Short Videos a WASTE of Time??
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- čas přidán 2. 05. 2023
- Are short form videos really just a waste of time, energy and resources? Like many of you I have a love hate relationship with short form video, whether thats CZcams Short, Instagram Reels, Face Book Reels of even the dreaded TikTok. But sometimes we need to look at things from someone else's point of view to decide if there is value. When it comes to short form video content, I think there is value. At least in some small way.
I will also look at what the income reality for CZcams shorts has been on a couple of viral short videos.
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Lets talk about that shaving horse your working at. That is a pretty nice horse, IMO. dont think I have seen your woodshop, I for one would like to see more,
Thats is from Plate 11 Wood Work.
I have a video on the horse here - czcams.com/video/08MAhWFTjgk/video.html
Their web page is here -www.plate11.com/shavehorses
Very often John will show several aspects of the shop as it has to do with a topic. But as expected.. Search through his old videos. There are a few. It's not a Johnny come lately thrown together shop. It developed over time. Seen the one about the floor? Speaking of which, what kind of subfloor do we need under a power hammer? Don't know if that was cove..r..ed...
A short!
@@patvickers8189 Many hammers have engineered plans for foundations available. Even many of the old hammers had recommendations. Mine is about 3 feet thick under the hammer and isolated from the rest of the floor.
I must say, I am not a fan of “Shorts”! As you said, most are just mind numbing bits.
I am still going to see what you have to offer, because so far, I like what I see.
( I really like your woodworking shop!)
FYI…63 year old permanently disabled man.
(For your demographic thing) lol
👍👍❤️
It’s funny you mention that lol he inadvertently got me in to woodworking!
All of your videos have so much effort put into them. They feel like professionally produced shows. When I first found your channel, it really reminded me of watching the old Woodwright's Shop show on PBS growing up. I occasionally view shorts by you but due to the time constraint they lack the depth I enjoy from your other work. I'm looking forward to anything new you put out, and thank you for all the knowledge you share!
I’m glad you’re enjoying them
Long or short I will watch all your videos. You can tell you take pride with them as well as your blacksmithing. Keep it up
I think you're right the shorts are more for entertainment and the longer ones people watch to learn something. But it comes down to what works best for you the creator.
By the way really enjoyed the deer and turkey.
The only waste of time, is to not do your best on any task. I have not seen you waste time yet. thank you for your effort
Generally I use your shorts in “that’s a cool idea“ range and your long videos for learning. While monitoring the numbers is important, what’s more important is how you feel about where you put your time. Time is one of the three things of importance we give. BTW, my nephew bought an anvil and I sent him a list of people to watch. You were at the very top. Thank you for taking the time to do the videos. They are time consuming to make and take away from time in your shop and with family.
As you mentioned a few of those younger viewers may eventually take up the craft and that’s a huge benefit. Hard to know for sure but a lot of those old school crafts sure do need more of a place and the younger generations seem to be finding more interest in them. As for me, well I’m an old guy who started blacksmithing because my son wanted to make knives and I was supporting him. Just wanted to hand out with him so I decided I could make things with steel too. As it turns out I really enjoy doing it and I am so thankful for this channel because I can actually learn how to do blacksmithing correctly. As such I watch the long form videos to hear you describe what your doing. When I am able to support your pattern I will just because of the value you provide to guys like me who really know very little but love learning. Thank you for what you do. I hope these videos always are valuable in forms of money to you.
Shorts seem to be an indication of where the market is going. You could look at 'shorts' as a sort of advertising for your long-form content. Use your previously unused video and episodes to cull footage for the 'shorts.' Love your work, my husband and I both watch and even our children and grandchildren have become fans of your work.
Totally agree with the " if someone starts because of a short " It's all worth it 👌 ❤ I've seen a few channels I watch quit shorts for lack of revenue. But I agree if someone picks up a hammer and chisel, a spanner to twist a basket or dragon scale handle 👍👍👍🍻 great work John.
