i rele dig the more relaxed vids on this account a litle more than the other one... and i can understand your distress over the situation of the tubes these days
try a live show, it's a good way to get more views. If you have ppl asking their friends what they are doing tonight and they say watching a live internet show, chances are that more questions will follow and viewers will increase.
I suppose the problem is that if you wanted a huge audience, you quite simply couldn't attain it from the style of videos you're making: they're no way near broad enough. However, you do actually have something to offer, unlike the majority of You Tube "intellectuals" (i.e. self-rightous bores who like to hear their own voice and cannot get anyone in day to day life to listen). Therefore I expect that you will continue to gather subs, it'll just take time because you dont have gimmicks.
it's school, and the fact that the feature isn't there. after a huge gain, you're going to get a drop, especially when it collides with a good portion of viewers suddenly not having much time on their hands.
First of all you are Extremely Talented and mesmerizing to watch. Your humor hits home with most of my friends and I send your vids to them or show them in person--but they are mainly afraid of YouTube because they haven't done it. They have maybe watched a couple---but never "joined". It's not very clear for the not so tech-savvy how to use YouTube as a community. If it was somehow more clear for "lazy" or "easily technologically frightened" folks that would help. *Bright Blessings*Linda
Alright comming from a marketing background cross promotions is amazing the best examples are the hp commercials where you have a brand (famous person) speaking about another brand (hp). Word of mouth is the best form of promotions for youtube however most people who watch youtube are students from middleschool to college and that is not really your target market. If you decide to change your image you will enevatably lose Subscripers who would be copnsidered your cult. You could end up
or less viewers you will never know until you try. Now I have yet to research he who will remain unnamed but I believe whatever would come out of this partnership could only benifit you even if that means your name will get assosiated with the mess he suposivly created. Your name will still get out there. It is pretty shitty to think that way unfortunately that is how advertising is
ok I don't mean to take up all your comment space but what if you debate viewers about subjects you are passionate about or maybe once a week or month you do a video about what is the most asked question on cha cha, that is if you still work for them. You can do parides and that way you know people are truly intrested in that subject and can create funny ways to relay that answer
A video which is novel, unique, subversive is what pulls in viewers. The quality of the content, ie. it being intelligent or skilful is not often a significant factor. You're reach has to exceed your grasp, Jeff. That's why I haven't posted a 'real' video yet ("A Philosophical Cosmos" being an experiment in editing) as I want to hone my novel ideas into a dynamic form. The ideas have to crystallise into a harmonious whole for them to really have a collective impact. Talk about art, Jeff!
pick a political issue that you have a stance that may be considered as radical by the masses or unexpected by your fans and make a video articulating your position
First, more views is an essential part of the process. Numbers matter in the sales game :)
Converting these into subscribers, 'making the sale' is the tough part :(
Why subscribe? I subscribe often when someone I am already subscribed to recommends another channel - so get your existing subscribers pimping for you. (Offer a prize for the biggest sub-pimp. I guess you'll need a way to record who subscribed via whom - Hey I can't figure out everything. Give me a fucking break!)
Your a very creative man. Are you sure what you want is "more subscribers"? Why do you want more subscribers, there's an additional motivating factor. Perhaps you may use your creativity to pursue other means of "promotion". In concept, your content is excellent but may be too narrow to draw a "larger crowd".
I would think you should just keep working and do what your doing!
also i think you should should tell your veiwers to do a "compotition"( for love or even mention in a video) where people have to mimic your vids. that means that most of your subs that are subbed to you will show there subs that they like you so its like advertisement but not
you can have crazy prises like some toothpaste or a signd version of your book or something
Although I don't like it when someone shares a lot of videos and usually don't watch them all. I believe if I remember right someone sent me one of your videos and thought you looked interesting. I'm glad they did. I do like your videos and try very hard to watch them (you are on a very short list if I get home late) but I have to confess I am very behind on video viewing.
I guess I'm saying 'word of mouth', in my opinion, is the best advertising. That along with good content.
As others have pointed out, your split persona videos were awesome. Also the essay, poem, or something videos are very cool (Roting worms or something or other), I share those, and the people I share them with really like them.
But man, had no Idea you got yourself involved so much with your channel... there must be a monetary reward for your endeavors... For the rest of your problems I really don't have a solution. I guess that there is a lot more Internet content right now and more channels.
I mean really. If you don't get money out of it or this is not your form of sustenance... then screw it! Deflate your ego and focus on content. If you get a rent on view amounts... well prepare for high seasons and low seasons. Quality is the most important part of your product! If its just to get your material known... develop your forte: Philosophy and Geneneral Fiction.
And what is worse... Promoting your YouTube channel via regular marketing... NO NO NO NO NO NO. BAD Az. BAD. You plan on investing time, money and other resources to promote your channel? NO. Spend it making another book, and use your channel to market BOOKS. Not marketing your marketing system. Idea: Make a book of short story-essays and make vids of them for YouTube, but the most of the substance is still in the book, or whatever...
Your best videos are when you collaborate with yourself. They take time, but are awesome.
Not sure why you've dropped. I noticed about a month ago that I hardly see any posted videos from the 100 channels I subscribe to. Are we in the end times of UT?
Ok, so I might not be a great example on this topic, but I do know what my opinions are. And they are like this. Firstly, I think that one of the best things to promote you (other than yourself) is time.
I'm talking about time as in chilling out and waiting for good subscribers to find you. I'm betting that most of your views recently came from the featured vid right? and it's been slowly going downhill, you said.
This really has nothing to do with you. It's more of the type of people who were watching you because you got featured. Those types were dead subscribers. They have an account, but youtube is a pastime of theirs and they don't go online to check out new videos. They also are the types of people who might never even log on again.
When I got featured, the exact same thing happened, and it was quite discouraging...
But uh...
k, this comment is wayyyyy longer than I intended...
I would be very careful dealing with that dude. I know you're skeptical as I am, and maybe the guy is trying to re-build his creditability. You talk about hot topic stuff, maybe it's because some times you don't come out and say it. Maybe people aren't digging the change you've made. I find your videos entertaining and meaningful. As for views, I think it's the kids are in school, and people are spending more time watching the election.
