Episode 154 - Are my principles hampering my progress?
Added 2023-10-18 13:13:01 +0000 UTCRejecting moneyed interest has cost my channel a lot. I entirely dependent on the support of my viewers, which means I haven't had the means to expand my production value. But opening myself up to for-profit incentives of sponsors and affiliate marketers, I could put the mission of my channel in jeopardy. So how to find the right balance?
Comments
I could make this an episode or two. Or more if there is interest. I am really not a very artistic person, even though I'd want to be more creative. Thanks for the cool suggestion!
The Hated One
2023-11-13 15:45:47 +0000 UTCRandom idea. How do you look at making a post about your processes? Not the research, but the artistic part. Like how do you do editing, animation, that sort of stuff. You mentioned you sometimes feel like you're using naive approaches. Maybe someone here would come up with an idea or an educated suggestion which would make your production a bit easier/cheaper. On the subject, it's complicated. With the ideal contract that you've mentioned you seek I don't see any incentive for a business owner to invest into your information support services. It doesn't look that there's any RoI around. Except that a business owner wants to support you as an individual and uses his company as a source to ease bookkeeping.
wurdfcon
2023-11-12 22:12:13 +0000 UTCThe issue is when sponsors are behind the same products/issues media outlets are supposed to be critically reviewing/covering. I.e. a make up tutorial channel shouldn't be taking money from cosmetic brands, or they shouldn't be recommending brands they are affiliating with. A privacy advisor shouldn't have financial motives to make recommendations based on their profitability to the advisor. At the end of the day, people need to eat. If there is lack of funding for important work, it's not gonna get done. It is absolutely crucial to find a way to separate conflicting interests from one another. Otherwise, the result is a media sphere oversaturated with positive perspectives on for-profit interests.
The Hated One
2023-10-26 17:17:34 +0000 UTCI would be okay with the options being reduced as long as the remaining sponsors would be in it for the mission first, acting more as donors to the cause, rather than seeking influence, brand recognition or positive outreach. I wouldn't risk ruining the whole foundation I've been building up over the years over a few hundred bucks I could get from a sponsor. I would be extremely strict in choosing whom should be funding my content and how.
The Hated One
2023-10-26 17:12:39 +0000 UTCThis is a complete misconception that "those who do paid promotion" they are bad. No, it' not. It's all about whom they are promoting. Like if u getting paid promotion from protonvpn and promoting them, it is harmless, but if u r getting the same form nord, sufshark, then that is bad. Like if u r promoting linux laptop like tuxido etc, it is fine. U have to choose which one is bad for your viewers and which one is good. Nothing in this world is 100% perfect. Things might go south in future with companies, and when it will(if it), u have to come clean to your viewers. Because what is good today might not be the same after couple of years.
inferno_potato
2023-10-20 12:14:46 +0000 UTCI think you're in a tough position. I think you should stick with your principles. How you go forward, while maintaining them, I am not sure, but, the proposed conditions of which a sponsorship would have to be taken under, will reduce the options significantly. Businesses, will serve themselves first, and are unlikely to take on something that, does not make them the greater beneficiary. It would be easier to choose to go with someone more malleable. However, that doesn't mean you couldn't find sponsorships like what you are proposing. It just means the odds are against you. Your content is always well researched, and is interesting to listen to. I like your content, but I don't know how many people outside of your viewer/listener basis, are also interested in these topics. BrownBaron, mentioned something interesting about a brand crisis. I would somewhat agree. I once listened/viewed your content for the sake of privacy, security and anonymity. I have learnt so much from you. It inspired me to take a more mindful approach with my use of technology. As time went on, you started making videos more specific to corruption, and now even conspiracy theories. I also enjoy this content. But it is very different to where you started. This may be impacting what's happening. Ultimately, big corporations don't like being called out, however, you have tried to raise awareness on corruption, which I respect. What path you take into the future, I am not sure. But I wanted to share my thoughts. If you go against your principles, you may regret doing so later. Your channel was built on your principles. It is the foundation of your channel.
Nameless
2023-10-20 03:06:27 +0000 UTCWell, at the center of your principles is the concern for human rights, so I wouldn't leave my standards so low, especially when there's a level of responsibility you have for your audience's wellbeing when they rely on your videos for guidance. The struggle is similar with many human rights advocacy groups or organizations. They start at the very bottom financially and remain at the bottom financially, but they are still in line with their principles. Your situation is kind of like that to me, but the difference is you are one person and one YouTuber and not a group walking around preaching causes. I don't think of your dilemma as the result of you letting your principles get in the way of progress, but rather slightly see it as a struggle that's common for advocates of any issue that need to have high standards for the greater good. On a slightly relevant note, have you ever looked into this channel called Tech Bore? They criticize Techlore's channel and bring up your points about the conflicts of interests in taking sponsors or doing self-promotions. They criticized Chris Titus and The Linux Experiment too.
Petrified
2023-10-19 04:01:13 +0000 UTCIt sounds like you're in a brand identity crisis. At 1st you branded yourself as a cybersecurity researcher and branched into investigate journalism. IMO it should have been a new channel as it splits your viewer base and confused/divides people. (Ex. Your video on Putin) The real issue with affiliates is disclosure. As long as you make it clear that you're recommending products for $ no one really cares. It is up to the consumer to research and find what works best for them. As for your channel, I'd recommend creating your own digital products like a course or a book. This way you make more $ than affiliates, it's all the money is going to you. And you retain complete control of the product while avoiding conflict of interest.
brownbaron
2023-10-18 18:12:20 +0000 UTC
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