Still Stuck on the Tech

 I'm just trying to post content on a YouTube reaction channel. I think that I have something to say that's worth watching, and I want to have fun saying it.

But, I've made several videos that I can't post, and have posted several that I shouldn't have, because the tech didn't work right. Mostly, it's video lag that's killing me. Sometimes it's audio problems.

Why does it have to be so frustrating?

I Watch Reaction Channels on YouTube

 I watch, and subscribe to, a lot of YouTube reaction channels.

Those channels got me through a year of COVID lockdown, when there wasn't much to do. Once I found them, I went through a lot of them - and found out what I liked and what was meh in the genre.

After a while, I thought why am I just watching them, when I could start one myself? So, I did.

I Need a Fixed Setup!

 I've been struggling with the technology of creating a YouTube reaction channel. I don't have it nailed yet.

I need a fixed setup - a studio of sorts - that works, and that I can leave set up to come back to and just create content. I don't have that yet.

I have a cheap laptop for this, with not enough USB inputs for everything I'd like to hook up.

I can't get OBS Studio to work with my microphone that I bought on clearance yet.

I don't have a place in my house to setup and leave a green screen up, or have a good background. Most of my house space is devoted to family and kids and a new grandchild, and it would be selfish to have space for this activity.

Just when I think I have it working, it's not. 

Frustrating.

But, I'm soldiering on....

If this is the biggest problem that I have in life, then I'm okay...

19 Videos In!

 So, I'm 19 videos into my reaction channel on YouTube. I've learned about the following things:

- OBS Studio: getting better, but don't have a go to setup yet

- SEO: I've hired a solid professional for Search Engine Optimization and saw some initial success

- FIVERR: a website where I can hire professionals for SEO or editing etc

- CANVA: a website where I create Thumbnails to upload for my videos

- Copyright disputes: for "fair use exemptions" for reaction channels. I've won two and lost one. 

Note: If the reaction videos are going to be restricted for Copyright infringement and can't be monetized, there's probably not enough reason to keep going. I have to win!

I have 69 subscribers somehow at this point, on a journey toward 1000. Onward! 

My latest video is: Divided We Fall

Technology learning curve

 Every new video that I've made on my new YouTube channel has been a technology learning curve:

- getting OBS Studio working
- what webcam to use (mine seems to video lag) ($65 wasted)
- I don't have a mic in jack on my cheap laptop ($25 mic wasted)
- Lighting, but it takes a USB and I don't have an extra USB slot
- Green screen, filters, chroma key

I got my green screen working tonight, but am not sure I could repeat it. 

Learning. Ever onward...

Hey Dad Channel up on YouTube!

A question came to me: How do I reach my kids and grandkids with concerns about the Culture, in a fun way that will connect? Starting a YouTube reaction channel was the answer.

Hey Dad Channel actually started 4 years ago with an idea, a video and a channel. It went like this:

Son: "Hey Dady?"
Me: "Yeah son?
Son: "How do you tie a necktie?"
Me: "I'm glad you asked! Let me show you."

I always wanted to teach my sons how to tie a perfect Double Windsor knot in a tie that a young engineer taught me on my first corporate job at an aerospace company in 1979. It's a fine knot. I of other skills to pass on over time too.

The "Hey Dad?" channel sat dormant on YouTube for 4 years, even as I watched YouTube nightly through the pandemic lockdown going down insomnia rabbit holes. What did I watch? Mostly reaction channels, where young people hear the music that I grew up with for the first time, and react to it. Fun!

Why am I just watching each night, when I could be making those reaction videos? Good question.

The channel is now tuned up, and I'm learning how to make those videos. There is a lot of technology to learn quickly. 

But, I'm up! See you on the channel.