I don’t mind it. There just isn’t a better term in the English world in my opinion. In Germany you can call yourself a “homeworker”. That is a person that is keen on making things at home but not professionally.
To me, maker stand for something that bodges something every week with hot glue and electric tape. When camera shutdown all fell back to peaces. There are few videos from this happening, good enough for 10 minutes, but why? I think latte is good only for cleaning paint brushes, coffee is entirely different thing.
I'm not a fan of labels but if it simplifies my attempt to explain what I do, so be it. I don't share your concern about the fans feeling excluded. It's rather a chance to meet you at all. Don't know about North America but here in Germany the Maker Faires are visited by many schools and parents with kids. At that young age the kids inspired and motivated to be creative instead of playing fortnite
It's kind of funny that maker fairs, which are mostly about electronics and high-tech, still hold these low-tech events. Kind of like how Wired still has a printed magazine. Most everything at these events (besides a handshake, I guess) can be done virtually with less fuss, a lot cheaper, and include people who can't afford to travel.
You sound confused: Let's take another example: VR. Just because the technology is "VR" doesn't mean people should meet in "VR". There's still conferences for them to explore the hardware and companies behind them. Same goes for Game development. Should game developers just meet in games? There's still merrit in what you call 'low-tech'.. i.e. meeting in real life. In fact, one might say it's the most high-fidelity thing you can do. Technology is kind-of low-tech compared to real life interaction. Technology is still trying to catch up in this manner, and most solutions thus far don't really work. If you've ever been on a conference call with more than a few people, you'll know why. Compare that to a real conference where thousands of people actually get together successfully.
Steve makes a great point, and one I hadn't considered before. It may be less of an issue for people in a major metropolitan area, but for the rest of us, travel requires a lot of time and money. Missed work, lodging, transporting things to and from the show, and yet a smaller audience than you'd have online. I've got friends at SEMA right now who are out a weeks worth of work, airfare, and Vegas strip lodging for them and a spouse. They justify it as 'business expense', whereas I look at the cost and lost revenue in terms of 'money not spent on tools and equipment'. Make cool stuff - put it on the internet.
I am currently in a blended in-class/online live collaborative style of classroom. The experience I have had with the class has been interesting. Sometimes people have their microphones on and you get background noise in the live feed. So trying to get all the high-tech garbage to sink together takes a large amount of time(Thanks Windows 10 for being a moody pile of elephant stew) and operates glitchy at best. I'm studying GIS and specializing in remote sensing and aerial imagery, plus a certification in forestry. I regularly go to tech conventions to see the new gadgets coming out and I have to admit that there is some nuance missing from the collaborative live online setting vs meeting in low-tech real life. At the conventions you get to touch, feel and hold objects. You get detailed summaries of how certain products work and having it your hand while going through a demo is far more satisfying than merely watching some mere mortal via online (no offense). Tell a musician that its so much better looking at people jamming to their music via skype or some other video conferencing...Ever seen an online lighter ocean to an emotional ballad? Didn't think so. Or lets do the wave at home online for the next game rather than go to the game. Why actually go bowling and reenact scenes from The Big Lebowski at the bowling alley when you can look like a real winner flailing your arms around in front of your tv for all your neighbors to watch you look like an idiot. Yeah..low-tech stuff sucks. Send a go-pro into the movies next time instead of going to the movies that way you get the best of both worlds at the same time.
@@dakotawoodworx2282 It definitely depends on your goals. To me, lighter oceans (well, phone oceans) or doing a wave isn't always compelling enough to justify the expense. Conferences and fairs are focused mostly on people with a lot of money. For many people, it's pretty hard to justify $1000 or more (tickets, hotel, travel) when you could spend that on tools for your shop.
I think the summary of an article from INC magazine sums up creativity and extrovert vs introvert. "Creative people are both introverted and extroverted, but at different times. They need and use the companion of other people to build better ideas, but they also use solitude to let ideas incubate, and the use triggering activities to force combination of those incubated ideas." I submit that as creative's, watching others CZcams videos or attending makers faired, fulfills part of the "companion of other people" needed in our creative process.
I'm always wondering how John and Matthias got in touch with each other... I's kind of funny seeing those two together knowing they are a little introvert and living in their own world. Don't get me wrong, I love both guys for their good and entertaining videos and wish them all the best!
I felt similarly before I went to the Bay Area Maker Faire. But the other CZcamsrs are very welcoming to everyone. The novelty of the projects is better in person too. But I would say that going every year is not necessary.
Really it's all about the people for me rather than the stuff at the Faire. That being said, even for all of the useless things there, they still serve as a great source of inspiration for other ideas down the road. I do agree with you though that the Faires leave a lot to be desired. Instead of just avoiding them though, I've tried to do something about it since I think that it's the best thing that we have at this point. It's all about showing off, which is all well and good but there are better ways to do things, like showing more of the process and thought behind stuff, a look behind the curtain if you will. This year at Maker Faire in NYC I worked really hard to put something like that together along with Arbortech. At the booth it was fully interactive so anyone was able to try all of their powercarving tools, but I was also there working on a project live. People were able to see a build in real time right in front of them and ask questions about my process, design, ideas, etc. I don't know if we'll be able to make it happen again though because the cost is excruciating unless you are some sort of tech company. Why don't we see more than just tech companies there? Well there's your answer. And the number of times that I heard from Make staff saying they were so excited to have woodworking represented there was eye opening because they have no idea why those type of people are being driven away. All that being said, they need to do a lot of work still to make MF more worthwhile but it's a pretty amazing foundation already. They would definitely benefit from your ideas so maybe there's a productive way to tell them that? Maybe they don't care and won't listen? I honestly don't know.
You make good points. I love me some robots, but they really should have more low-tech exhibits and demonstrations. The blacksmithing exhibit is another good example. I'd love to see more of that. More workshops outside of soldering and crafting, too.
Like you said, much of the enjoyment for me comes from the social interactions that happen that Make really has little to do with. (besides finally setting up a Content Creator area, but that can use a lot of work too....) If 40 of us all agreed to meetup at a Wal-Mart sometime, I would suspect we would still have a wonderful time.
It's absolutely all about the community. Look at the the Atlanta Wood Working Show - the show itself is a snoozefest unless you want to watch somebody turn another pen or buy some contraption that claims to solve all your shop woes - but we turn it into a community event and we all spend a bunch of time together. It's pretty great because of the people. I would personally like to see a real challenger to Make Magazine and Makerfaire break their monopoly on community events. Makers Central is onto something, but that's one weekend in the UK and that's it.
You make a good point, almost everything at Bag Area Maker Faire this year was useless. Kinda cool and artistic, but nothing that a person needs. I wish there was a Faire where those of us who make useful stuff could meet up.
It's a bit like how I feel about going to the science museum in London. It's all illustrative and for kids to run around like maniacs, but not about studying or really reveal the mysteries about what is made. The James Watt workshop what was rehoused there was terrible. It was a theatre set and not a workshop. That said, I've been to a few steam engine fairs and meccano events - not because I'm interested in making these things, but they are stuff outside my comfort-zone and everything looks different to me. I feel like I'm learning something, and can also marvel at the weirdly kitsch.
I would agree that from a functional perspective most of the stuff falls short. But from a inspirational perspective I think it's great. Plus it's the only chance I get to meet other CZcamsrs in person. For example I'm glad I got a chance to meet you Jeremy.
Make Build Modify Yeah, meeting people like you is the biggest thing I liked about Maker Faire. And I’m not trying to diss Maker Faire; I plan to go again, because it’s the best we have.
My experience of going to one Maker Faire in the San Francisco Bay area was it was geared at weekend projects that mostly didn't serve a purpose beyond creativity, inspiration, art, and something to do. That year there was no filtering of the booths, so one third were 3D printers, one third were drones, and one third were Arduino microcontrollers. Not as much variety as it should have had, and too many examples were in search of a problem. Don't get wrong, creating things from scratch isn't new. Our grandparents *had* to do that if they grew up in small town. The Maker movement is just a commercialization of making things and a way to give people a recipe for something to do on the weekend and for the most part copy what someone else did. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It just isn't this woodworking audience that wants to create jigs, tables, and blowers, with the occasional weekend project. Even the mouse maze videos have a purpose.
@@rickrudd Matt doesn't seem very terrify-able, but his fans would probably be overwhelming, some going to the fair primarily because they see MW as an exhibitor.
I can understand how attending a Maker Faire and interacting with fellow content creators and fans would seem cliquish from the outside perspective, but until you experience it for yourself, in person, it is just difficult to really put into words how welcoming it is. I often feel a bit socially awkward and a bit of an outsider when attending these sorts of events, and tend to drift around in my own solitary experience. The self doubt monster tends to creep in and I start to question why anyone would want to talk to me or be interested in my projects.... But then the genuine spirit of sharing, camaraderie, and a true common ground annihilates any lingering doubt. People are so divided right now, and to be able to go to a place where any division is checked at the gate is intoxicating. I myself was welcomed with open arms, and I absolutely love reciprocating that feeling to other people who are there for the first time. This is a perfect example of a event that multiplies any effort put in and pays you back in spades and in ways that may not be immediately obvious at the time. Every time, I return home feeling inspired, motivated and my faith in humanity a bit restored by seeing so many people being genuinely pleasant to each other. I know this whole thing can sound a bit like a "drink the Kool-Aid" type scenario, and would totally agree. Every year, I return and tell the Make Robot to fill 'er up!