I'd love to see some long form videos in the woodshop. Maybe a cabinet with blacksmithed hardware.
I would really like to do some projects like that
I'm one of those younger viewers (32, although I feel pretty old these days), and thought I'd chime in to help along your speculation with at least an anecdotal experience. I found your channel via Facebook a couple years ago when presented with a shorter video in my feed. I didn't previously subscribe to any blacksmith channels on CZcams, but was fascinated by your video, so looked you up on CZcams. I much prefer your longer videos. However, that shorter one gave a nice introduction. I won't ever be a blacksmith. I do enjoy the entertainment value. I value most the education aspect of your videos. There are so many things in your skill set that can apply to regular around the house projects and just generally give me a better way of thinking about how to make or modify things. It certainly helps that you present that educational information in a clear and beautiful manner through your voice overs, editing, and photography.
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos, long and short. I've learned a lot from you.
Thank for becoming a viewer, Its always nice to know how people find the channel initially
Long or short, what viewers want, even if they do not realize it, is story. Call it entertainment if you like but even a teaching video on how to do something has story. Another aspect is a familiar voice, a comforting voice that says the world is pretty much where I left it, a sort of anchor. I tinker away in my shop, often enough as you do- alone, and it is nice to know that there are other blacksmiths out there doing the same. I have probably watched you Poz Tong videos the most.
Dude your videos, long and short are awesome. I fit into that younger age bracket at under 35 and appreciate the shorts for mixing up my daily dose of mind numbing memes and joke videos for something useful. Your videos actually did convince me, along with Christ Centered Ironworks tests, to grab a Vevor anvil, hammers, a nail header, a hot cut hardy tool and a forge to try my own hand at smithing. So keep them videos coming sir! They definitely inspire.
Thank for letting me know the shorts as well as longer videos are helping. Thats the most important thing.
@@JohnSwitzer Absolutely, plus I send the shorts to friends who have short attention spans but I want them to see what I'm interested in. So they do have value to me in that regard as well.
I have been watching you on CZcams for 6 years, and when people started making shorts I was disappointed with them. I like the long videos so I can learn more. You are the one who helped me get started in blacksmith. I have learned that shorts have a place, but I prefer the long videos. The feeling I have is this, if I find a short that is interesting I look for the long version of it, but am unhappy if there is no long version. I really do like watching your CZcams longs and hope you keep making them for many years.
Thanks John, Nice axe handle fitting. In the end, art has an intrinsic value that is only perceived by the viewer. I was lost in a classic dot on the horizon type water color covering half a wall in an artists studio once. Spent so much time trying to figure it out, enough intense mental wanderings that I unaware of the artist until he asked me what I saw...
Shorts are not my preferred artistic format, but they must convey a message and I do watch the rare occasional one, sometimes through 2 or 3 loops. Annoying; And yet intriguing.
regardless of the justification, I continue to see shorts as another form of artistic expression, whatever the artist is trying to convey from getting people to think to guiding or expressing ideas.
And just an opinion, there are many many more untrained and un-thought-out efforts at art than than there are commercial or artistic renderings.
Seeing your woodworking shop is pure joy for me. Cool seeing it with natural light making it really easy to see.
Good morning, Mr. John!
I am a hobby 'maker' in the over 40 crowd and really enjoy both types of videos. I also pretty much validate all the points you articulate about education and entertainment, though your long form is plenty entertaining.
I am disappointed to see the lack of compensation for the shorts. Is there something we can do to help that?
Thank you for letting us peek behind the curtain, and thank you for bringing us along!
I think the real problem is just supply and demand, There's a huge supply but low demand for advertisers on shorts. That is likely to improve as time goes on, but for now, its pretty bad.
Sometimes I like just to like you work. And pick up a few things while doing it. Often I go to your longer videos to learn and appreciate the work you do.
I only watch shorts for my subscriptions, and in most cases only to support the channel. The only value to me is if they actually contain a quick tip. I don't waste my day just watching videos; I seek out content that fits my interests.
