I'm sorry
Added 2021-12-09 18:51:18 +0000 UTCHey, I've got an apology to make. I've not been great about staying on schedule with the Patreon Hangouts, answering messages, including the Patreon Shoutouts in every other video or following through with bigger projects that I promised like relaunching Filaween or rebranding the channel. Mostly, though, I'm sorry for not communicating better with all of you. Here's what's up:
The last couple of years have been full of setbacks. Sure, that's to be expected with any project of this scale. But what sticks are the ones that keep me from moving out of the rut I've been in ever since I made the YouTube channel my main job.
I tried to hire an employee - turns out I hired the wrong person. I've since hired my mom part-time to do many of the behind-the-scenes tasks and I have an editor doing large parts of the editing work, but I, personally, am still the bottleneck for actual video/content production.
I tried to move to a larger studio - turned out I was getting respiratory problems in the new space. I'm back in the old basement studio and it's inefficient to work in there and limiting what I can do.
I tried to streamline video publishing, and I've been on a spotless two-week routine for the last couple of months, but guess what: Long-term damage from a 10-year-old shoulder injury is now making it utterly painful for me to use a computer for more than half an hour a day. After months of cramps and pain, I've finally found a decent orthopedic and am able to do physiotherapy to get the shoulder usable again. But as you might imagine, doing anything 3D-printing related is kinda hard when you can't use a computer.
I've already cut gaming on mouse and keyboard out of my life because it would eat into the computer time allowance my shoulder was granting me, but it's now at a point where I'm having to avoid any sort of computer work for fear or being in pain the rest of the day.
I don't know how this entire shoulder thing is going to develop, but one way or another it's going to and is already cutting into my productivity when producing videos. So the next couple of videos may be on a less tight schedule, and they most likely won't be topics like big printing projects where I have to spend tons of time doing CAD or other mouse-heavy tasks. Testing out soldering stations was quite a lot of fun, though!
If tech plays along (thanks YouTube), there will at least be a couple of livestreams next week. As long as I don't stress my shoulder and arm with computer work, physically doing stuff is (mostly) fine (right now), so unboxing printers should be ok.
Repeatedly running into roadblocks like the ones above, that keep me from (efficiently) working and producing content is draining for me because I do want to make content for all of you and I also want it to be good. Still, the alternative of having to struggle for content ideas because I'm unable to cover the topics I actually want to cover probably isn't great, either.
I hope the content I do manange to produce over the next weeks (months?) will be somewhat decent and that I'll be able to produce stuff at all. I don't know at this point.
Anyway, thank you for your support! And since I can't right now, please make sure that at least you keep on making.
-Tom
Comments
IMHO there is absolutely no need for any apology what so ever.. your content is of such high quality and none of the issues you described was ever noticable or shining through. Just like it should be.. You are doing a great job. I was enjoying the excitement about moving to the new place, but over the years I followed several channels going through the same process and suddenly it was too professional and too big and I stopped watching because it wasn't the same feeling and atmosphere anymore. Sure, that is not what you yourself are dreaming of.. fully understandable, just trying to reason that staying in the basement a little longer is not per se a bad thing. I for my part enjoyed the solder iron review significantly and also recommended the video to others. Funnily I seem to enjoy the off-topic videos even more than pure printing topic ones.. (remembering the MOSFET vid and the Dashboard for the office as good examples). Keep doing what you can. That is more than enough! We will continue supporting you! PS: I was riddled with shoulder pain for 4 yrs before I realized it all had to do with my sleeping posture. Now I got it under control. I know how desperate the search for mending a shoulder can be. Wish you strength and perseverance! Get well soon!
Jasper Büsch
2021-12-11 10:32:40 +0000 UTCI don't think the Meltzone will get affected too much, as it's fairly easy to edit and I do get to move around while Stefan and I record it.
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 09:04:10 +0000 UTCThank you. The MX Ergo has come up a couple of times now and it sounds like it might be worth a try, even though I don't think my shoulder problems are from RSI, but more from the position of my arm being slightly forward and reaching out for an input device.
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 09:02:41 +0000 UTCI've never considered using one for CAD, but I already do use somewhat specialized input hardware for video editing, so the idea isn't too foreign for me. Worth a try!