I always considered myself pretty much an outsider, too. I went to my first Maker Faire earlier this year (Bay Area) and, despite having heard repeatedly that the maker community was open and welcoming, I expected to encounter at least some clique mentality, as well, especially among the more well-known CZcams creators. Of course, that was my own social anxiety talking. Everyone was just as welcoming as claimed. My channel is relatively small yet, so only a handful of people had heard my name, but none of that mattered. Even those you might call maker "celebrities" were all hanging out, talking and getting to know each other. Turns out, most of us are a bunch of awkward nerds. I made some good friends that weekend. I attended my second one in New York last month. I recommend giving it a try.
I had the same expectations and experience as Wesley. I had always heard how welcoming the maker community is, but I was still surprised when I attended my first Maker Faire in New York this year. A clique is a group who wants to remain exclusive and not let new people in. That is not what I saw in New York. I was able to meet a lot of new friends there including Mr. Wesley treat! Being a maker can often feel isolating so having a Maker Faire where you can meet other like-minded people is a great way to make that human connection.
@@Geeksmithing Thanks, Wes! I appreciate you getting me acclimated and introducing me to so many people. I hope you can make it back to Bay Area again.
If I did not live in Greece perhaps I would go to a maker faire! But then again, even when they happen in the UK it is really hard for me. I can't really see a reason to spend so much money and leave my family behind in order to attend such a show! I agree with you!
My reason to go is mainly to meet other CZcamsrs and makers. I traveled to the SF Maker Faire from Sweden last spring even. I've been to a few of them, and quite frankly not enough happens in the field to justify going every year, there is not enough new interesting stuff to check out. Every couple or three years it may be worth it. However, I've always found it inspiring to see what smaller makers come up with, not the big corporations. I'm very much an introvert, but for some reason I've always felt at home with the people at Maker Faire. Now with the addition of the DIY Maker Stage, which features a lot of CZcamsrs I get to socialize with a lot of those I've only talked to online before, and that alone makes it worth it for me. It's also been a way to expand my network of people I know, which is a great thing. Not to mention all the free shop-rag...I mean T-shirts you get from all over!
I would love to meet other makers in person, but I would rather like to build something with them instead of just standing around.
Před 5 lety+2
Switch & Lever not enough maker fairies in Sweden then if you have to go to sf ;) I haven’t been to one yet, and just missed one in Denmark. But even that seems a bit to far to go. Then again I don’t know what I am missing (yet)
Here’s a different spin on it. I personally would love to see a video of you doing a live presentation to a crowd. It would be like a ted talk. I watched the electroboom makerfaire presentation and it was hilarious. Yes, it had bad video and sound, but an unbroken, unedited video let’s you see the side of the person that get’s cut out of a video (e.g., bloopers, off the cuff jokes). It’s probably not worth the work on your part to prep for it, but I would love to see it! It could be a bit like the deep reach clamp competition; similar free style format.
Guys like me would like to meet you and Heisz. The two of you are the most innovative woodworkers that I watch on you tube. I would love to see you at a woodworking show or a maker's fair.
I think you might be overthinking it Matthias. Although I've only been to the open house type events at Makerspace North here in Ottawa, it's always been a positive experience. I sure didn't fit in, or feel like I fit in, on my first trip it doesn't take long to strike up some meaningful conversations. If nothing else it gives me inspiration to try new things and think differently about what I already do. Just go; I suspect you'll find more value than you realize.
I went to Maker Central in Birmingham earlier this year and the best part for me was chatting to all the CZcamsr's in the lounge of the Hilton on Saturday night. It was also great to meet some of my own viewers and some of the big names like Diresta and James Bruton. So I guess not so much what they were making and more of a meet and greet social event.
I'd say that I would love to go, then I would get there and sit in my car for a bit then turn around and leave. I'm not really into awkward social situations.
I for one would love to meet you and get to know you a little better as a person and not just a maker. Maybe that's not profitable from a business sense but from a people sense its a real blessing to be able to gather as a group with a common interest and learn from one another while also growing closer together.
James III Finland 🇫🇮. Aah, that's where your comfort zone stretches to your neighbors compound five kilometers away and him waiving at you once a week assures you, you have a friend. 🎎
@@mrebholz You got it wrong, neighbors just turn away when there is slightest possibility to meet or see each other to make sure those accident don't happen. Reasoning is meeting might include actual speaking and we don't do that either. So we have 365 day long Wandel fair every year.
There used to be more point before the internet. You could see new stuff like in the old magazines that you used to get basically for the ads to find specialized stuff. Now you can go to a company website and see all kinds of pictures, video demos, and get the same info. Now they are much more like the shows they put on for RV's, boats, cars, home improvement and such that charge you to go in and see stuff that you can walk into the same local stores and see for free. The only ones getting anything out of it are the show promoters.
I wouldn't let Make Mag and Makerfaire get in the way of the community. I'll echo that while it feels like a clique from the outside, it really is a community with open arms. I went to Bay Area MF in 2017, and barely even attended the fair (friday preview day only) I met Laura Kampf at a tour of the Autodesk facility there, ended up at a cookout at Bill Lutes' place with her, Izzy, April and a ton more awesome people that I am now proud to call my friends. Through that I got invited to more events and met more people and got to see really how big, but also how close and welcoming this community is. Nobody knew who I was, but they welcomed me in as family, and now I can't wait to see them all anywhere I go. We all visit each other when we can, go to events, and constantly stay in touch online. Makerfaire events are just a common ground for us to meet at. The event isn't important, the people are.
Haha you're brutal. I went to maker central last year in the UK, and to be honest I was waiting for something to punch me in the face, but that didn't happen and it was nice to meet some youtube people in person and talk CNC with some others. But I felt like I was constantly biting my tongue with some people. It was a lot of effort. And it did feel like lot of people go to these to reinforce their status as... as you say it... "makers" which was tragic. Anyway what your describing sound like kitsch - maybe we should call them the KITSCH CLIQUES.
Believe it or not, I went to WIA 2015 in Kansas because you were originally listed to be there. Although I was disappointed when I found out you weren't going to be there, I was still very glad I went. I met several other you-tubers that I follow, and had a really great time. Your videos got me into woodworking, so thank you. I don't expect I'll ever meet you, but will always watch.
I go to the small maker Faire near me in Boston. I enjoy talking with people about their projects. Some year I'd like to be organised enough to plan ahead for the big one in NYC. Maybe next year. Matthias, while you're recovering from tendonitis I'd guess that the opportunity cost of doing visiting/touring videos as opposed to maker videos is a lot lower and you might consider doing some while your arms are recovering. On the other hand, I can appreciate that you enjoy spending time with your family too, and the time you invest with them will pay off for years.
This reminds me of something I read about introverts and extroverts. Introverts tend to energize/recharge with down-time, and extroverts with people-time.
I have been to the Bay Area, NYC, and my local small faire this year and I am glad I went and met some really awesome people. Will I return in the future? Probably, but not next year because I cannot imagine them changing that much in one year. If you ever think about going to one, I would suggest the Bay Area because it is huge and has a big variety of stuff.
I like making things in my garage, and like watching people's videos of their making things. I went to the local SF bay area maker fair this year for the first time and it was interesting, but similar in a lot of ways to other types of 'farm'/etc fairs. You are not asking for any opinions, but if you had one close by (sounds like you do not), try it, you may have fun walking around like any other fair (if you enjoy that). But either way do not stress on it, and do what works best for you. I am sure none of the people who want what is best for you will stress on it either way. :)
I'm learning things to build for my self, that is all I am interested and also I like to work alone I can concentrate better when I am working alone and tips I get from you people and that is very helpful I did not start anything right now but I will right now I am listening and watching and observing and you all on youtube are very artistic thank you very much. For me, its high education, what I found very interesting is if one can make tools with wood one can make tools with anything all one need to do change the materials according to needs the workmanship is not very different. Once again thank you
I like the way you are : simple, authentic, honest ... outsider as you said. The very first of your vidéos that i watched was « Not a french cleat system ... », the title was intriguing. You definetely are a rebel ! :) Stay the way you are ! Greetings from Belgium
For me I am kind of a recluse and a loner, so for myself I find it extremely hard to make friends or in a lot of cases even keep them!! Not that I am a bad person mind you, but for some reason I meet a new friend and for a while things are running great until I start feeling like these people are only my friend to benefit themselves and NEVER does it work in my favor at all!! In fact a while back I was helping out a guy who I assumed was my friend and I did a lot of work for him asking for nothing in return, I repaired his furnace, fixed the skirting on his mobile home, even repaired his sewer system twice which once was in the middle of winter (which frozen sewage SUCKS)!! And I did other things for him as well, then I asked him to help me work on my shed, I had an idea in my mind of HOW I wanted my shed to look and how I wanted it built!! Two days into the build though he offered to give me $300 worth of lumber I DID NOT ask him for and then two hours after we got home with the wood and started building the shed, the way HE WANTED MY SHED TO BE, he suddenly DEMANDED that I pay him back the $300 AND another $300 for his labor!!! These are the "friends" I seem to meet, even though I NEVER asked him for the original $300 to begin with and he told me to "don't worry about paying him back" when he bought it only to start screaming at me over the design of my shed and how much it was costing HIM!! So like I say I don't have much faith in people as it is, and I have extremely low trust in most folks to start with, and this is only ONE situation that I have had to deal with in my life!! Trust me I have had a lot of so called "friends" like this that only want to be my friend as long as they get their own way and when I want something for myself or want to do something that I WANT or NEED, I get screwed in the end!! And as far as this guy I just mentioned I gave him back his $300 for the lumber and have not talked to him since and that has been four years now!! HAS FAR AS being a maker though I have always HAD TO BE a maker, because I can't get the things I want or need a lot of the times, so I have to make one thing to make something else to make a third thing the only way I know how!! In a lot of ways I have learned how to do things my own way without being able to buy or own tools or depend on other people even those that have the tools I could use!! In a different case for example a "friend" of mine had a bench sander and week after week I asked if I could borrow his sander and month after month went by and he kept telling me "Sure you can borrow it" but then made one excuse after another about lending it too me, even though he constantly borrowed my tools for his projects!! Finally one day he asked to borrow something I didn't want him to use and I have not seen him in almost 20 years!! Like I say I only seem to be people's "friend" when it is a benefit to them and NEVER a benefit to me!!!