Another thing: the most popular YouTubers are pretty youthful (I just discovered Fred through the discussion here - if this is what is popular then maybe your relative obscurity is a good sign). I was surprised to learn that you are only 25 years old - that's pretty youthful. But you don't seem youthful - I would have guessed you were in your 30s. Not sure what you can do about this, but I have to think it hurts your sub rate a little bit.
It seems to me that you can illuminate any topic with your particular brand of philosophy, so why not turn your attention toward popular topics, anything from, say, racism, to Britney Spears' comeback, to a particular movie, or a single line from a famous song. The collision of well-read sophistication and inanity would automatically be entertaining, engaging, and different, and the popularity of these topics should attract more of an audience.
I guess you could always try and crank up the edginess in your videos. Not that I don't think you already are fairly edgy, but you could perhaps be more overt. I guess its part of your style, which you should stay true to, but when you disguise things in metaphors and satire fewer people will tend to "get it" and it doesn't necassarily pack the same kind of punch as it could. One channel I like to watch is AngrieAussie. His STFU videos are maybe the model I'm trying to suggest you emulate.
I believe the dip in views could be the result of the school term, definitely. I don't think it's anything to do with content, because despite the fact I'm back at school, I still watch each and every video you post. I don't think it's anything to do with the market and cutting down on outgoings.
I think if you want to attract views without whoring yourself to poor quality videos, then perhaps consider doing videos in response to other big hits. They can still be "you" and attract a new audience
Oh, I don't think it's a delusion. We're social creatures. Valuation itself, by which I would judge how much I need other people, is a product of society (i.e. I need it to say I don't need it). Yes, it is about fame and appreciation. Fortune, no, there are better ways of doing that. Love, no, that's what those few "superior" men provide.
I've been planning my own live show, and whenever Karen gets back, we'll probably do shows together again. I do need to write another book, though.
That's it, maybe I should write a review of your book and see if it actually gets published. Probably not though, but it would be fun to try. I don't know what journals are actually into that kind of stuff...
Mmmm I would say make maybe a video series on songs you like.Reply to the songs....Maybe talk about the lyrics and what you think the songs about... That would attract traffic..." Logic lol -> "Your second most viewed video is a song"
2. Do a video with your animal lol
3. controversy "Drama or controversial topics"
4. Reply one of your videos to people with higher subscribers...Maybe participate in a contest...
If I start participating more, number 4 will be easier. As of now, I'm not very good at picking up on what challenges are going on. Number 2 is a good idea as well.
I agree that it's hard to get potential collaborators to remember you. It makes one feel very small. But that might be an unwarranted feeling, because it's just common Youtube knowledge; don't spend time on something that won't increase sub count. So in those situations, instead of taking it personally, I suppose it's just best to keep in mind one's place in the importance of things.
How I've found people on UTube: They've: made videos commenting on topics of the day 2. been featured by a popular Youtuber 3. 'collabed' with another or a popular Youtuber 4. commented often on other people's vids & included a sentence that made me curious. 5. Appeared on blogtv or stickam (I cant find your iTunes podcast-for some reason I think U have one..? :( 6. gotten over the 'self promo as annoyance' idea. 7. mentioned Jared Leto (yeah, but it's true) 8. gotten Nalt's attention!
U may not like these but.. 9. A contest for Utubers to create a 60 second intro for Ur channel, then U pick the top 10, then have Ur subs vote for best.Fun! 10. Some of the popular kids are involved w Utube's RhettandLink's Supernote Contest Participation =exposure. 11. "Video Respond" to popular vids or submit a completed vid as a response. Since I see U as a rebel, I feel like I'm saying "Az, just don't be Az, and U'll be popular..Yay!". But I suspect U have good reasons for wanting higher #s.
(Promise,my last post on this) 12. Use Twitter effectively-follow MANY interesting ppl,make interesting tweets(most but not all linking back ur vids on Utube) Twitter loves great one liners. Link Utube to Ur Twitter account, not Ur website (because Ur new vids are not easy to find on your personal site in its current format). Try to tweet 3 or 4x a day. From Utube they will find azrienochdotcom. 13.Check out the Jetsetshow's channel on Utube (Epic FU). New episode re:Twitter features just up.
An easy way is to get consistent responses to have yourself into most discussed often, something like the seven words video every 2 or 3 days, and maybe do some short comment wrap up next time.
Also you are pretty inaccessible with your style and e-personality, old viewers get you but new ones don't have much to latch on to.
And as for lower traffic, maybe YT is just becoming old?
A currency unit that has 100 parts loses 98 of those parts- that's all I had to offer.
Nah, like you mention the trendy answer or point some comment out, not as a segment but something that makes your channel seem more interactive.
On a different note: if you are sub-whoring to get more attention to your books why are you so reluctant about making philosophy videos? Especially in the 'I want to talk about the many uses of language and how we tend to mistake them for other uses' style, that literally changed my life; and 'beetle' made plenty of people go apeshit aswell.
This reminds me of the good ol' days when I was really involved in a particular music artist's message board, and we did a lot of collaborative stuff, that and the web-site I run, which is dead, but I pay to keep it up anyways. I guess I'm glad to have a job in the real world that doesn't involve promoting anything other than... Philosophy, and that's to people who have already paid, or whose parents have paid, for them to be there. :)
Hey Jeff, here's my lame-ass contribution... I was featuring random subscribers on my channel for a while and that seemed to bump up my sub numbers - or the rate at which they subbed.
Yeah, I've tried doing that, I just always get anxious about not having those views put on my videos. I need to overcome this need for instant gratification.
You gotta realize your audience is alot smaller. The majority of youtube is idiots or trolls. I mean you put out alot of good content and the subs that do stick around are probably pretty good. There is no harm in finding out what the PR guy can do for you its not like you have to commit.
Yeah, I've tried asking him a few times, trying to get him to really sell himself to me in what he can do, and the most I get back is, "We can stick you on the front page of a few of our websites."
If you want to pump up the views and the subscribers, doing video responses never hurt anyone. you don't have to make the other video the reason for your own, but posting your video as a response increases the views, especially if the other user has more subscribers than you.
As for the PR thing - I think you're actually capable of handling your own PR fairly well. Don't divide up the pie unless it's something you cannot do as well yourself.