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 08:58:30 +0000 UTCThank you - eine Umarmung zurück!
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 08:56:38 +0000 UTCThanks for the tip! A proper chair and motorized standing desk were some of the first things I got when it became clear that I'd be spending quite a lot of time with them. But it seems it's the position of having my arms forward and in a static position that causes my shoulder to tense up. I'll keep experimenting!
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 08:54:57 +0000 UTCThank you
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 08:50:52 +0000 UTCDanke für den Tipp! Um effizient Videos zu schneiden brauche ich aktuell leider wirklich eine Maus mit möglichst vielen Tasten und Inputs (aktuell eine R.A.T. 8), für einfachere Aufgaben wie CAD könnte ein Trackball aber wirklich interessant sein.
Thomas Sanladerer
2021-12-11 08:50:22 +0000 UTCHi Tom Thanks for sharing. I can feel the struggle of not being to use a computer for work or for fun. You have already done enough for the community to deserve our patronage and support. In time you will able to deliver even more. For now, focus on your health, we are here for you. Um abraço de Portugal.
João António Cardoso
2021-12-11 05:34:00 +0000 UTCTake the time to figure out your health, that's the marathon. You don't want to be stuck drinking beer from a straw!
Brian Kurotsuchi
2021-12-11 00:34:00 +0000 UTCHang in there, Tom. It's all good. To everything there is a season. Wishing you peace and health.
Matthew Byrd
2021-12-10 14:49:10 +0000 UTCNo worries. Do what you need to so you get healthy and back in top form. Sending good wishes for the holidays and healing energy. Be Well.
Jeff Huyler
2021-12-10 13:56:05 +0000 UTCas everyone else has said, we understand and appreciate it. i'm sure we've all dealt with our bodies not wanting to cooperate. and shoulder injuries are no joke. have you ever looked into a spacemouse? i was having serious wrist problems from doing CAD all day and it saved me. spreads the workload over both hands, saved my career honestly.
Kevin Kapoun
2021-12-10 13:08:28 +0000 UTCThanks for your message and no worries at all Thomas - life is full of ups and downs! All the best with your physio and just accept it'll take time - been there, done that got the t-shirt. Thanks for all your great content to date! Although I'm not super active in 3D printing, I still enjoy visiting your channel from time to time for its good quality, critical assessment of accessories and printer designs. Slightly off topic, and not sure it's helpful, but perhaps check out Van Neistat 'The Spirited Man' for some inspiration and good vibes from a very un-YouTube-like maker / all round creative soul (Van is Casey Neistat's older, possibly more creative brother). As hard as it might be to do, accept your creativity will ebb and flow, take it easy, take time out and don't burn out; we appreciate your fine service to DIY 3D printing :) Wishing you and your family a happy and relaxing Christmas.
hairy_kiwi
2021-12-10 10:48:27 +0000 UTCTom, thanks for letting us know how you're doing. I totally agree on what everyone already stated - your health must come first. YouTube is a marathon game and I understand the pressure you feel when you cannot make content as you planned. If you need support, just let me know.
Daniel Crosslink
2021-12-10 10:22:32 +0000 UTCTake the time you need to heal up, most of us will still be here when you come back. If your table and chair allows it, you can try something that I did when I had a severe arm injury. (if you have a gaming chair or something similar, raise up the arm supports so that they're higher than your table. This makes it so that you can move your arm with little weight on your shoulder because the weight rests on the elbow support instead.) Hope that helps you out at least a little. Best of luck with the physio.
Yasmeen Yarkspiri
2021-12-10 09:44:51 +0000 UTCMoin Thomas, als eine der die Spüren von Leistungssport spührt (2 knie, Rücken, nacken, schulter) muss ich sagen das Gesundheit kommt vorerst. Klar muss du auch geld verdienen. Ich persönlich will aber lieber ein bisschen weniger videos sehen und das es dich besser geht. Für schulterprobleme kann ich echt der Logitech MX Ergo empfehlen, kostet was hat mich aber geholfen das ich besser am Rechner sitzen kann. Bleib gesund und Fröhlichen Weihnachten.