Been watching you for years, Mate. Greatly appreciate your natural and informal approach. It has been disappointing to follow other Tubers who I also enjoy watching but find that with time, they turn into "Adtubers" and invariably, end up accumulating high end tools and machines not accessible to us ordinary home woodworkers.
I can empathize with many of your thoughts on this, however I think if you're not SURE if the positives outweigh the negatives... and you admit it would be cool to meet a bunch of makers... why not just try it once!? No need for this to be a thought experiment when you can just go to one (1) and worst case scenario never go again!
I do like that you're not one of those annoying cliquey maker douches. The overly animated frat bro talk doesn't suit you, and the things you make are actually useful.
What about... curiosity? I went to some of these and was disappointed, and then at other times, was happy I went. It is sometimes refreshing to meet other people who share similar interests. Would I rent a room in another town to be able to attend one? Certainly not. On the other hand, when one comes nearby, say within about an hour drive, why not? In your case, being rather well known, you would probably get some unwanted attention, of course, but why make a whole video on something you do not do because you do not know why you would?
I went to my first Maker Faire this year (in Atlanta, GA). I sort of felt like it's my duty as a "maker" to go. To be honest, it was a bit less interesting than I expected (I was sightly underwhelmed)... But I still had a good time. What would have really made it a worthwhile experience for me would have been getting to meet on of my favorite creative CZcamsrs. I think they mostly go to the larger Maker Faires in San Francisco Bay and New York City. At any rate... I'd love an opportunity to meet you (Mattias). I hope that you'll give Maker Faires a chance. I think they will continue to get better and better as time goes on.
Mathias, you hit the nail on the head. Stuff at maker faires i equate to desk toys. They are neat for 30 seconds and then just take up space and cost money. I am more of a practical person so the artistic side of things don't especially appeal to me longer than 30 seconds.
Matthias is so right about this! All these people making novelty things. Not interesting at all. My local maker space has all kinds of tools available and all they make is tacky gifts and decoration. I don’t mind the maker label though. Since we make things but it is not our job. Its a hobby. I wouldn’t call myself a carpenter.
When you browse a CZcams video of a Maker project, you get to enjoy the outcome of someone's skill and in your minds eye, imagine the process. At the shows you get to dialog with the creator which is rewarding in its own right to both the admirer and the creator as you appreciate or question the process.
I've only been to makers central which was great because I meet lots of like minded people. If you have to travel far and get hotels then yea I wouldn't be able to justify the cost. If you have one happening near by it can be a great experience for the people you meet.
Most eyewear stores will offer what they call an "anti-reflective coating" which may eliminate (or at least minimize) the light artifacts from video lighting gear and camera flash that show up in your glasses. Perhaps a cheaper option, would be to position video lights so that they are not in the same space as the camera.
You're an extremely practical thinker, and appear to have thought about all the practicalities. Sometimes it's good to let your hair down and do something just for the fun of it though. Whatever rocks your boat.
clique , noun, a small close-knit group of people who do not readily allow others to join them. Examples of cliques: jocks, cheerleaders, hipsters, slackers, punks.
and nerds, freaks, lone wolves, bloods, wastoids, dickheads all think Matthias is a righteous dude. czcams.com/video/qEGMse-VCgs/video.html Someday someone will make a movie about him...call it Matthias Wandel's Day Off.
I agree. When I was younger I was constantly fiddling with electronics and various mechanical gadgets, I had the opportunity to go to a maker fair in the Bay Area when I was in the 6th grade. I recall it being more of a novelty for most all of the individuals attending, very little technical information is shown, more like an inspiration trade show to city goers who might go home and dabble with an arduino.
Oh boy, an event that people go to to have fun, find inspiration, share ideas, discover new products, shake hands over a meal...I’d better crap all over it, even though I’ve absolutely never been and am totally typecasting other people for not being what I think they should be. Love Matty
Go once and see what it's like! It sounds to me like you're guessing what they're like and what you'd get out of it based on second-hand information. You don't have to take stuff there, you can just go as a spectator. Of course, you're doing fine as it is so it's not like you're really missing out. And if the nearest maker event isn't near you, start one of your own where you are!
Go to one. The big one near SF. Just go once and see if there is something there for you. Even if it isn't the right fit, a Maker Fair is enough of an experience in its own right to justify at the trip at least once. At least for anyone who has that sort of maker mindset. Seeing stuff online and in videos does not convey the awe you feel being around so many creative types. And you, being you, I'd be you could get someone to sponsor your trip.
I understand your reasoning, but I’m also sure that many viewers would love to meet you. Also there are many makers, like myself that owe you a great debt from our found benefit of your channel. So on behalf of us and many other viewers, THANK YOU!
I've been to a few MFs - the best thing is usually the bring-a-hack and other events in teh evenings - much more hardcore geekery, and no kids. unfortunately all the low-level kiddy stuff is necessary to make the events viable at all
Yes, thanks, I was trying to remember what this sort of thing is really called-- not some jargon created by silicon valley. I've never used the word, but hear it/see it all the time, and it's annoying.
I don't really see a positive to it either. I guess it depends on what motivates a person. If they're into the marketing, sponsorship, securing investors, contracts, and all that mind numbing/life shackling stuff then have at it. Personally, I think my time is better spent building something that I need and sharing it here. Reach the same people, if not more.
You have fans who’d love to meet you. You, the makers, are the draw so I assume you’d be paid for appearing. Hearing you in a panel on an interesting topic would be cool too. I’d imagine you can sell merch much like bands do so that’d be a monetary reason to go. You could vlog it. I guess you have to want to do it and then enjoy it when you do & there’s no guarantee of that, but if one is convenient enough for you to do, you should, you might catch the bug for it.
Matthias every thing is frame of mind. I get a lot of what you said. I have never been a follower... somewhat of an outsider....definitely not a conformist... and if there was ever another life, I was probably with Guy Fawkes burning down the establishment via , their parliament buildings..... That said, I would encourage you to keep an open mind... I get private at times myself in my older years.... Quite content to attend to my hobbies in reading, coffee shops, book stores, hole in the wall restaurants, and staying in my own world of carpentry, electrical, machining, and all those wonderful hobbies...... Still, we are all in this world together. We are all connected. Sharing is important..... Lighten up a bit on your expectations... Let some of it be light entertainment. People of your talent tend to drill down on what is relevant and useful....... Sometimes my friend, just simple, easygoing no meaning, courtesy talking, socializing is useful.....
Thanks for saying this! No barrier to entry is the best and worst thing about CZcams. The number of 'makers' on CZcams has exploded and most of them have very little talent. 6 or 7 years ago I watched everyone. Now I only follow those that are master craftsmen like Rob Cosman or Kyle Toth, or people that are extremely creative and inventive, like you, Jeremy Schmidt, and Jack Houweling.
Even though I'm a woodworker I'm more drawn to the metal/machinist community on youtube. They're all VERY good at what they do. The cost of the equipment prevents people from spending a few hundred dollars on Ryobi tools and thinking they are experts. I think most 'Makers' rely on the forced sense of community at maker fairs and instagram comments. They all pretend that the others are AMAZING, or INSPIRATIONAL so those people throw a few nice buzzwords back at them.
As I imagine you are, I'm fairly practical and logical. I can see the stuff elsewhere, I can watch people's videos. Going on my own the first time it was interesting, but I didn't get much out of it. When I went with @barnacules as his cameraman, my entire perspective changed. I think it came down to having a a reason to go talk to people and look at events like Maker Faires in a different light. I also began meeting people (CZcamsrs) where you could see who they really are. It has caused me to become more social in these types of situations. I take in more of what others are doing and see how that unique thing relates to me. I get inspired by other's passion. You seem to be (I've never met you) someone with a similar curiosity as me. You're trying to learn and build. I have used events like Maker Faire to learn and build on me, stretching my comfort zone with a community that really is accepting of all. I've seen two CZcamsrs go all "fan girl" over meeting each other. I guess my point is - there is a value to a number of people that I think you aren't seeing. Will that value be exactly the same for you? No. You may be surprised at what value you do find. But you'll only know if you go.
Sind a few years ago, maker faires are held annually here in austria. For my taste, the entrance fee is way to high and it always has a bitter taste of commercializing something that most of the people do for fun. On the other hand, what was nerdy an weird when I was young (not that long ago), is now hip and cool. This development may encourage young people to spend time with their hobbies, and show off what they are capable off. I think the development in general is a good one, even if it comes with the commercialization of it.
@Heisz Wandel project -Not a fan either. What about dedicated viewer meetups? I suppose the chance of meeting slightly unstable dedicated fans is higher there...
Faires are for people people. We're not all people people. Some of us like to quietly tinker and figure things out and carefully present it in a way that we can control. Some of us like heavy social contact. I'm with ya, man. I don't fault you for being honest with yourself.
Matthias, You dont owe anyone an explanation.You are an introvert. If you can earn a living making stuff, asking and attempting to answer questions that pique your curiosity by fashioning experiments or devices and then sharing it on line, all the while maintaining your privacy, then you are happy to keep it that way. We get it. We stay on one side of the screen and you on the other, keeps life quiet and uncomplicated. Many people are bright and inquisitive but shun public scrutiny and life. You do not owe your "fans" anything. Don't ever feel you have to explain that.