Yeah, I think this is something I've really got to focus on a bit better. Here's my hesitation: for a while I've felt like direct video responses could not be very original, it was something everyone was doing in order to come up with content. So I insisted on just making my own content. I still think that's a good approach, but responses are nevertheless necessary. Do you agree?
However, I believe that you arleady have the answer to the question, you're looking to create a talk-show thingy. Which would be awesome and quite original not to mention funny im sure :D (not sure whether it's going to be on youtube or not). Just don't ask for the advice or means of doing so by speaking to some dodgy person. If this means anything at all :P
So, that's your live show idea, a talk show? You never replied to my question about it in a message. :p
Interesting thought though. Where would you host this live show (what site)?
Also, I'm guessing you're NOT thinking of grad school? I actually know another guy that double majored in English and Philosophy at my undergrad institution, who is graduating this year, and he's thinking of a grad program in Creative Writing.
I figure I'll just get PhD after PhD until they stop me.
Sorry, yeah, the live show, either on blogtv or ustream, would be a talk show. I'm not much good at anything else. ;)
And no, grad school isn't for me. Hell, college wasn't for me. At one point, I thought I'd just spend my life in school, not have kids, and let the system eat the debt. Become so valuable that people will wish I'd actually done something with that work.
Yeah i've been noticing the same thing recently, less watchers and less subscribers, to pretty much all videos, not only yours so don't worry ;) I'd go as far as blaming it on the fact that everything new creating a "rush" (In this case Youtube) that gets metaphorically raped by society, tends to become boring after a not-too-long while.
You should get over this idea that self promotion is annoying. I tend to think the same way...but when I thought about what you said..then thought about those Tubers that I really enjoy..it turns out tha i don't view their self promoting as annoying... but necessary. So either stop caring about numbers or promote. You will know when enough is enough.
I don't know... my anxiety tells me enough is enough before I even start. But point taken. Are there more acceptable means of self-promotion than others?
There's not much demand for quality video's on youtube that are either clever, witty or make you think, just look at the most viewed video's.
It's either from Fred, Mrian, that one chick with the ultra long introductions on her video's whenever she talks about Obama and net neutrality or whatever or some Naruto/anime thing ect.
So I wouldn't worry about it. It's like Carlin says, the public sucks.
I unfortuneately can't even remember how I first happened accross you! I would agree with what someone else suggested and try to give new videos on a regular basis.
You should mention, at some point, even if its just in the info block, for people to take advantage of the Share option. i personally know 4 people that have subscribed to you because i dropped you into Facebook. You want people to open a window and see you as an option for their next move. subscribers are one way, How do you get into the featured videos section? and have you messed with the Friend option? its a more subtle than a shameless plug.
You know, I've never pressed that thing. What are all the options? What does it do? I suppose I could just click it and find out, but I don't have facebook. DackJaniels suggested I stick those reminders in the blackbars. Do you think that's okay, or should I devote a whole screen to that at the end? Or should I only put it in the description?
sorry for the delay, i only have internet at the office during the week.
I suggest you get a facebook profile. its a simple interface, and yet another means of marketing yourself/books/videos. you have the ability to gather friends and share your material in a different forum. yes, some of your fans would overlap but many wouldn't and there lies your potential for exponential growth. you should set one up and mention it breifly in your next video, perhaps put a link on your page?
I wouldn't know how to get more subscribers (I capped off at 50, and before I stopped making videos I was down to 39... mostly because I like to clean out my subscriber list of suspended/closed accounts. I might have had 90 altogether).
But, you might simply want to just get involved more... many of my few subscribers came from video responses.
I really don't feel the idea is throw as much stuff out there and see if it works is always the best idea. Nalts use to throw a huge amount on to youtube and he would get consistent number of views, but the numbers usually as high. Also he has gone and made his videos into a playlist so anyone can stumble across press play and have that instant gratification. I personally found your channel because of a reply that you made to an old Christopher Mast video.
Maybe you should consider keeping some form of consistency. Of when you post your videos, I know then it may start to seem like a job and maybe this shouldn't really seem like a job but it seems that the devoted youtubers are the ones that get the most views. You can really see an improvement in the visual quality of your of your videos and the content has always been there now it just may be a waiting game
When you find a chunk of gold, I think, there's a natural reaction to hide it. With intellectual content the reaction is to feel that you are somehow included in a cool new clique. This is a natural progression as, for instance, a band becomes more popular. The people who were fans before the breakout usually don't survive the trend. They Sold Out.
Nalts IMO has the correct idea. Throw enough crap and something will eventually stick. Nalts, also has a consistent brand. You have branded yourself with the Az character. Its a good character with quality and intelligence. YT is in a recession right now, as is the rest of the world. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will eventually breakout.
there is a great 2001 WGBH documentary on language titled "the mind's big bang". in this particular video (/watch?v=uF8_UyeW-8o) at 3:54 Robin Dunbar talks about the research he has done on what humans usually talk about. roughly 2/3 of all casual conversation is dedicated to... *gossip*!
you can "capitalize" on this fact about human behavior by making videos that address "important" happenings caused by particular individuals or groups. and i don't mean in a "he said, she said" superficial way
you could use social gossip as a springboard for presenting your ideas on life, philosophy, politics, language, evolution and human relations. For example you could put yourself in the eye of a drama storm to draw peoples interest and then after an analysis of the situation you could expose certain tactics of human behavior, their motives and how this relates to science or philosophy. That way people get their dose of gossip and information in one stroke.
What about having people send in facts about their life, ideas etc., which you can then turn into some story or poem. If people think they may get a mention from time to time maybe they'll tune in more often.
Or else, you could hold an informal short story or poetry competition every month - the top prize being a well put together reading by yourself... (??)
Apart from that, get pets, tie something firmly around their necks, and have them snore on camera.
Jeff you are funny- I think funny is taking a hit right now- angry is the new funny- people are not amused, they are buying guns and ammo- I know people who would like to give AIG executives pedicures with bolt cutters - once people move from anger to acceptance you will be back- but right now I'm going more political and of course more angry.
Also, talk about weed.. That will rake the stoners (cough* me cough* ..lol) in.
If its something you want to talk about that would be awesome.
That story about the headshop fascinated me.
1 video of shameless self promotion could land you 100,000+ views and you could get half of the YT stoners subscribed, lol.