Thomas Nielsen
2021-12-10 08:33:15 +0000 UTCTom, you consistently make the right content for the right reasons. Always transparent, quick to admit an error or a mistake, and able to recognize the opportunity to do a good (if hard) thing. It's these human qualities that elevate creators above "machine" channels that just exist to game algorithms with low-value content. Another key to that "human" part is health, which I hope will come first. I wish you as successful a recovery as possible, and hope that you are able to find a pace, environment, and partners that are a good fit for you and your vision. Lastly, I will continue to enjoy and recommend your content however long it takes!
Nick Delewski
2021-12-10 03:43:06 +0000 UTCThomas, I also am upping my monthly contribution during this time. Sometimes I have two coats so I can share one with the man that doesn't have one. Your content is still the best in the space, and we support you for your competence and integrity (this "apology" is just another example of the latter). In other words, we can trust you. Take care of yourself, and we'll be here for you. How about a short, say 30 minute livestream once a week or two? Just take questions and answer/discuss them. I think that would become a regular thing even when you're back to regular content production. I'd sure tune in. Get healed up, my friend. Praying for you as well.
Del Morissette
2021-12-10 03:01:32 +0000 UTCTom, you need not apologize. You have no control over this physical problem with your shoulder. I hope you can get results with the physio. In the meantime, you must take care of yourself first as much as possible. I hope you get better soon!
HybridRobotics
2021-12-10 02:17:23 +0000 UTCTotally fine, take care of yourself first and everything will be OK. Thanks for the content, and there's still a lot of your back catalog I haven't yet seen. Get well soon!
Tony Hammitt
2021-12-09 21:59:55 +0000 UTCFirst: No need to apologize. This is called life and stuff happens. Second: Your HEALTH COMES FIRST! If you're not feeling well, it'll come across in the videos. I broke my shoulder falling out of a Buckeye tree when I was ~7. It still hurts to this dy occasionally so I can understand. Last: If for some reason you need to take a break to get healthy (ier), by all means, do it. Your subscribers will understand and, at leat for me, my Patreon donations won't stop. Do whatcha need to do sir.
Trevor Ward
2021-12-09 21:57:24 +0000 UTCNo need to apologize. I support you because I appreciate what you do, not because you promised something specific. You do what you think is best for you.
Matthew Wilson
2021-12-09 21:19:05 +0000 UTCLife happens. Take care of yourself and understand we appreciate the years of great content. Maybe you should see this as an opportunity to fulfill your destiny as 3D senpai. Consider picking up a couple interns for the painful tasks. The teaching aspect would add an honest measure of difficulty on projects for newbies in our community and you would have one round of feedback already before publishing new tutorials.
Jason Byars
2021-12-09 20:53:50 +0000 UTCSending much love and support your way. Take all the time you need to feel better. We are behind you and totally understand.
Michael Whitley
2021-12-09 20:25:50 +0000 UTCRest up and focus on tending to your health, Tom! No need to apologise for taking care of yourself.
Sergio Gomes
2021-12-09 20:24:18 +0000 UTCDear Thomas. Health comes first and I'm not supporting you to produce a certain number of videos per month, but because you create inspiring content and give your own unbiased opinion. You don't need to stress yourself and your shoulder just to increase output, just take enough breaks.
Christoph
2021-12-09 20:00:47 +0000 UTC<3 No worries Tom.
Casper Mønsted
2021-12-09 19:57:36 +0000 UTCHealth always comes first! Take your time and get the shoulder working again, we can wait. In the meantime, we will have the vast vault of your already existing stuff, to keep us entertained. Just a short question, will this also affect "The melt zone podcast"? Just so we know what to expect. Servus und gute Besserung aus Oberndorf ;-)
Roland Knall
2021-12-09 19:50:47 +0000 UTCNo worries. Shoulders are difficult to heal - and just a heads up - it gets worse as you age. Post up when you can and what you can. It's all good for me!
Marsh Jones
2021-12-09 19:42:22 +0000 UTCNo pressure here as well. Please get well soon. As far as I understand you're in your early 30s. So it's no good idea to wreck your body. I for myself like your content - nonetheless if it's provided regularly or not. Take your time!