I thought the Internet was supposed to be the medium for connecting in this sort of business. Seems counterproductive to have large gatherings in person.
I dunno, I was sold on the idea last year after I attended one. It wasn't about seeing things I couldn't see something else (Instagram). A few good things come to mind. #1 Inspiring young people: lots of kids really enjoying the things people made with their hands. That stuff is missing from schools. #2 talking with folks that are building something, and in the case of the one I went to that was useful stuff like autonomous submersibles and machinery. #3 is meeting the people that watch our channel- it's really great to have those conversations and hear their stories. It is convenient for us though, one is about 30 minutes away. If it were a day drive in sure I'd have to think a little harder about it.
You don't need to meet people in person these days, remember your Live stream years ago with Bob? That was great, and everyone could share that experience. As far as I know its still up on his channel.
The problem of just watching social media for shows is that you're dependent on someone else posting the things you're interested in. And when you're following multiple people, they tend to duplicate each other and neglect the rest of the show. Now if it's really a day's trip each way then that's clearly not worth it but if you can make a day or two of it then I suggest going as an attendee just to get a feel for it.
Oddly at one point I thought I'd love to be a part of that scene where as now, the idea just irritates me. Makers just aren't as informative as I'd like them to be and not as educational. Brand placement seems to have more importance with some of the bigger YT maker personalities. Not to mention I feel a lot of what is made is junk or only made for the purpose of showing off the tool they're shilling.
I don’t know any makers that are that bad about advertising. But I also don’t appreciate those people that make weekly videos of super simple projects just because they don’t have the time to build something more elaborate.
@Sam T I agree with you 100%, when I first started watching "maker" video's on CZcams however many years back that was, it was all about the project, showing how it was made, the detail in it, the parts, how you could make it yourself, its use etc. Now its more, oh look I made a door stop but if you don't want to make your own door stop, visit my sponsor down below.
@@MaxMakerChannel Some of us actually prefer amateur videos that are actually just a hobby for the creator. Unfortunately, anytime an amateur is interesting and informative, they succumb to the lure of CZcams ad money (such as it is) and end up going into "churn it out" mode. There seems to be a large audience for "churn it out" videos, but there are also some of us out there who are more niche viewers who don't want or need "high quality and frequent videos"...we just want informative/interesting videos without ad crap infestation. And no, that is not a good way to make a living for a "creator". There's nothing wrong with that. There's nothing wrong with people doing some videos just because they want to do videos, as a hobby. Those are the people I enjoy most. And it doesn't have to cost a dime other than their time. "I have to make it big!!! I'm gonna make millions and quit my job!!" is a disease on CZcams that ruins good channels.
Your videos are not only interesting in terms of the projects and valuable in terms of good videography, they are also something like a close, intimate encounter with you: being - virtually - in your workshop, sometimes a room of your house, your garden etc. This is a bit like a personal encounter. Fair stands are completely different. You are best as the guy you are.
I mentioned in an earlier comment that many of your viewers have come to see you more as the 'guy next door' who is able to figure anything out ... A couple of years ago, there was an informal meeting of a bunch of CZcamsrs and viewers, at a pub in Toronto - and I think you were there .. I was out of town, so I missed it, and I have been sorry ever since! From all reports, THAT is the kind of 'gathering' you would enjoy - a bunch of people with similar interests, in an informal setting. Now we have to find someone to organize it in New Brunswick for the next gathering :) Best Wishes to you and your family.
Your observation is dead-on about the cliques at the woodworking/maker events. Having been at many of them, not only is the clique of the makers blatantly obvious but also the sub-cliques of the makers. Too many of them have false face while greeting their audience only to talk negatively about the audiences and makers they find "less" than them. Anymore it's just a shit show and like you said, besides the handshake, everything else is just as well presented in a video or website article.
I have debated going to one, but I am not a big fan of crowds and almost every time I have had the opportunity to see someone in person that I really like, dozens of other people had already swarmed around them and it frustrates me.. So, I don't find things like that enjoyable.
You would be the ONE person I would actually want to meet if I ever went to one of these things. You've remained consistent in your style and motives etc for all the years I've watched and followed your videos and channel and the website. I am beginning to resent and turn my back on the 'clique' as you rightly put it. The never ending sponsorships throughout their videos just annoys me now and the quality of content has gone downhill with them all. Guys like you and John and AvE who have stuck to your style and raised a middle finger to sponsors get my utmost respect. I'm not saying creators and CZcamsrs shouldn't have sponsors ( electroboom and many others are still great while using sponsors) but I don't like the false approach to using them like it's some affiliate marketing scheme BS.
I see a lot of the Maker Fairs as Knob Slobbery. At the end of the day Maker Fairs are nothing more than a different name for a sales or marketing convention.
I don't feel excluded from things i don't /can't go to. If anything, when a particular CZcams host goes to an event and gives glimpses of it through various social media, it gives an exciting new perspective on that person and the craft community on the whole. It makes antisocial types like me Google to find out where the next nearest show will be, to find out about new people and ideas.
Just like everything else that is fun for people, it becomes commercial. Sometimes that is good, sometimes it is not. It depends on how you view it. Personally I feel some of these people sell out too much and lose that edge they had when they created things on their own and I lose interest.
This reminded me of the circle dance piece from the book of laughter and forgetting. When standing in a circle holding hands, you feel so included. But when you are not in the circle, nothing makes you feel so excluded. “That is when I understood the magical meaning of the circle. If you go away from a row, you can still come back into it. A row is an open formation. But a circle closes up, and if you go away from it, there is no way back. It is not by chance that the planets move in circles and that a rock coming loose from one of them goes inexorably away, carried off by centrifugal force. Like a meteorite broken off from a planet, I left the circle and have not stopped falling. Some people are granted their death as they are whirling around, and others are smashed at the end of their fall. And these others (I am one of them) always retain a kind of faint yearning for that lost ring dance, because we are all inhabitants of a universe where everything turns in circles.”
Cliques are by definition exclusionary and it is really unfair to label any group you haven't bothered trying to meet a clique. If they say, "No, you can't be one of us," THEN you can call them a clique. But if they are all saying, "Hey, Matthias, come over and meet the gang," and you refuse, you are just the chairman and sole member of the Clique of Matthias.
I agree here. I feel in all the various careers I’ve been involved in this is the least clicky and the most welcoming and thought-provoking. Willing to share any information. Even before I was considered one of the “bigger CZcamsrs” I never felt any resistance from anybody that I ever emailed spoke to or reached out to. And I am willing to help Any one that asks.
jimmydiresta You're one of the bigger CZcamsrs for a reason. You are a pro whose content is both entertaining, educational and are willing to share learned knowledge gleaned over many years.
I hate the term “maker.” Reminds me of soy lattes and waxed mustaches.
Eric Hillis
Some of those guys are a little to impressed with themselves.
I don’t mind it. There just isn’t a better term in the English world in my opinion. In Germany you can call yourself a “homeworker”. That is a person that is keen on making things at home but not professionally.
@@c0ldc0ne Latte is boner in German.
To me, maker stand for something that bodges something every week with hot glue and electric tape. When camera shutdown all fell back to peaces. There are few videos from this happening, good enough for 10 minutes, but why? I think latte is good only for cleaning paint brushes, coffee is entirely different thing.
c0ldc0ne I do.
I'm not a fan of labels but if it simplifies my attempt to explain what I do, so be it.
I don't share your concern about the fans feeling excluded. It's rather a chance to meet you at all.
Don't know about North America but here in Germany the Maker Faires are visited by many schools and parents with kids. At that young age the kids inspired and motivated to be creative instead of playing fortnite
If you want to meet Matthias, just place some plywood next to a dumpster and wait until he magically appears.
Max Maker 🤣🤣🤣👍
@@MaxMakerChannel Says the guy who admits to raiding the scraps at the local lumber yard.
Make that baltic birch plywood, and not too far from where I live!
@@GiovanniGiorgo Oh of course I do! Its like a gold rush. Finding free stuff is an exhilarating experience!
It's kind of funny that maker fairs, which are mostly about electronics and high-tech, still hold these low-tech events. Kind of like how Wired still has a printed magazine. Most everything at these events (besides a handshake, I guess) can be done virtually with less fuss, a lot cheaper, and include people who can't afford to travel.
I'd love to shake your hand, being a mortal and all.
You sound confused: Let's take another example: VR. Just because the technology is "VR" doesn't mean people should meet in "VR". There's still conferences for them to explore the hardware and companies behind them. Same goes for Game development. Should game developers just meet in games? There's still merrit in what you call 'low-tech'.. i.e. meeting in real life. In fact, one might say it's the most high-fidelity thing you can do. Technology is kind-of low-tech compared to real life interaction. Technology is still trying to catch up in this manner, and most solutions thus far don't really work. If you've ever been on a conference call with more than a few people, you'll know why. Compare that to a real conference where thousands of people actually get together successfully.
Steve makes a great point, and one I hadn't considered before. It may be less of an issue for people in a major metropolitan area, but for the rest of us, travel requires a lot of time and money. Missed work, lodging, transporting things to and from the show, and yet a smaller audience than you'd have online. I've got friends at SEMA right now who are out a weeks worth of work, airfare, and Vegas strip lodging for them and a spouse. They justify it as 'business expense', whereas I look at the cost and lost revenue in terms of 'money not spent on tools and equipment'. Make cool stuff - put it on the internet.