I think shorts or reels are like the Sesame Street of CZcams. A quick dopamine hit. I enjoy languishing in the deeper more meaningful content. Nobody watches just one reel, they get sucked into multiples, 5, 10, 20... tossed into the Short Sea until they get seasick. I rarely click through.
I don't typically watch Shorts, my attention span is longer than most of those who crave Shorts.
thanks John. As for as I'm concerned, you're the expert on the evaluation of the data (For your channel). To me, I watch for the instruction. and believe it or not I'm going to use the intro to this video to show "striking a match". I see alot of kids have difficulty with the concept of getting burned, being too scared to try. Please keep trying your best to support the blacksmith trade. I enjoy the scraping of a axe handle. I think that's scraping.
I enjoy what you have done over the last few years. You showed up in my recommendations and remembered that you were called out a few years ago from one of the youtubers I was watching for woodworking. You sold him a hold fast or probably a plane stop. I like this format and appreciate your enthusiasm.
I enjoy your content in short or long form. I know CZcams is putting focus on shorts (for good or bad) so definitely do what's right for you and the channel. I'll watch it.
I am inclined to think the reason older viewers on long view videos is because the younger people have short attention spans. Interested in entertainment rather than useful information.🤔
Thanks for sharing with us John, you made sense out of why SHORTS are liked by some folks. I still prefer the longer versions of video, I'm in the last age group. The 75 & ON THEIR WAY OUT and I do enjoy your videos very much. Fred.
Agreed, and thanks for all of the videos and knowledge you've shared!
I enjoy the way you are systematically trying to figure out the best way to present your content. Your patience is admirable. I personally prefer the full videos because they are instructive & and easy viewing. Keep them coming 👍🏻. Wayne from South Africa 🇿🇦
I look at shorts like the movie premiers at the theater, create interest through a tease on an upcoming project. I know a young man who docents at a nearby park who got bit by the CZcams blacksmith bug, I say keep it up.
Lately, several creators on YT, have questioned the Shorts format & their return ($). One YT creator found his content was stolen by a TicToc creator and regurgitated on that platform.
What I dislike about the Shorts system is that it encourages mindless screen-staring. The videos are often too short to properly absorb anything and the next video is immediately started after the end, further contributing to lack of absorption through information overload. It seems to be geared solely toward keeping eyes on the website to earn CZcams more money, especially since shorts barely pay anything to the creator.
I have a completely unrelated question. Who crafted the creel in the background? I made baskets recreationally for 25+ years. I never sold any of them but gave them to family and friends. My guess is that it was Janet the weaver who made it.
Thats actually a small pack basket I bought from an Etsy seller. www.etsy.com/shop/SlaterBasketry
I like your shorts that are a snip from your longer videos. Then I can refer to long video for more information. Your videos they are a great help. Thanks
Thank you so much for this particular video, it’s really kind of cool to see what’s happening behind the curtain in this crazy world of social media.
Short videos are simply a different market and if you want to develop that market, perhaps in a year or two, you will see great returns. I’m in the 50+ crowd and I started smithing only 3 months ago and your videos are an essential part of my learning process. Please keep doing what you do best, thank you for all the schooling.
I try to watch both as time allows 👍
Thank you for another great video. You did a great job addressing the pros and cons of short videos. One aspect you didn't mention is a "pay-off" that those of us who work with our hands really can't quantify in dollars. Self satisfaction is something we all realize when we have completed a project that pleases us. If you feel a sense of pride in your work, whatever that work may be, keep it up !
I'm 24 and I learned a lot from You Mr. I'm soo grateful for your work!! I started a CZcams chanell as well and I found your videos about CZcams very helpful! Thank you for your work once again and sorry for my bad english 😄
I love your videos- I’m a Dr in the UK and enjoy hobby blacksmithing and woodwork (probably not your key demographic!) for me your full length videos are where I learn and your expertise shines through- go with shorts if they give you value but probably not to develop and sustain your main following- I’ll follow, like and a stay subscribed irrespective!