If you worked in a headshop (did you? i wasn't sure, you are way to good at telling story's) tell us about it and give it a clever title it will probably get a few veiws.
Well in that case, maybe you could make a point of being very topical (I guess you've kind of been doing this lately). A couple of months ago for example you might have gotten a lot of activity for a Bigfoot video, for example. Look at TAA's 'Sarah Palin?!?!' video - over a million hits. But even then, his sub base didn't increase by too much, percentage-wise, I don't think.
You could (and i know you probably hate doing it) put a small discreet annotation just above the play button like 5 seconds before the end of vids reminding people to rate... I forget to rate all the time even when I would give it 5 stars normally.
You could get more ratings and more publicity.
It wouldn't be so invasive because of the aspect ratio that you use (which i like).
Just a little prompt, It would remind me to give you 5 stars every vid at least.
Actually, that's a great idea. I never did it because I always pictured the shot going black and saying it. Hadn't thought of sticking it in the black bars like I do with my website. So, let's see... asking people to comment, rate, subscribe, digg, share... any others?
one reason might be an issue with youtube's subscriber "new video alert" --- mine doesn't get refreshed anymore, so i need to go hunting for all the videos i look forward to. don't let the season get you down, your fans are still out there -- many of them. looking forward to more of your work.
Well, I have to take that suggestion seriously. Some of the more immature videos have been more popular. I thought it might just be dick jokes in general, so I tried making smarter dick jokes to very little avail with the younger audiences, but fairly successfully with the older audiences.
My mainstay vids have also had a massive drop in viewings and comments... maybe its school, or people are tired of YT? or maybe there's just too much free professional content now offered online and homebrew isn't capturing interest.
For ideas? Not a clue. I wouldn't mind bumping up my views & subs either, but I also know that I am not as creative as you. Good luck.
Well, I know that absences KILL views. Has the difference been since yours?
The thing about pro-videos is they are and will always be non-interactive. I was worried about the idea of Youtube doing something like Hulu, but now I'm convinced it will only bring new people.
Vloggers, I doubt it. New comedians, yes. In fact, nigahigga or whatever his name is, fighting with smosh and fred for most subscribed on YT, are very new.
Keep plugging away. Your videos have been awesome and I find it hard to believe that you won't eventually find some recognition. I've given links to your vids to several of my friends...
I think you should encourage some of your loyal viewers to promote you. Sub-whoring is fine until you actually hit it big ;)
Do you think direct or indirect sub-whoring is preferable? I did both when I was marketing my book, first by outright asking, then indirectly by the Out-Az Az challenge. Also, at what point is it "big"?
I was probably off of YT when the Out-Az challenge was going on... I missed it.
I still need to order your book dammit (makes mental note)... can you send me a PM with the link?
I think use both indirect and direct sub-whoring. Just be honest why you are doing it... maybe throw out some jokes too. "Cute with Chris" is constantly sub-whoring and it's hilarious.
(contd) It seems to me that your enigmatic presentation limits the engagingness of your videos, which is unfortunate because you are definitely entertaining and thought provoking. I cant help but think that many are dissuaded from making response videos because theyre never sure where you are coming from, though Im not sure what cascading effect this might have.
TheoreticalBullshit, by contrast, is always crystal clear. Is it possible that you could take something from his style?
Actually, I do have a thought! To me (and I doubt I'm alone in this) there is a sense that you keep your cards pretty close to your chest. For example your "Why I Am An Atheist" video where you liken your atheism to your distaste for peas - I can imagine various routes by which you might arrive at such a view of belief, but I can't read your mind, so I can't figure out what route you are taking. Does this make sense? (cont'd)
I'm SUBSCRIBED to your other channel! What I'm saying is that when I watch your argumentative videos, I do what anyone would do: I try to understand you, but at the same time, I'm listening for mistakes (the nerve!): 'how has he arrived at this conclusion? has he overlooked this point?', etc. I'm planning for example to make a response to your Dawkins Letter, but I had to do some research (watching your other vids, reading reviews of 'Absurdity') to begin to see where you were coming from.
Comedy: well, I have no complaints about your comedy videos. Parodies seem to have a mass appeal, and you seem to have some acting chops. I have to chime in with those favouring collaboration. It would give your videos more variety, open up lots of possibilities. And it seems to me that there is such a thing as ensemble charisma.
But again, your videos are pretty intellectual, and I can't help but think that to a large extent you may have found your audience already. :(
if watch news early in the morning and get a jump on a good story can help. TAA did a palin video the day she emerged into politics and it was his most viewed video.
before that it was kittens.
the news story thing has worked for me, but not all that much.
you could start drama with some who has a sick number of subs.go off on nalts,or whatthebuck.or that smosh guy.
i dunno.if i knew,i'd be doing it too.
i will say this,i think your videos have consistantly kicked ass for a long time
What do you think of this: on Yahoo's home page, there is a list of the biggest searches that day. I can turn anything into a story, so if I were to tell a story or rant about one of the search words, do you think that will bring in views?
sure, if you see something that interestes you, you will be inspired and that will inspire others. it does hurt to try it and see how it goes. TAA lucked out,everybody instantly wanted to know about palin, ive did the knoxville shooting and the bailout pretty early, they got me about twice as many views, tho that is still about 1/2 to 1/3 of yours, but still.
it wouldnt hurt to send a kickass video to All Contacts under send. Even an old one, it could spark up interest in dormant subs
you couldnt have gotten rid of all contacts, all subscribers, and all those ho you subscribe to should be on that list. as for friends,usually if someone asks me to be friends, and they dont sub, i tell them subbing is better. if they want to be friends, and not sub, they just want you to watch their videos.
and, yea, i wouldnt abuse the mail thing, it does get tedious. But once in a while, its special. i only did it once, got a few new subs to the YTAC
I was watching YouTube videos for well over a year without getting the point of rating and favouriting, so I never did so. Not sure how unusual my case is.