I am currently in a blended in-class/online live collaborative style of classroom. The experience I have had with the class has been interesting. Sometimes people have their microphones on and you get background noise in the live feed. So trying to get all the high-tech garbage to sink together takes a large amount of time(Thanks Windows 10 for being a moody pile of elephant stew) and operates glitchy at best. I'm studying GIS and specializing in remote sensing and aerial imagery, plus a certification in forestry. I regularly go to tech conventions to see the new gadgets coming out and I have to admit that there is some nuance missing from the collaborative live online setting vs meeting in low-tech real life. At the conventions you get to touch, feel and hold objects. You get detailed summaries of how certain products work and having it your hand while going through a demo is far more satisfying than merely watching some mere mortal via online (no offense). Tell a musician that its so much better looking at people jamming to their music via skype or some other video conferencing...Ever seen an online lighter ocean to an emotional ballad? Didn't think so. Or lets do the wave at home online for the next game rather than go to the game. Why actually go bowling and reenact scenes from The Big Lebowski at the bowling alley when you can look like a real winner flailing your arms around in front of your tv for all your neighbors to watch you look like an idiot. Yeah..low-tech stuff sucks. Send a go-pro into the movies next time instead of going to the movies that way you get the best of both worlds at the same time.
@@dakotawoodworx2282 It definitely depends on your goals. To me, lighter oceans (well, phone oceans) or doing a wave isn't always compelling enough to justify the expense. Conferences and fairs are focused mostly on people with a lot of money. For many people, it's pretty hard to justify $1000 or more (tickets, hotel, travel) when you could spend that on tools for your shop.
All these woodworking youtubers coming out with videos about being introverts is really affirming my life choice to be a hermit.
oh, yes, I had been thinking of making a video specifically about that too - Jeremy Schmidt got something started there!
@@HeiszWandelproject : is this John this time? or Matthias? Either way, INTROVERTS UNITE (from your own damn living rooms kthx)!"
I think the summary of an article from INC magazine sums up creativity and extrovert vs introvert. "Creative people are both introverted and extroverted, but at different times. They need and use the companion of other people to build better ideas, but they also use solitude to let ideas incubate, and the use triggering activities to force combination of those incubated ideas." I submit that as creative's, watching others CZcams videos or attending makers faired, fulfills part of the "companion of other people" needed in our creative process.
I'm always wondering how John and Matthias got in touch with each other... I's kind of funny seeing those two together knowing they are a little introvert and living in their own world. Don't get me wrong, I love both guys for their good and entertaining videos and wish them all the best!
Don't worry about those cliques Mr. Wandel. You're good enough, you're smart enough and gosh darn it, people like you.
I felt similarly before I went to the Bay Area Maker Faire. But the other CZcamsrs are very welcoming to everyone. The novelty of the projects is better in person too. But I would say that going every year is not necessary.
Totally agree with you, Matthias, and appreciate you even more for sharing your unfiltered opinion.
Really it's all about the people for me rather than the stuff at the Faire. That being said, even for all of the useless things there, they still serve as a great source of inspiration for other ideas down the road. I do agree with you though that the Faires leave a lot to be desired. Instead of just avoiding them though, I've tried to do something about it since I think that it's the best thing that we have at this point. It's all about showing off, which is all well and good but there are better ways to do things, like showing more of the process and thought behind stuff, a look behind the curtain if you will. This year at Maker Faire in NYC I worked really hard to put something like that together along with Arbortech. At the booth it was fully interactive so anyone was able to try all of their powercarving tools, but I was also there working on a project live. People were able to see a build in real time right in front of them and ask questions about my process, design, ideas, etc. I don't know if we'll be able to make it happen again though because the cost is excruciating unless you are some sort of tech company. Why don't we see more than just tech companies there? Well there's your answer. And the number of times that I heard from Make staff saying they were so excited to have woodworking represented there was eye opening because they have no idea why those type of people are being driven away. All that being said, they need to do a lot of work still to make MF more worthwhile but it's a pretty amazing foundation already. They would definitely benefit from your ideas so maybe there's a productive way to tell them that? Maybe they don't care and won't listen? I honestly don't know.
100% agree, well said!
You make good points. I love me some robots, but they really should have more low-tech exhibits and demonstrations. The blacksmithing exhibit is another good example. I'd love to see more of that. More workshops outside of soldering and crafting, too.
Spot on, Mr Jackman!
Like you said, much of the enjoyment for me comes from the social interactions that happen that Make really has little to do with. (besides finally setting up a Content Creator area, but that can use a lot of work too....) If 40 of us all agreed to meetup at a Wal-Mart sometime, I would suspect we would still have a wonderful time.
It's absolutely all about the community. Look at the the Atlanta Wood Working Show - the show itself is a snoozefest unless you want to watch somebody turn another pen or buy some contraption that claims to solve all your shop woes - but we turn it into a community event and we all spend a bunch of time together. It's pretty great because of the people.
I would personally like to see a real challenger to Make Magazine and Makerfaire break their monopoly on community events. Makers Central is onto something, but that's one weekend in the UK and that's it.
You make a good point, almost everything at Bag Area Maker Faire this year was useless. Kinda cool and artistic, but nothing that a person needs. I wish there was a Faire where those of us who make useful stuff could meet up.
It's a bit like how I feel about going to the science museum in London. It's all illustrative and for kids to run around like maniacs, but not about studying or really reveal the mysteries about what is made. The James Watt workshop what was rehoused there was terrible. It was a theatre set and not a workshop. That said, I've been to a few steam engine fairs and meccano events - not because I'm interested in making these things, but they are stuff outside my comfort-zone and everything looks different to me. I feel like I'm learning something, and can also marvel at the weirdly kitsch.
Ding ding ding! This! "I made a neat thing! What's it do? It's neat! .... neeeeext."
I would agree that from a functional perspective most of the stuff falls short. But from a inspirational perspective I think it's great. Plus it's the only chance I get to meet other CZcamsrs in person. For example I'm glad I got a chance to meet you Jeremy.
Make Build Modify
Yeah, meeting people like you is the biggest thing I liked about Maker Faire. And I’m not trying to diss Maker Faire; I plan to go again, because it’s the best we have.
My experience of going to one Maker Faire in the San Francisco Bay area was it was geared at weekend projects that mostly didn't serve a purpose beyond creativity, inspiration, art, and something to do. That year there was no filtering of the booths, so one third were 3D printers, one third were drones, and one third were Arduino microcontrollers. Not as much variety as it should have had, and too many examples were in search of a problem.
Don't get wrong, creating things from scratch isn't new. Our grandparents *had* to do that if they grew up in small town. The Maker movement is just a commercialization of making things and a way to give people a recipe for something to do on the weekend and for the most part copy what someone else did. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It just isn't this woodworking audience that wants to create jigs, tables, and blowers, with the occasional weekend project. Even the mouse maze videos have a purpose.
I think you'd be surprised by the amount of people that would be super pumped to see you. You'd be borderline-mobbed.
Which is another reason he would probably not want to attend
@@aksmith68 I know. It would be both flattering and terrifying.
@@rickrudd flatterfying LOL
@@rickrudd Matt doesn't seem very terrify-able, but his fans would probably be overwhelming, some going to the fair primarily because they see MW as an exhibitor.
@@satxsatxsatx, why would someone think the word "terrif[i]able" would need a random hyphen as "terrify-able"?
I can understand how attending a Maker Faire and interacting with fellow content creators and fans would seem cliquish from the outside perspective, but until you experience it for yourself, in person, it is just difficult to really put into words how welcoming it is.
I often feel a bit socially awkward and a bit of an outsider when attending these sorts of events, and tend to drift around in my own solitary experience. The self doubt monster tends to creep in and I start to question why anyone would want to talk to me or be interested in my projects.... But then the genuine spirit of sharing, camaraderie, and a true common ground annihilates any lingering doubt. People are so divided right now, and to be able to go to a place where any division is checked at the gate is intoxicating. I myself was welcomed with open arms, and I absolutely love reciprocating that feeling to other people who are there for the first time.
This is a perfect example of a event that multiplies any effort put in and pays you back in spades and in ways that may not be immediately obvious at the time.
Every time, I return home feeling inspired, motivated and my faith in humanity a bit restored by seeing so many people being genuinely pleasant to each other.
I know this whole thing can sound a bit like a "drink the Kool-Aid" type scenario, and would totally agree. Every year, I return and tell the Make Robot to fill 'er up!
highly appreciate your authenticity
I like the fact that the videos we watch have a variety of subject matter as well as a lot of unique people... I hope that never changes...
I always considered myself pretty much an outsider, too. I went to my first Maker Faire earlier this year (Bay Area) and, despite having heard repeatedly that the maker community was open and welcoming, I expected to encounter at least some clique mentality, as well, especially among the more well-known CZcams creators. Of course, that was my own social anxiety talking. Everyone was just as welcoming as claimed. My channel is relatively small yet, so only a handful of people had heard my name, but none of that mattered. Even those you might call maker "celebrities" were all hanging out, talking and getting to know each other. Turns out, most of us are a bunch of awkward nerds. I made some good friends that weekend. I attended my second one in New York last month. I recommend giving it a try.
I had the same expectations and experience as Wesley. I had always heard how welcoming the maker community is, but I was still surprised when I attended my first Maker Faire in New York this year. A clique is a group who wants to remain exclusive and not let new people in. That is not what I saw in New York. I was able to meet a lot of new friends there including Mr. Wesley treat! Being a maker can often feel isolating so having a Maker Faire where you can meet other like-minded people is a great way to make that human connection.
**hugs**
Spotting you in the crowd that day as a highlight of my weekend. Honestly. :)
@@Geeksmithing Thanks, Wes! I appreciate you getting me acclimated and introducing me to so many people. I hope you can make it back to Bay Area again.
@@bytesizedengineering And it was good to meet you, Zach! You're right, it makes a big difference to get to hang out with other makers.