You have made quite a few good points about the shorts and I personally will definitely be taking it into consideration when I can get back into making some more content for my channel thanks for the food for thought
Too often I see indirect benefits discounted because the gains are not immediate and it is so difficult to account for them. It is refreshing to have them addressed and applied.
To be honest, I watch your videos strictly for entertainment. I am in a slightly younger crowd; I started watching your videos in my late 30s. I work with my hands a lot around the house but don't have any plans to become a blacksmith. I much prefer your long form videos and find them immensely entertaining. But along those same lines I watch physics videos, cooking video, and all sorts of other educational videos that I find enriching and entertaining. I personally do see value in the shortform videos as entertainment when I'm waiting in the car while my wife runs into the store.
Hi John, I watch everything you put out on all 3 channels and find value in all of them. The shorts are something I can look at when I only have a short time to spend and I save the long ones for when I want to relax. Your reminders to get out to the shop and make something often prompt me into action in my blacksmith shop so thanks for that.
John, you can always use the shorts for projects ideas or previews for the long ones. Either way I enjoy both and I am always learning something new from you. Thank you for all you do
Or another idea for shorts is to show beginners basic tools they need or things to try. One question for you John, when you do your projects with mild steel, do you always use the same thing? If so, what is your go to mild steel?
John, consider Louis Lamour. He was hired to write scads of short stories. Later, he expanded many of those stories into really good novels. I'd like to see a portion of your shorts as a teaser for your full length, full feature video. Just a thought. Maybe a bad one. But as a whole, your forced labor on shorts are very enjoyable. Sorry you have to succumb to their oddball ideas.
That being said, please point out to your viewers that CZcams puts leading subscriptions at the front of the pack. Even fairly successful channels won't show near the front of "new posts" if the subscriber has several leading channels.
Odd addendum. The white/black screen hiccup happened as I started this comment. The comment disappeared. 6 hours later it pooped up on my screen. I guess I'm thankful. Ring in for me please.
At 25, I'm right in that younger viewer block who seem to watch your shorts. While I don't really watch all that many shorts, I think it's how a lot of other people my age are introduced to new creators. You might try calling out the long form videos in the shorts, it might increase that conversion rate
As a youTuber myself, I think shorts are great for some things.. but Not for others. They draw in people.. but I dont really like making them other than the fact, they are easy to make
I emjoy all forms of your videos. You should mention how a comment affects your likes.
I completely agree that the vast majority of shorts I've seen are some of the worst content I've encountered on CZcams and the most cram-packed with predatory attention-grabbing psychological mechanics. But that's not necessarily the fault of the format. Nothing about short-form 60 second videos forces that kind of content directly, it seems to me to be more of a natural consequence of the broader CZcams culture (outside of our nice oases here). Ultimately I think that for the viewer there is value to the format, both for your main channel viewers and for unaffiliated viewers that may find they have an interest in blacksmithing. Most of those viewers won't convert into actual fans, but some will. Further, people are definitely consuming CZcams shorts (particularly younger people) and if content creators like you don't contribute then those viewers are left watching nothing at all but the garbage. And if the young people are watching more shorts than long format videos, that is the primary way you can expose blacksmithing to them. Otherwise, how is the younger generation going to be engaged?
I'd never heard of "shorts" until you mentioned it sometime ago, now I'd addicted. However, if I want to see how something is done I watch a full video such as yous.
I love watching as many of your videos as i can can. Whether they are long or short i always learn something.
You do you John and we’ll watch. 😊
Hello there, Jo!
mr. Jhon!
This video was great, I admire that you are so pationed about teaching and making.
All I know as till now about blacksmithing I have to thank you for, best online tutor ever.
Im seriously considering taking it up as my profession in combination with arts.
Greetings from Netherlands
Anthony
watched a few shorts, not really my thing. I will say they will make time fly by. Entertainment for sure.