Anyways, this may not be of much help, but is it possible that you simply have a certain audience for what you do and a significant proportion of them have already subscribed?
this is not the case. you definitely have a talent for this, its all about getting seen. same for you, same for me.
you have a spark, people can tell. you are speaking from the heart, even when you come off indifferent. maybe try some sub-whoring. there's no shame in self promotion, i been doing it since ive been making videos. its nice to keep it to a relevant topic, but doesnt have to be a direct response.
i dont think i know any limits. i have become familiar with those who do and those who dont automatically allow videos. people who like to approve videos tend to not let you subwhore. and it only takes1 time to find out. tho, they usually do allow direct responses to their video.
Also, edit any video title you have with Re: in it, just take the Re: away. it makes a difference.
I would say "me and you" counted as that type of video.
You know...
Any type of short, interesting video that makes you think, maybe laugh a little, scratch your head, and doesn't have you actually looking into the camera is what I'm talking about.
As for the collabs, I couldn't say. I was thinking (hoping really) that you would put out more Knighted Owls videos, as those are always fun to watch. Maybe collaborating with a few of the more prominent, YT using members of KO?
Live shows could be with either you alone or someone else. Your shows with spricket were great. Trying to reach an audience that hasn't seen or heard of you is what you should try for though.
That's the difficult part. My only link to other crowds are the people who are in this crowd, but also in the other ones. And this is where the "participatory celebration" comes in. How do you get people to participate? Rephrase: what gets YOU to participate?
I've sat hear thinking of what to put for a few minutes now. The problem with me, and probably so many others is, we're mainly watchers.
I don't participate.
I don't make videos.
I don't make video responses.
I comment, rate, sometimes favorite, and move on.
Getting your name out there is harder than it looks. The thought of how to self promote on youtube never crossed my mind until I saw this vid. Bleh. It must be frustrating to be in your shoes. There really isn't a secret or method to it.
I was going to suggest trying a twist on "out azrienoch azrienoch", but you've changed your style so much lately that it would be too hard to imitate.
I know you weren't asking me directly, but: I commented on this because it was engaging and I thought I might be of some help; I favourite videos that are either delightful or say something important.
I think you need to look at others who are similarly both intellectual and esoteric who are well-subscribed to.
I hate to keep harping on it, but I don't see you getting the teenaged audience that TAA has, for example. Do you think you can get, say, 10s of thousands of subs without that?
As far as teenage viewers, they make up the majority of my views these days. I don't think they're the majority of the comments... and that's a problem.
What got me to comment this particular video was that you're my all time favorite and you seemed deeply concerned about this. Since you asked for them, I gave my ideas.
Even if they aren't terribly helpful, I still feel the need to at least try to contribute simply because recognition is something you want, and something I want for you.
1.) I want other people to see them. Whether it be me physically showing it to someone, or just hoping people will come across it when they go through my favorites.
and 2.) If the video is worthy, I'll favorite it so I can watch it again at a later time. I'll usually forget I fav'd it and stumble across it and watch it, only to remember why I fav'd it in the first place. It's those types of videos that make it worthy.
The princess feature probably got you a lot of "reactionary" subscribers, theory being people who found your channel on their own probably feel a lot more precious about it as opposed to those who subed on a whim because a funny video was presented to them...
Maybe you should put links in the description like "Like it? Digg it..." stuff like that to promote it. I think something like the bill parody will go down well on dig.
And was it just me or did your shout out on Spriket's channel not have a big sub impact? I was expecting a good rise there? I don't remember seeing one? What did you get for that?
Also, as a budding graphic designer, may i suggest a type face change? something with serifs? Classy like? The rest of your channel design is starting to come together real nice... but that type face makes my shit itch!
Thanks for responding. The thing about features are that they don't usually bring a lot of subs, just views. And the thing about my channel font is that I LOVE IT. Sorry about the itchy shit. ;) Kidding. What font are you thinking?
Spricket's shoutout (and doing blogtv shows with her) kept things consistent for a while. Not big, but consistent.
I know next to nothing about digg, only what it does memetically. How does something get "dugg"?
You might get more views if you get a boob job and then use it as the thumbnail. Then it would be less dishonest.
superlooser88 10 months ago
i rele dig the more relaxed vids on this account a litle more than the other one... and i can understand your distress over the situation of the tubes these days
MCPottenshire 2 years ago
No E-cigarette this time? Hope your partnership works out.
wakeman12320004 2 years ago
core audience az....i'm sure that anything to do with symbolic logic will keep a core audience.
datasegment 2 years ago
try a live show, it's a good way to get more views. If you have ppl asking their friends what they are doing tonight and they say watching a live internet show, chances are that more questions will follow and viewers will increase.
cosmicterror 2 years ago
I suppose the problem is that if you wanted a huge audience, you quite simply couldn't attain it from the style of videos you're making: they're no way near broad enough. However, you do actually have something to offer, unlike the majority of You Tube "intellectuals" (i.e. self-rightous bores who like to hear their own voice and cannot get anyone in day to day life to listen). Therefore I expect that you will continue to gather subs, it'll just take time because you dont have gimmicks.
dirtrail 3 years ago
i celebrate you, i'll try to celebrate... bigger for you. keep it up jeff
Goodlesmilan 3 years ago
it's school, and the fact that the feature isn't there. after a huge gain, you're going to get a drop, especially when it collides with a good portion of viewers suddenly not having much time on their hands.
it's not your content, your stuff is amazing.
amnesiameds 3 years ago
join the youngturks show
that would be hilarious to see....
matereymate 3 years ago
banned? wtf bro?
mikecampochiaro 3 years ago
First of all you are Extremely Talented and mesmerizing to watch. Your humor hits home with most of my friends and I send your vids to them or show them in person--but they are mainly afraid of YouTube because they haven't done it. They have maybe watched a couple---but never "joined". It's not very clear for the not so tech-savvy how to use YouTube as a community. If it was somehow more clear for "lazy" or "easily technologically frightened" folks that would help. *Bright Blessings*Linda
ladyopinx 3 years ago
screw it! you're awesome. Just say it. "i'm awesome." did you say it? you now have 10 more subscribers. well done.