If I did not live in Greece perhaps I would go to a maker faire! But then again, even when they happen in the UK it is really hard for me. I can't really see a reason to spend so much money and leave my family behind in order to attend such a show! I agree with you!
Μήπως κάποια στιγμή να οργανώσουμε και δω ένα τέτοιο πράγμα Δημήτρη?
My reason to go is mainly to meet other CZcamsrs and makers. I traveled to the SF Maker Faire from Sweden last spring even. I've been to a few of them, and quite frankly not enough happens in the field to justify going every year, there is not enough new interesting stuff to check out. Every couple or three years it may be worth it. However, I've always found it inspiring to see what smaller makers come up with, not the big corporations. I'm very much an introvert, but for some reason I've always felt at home with the people at Maker Faire. Now with the addition of the DIY Maker Stage, which features a lot of CZcamsrs I get to socialize with a lot of those I've only talked to online before, and that alone makes it worth it for me. It's also been a way to expand my network of people I know, which is a great thing. Not to mention all the free shop-rag...I mean T-shirts you get from all over!
thaks for giving your prespective.
I would love to meet other makers in person, but I would rather like to build something with them instead of just standing around.
Switch & Lever not enough maker fairies in Sweden then if you have to go to sf ;) I haven’t been to one yet, and just missed one in Denmark. But even that seems a bit to far to go. Then again I don’t know what I am missing (yet)
Switch & Lever, I think you just may be our main man to make a Swedish thing happen. So.. Speaking of which.. when is it? :)
Switch & Lever
If it's only for "been there, done it, got the t-shirt" then I would rather spend the money on wood / tools!
Here’s a different spin on it. I personally would love to see a video of you doing a live presentation to a crowd. It would be like a ted talk. I watched the electroboom makerfaire presentation and it was hilarious. Yes, it had bad video and sound, but an unbroken, unedited video let’s you see the side of the person that get’s cut out of a video (e.g., bloopers, off the cuff jokes). It’s probably not worth the work on your part to prep for it, but I would love to see it! It could be a bit like the deep reach clamp competition; similar free style format.
Guys like me would like to meet you and Heisz. The two of you are the most innovative woodworkers that I watch on you tube. I would love to see you at a woodworking show or a maker's fair.
I think you might be overthinking it Matthias. Although I've only been to the open house type events at Makerspace North here in Ottawa, it's always been a positive experience. I sure didn't fit in, or feel like I fit in, on my first trip it doesn't take long to strike up some meaningful conversations. If nothing else it gives me inspiration to try new things and think differently about what I already do. Just go; I suspect you'll find more value than you realize.
I went to Maker Central in Birmingham earlier this year and the best part for me was chatting to all the CZcamsr's in the lounge of the Hilton on Saturday night.
It was also great to meet some of my own viewers and some of the big names like Diresta and James Bruton. So I guess not so much what they were making and more of a meet and greet social event.
I'd say that I would love to go, then I would get there and sit in my car for a bit then turn around and leave. I'm not really into awkward social situations.
I for one would love to meet you and get to know you a little better as a person and not just a maker. Maybe that's not profitable from a business sense but from a people sense its a real blessing to be able to gather as a group with a common interest and learn from one another while also growing closer together.
Start Matthias Fair, everyone stares at the ground and awkwardly smiles at you
Welcome to Finland, everything is already done, but name needs little bit tinkering :)
Hmm, and to make it even better, we could do it in our own space, at home. Done! :)
James III
Finland 🇫🇮. Aah, that's where your comfort zone stretches to your neighbors compound five kilometers away and him waiving at you once a week assures you, you have a friend. 🎎
@@mrebholz You got it wrong, neighbors just turn away when there is slightest possibility to meet or see each other to make sure those accident don't happen. Reasoning is meeting might include actual speaking and we don't do that either. So we have 365 day long Wandel fair every year.
@@JamesIII
Aah, I see. Even Tube is good for learning.
There used to be more point before the internet. You could see new stuff like in the old magazines that you used to get basically for the ads to find specialized stuff. Now you can go to a company website and see all kinds of pictures, video demos, and get the same info. Now they are much more like the shows they put on for RV's, boats, cars, home improvement and such that charge you to go in and see stuff that you can walk into the same local stores and see for free. The only ones getting anything out of it are the show promoters.
I wouldn't let Make Mag and Makerfaire get in the way of the community. I'll echo that while it feels like a clique from the outside, it really is a community with open arms. I went to Bay Area MF in 2017, and barely even attended the fair (friday preview day only) I met Laura Kampf at a tour of the Autodesk facility there, ended up at a cookout at Bill Lutes' place with her, Izzy, April and a ton more awesome people that I am now proud to call my friends. Through that I got invited to more events and met more people and got to see really how big, but also how close and welcoming this community is. Nobody knew who I was, but they welcomed me in as family, and now I can't wait to see them all anywhere I go. We all visit each other when we can, go to events, and constantly stay in touch online.
Makerfaire events are just a common ground for us to meet at. The event isn't important, the people are.
Haha you're brutal. I went to maker central last year in the UK, and to be honest I was waiting for something to punch me in the face, but that didn't happen and it was nice to meet some youtube people in person and talk CNC with some others. But I felt like I was constantly biting my tongue with some people. It was a lot of effort. And it did feel like lot of people go to these to reinforce their status as... as you say it... "makers" which was tragic. Anyway what your describing sound like kitsch - maybe we should call them the KITSCH CLIQUES.
Believe it or not, I went to WIA 2015 in Kansas because you were originally listed to be there. Although I was disappointed when I found out you weren't going to be there, I was still very glad I went. I met several other you-tubers that I follow, and had a really great time. Your videos got me into woodworking, so thank you. I don't expect I'll ever meet you, but will always watch.
I go to the small maker Faire near me in Boston. I enjoy talking with people about their projects. Some year I'd like to be organised enough to plan ahead for the big one in NYC. Maybe next year.
Matthias, while you're recovering from tendonitis I'd guess that the opportunity cost of doing visiting/touring videos as opposed to maker videos is a lot lower and you might consider doing some while your arms are recovering.
On the other hand, I can appreciate that you enjoy spending time with your family too, and the time you invest with them will pay off for years.
This reminds me of something I read about introverts and extroverts. Introverts tend to energize/recharge with down-time, and extroverts with people-time.
Then I'm in team "introvert" :)
I have been to the Bay Area, NYC, and my local small faire this year and I am glad I went and met some really awesome people.
Will I return in the future? Probably, but not next year because I cannot imagine them changing that much in one year.
If you ever think about going to one, I would suggest the Bay Area because it is huge and has a big variety of stuff.
I like making things in my garage, and like watching people's videos of their making things. I went to the local SF bay area maker fair this year for the first time and it was interesting, but similar in a lot of ways to other types of 'farm'/etc fairs. You are not asking for any opinions, but if you had one close by (sounds like you do not), try it, you may have fun walking around like any other fair (if you enjoy that). But either way do not stress on it, and do what works best for you. I am sure none of the people who want what is best for you will stress on it either way. :)
I just want to tell you both, good luck. We’re all counting on you.
82 Camino
I can make a hat or a broach or a pterodactyl, I’m a maker
And don't call me Shirley.
Cigarette?
Hahaha! I just read that in Leslie Nielsen's voice!
I can't agree more with your thought.
I'm learning things to build for my self, that is all I am interested and also I like to work alone I can concentrate better when I am working alone and tips I get from you people and that is very helpful I did not start anything right now but I will right now I am listening and watching and observing and you all on youtube are very artistic thank you very much. For me, its high education, what I found very interesting is if one can make tools with wood one can make tools with anything all one need to do change the materials according to needs the workmanship is not very different. Once again thank you
Lots of maker faires I've seen are filled with arts & crafts with occasional electronics. Some established conferences are useful.
I like the way you are : simple, authentic, honest ... outsider as you said.
The very first of your vidéos that i watched was « Not a french cleat system ... », the title was intriguing.
You definetely are a rebel ! :)
Stay the way you are !
Greetings from Belgium
For me I am kind of a recluse and a loner, so for myself I find it extremely hard to make friends or in a lot of cases even keep them!! Not that I am a bad person mind you, but for some reason I meet a new friend and for a while things are running great until I start feeling like these people are only my friend to benefit themselves and NEVER does it work in my favor at all!! In fact a while back I was helping out a guy who I assumed was my friend and I did a lot of work for him asking for nothing in return, I repaired his furnace, fixed the skirting on his mobile home, even repaired his sewer system twice which once was in the middle of winter (which frozen sewage SUCKS)!! And I did other things for him as well, then I asked him to help me work on my shed, I had an idea in my mind of HOW I wanted my shed to look and how I wanted it built!! Two days into the build though he offered to give me $300 worth of lumber I DID NOT ask him for and then two hours after we got home with the wood and started building the shed, the way HE WANTED MY SHED TO BE, he suddenly DEMANDED that I pay him back the $300 AND another $300 for his labor!!! These are the "friends" I seem to meet, even though I NEVER asked him for the original $300 to begin with and he told me to "don't worry about paying him back" when he bought it only to start screaming at me over the design of my shed and how much it was costing HIM!! So like I say I don't have much faith in people as it is, and I have extremely low trust in most folks to start with, and this is only ONE situation that I have had to deal with in my life!! Trust me I have had a lot of so called "friends" like this that only want to be my friend as long as they get their own way and when I want something for myself or want to do something that I WANT or NEED, I get screwed in the end!! And as far as this guy I just mentioned I gave him back his $300 for the lumber and have not talked to him since and that has been four years now!! HAS FAR AS being a maker though I have always HAD TO BE a maker, because I can't get the things I want or need a lot of the times, so I have to make one thing to make something else to make a third thing the only way I know how!! In a lot of ways I have learned how to do things my own way without being able to buy or own tools or depend on other people even those that have the tools I could use!! In a different case for example a "friend" of mine had a bench sander and week after week I asked if I could borrow his sander and month after month went by and he kept telling me "Sure you can borrow it" but then made one excuse after another about lending it too me, even though he constantly borrowed my tools for his projects!! Finally one day he asked to borrow something I didn't want him to use and I have not seen him in almost 20 years!! Like I say I only seem to be people's "friend" when it is a benefit to them and NEVER a benefit to me!!!
