that I can absolutely imagine spending thousands to install AC, then having it do absolutely nothing. I'd have to shut it off in order to shoot, and I'm certain that the moment I did that it would spring right back up to sweltering. I couldn't feel good about taking folks' money to potentially waste on a hail-mary attempt like that.
Cathode Ray Dude
2024-09-22 08:37:59 +0000 UTCBTW: I could spend hours ranting about the CAL nonsense, which killed the use of any Microsoft sip product at work at that time around 2007. we needed phone extensions for loads of places (like emergency phones on walls, room without fixed assigned people like rented out offices to suppliers). we would have more than doubled the number of CALs just to get every phone working.
adorfer
2024-09-22 08:33:39 +0000 UTC2 points: 1) I do not mind if a video has no clear story line. your narration is full of good judgement in sometimes funny snarky remarks, on almost any topic. So it makes perfect sense to listen to it for hours! 2) Microsoft ResponsePoint: this is a archetypical case of a half baked integration of a product into a product line, marketing driven, shoved by sales people into customers face and dropped after a few years. and all this for an infrastructure product which should last at least 5+ years. ResponsePoint is an example why the statement "nobody ever got fired for purchasing microsoft" is wrong.
adorfer
2024-09-22 08:22:25 +0000 UTCWhatever you do, I will keep watching each and every single vid you release and stay as a Patreon.
Mees Boe
2024-09-22 08:14:45 +0000 UTCThanks for the update, Gravis, I loved the bench video's indeed... I wish there wasn't this pressure regarding the YouTube view counts. And I hope you have the time and means to take a bit of a break or short vacation: that always helps me in similar situations. Love from Amsterdam!
Ral Colors
2024-09-22 08:09:55 +0000 UTCHow much do you need to install air conditioning in your studio?
Asaf Sagi
2024-09-22 08:08:44 +0000 UTCMaybe tic tock the bench videos with the full productions. Use them to space things out. Don't burnt yourself out!
Tim Moule
2024-09-22 08:05:37 +0000 UTCeven if the view numbers weren't desirable, i hope you don't feel like any of your time was wasted! i still love all the bench videos.
OPAL
2024-09-22 08:04:49 +0000 UTCTake your time, make sure what you put out is exactly at the point where you like it. That's what draws people in. I think that's why Quick Start is so fascinating, you've taken a topic that's really dull, and somehow used it to weave a story about PC culture, capitalism, stagnation and desperation. It's sick as hell.
Akshay Anand
2024-09-22 07:59:00 +0000 UTCI feel you in a big way, as I've fallen behind on things because it's been too cold to go into my home office. If you want to swap hemispheres for a bit give me a shout, although I suspect that would just introduce a whole new set of problems ...
Mike Barnes
2024-09-22 07:57:51 +0000 UTCGood luck Gravis c: You can pull through this slump!
Loonie Lummox
2024-09-22 07:56:23 +0000 UTC