iandud3 3 years ago
Alright comming from a marketing background cross promotions is amazing the best examples are the hp commercials where you have a brand (famous person) speaking about another brand (hp). Word of mouth is the best form of promotions for youtube however most people who watch youtube are students from middleschool to college and that is not really your target market. If you decide to change your image you will enevatably lose Subscripers who would be copnsidered your cult. You could end up
bobthemouse 3 years ago
or less viewers you will never know until you try. Now I have yet to research he who will remain unnamed but I believe whatever would come out of this partnership could only benifit you even if that means your name will get assosiated with the mess he suposivly created. Your name will still get out there. It is pretty shitty to think that way unfortunately that is how advertising is
bobthemouse 3 years ago
ok I don't mean to take up all your comment space but what if you debate viewers about subjects you are passionate about or maybe once a week or month you do a video about what is the most asked question on cha cha, that is if you still work for them. You can do parides and that way you know people are truly intrested in that subject and can create funny ways to relay that answer
bobthemouse 3 years ago
A video which is novel, unique, subversive is what pulls in viewers. The quality of the content, ie. it being intelligent or skilful is not often a significant factor. You're reach has to exceed your grasp, Jeff. That's why I haven't posted a 'real' video yet ("A Philosophical Cosmos" being an experiment in editing) as I want to hone my novel ideas into a dynamic form. The ideas have to crystallise into a harmonious whole for them to really have a collective impact. Talk about art, Jeff!
GordonMorrice 3 years ago
pick a political issue that you have a stance that may be considered as radical by the masses or unexpected by your fans and make a video articulating your position
Youph0ny 3 years ago
I Think it would be interesting to see you in a debate face to face with Cropper!
ParadoxVampire 3 years ago
Road trip video....some sort of reality AZ
ParadoxVampire 3 years ago
I made a followup video that might have some other relevant thoughts:
Video responses riding on coattails
watch?v=JgbqPMvYQC8
sy1234 3 years ago
First, more views is an essential part of the process. Numbers matter in the sales game :)
Converting these into subscribers, 'making the sale' is the tough part :(
Why subscribe? I subscribe often when someone I am already subscribed to recommends another channel - so get your existing subscribers pimping for you. (Offer a prize for the biggest sub-pimp. I guess you'll need a way to record who subscribed via whom - Hey I can't figure out everything. Give me a fucking break!)
dawnofreason 3 years ago
Be intimate with me, Az.
TheGrammarian 3 years ago
I'm feeling guilty because I'm associated with you, and i'm trying to make a "bad" name for myself.
What are the odds that you mention a guys name on here and assume that he won't be queued into your vid. I think he's one of your subs.
BedtimeWithALunatic 3 years ago
I don't think he's subbed to this channel.
azrienoch 3 years ago
stop caring?
you're over thinking this (as is your wont).
it's all about likeability. you just don't really have that much of it. sorry. smart people often don't.
niceonetom 3 years ago
Your a very creative man. Are you sure what you want is "more subscribers"? Why do you want more subscribers, there's an additional motivating factor. Perhaps you may use your creativity to pursue other means of "promotion". In concept, your content is excellent but may be too narrow to draw a "larger crowd".
wanman0813 3 years ago
Get a copy of "1001 ways to sell your books" and work your ass off. :)
koenichfuerst 3 years ago
I would think you should just keep working and do what your doing!
also i think you should should tell your veiwers to do a "compotition"( for love or even mention in a video) where people have to mimic your vids. that means that most of your subs that are subbed to you will show there subs that they like you so its like advertisement but not
you can have crazy prises like some toothpaste or a signd version of your book or something
also put random tags to yoru vids!
just dont be disheartend
YaMamStudios 3 years ago
I heard that You Tube cutting views to save money - ask people to type anything in the comments.
marniespeaks 3 years ago
what? i dont get that... why would they cutt down!? they get money from google ads lots of money!
why would they need to cutt down
YaMamStudios 3 years ago
To the part at around 5 -7 im trying to record my own version of one of your videos...
so yeah,
you so deserver more subscribers / veiwers / stuff... i dont know what to put on the part ... eeek!
YaMamStudios 3 years ago
Although I don't like it when someone shares a lot of videos and usually don't watch them all. I believe if I remember right someone sent me one of your videos and thought you looked interesting. I'm glad they did. I do like your videos and try very hard to watch them (you are on a very short list if I get home late) but I have to confess I am very behind on video viewing.
I guess I'm saying 'word of mouth', in my opinion, is the best advertising. That along with good content.
IAGuy06 3 years ago
As others have pointed out, your split persona videos were awesome. Also the essay, poem, or something videos are very cool (Roting worms or something or other), I share those, and the people I share them with really like them.
But man, had no Idea you got yourself involved so much with your channel... there must be a monetary reward for your endeavors... For the rest of your problems I really don't have a solution. I guess that there is a lot more Internet content right now and more channels.
InfectedDaemon 3 years ago
I mean really. If you don't get money out of it or this is not your form of sustenance... then screw it! Deflate your ego and focus on content. If you get a rent on view amounts... well prepare for high seasons and low seasons. Quality is the most important part of your product! If its just to get your material known... develop your forte: Philosophy and Geneneral Fiction.
InfectedDaemon 3 years ago
And what is worse... Promoting your YouTube channel via regular marketing... NO NO NO NO NO NO. BAD Az. BAD. You plan on investing time, money and other resources to promote your channel? NO. Spend it making another book, and use your channel to market BOOKS. Not marketing your marketing system. Idea: Make a book of short story-essays and make vids of them for YouTube, but the most of the substance is still in the book, or whatever...
InfectedDaemon 3 years ago
Too few views? Why so serious?
Your best videos are when you collaborate with yourself. They take time, but are awesome.
Not sure why you've dropped. I noticed about a month ago that I hardly see any posted videos from the 100 channels I subscribe to. Are we in the end times of UT?
InReasonWeTrust 3 years ago
"Your best videos are when you collaborate with yourself. They take time, but are awesome."
Agreed. Your split persona videos are hilarious and really cool.
ghostofperdition2188 3 years ago
Honestly, as far as "ideas" go...
Ok, so I might not be a great example on this topic, but I do know what my opinions are. And they are like this. Firstly, I think that one of the best things to promote you (other than yourself) is time.
I'm talking about time as in chilling out and waiting for good subscribers to find you. I'm betting that most of your views recently came from the featured vid right? and it's been slowly going downhill, you said.
luvthecanadian 3 years ago
This really has nothing to do with you. It's more of the type of people who were watching you because you got featured. Those types were dead subscribers. They have an account, but youtube is a pastime of theirs and they don't go online to check out new videos. They also are the types of people who might never even log on again.