The common factor to all your failed friendships is... you.
@@HeiszWandelproject But how, Matthias, how do you mean that? What did he do wrong? Asking for a friend.
Been watching you for years, Mate. Greatly appreciate your natural and informal approach. It has been disappointing to follow other Tubers who I also enjoy watching but find that with time, they turn into "Adtubers" and invariably, end up accumulating high end tools and machines not accessible to us ordinary home woodworkers.
I can empathize with many of your thoughts on this, however I think if you're not SURE if the positives outweigh the negatives... and you admit it would be cool to meet a bunch of makers... why not just try it once!? No need for this to be a thought experiment when you can just go to one (1) and worst case scenario never go again!
When do you expect to get back to your shop? I love your technical, geeky approach. Get well soon.
I do like that you're not one of those annoying cliquey maker douches. The overly animated frat bro talk doesn't suit you, and the things you make are actually useful.
Well put!
Very much an outsider here too. I feel your pain on not wanting to put yourself in those social situations.
For me I like going to the local maker faire just to see what others are making. Sometimes you see something neat or a different way to do something.
local maker fairs is a differnet thing. I have gone to check some of those out myself.
What about... curiosity? I went to some of these and was disappointed, and then at other times, was happy I went. It is sometimes refreshing to meet other people who share similar interests. Would I rent a room in another town to be able to attend one? Certainly not. On the other hand, when one comes nearby, say within about an hour drive, why not?
In your case, being rather well known, you would probably get some unwanted attention, of course, but why make a whole video on something you do not do because you do not know why you would?
I went to my first Maker Faire this year (in Atlanta, GA). I sort of felt like it's my duty as a "maker" to go. To be honest, it was a bit less interesting than I expected (I was sightly underwhelmed)... But I still had a good time. What would have really made it a worthwhile experience for me would have been getting to meet on of my favorite creative CZcamsrs. I think they mostly go to the larger Maker Faires in San Francisco Bay and New York City. At any rate... I'd love an opportunity to meet you (Mattias). I hope that you'll give Maker Faires a chance. I think they will continue to get better and better as time goes on.
Mathias, you hit the nail on the head. Stuff at maker faires i equate to desk toys. They are neat for 30 seconds and then just take up space and cost money. I am more of a practical person so the artistic side of things don't especially appeal to me longer than 30 seconds.
Matthias is so right about this! All these people making novelty things. Not interesting at all. My local maker space has all kinds of tools available and all they make is tacky gifts and decoration. I don’t mind the maker label though. Since we make things but it is not our job. Its a hobby. I wouldn’t call myself a carpenter.
You're just defending the maker lable because it's easier to do that than to rebrand
Maker Faire is riding the wave of some kind of weekend DIY'er dad revolution.
When you browse a CZcams video of a Maker project, you get to enjoy the outcome of someone's skill and in your minds eye, imagine the process. At the shows you get to dialog with the creator which is rewarding in its own right to both the admirer and the creator as you appreciate or question the process.
I've only been to makers central which was great because I meet lots of like minded people. If you have to travel far and get hotels then yea I wouldn't be able to justify the cost. If you have one happening near by it can be a great experience for the people you meet.
Most eyewear stores will offer what they call an "anti-reflective coating" which may eliminate (or at least minimize) the light artifacts from video lighting gear and camera flash that show up in your glasses. Perhaps a cheaper option, would be to position video lights so that they are not in the same space as the camera.
yes, and without the AR coating, the reflection would be much worse than it is
You're an extremely practical thinker, and appear to have thought about all the practicalities. Sometimes it's good to let your hair down and do something just for the fun of it though. Whatever rocks your boat.
clique
, noun, a small close-knit group of people who do not readily allow others to join them.
Examples of cliques: jocks, cheerleaders, hipsters, slackers, punks.
czcams.com/video/qEGMse-VCgs/video.html
and nerds, freaks, lone wolves, bloods, wastoids, dickheads all think Matthias is a righteous dude.
czcams.com/video/qEGMse-VCgs/video.html
Someday someone will make a movie about him...call it Matthias Wandel's Day Off.
don't forget vampires
@@rickrudd HAHA! I was thinking this too!
@@roldac thanks for the link. 😂
Got some big name makers leaving comments Mathias, you are a big name maker and well done for that.
I agree. When I was younger I was constantly fiddling with electronics and various mechanical gadgets, I had the opportunity to go to a maker fair in the Bay Area when I was in the 6th grade. I recall it being more of a novelty for most all of the individuals attending, very little technical information is shown, more like an inspiration trade show to city goers who might go home and dabble with an arduino.
Hey Wandel: Nice to see the vids as of late. How's the Carpel Tunnel in your arms? Are you getting help with physio with it? Just wondering.
so true,..artist collectives are cool on the inside,once viewed from outside,its a commercial clique foundationed on ego-just keep makin'!
I say the same thing about birthdays, weddings, xmas, easter, etc etc...
One thing that come to mind is being able to absorb some ... energy.... from a group of people with a common cause would be a good reason to go.
The hermit creator
gjdewald the maker bater..
Oh boy, an event that people go to to have fun, find inspiration, share ideas, discover new products, shake hands over a meal...I’d better crap all over it, even though I’ve absolutely never been and am totally typecasting other people for not being what I think they should be. Love Matty
Add a small lamp at the floor behind you to improve shadows and give you depth.
Oh, he's got depth. It's the kind you don't see.
Go once and see what it's like! It sounds to me like you're guessing what they're like and what you'd get out of it based on second-hand information. You don't have to take stuff there, you can just go as a spectator.
Of course, you're doing fine as it is so it's not like you're really missing out.
And if the nearest maker event isn't near you, start one of your own where you are!
Go to one. The big one near SF. Just go once and see if there is something there for you. Even if it isn't the right fit, a Maker Fair is enough of an experience in its own right to justify at the trip at least once. At least for anyone who has that sort of maker mindset. Seeing stuff online and in videos does not convey the awe you feel being around so many creative types. And you, being you, I'd be you could get someone to sponsor your trip.
I would check one out if it wasn't such a big commitment of time and money (all the travel)
I understand your reasoning, but I’m also sure that many viewers would love to meet you. Also there are many makers, like myself that owe you a great debt from our found benefit of your channel. So on behalf of us and many other viewers, THANK YOU!
I've been to a few MFs - the best thing is usually the bring-a-hack and other events in teh evenings - much more hardcore geekery, and no kids. unfortunately all the low-level kiddy stuff is necessary to make the events viable at all
When I was a kid, we called them "hobby" faires.
Yes, thanks, I was trying to remember what this sort of thing is really called-- not some jargon created by silicon valley. I've never used the word, but hear it/see it all the time, and it's annoying.
To most of us makers or whatever the new name for tinker is. CZcams is our Maker Faire. Keep up the good work Matthias
I don't blame you Matthias !
I don't really see a positive to it either. I guess it depends on what motivates a person. If they're into the marketing, sponsorship, securing investors, contracts, and all that mind numbing/life shackling stuff then have at it. Personally, I think my time is better spent building something that I need and sharing it here. Reach the same people, if not more.
I would rather hang out with people in my workshop making stuff.
You have fans who’d love to meet you. You, the makers, are the draw so I assume you’d be paid for appearing. Hearing you in a panel on an interesting topic would be cool too. I’d imagine you can sell merch much like bands do so that’d be a monetary reason to go. You could vlog it. I guess you have to want to do it and then enjoy it when you do & there’s no guarantee of that, but if one is convenient enough for you to do, you should, you might catch the bug for it.
Matthias every thing is frame of mind. I get a lot of what you said. I have never been a follower... somewhat of an outsider....definitely not a conformist... and if there was ever another life, I was probably with Guy Fawkes burning down the establishment via , their parliament buildings.....
That said, I would encourage you to keep an open mind... I get private at times myself in my older years....
Quite content to attend to my hobbies in reading, coffee shops, book stores, hole in the wall restaurants, and staying in my own world of carpentry, electrical, machining, and all those wonderful hobbies......
Still, we are all in this world together. We are all connected. Sharing is important..... Lighten up a bit on your expectations... Let some of it be light entertainment. People of your talent tend to drill down on what is relevant and useful....... Sometimes my friend, just simple, easygoing no meaning, courtesy talking, socializing is useful.....
Thanks for saying this! No barrier to entry is the best and worst thing about CZcams. The number of 'makers' on CZcams has exploded and most of them have very little talent. 6 or 7 years ago I watched everyone. Now I only follow those that are master craftsmen like Rob Cosman or Kyle Toth, or people that are extremely creative and inventive, like you, Jeremy Schmidt, and Jack Houweling.
Even though I'm a woodworker I'm more drawn to the metal/machinist community on youtube. They're all VERY good at what they do. The cost of the equipment prevents people from spending a few hundred dollars on Ryobi tools and thinking they are experts.
I think most 'Makers' rely on the forced sense of community at maker fairs and instagram comments. They all pretend that the others are AMAZING, or INSPIRATIONAL so those people throw a few nice buzzwords back at them.