DΞCKΛRD
2021-12-09 19:33:45 +0000 UTCTom, we all run into road blocks or that printer that takes 2 months to complete. Finally somewhat finshed ender 3 with idex and octopus with litte testing. Then onto my k40 and going really slow with that so do what you can and I will be here waiting. I tend to miss your Q&As and watchbthem later. Thanks on the soldering stations, still questioning if I want that darn Penzil or not.
Andrew Kenton
2021-12-09 19:28:13 +0000 UTCThat's saddening.... not because we _might_ not get decent content, but cause of your health and you not beeing able to do what you love to do in a way you would like to do. I hope that your shoulder is somehow fixable (I got a couple of twitter messages in which I think you mentioned that.) Reading your setbacks you've been through is quite saddening. If there's anything we can do, let us know how. I'm looking forward to your livestreams and hopefully I can watch them live. ;-) I wish you all the very best and that there is a solution for your shoulder pain. P.S.: Etwaige Fehler sind zur Erheiterung. ;-)
Sebastian Span
2021-12-09 19:27:26 +0000 UTCTom, don't stress about us. Do what you need to do for yourself.
Andy Timmons
2021-12-09 19:20:52 +0000 UTCThomas, I truly believe you are going to get a lot of love and support from your Patreons. We have all been there, myself included, I, too, have gone through the shoulder issue, ended up getting surgery, then having to have back surgery right after that, all the while going through a divorce. Hang in there, we understand, and as stated above, we follow you and contribute to you for the value that you add to the community. I am glad that your mom is helping out, so that's a plus. As far as communicating, it's not easy to publicly declare that you are having problems, but you are not the only one. Your content, personality, devotion, and in turn, listening to your audience, is what makes you you and head and shoulders above a lot of other major content creators. Keep us posted. We will be your support group.
Chris Muncy
2021-12-09 19:15:00 +0000 UTCTake it easy and heal. I would gladly edit for you but I’m in America so that would not exactly help you. I pray the therapy works. Chiropractors help as well. Years of back neck and shoulder problems can attest to that. I enjoyed the soldering video. I’m still setting up my area.
Lisa Harshberger
2021-12-09 19:13:36 +0000 UTCHealth comes first. As someone who has problems using a mouse due to RSI i can suggest to take a look into trackballs. Logitech MX Ergo is my choice. If your desk is setup right you can relieve almost all weight from your shoulder. To your honesty in writing: i just upped my patreon tier in hope it takes some stress away.
Christian Wessels
2021-12-09 19:08:51 +0000 UTCTom, I became a patron because of all you have given to the community, not for you to drive yourself into the ground. Supporting individuals like you makes our community (and the world) a much better place. Give yourself time to heal and maybe try doing more frequent, shorter, live Q&As as they should require less or no postproduction. Take care of yourself, and we are here to support you.
Bernard Gauweiler
2021-12-09 19:08:41 +0000 UTCThomas, health comes first! We have a proverb here in Poland (from the 16th century): Health, You are grand - though none understand how splendid you taste until you are waste..... {Ślachetne zdrowie, Nikt się nie dowie, Jako smakujesz, Aż się zepsujesz. } So please take care on you.
Slawomir Ciunczyk
2021-12-09 19:03:14 +0000 UTCHey Tom, do not put pressure on your schedule *at all*. Healing comes first. That said, I will highly suggest looking at your computer ergonomics if your shoulder is causing you pain. That would be an interesting topic for a livestream actually - to see what your setup is and then we can chime in with suggestions. I myself have had to have ergonomic setups for my PC since my first year at uni - I'm a programmer/devops engineer, so I spend days at the computer for work, and I like 3d printing for fun, which you pointed out adds to computer time. I'd be happy to share with you on what I found helped me to keep RSI and other joint stresses out of the way while using a computer.
Jonathan Charnas
2021-12-09 18:59:48 +0000 UTCIt‘s okay, you are a human! Still loving that unbiased opinion you share and seeing that you stand behind that what you are doing, that is the most valuable thing!
Matthias
2021-12-09 18:57:39 +0000 UTCJust chiming in to say that you do great work, make great content, and it is OK to have time off to rest. <3 - Tim
Filastruder
2021-12-09 18:54:31 +0000 UTC