When I got featured, the exact same thing happened, and it was quite discouraging...
But uh...
k, this comment is wayyyyy longer than I intended...
sorry...
luvthecanadian 3 years ago
_ Response to popular people about religion or politics, like the amazing atheist or capnoawesome or Jesus freak or vennomfangx etc.
_ I wouldn't want you to do it but if you bash Islam it gets you lots of subscribers and views.(I'm a muslim , by the way)
_ make retarded rap videos.
Amirsoosool 3 years ago
I would be very careful dealing with that dude. I know you're skeptical as I am, and maybe the guy is trying to re-build his creditability. You talk about hot topic stuff, maybe it's because some times you don't come out and say it. Maybe people aren't digging the change you've made. I find your videos entertaining and meaningful. As for views, I think it's the kids are in school, and people are spending more time watching the election.
pixelatedxdeath 3 years ago
Do you have birds in there?
Amirsoosool 3 years ago
Another thing: the most popular YouTubers are pretty youthful (I just discovered Fred through the discussion here - if this is what is popular then maybe your relative obscurity is a good sign). I was surprised to learn that you are only 25 years old - that's pretty youthful. But you don't seem youthful - I would have guessed you were in your 30s. Not sure what you can do about this, but I have to think it hurts your sub rate a little bit.
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
with out the beard he looks 8, even younger when he is nude, jeff has less body hair than most infants
rumpagump 3 years ago
It seems to me that you can illuminate any topic with your particular brand of philosophy, so why not turn your attention toward popular topics, anything from, say, racism, to Britney Spears' comeback, to a particular movie, or a single line from a famous song. The collision of well-read sophistication and inanity would automatically be entertaining, engaging, and different, and the popularity of these topics should attract more of an audience.
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
I guess you could always try and crank up the edginess in your videos. Not that I don't think you already are fairly edgy, but you could perhaps be more overt. I guess its part of your style, which you should stay true to, but when you disguise things in metaphors and satire fewer people will tend to "get it" and it doesn't necassarily pack the same kind of punch as it could. One channel I like to watch is AngrieAussie. His STFU videos are maybe the model I'm trying to suggest you emulate.
darthdidious 3 years ago
I believe the dip in views could be the result of the school term, definitely. I don't think it's anything to do with content, because despite the fact I'm back at school, I still watch each and every video you post. I don't think it's anything to do with the market and cutting down on outgoings.
I think if you want to attract views without whoring yourself to poor quality videos, then perhaps consider doing videos in response to other big hits. They can still be "you" and attract a new audience
youngwithoutyouth 3 years ago
This is a pretty popular idea from people here. I'm definitely going to have to make an effort with this one.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Oh, I don't think it's a delusion. We're social creatures. Valuation itself, by which I would judge how much I need other people, is a product of society (i.e. I need it to say I don't need it). Yes, it is about fame and appreciation. Fortune, no, there are better ways of doing that. Love, no, that's what those few "superior" men provide.
I've been planning my own live show, and whenever Karen gets back, we'll probably do shows together again. I do need to write another book, though.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
That's it, maybe I should write a review of your book and see if it actually gets published. Probably not though, but it would be fun to try. I don't know what journals are actually into that kind of stuff...
FrostyPhilosopher 3 years ago
Hello az
Suggestions A ?
Mmmm I would say make maybe a video series on songs you like.Reply to the songs....Maybe talk about the lyrics and what you think the songs about... That would attract traffic..." Logic lol -> "Your second most viewed video is a song"
2. Do a video with your animal lol
3. controversy "Drama or controversial topics"
4. Reply one of your videos to people with higher subscribers...Maybe participate in a contest...
CivilHuman 3 years ago
If I start participating more, number 4 will be easier. As of now, I'm not very good at picking up on what challenges are going on. Number 2 is a good idea as well.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I agree that it's hard to get potential collaborators to remember you. It makes one feel very small. But that might be an unwarranted feeling, because it's just common Youtube knowledge; don't spend time on something that won't increase sub count. So in those situations, instead of taking it personally, I suppose it's just best to keep in mind one's place in the importance of things.
CelphaFiael 3 years ago 2
Gah! I'm going to do it! I promised. I am sorry to keep you waiting.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
How I've found people on UTube: They've: made videos commenting on topics of the day 2. been featured by a popular Youtuber 3. 'collabed' with another or a popular Youtuber 4. commented often on other people's vids & included a sentence that made me curious. 5. Appeared on blogtv or stickam (I cant find your iTunes podcast-for some reason I think U have one..? :( 6. gotten over the 'self promo as annoyance' idea. 7. mentioned Jared Leto (yeah, but it's true) 8. gotten Nalt's attention!
testing4echo 3 years ago
That's a great list, thank you. RE: 5--yeah, that never did happen. I need to do something in that area.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
U may not like these but.. 9. A contest for Utubers to create a 60 second intro for Ur channel, then U pick the top 10, then have Ur subs vote for best.Fun! 10. Some of the popular kids are involved w Utube's RhettandLink's Supernote Contest Participation =exposure. 11. "Video Respond" to popular vids or submit a completed vid as a response. Since I see U as a rebel, I feel like I'm saying "Az, just don't be Az, and U'll be popular..Yay!". But I suspect U have good reasons for wanting higher #s.
testing4echo 3 years ago
(testing, plz ignore :)
testing4echo 3 years ago
(Promise,my last post on this) 12. Use Twitter effectively-follow MANY interesting ppl,make interesting tweets(most but not all linking back ur vids on Utube) Twitter loves great one liners. Link Utube to Ur Twitter account, not Ur website (because Ur new vids are not easy to find on your personal site in its current format). Try to tweet 3 or 4x a day. From Utube they will find azrienochdotcom. 13.Check out the Jetsetshow's channel on Utube (Epic FU). New episode re:Twitter features just up.
testing4echo 3 years ago
An easy way is to get consistent responses to have yourself into most discussed often, something like the seven words video every 2 or 3 days, and maybe do some short comment wrap up next time.
Also you are pretty inaccessible with your style and e-personality, old viewers get you but new ones don't have much to latch on to.
And as for lower traffic, maybe YT is just becoming old?