As I imagine you are, I'm fairly practical and logical. I can see the stuff elsewhere, I can watch people's videos. Going on my own the first time it was interesting, but I didn't get much out of it.
When I went with @barnacules as his cameraman, my entire perspective changed. I think it came down to having a a reason to go talk to people and look at events like Maker Faires in a different light. I also began meeting people (CZcamsrs) where you could see who they really are.
It has caused me to become more social in these types of situations. I take in more of what others are doing and see how that unique thing relates to me. I get inspired by other's passion.
You seem to be (I've never met you) someone with a similar curiosity as me. You're trying to learn and build. I have used events like Maker Faire to learn and build on me, stretching my comfort zone with a community that really is accepting of all. I've seen two CZcamsrs go all "fan girl" over meeting each other.
I guess my point is - there is a value to a number of people that I think you aren't seeing. Will that value be exactly the same for you? No. You may be surprised at what value you do find.
But you'll only know if you go.
Sind a few years ago, maker faires are held annually here in austria. For my taste, the entrance fee is way to high and it always has a bitter taste of commercializing something that most of the people do for fun. On the other hand, what was nerdy an weird when I was young (not that long ago), is now hip and cool. This development may encourage young people to spend time with their hobbies, and show off what they are capable off. I think the development in general is a good one, even if it comes with the commercialization of it.
@Heisz Wandel project -Not a fan either. What about dedicated viewer meetups? I suppose the chance of meeting slightly unstable dedicated fans is higher there...
I can say that I would go but funding and time is always an issues as a microchannel in the DIY relm
Faires are for people people. We're not all people people. Some of us like to quietly tinker and figure things out and carefully present it in a way that we can control. Some of us like heavy social contact. I'm with ya, man. I don't fault you for being honest with yourself.
I would have been super surprised if he was like "ah, yeah, tho, I've always been a social butterfly."
Matthias, You dont owe anyone an explanation.You are an introvert. If you can earn a living making stuff, asking and attempting to answer questions that pique your curiosity by fashioning experiments or devices and then sharing it on line, all the while maintaining your privacy, then you are happy to keep it that way. We get it. We stay on one side of the screen and you on the other, keeps life quiet and uncomplicated. Many people are bright and inquisitive but shun public scrutiny and life. You do not owe your "fans" anything. Don't ever feel you have to explain that.
I thought the Internet was supposed to be the medium for connecting in this sort of business. Seems counterproductive to have large gatherings in person.
I dunno, I was sold on the idea last year after I attended one. It wasn't about seeing things I couldn't see something else (Instagram). A few good things come to mind. #1 Inspiring young people: lots of kids really enjoying the things people made with their hands. That stuff is missing from schools. #2 talking with folks that are building something, and in the case of the one I went to that was useful stuff like autonomous submersibles and machinery. #3 is meeting the people that watch our channel- it's really great to have those conversations and hear their stories. It is convenient for us though, one is about 30 minutes away. If it were a day drive in sure I'd have to think a little harder about it.
At 30 minutes away, I think it would be worth the trip for me to check it out.
mathias are you talking about an *International Clique* ?
As a kid I tore stuff apart. Was I a breaker?
You don't need to meet people in person these days, remember your Live stream years ago with Bob? That was great, and everyone could share that experience. As far as I know its still up on his channel.
The problem of just watching social media for shows is that you're dependent on someone else posting the things you're interested in. And when you're following multiple people, they tend to duplicate each other and neglect the rest of the show.
Now if it's really a day's trip each way then that's clearly not worth it but if you can make a day or two of it then I suggest going as an attendee just to get a feel for it.
Oddly at one point I thought I'd love to be a part of that scene where as now, the idea just irritates me. Makers just aren't as informative as I'd like them to be and not as educational. Brand placement seems to have more importance with some of the bigger YT maker personalities. Not to mention I feel a lot of what is made is junk or only made for the purpose of showing off the tool they're shilling.
I don’t know any makers that are that bad about advertising. But I also don’t appreciate those people that make weekly videos of super simple projects just because they don’t have the time to build something more elaborate.
@@MaxMakerChannel advertising is advertising and I'm just not interested.
@Sam T I agree with you 100%, when I first started watching "maker" video's on CZcams however many years back that was, it was all about the project, showing how it was made, the detail in it, the parts, how you could make it yourself, its use etc. Now its more, oh look I made a door stop but if you don't want to make your own door stop, visit my sponsor down below.
Nobody likes advertisement, but we all like high quality and frequent videos. That costs money.
@@MaxMakerChannel Some of us actually prefer amateur videos that are actually just a hobby for the creator. Unfortunately, anytime an amateur is interesting and informative, they succumb to the lure of CZcams ad money (such as it is) and end up going into "churn it out" mode. There seems to be a large audience for "churn it out" videos, but there are also some of us out there who are more niche viewers who don't want or need "high quality and frequent videos"...we just want informative/interesting videos without ad crap infestation. And no, that is not a good way to make a living for a "creator". There's nothing wrong with that. There's nothing wrong with people doing some videos just because they want to do videos, as a hobby. Those are the people I enjoy most.
And it doesn't have to cost a dime other than their time.
"I have to make it big!!! I'm gonna make millions and quit my job!!" is a disease on CZcams that ruins good channels.
Your videos are not only interesting in terms of the projects and valuable in terms of good videography, they are also something like a close, intimate encounter with you: being - virtually - in your workshop, sometimes a room of your house, your garden etc. This is a bit like a personal encounter. Fair stands are completely different. You are best as the guy you are.
Do they serve beer? That's the deciding factor.
Probably some soy milk and vegan pastries
@@salland12 you think? Most woodworkers I know are a hearty lot. I dont see a bunch of low-T eunuchs taking the time to create much of anything.
IS IT FREEEEE.
I mentioned in an earlier comment that many of your viewers have come to see you more as the 'guy next door' who is able to figure anything out ...
A couple of years ago, there was an informal meeting of a bunch of CZcamsrs and viewers, at a pub in Toronto - and I think you were there .. I was out of town, so I missed it, and I have been sorry ever since!
From all reports, THAT is the kind of 'gathering' you would enjoy - a bunch of people with similar interests, in an informal setting. Now we have to find someone to organize it in New Brunswick for the next gathering :)
Best Wishes to you and your family.
Do a meetup of your own! I know I would attend.
Your observation is dead-on about the cliques at the woodworking/maker events. Having been at many of them, not only is the clique of the makers blatantly obvious but also the sub-cliques of the makers. Too many of them have false face while greeting their audience only to talk negatively about the audiences and makers they find "less" than them. Anymore it's just a shit show and like you said, besides the handshake, everything else is just as well presented in a video or website article.
I have debated going to one, but I am not a big fan of crowds and almost every time I have had the opportunity to see someone in person that I really like, dozens of other people had already swarmed around them and it frustrates me.. So, I don't find things like that enjoyable.
You're so cool - how could you ever be on the outside of anything? :D
You would be the ONE person I would actually want to meet if I ever went to one of these things. You've remained consistent in your style and motives etc for all the years I've watched and followed your videos and channel and the website. I am beginning to resent and turn my back on the 'clique' as you rightly put it. The never ending sponsorships throughout their videos just annoys me now and the quality of content has gone downhill with them all.
Guys like you and John and AvE who have stuck to your style and raised a middle finger to sponsors get my utmost respect.
I'm not saying creators and CZcamsrs shouldn't have sponsors ( electroboom and many others are still great while using sponsors) but I don't like the false approach to using them like it's some affiliate marketing scheme BS.
I see a lot of the Maker Fairs as Knob Slobbery. At the end of the day Maker Fairs are nothing more than a different name for a sales or marketing convention.
I don't feel excluded from things i don't /can't go to.
If anything, when a particular CZcams host goes to an event and gives glimpses of it through various social media, it gives an exciting new perspective on that person and the craft community on the whole. It makes antisocial types like me Google to find out where the next nearest show will be, to find out about new people and ideas.
Just like everything else that is fun for people, it becomes commercial. Sometimes that is good, sometimes it is not. It depends on how you view it. Personally I feel some of these people sell out too much and lose that edge they had when they created things on their own and I lose interest.
This reminded me of the circle dance piece from the book of laughter and forgetting. When standing in a circle holding hands, you feel so included. But when you are not in the circle, nothing makes you feel so excluded.
“That is when I understood the magical meaning of the circle. If you go away from a row, you can still come back into it. A row is an open formation. But a circle closes up, and if you go away from it, there is no way back. It is not by chance that the planets move in circles and that a rock coming loose from one of them goes inexorably away, carried off by centrifugal force. Like a meteorite broken off from a planet, I left the circle and have not stopped falling. Some people are granted their death as they are whirling around, and others are smashed at the end of their fall. And these others (I am one of them) always retain a kind of faint yearning for that lost ring dance, because we are all inhabitants of a universe where everything turns in circles.”
Cliques are by definition exclusionary and it is really unfair to label any group you haven't bothered trying to meet a clique. If they say, "No, you can't be one of us," THEN you can call them a clique. But if they are all saying, "Hey, Matthias, come over and meet the gang," and you refuse, you are just the chairman and sole member of the Clique of Matthias.
I agree here. I feel in all the various careers I’ve been involved in this is the least clicky and the most welcoming and thought-provoking. Willing to share any information. Even before I was considered one of the “bigger CZcamsrs” I never felt any resistance from anybody that I ever emailed spoke to or reached out to. And I am willing to help Any one that asks.
jimmydiresta You're one of the bigger CZcamsrs for a reason. You are a pro whose content is both entertaining, educational and are willing to share learned knowledge gleaned over many years.
Well I was going to invite you to my birthday party but now I’m rethinking it 🤓