The Next Video and the Channel's Future

Hello!

Got some news.

Despite the personal artistic satisfaction of making and releasing the latest video, the HBO The Last of Us video ended up performing worse that expected. In fact it's the worst performing video essay I've made out of the last 10 I've released thus far by 50%.

To be candid, this got me a little existential about this channel's future and what are the sort of things I want to produce. I, of course, heavily appreciate the support of both past and existing Patrons, it's just that I still relied on YouTube's ad revenue to do the bulk of my profits.

So seeing my video not do as well as I expected made me feel upset in all honestly, mostly because that made me feel those 2-3 months of work felt unnoticed and unrewarded.

So, in response to that, I'll probably be making some drastic changes to the way I approach videos; mainly how much time it takes me to make them. I'll be toning down on the motion graphics, and using more of my camera. I wish to take this opportunity to learn new things, such as lighting and being an on camera presence, and I hope this'll feel more like a 'side-grade' more than a 'down-grade' in quality.

After all, as lovely as those motion graphic videos are, they take a toll on me for sure with how much time it takes to make them. So for the betterment of my health and mind (and the algorithm), I want to switch things up and see how far this goes. More videos more frequently (hopefully).

And with the script is 95% done, I'll continue on with the Part II video. Given the numbers of the most recent video, I don't expect this video to do well either but I wanna give it a shot. As far videos after that, I've got some ideas but I'll evaluate what to do when we get there.

One final thing about this. I'm planning on making a Patreon-update video to be released to the channel to let non-patrons know. It'll essentially be like this post, explaining my circumstances to the channel. Hopefully new people can come on to help keep the channel afloat, but I don't want them to feel like it's the end of the world. It's just business after all, and whether or not is matter of how much do people want these essays to stick around.

The Patreon update video is mostly written out too! So expect it to pop up sometime this month. And if there's anything you'd like me to address in the video for better clarification, please let me know!

ANYWAY - TLDR 

• The videos are too much of a toll on me in terms of revenue and my mental health, so I'm gonna make some changes
• Changes include huge tone down on the motion graphics, and trying more camera work. Hopefully this feels more like a side-grade rather than a down-grade
• I'll be making a Patreon update video to be released publicly to attract more support.
• If things look grim, I might have to move on from YouTube.

So yeah, that's it for general Patreon news! Sorry if it is a bit glum, but it is what it is.

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The Last of us Part II

As I mentioned above, 95% of the script is basically complete! The thesis is about how Part II's narrative authorial intent is in direct opposition with the game's gameplay. I then compare Naughty Dog's game to Shadow of the Colossus, Lisa: The Painful, and Papers Please to construct my argument.

I like this script a lot! So despite my glum attitude, I'm eager to get back on the saddle and start recording.

Also! This theme's Patreon commissions is will be replicating Ellie's diary in the game, and commission tiers above Salt Shaker will get to add a quote beside their doodle.

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Anyway, yeah that's about it in terms of updates!
Thanks for the support thus far. It's been a great pleasure, and I hope that it doesn't end soon. Wish me luck :)

(Also, Patreon rewards should be delivered soon!)