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YouTube channels contain some of the most valuable content on the internet, especially tutorials or explanatory videos. I’ve been able to fix household applianc

YouTube channels contain some of the most valuable content on the internet, especially tutorials or explanatory videos. I’ve been able to fix household appliances and work on my car because of content of these creators. While it seems a tough career, I’m glad to see some people are making it work and wish the others well.

lolinder 2y ago
Most of the truly helpful practical content that I find on YouTube was pretty clearly produced either by someone who's just doing it as a side project or as a bit of content marketing for their real job as a mechanic/handyman/whatever. There's not a lot of money in any given "how to replace the battery on {insert very specific car model here}" video, so that kind of content still has the feel of the original YouTube, before the gold rush began.
- lordgrenville 2y ago
  Agreed. I would guess that most of the money is in entertaining, as opposed to useful, content.
- rybosworld 2y ago
  I think this also explains why google search results have gotten noticeably less useful. There's not as much money in providing an answer/instructional content. There's a lot of money in pushing products. The danger is that if google search/youtube goes too far in the direction of pushing products, users migrate to a different platform that will better serve the less profitable need (relevant search results).
GJim 2y ago
PHP forums and their ilk (including R*ddit) very commonly provide tutorials and clear advice from skilled hobbyists all happy to help newcomers...... ....and without 5-10 minutes of video padding and waffle from some "influencer" knobjockey trying to peddle disguised advertisements. Give me the former anytime. EDIT: Clearly the downvotes are coming from those indoctrinated into thinking "influencers" provide a benefit!
- BenFranklin100 2y ago
  First, I don’t fully appreciate the distinction between an ‘influencer’ and someone having a Youtube channel as a side gig that posts practical content. Second, I am a forum kind-of-guy too, but I find YouTube channels to be useful complimentary additions to forums. Trying to implement a feature in Obsidian? The forums can help, but a ten minute YouTube video from an organized content creator can be just the thing needed to get the job done right and quickly.

lolinder 2y ago

Most of the truly helpful practical content that I find on YouTube was pretty clearly produced either by someone who's just doing it as a side project or as a bit of content marketing for their real job as a mechanic/handyman/whatever. There's not a lot of money in any given "how to replace the battery on {insert very specific car model here}" video, so that kind of content still has the feel of the original YouTube, before the gold rush began.

lordgrenville 2y ago
Agreed. I would guess that most of the money is in entertaining, as opposed to useful, content.
rybosworld 2y ago
I think this also explains why google search results have gotten noticeably less useful. There's not as much money in providing an answer/instructional content. There's a lot of money in pushing products. The danger is that if google search/youtube goes too far in the direction of pushing products, users migrate to a different platform that will better serve the less profitable need (relevant search results).

GJim 2y ago

PHP forums and their ilk (including R*ddit) very commonly provide tutorials and clear advice from skilled hobbyists all happy to help newcomers...... ....and without 5-10 minutes of video padding and waffle from some "influencer" knobjockey trying to peddle disguised advertisements. Give me the former anytime. EDIT: Clearly the downvotes are coming from those indoctrinated into thinking "influencers" provide a benefit!

BenFranklin100 2y ago
First, I don’t fully appreciate the distinction between an ‘influencer’ and someone having a Youtube channel as a side gig that posts practical content. Second, I am a forum kind-of-guy too, but I find YouTube channels to be useful complimentary additions to forums. Trying to implement a feature in Obsidian? The forums can help, but a ten minute YouTube video from an organized content creator can be just the thing needed to get the job done right and quickly.