Enjoyed hearing about the statistics of all of it and I think a positive to look at is if your doing both forms your covering all generations.
Thanks for posting this, John.
I have noticed a lot of CZcams’ers are making these short videos. Maybe they are good for some people but not for me. I’m retired so I have the time to watch the full length videos. That being said, bring on the full length videos. I’m looking forward to the cabin re-build.
John, would you more enjoy, making one long format video per week or 7 shorts? Which would take you longer to shoot and edit?
I know that it isn’t one or the other but personal satisfaction has to be a factor in this job of yours.
The answer to that question can change day to day or even hour to hour. There is often a small bit in the middle of making a longer video that I shoot just for turning into a short. Of course time available plays a big roll and that will be more important this summer as we shift our priority to working on the old cabin project.
Concordo plenamente meu amigo, vídeos curtos são extremamente chatos, ´passo por cima nem vejo, acho falta de consideração.
Hey what is the red sewing machine behind you? Is that a leather machine? Where did you get it :)
That is, or was, a Master Tool Cub from Weaver Leather. Its probably a great machine for certain things, but I found it way to finicky for making things like axe sheaths. I was lucky they agreed to take it back, although there will be a hefty restocking fee. Hand stitching is still better for what I am doing.
All the videos are a waste of time in my opinion. By waste of time I am referring to getting all the camera equipment set up, lighting, editing, and then uploading vs the time that could be spent vs raw forging and writing a comprehensive book on the subject. You should write a book. It would probably be one of, if not the best book out there on blacksmithing. Making videos of yourself forging just seems like a huge hassle.
Shorts engages new subscribers
I tend to ignore and hide short videos.
I suspect they exist to pander to the younger crowd of short attention span people.
I could be wrong.
I just find short videos highly annoying. I'd rather watch your normal videos.
Iam a old guy so you no what I think. Thanks
Good morning
Good morning
Shorts seem gimicky. I don't make them and rarely watch them. But that's just me. I do think they get in the way of finding more substantive content just by flooding the feed.
I NEVER watch CZcams shorts.
I spend my life clicking the NOT INTERESTED button.
I hope your shorts are seen by the TikTok generation and it brings them to watch your full length videos.
Personally, I wish CZcams offered me an option to exclude Shorts and Mixes from my home page recommended videos.
Make a short on how you made that sandwich 😁
Might be the best idea so far
I'm not a fan of shorts coz I like the deatails and the sound of your voice.
I dislike the short videos. Most of them seem like clickbait. The creators I am most interested in require at least 8 minutes to convey a worthwhile idea.
👀🍿❤️
I’m 35 and never watch your shorts even though I watch just about every video you put out on all 3 channels. I skip right over them. There’s no connection and no learning from the shorts. That’s the new age thing though I guess. I’m not going to watch someone’s videos if I don’t feel like I know them and trust them. Plus your not learning anything. Just my personal opinion.
I don’t like shorts I think it’s just another way to drop peoples ability to focus and that kind of society leads to no one ever wanting to sit and watch you forge in real life becuase wahhhh it takes to long and it’s hard so I’ll just watch a video of it
Your most assured source of a paycheck is to push kits or products that you make. A sealed bid auction of special items made during the video has potential. And don't forget Livestream during a workday to keep loyal subs in for a good rapport. 🐾🔥⚒️📬 I kinda missed hook of the week. And your carpentry work. And the drone work. And the trikes with your wife. And the beautiful loom work she does. Collaboration with another smith is never too old to enjoy. Rant over.🐾🔥⚒️
I watch shorts if I want to see a specific technique demonstrated; I've been doing this long enough that if the short is about something I don't need to know right now I pass on it. Your longer videos, even the ones where you're making something I don't presently make, always teach me a technique I wasn't expecting to learn, and thus I benefit. Your HOTW videos got me started some years ago, and I still bang out hooks once a month or so to pay the bills and keep the forge lit. Thanks again!