A currency unit that has 100 parts loses 98 of those parts- that's all I had to offer.
Okastega 3 years ago
Describe this "short comment wrap-up." Do you mean in a video?
And yeah, I can't be Pat Condell here. I need interaction.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Nah, like you mention the trendy answer or point some comment out, not as a segment but something that makes your channel seem more interactive.
On a different note: if you are sub-whoring to get more attention to your books why are you so reluctant about making philosophy videos? Especially in the 'I want to talk about the many uses of language and how we tend to mistake them for other uses' style, that literally changed my life; and 'beetle' made plenty of people go apeshit aswell.
Okastega 3 years ago
This reminds me of the good ol' days when I was really involved in a particular music artist's message board, and we did a lot of collaborative stuff, that and the web-site I run, which is dead, but I pay to keep it up anyways. I guess I'm glad to have a job in the real world that doesn't involve promoting anything other than... Philosophy, and that's to people who have already paid, or whose parents have paid, for them to be there. :)
FrostyPhilosopher 3 years ago
hehehehehehehe
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Hey Jeff, here's my lame-ass contribution... I was featuring random subscribers on my channel for a while and that seemed to bump up my sub numbers - or the rate at which they subbed.
Elaina43 3 years ago
Yeah, I've tried doing that, I just always get anxious about not having those views put on my videos. I need to overcome this need for instant gratification.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
"Instant gratification takes too long."
name that movie!
Elaina43 3 years ago
Oh, shit. I know this one. It's that girl who plays Princess Leah. Damn my brain!
azrienoch 3 years ago
You gotta realize your audience is alot smaller. The majority of youtube is idiots or trolls. I mean you put out alot of good content and the subs that do stick around are probably pretty good. There is no harm in finding out what the PR guy can do for you its not like you have to commit.
PureSkillz86 3 years ago
Yeah, I've tried asking him a few times, trying to get him to really sell himself to me in what he can do, and the most I get back is, "We can stick you on the front page of a few of our websites."
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Mmmmm, thanks, I needed that adjustment.
OK - still listening...
Elaina43 3 years ago
video response coming, anxious lonely guy
ChristopherMast 3 years ago
Thanks Christopher. I'll watch it as soon as I get through comments here.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
If you want to pump up the views and the subscribers, doing video responses never hurt anyone. you don't have to make the other video the reason for your own, but posting your video as a response increases the views, especially if the other user has more subscribers than you.
As for the PR thing - I think you're actually capable of handling your own PR fairly well. Don't divide up the pie unless it's something you cannot do as well yourself.
williamcardno 3 years ago
Yeah, I think this is something I've really got to focus on a bit better. Here's my hesitation: for a while I've felt like direct video responses could not be very original, it was something everyone was doing in order to come up with content. So I insisted on just making my own content. I still think that's a good approach, but responses are nevertheless necessary. Do you agree?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
However, I believe that you arleady have the answer to the question, you're looking to create a talk-show thingy. Which would be awesome and quite original not to mention funny im sure :D (not sure whether it's going to be on youtube or not). Just don't ask for the advice or means of doing so by speaking to some dodgy person. If this means anything at all :P
exDeathex 3 years ago
Well, it'll take a bit to build up a live persona. It's quite a bit different than what you do in videos.
I think I'll tell the guy no thanks for now, but keep him in mind when I've got ahold of a good format.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
So, that's your live show idea, a talk show? You never replied to my question about it in a message. :p
Interesting thought though. Where would you host this live show (what site)?
Also, I'm guessing you're NOT thinking of grad school? I actually know another guy that double majored in English and Philosophy at my undergrad institution, who is graduating this year, and he's thinking of a grad program in Creative Writing.
I figure I'll just get PhD after PhD until they stop me.
FrostyPhilosopher 3 years ago
Sorry, yeah, the live show, either on blogtv or ustream, would be a talk show. I'm not much good at anything else. ;)
And no, grad school isn't for me. Hell, college wasn't for me. At one point, I thought I'd just spend my life in school, not have kids, and let the system eat the debt. Become so valuable that people will wish I'd actually done something with that work.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Well, I like the way you think, or thought. :)
FrostyPhilosopher 3 years ago
Though, I would like to have a family, I just need to find a sugar mamma to support me while I stay in school.
FrostyPhilosopher 3 years ago
Yeah i've been noticing the same thing recently, less watchers and less subscribers, to pretty much all videos, not only yours so don't worry ;) I'd go as far as blaming it on the fact that everything new creating a "rush" (In this case Youtube) that gets metaphorically raped by society, tends to become boring after a not-too-long while.
exDeathex 3 years ago
Do you think it gets overplayed or actively ignored?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
You should get over this idea that self promotion is annoying. I tend to think the same way...but when I thought about what you said..then thought about those Tubers that I really enjoy..it turns out tha i don't view their self promoting as annoying... but necessary. So either stop caring about numbers or promote. You will know when enough is enough.
testing4echo 3 years ago
I don't know... my anxiety tells me enough is enough before I even start. But point taken. Are there more acceptable means of self-promotion than others?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
There's not much demand for quality video's on youtube that are either clever, witty or make you think, just look at the most viewed video's.
It's either from Fred, Mrian, that one chick with the ultra long introductions on her video's whenever she talks about Obama and net neutrality or whatever or some Naruto/anime thing ect.
So I wouldn't worry about it. It's like Carlin says, the public sucks.
Rahab111222 3 years ago
Athenewins. Yeah, they bore me too. But net neutrality is a big keyword.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Your vids have some of the highest production values on Youtube. Also, which is even more rare, you are a very good writer/story teller.
StuartGalore 3 years ago
Thanks, Stuart (dahling). ;)
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I unfortuneately can't even remember how I first happened accross you! I would agree with what someone else suggested and try to give new videos on a regular basis.
hursty810 3 years ago
Been trying for every 3-5 days. Are you saying more often, or just more consistently?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
You should mention, at some point, even if its just in the info block, for people to take advantage of the Share option. i personally know 4 people that have subscribed to you because i dropped you into Facebook. You want people to open a window and see you as an option for their next move. subscribers are one way, How do you get into the featured videos section? and have you messed with the Friend option? its a more subtle than a shameless plug.
Good luck man, if i can help, let me know.
ianhoppe 3 years ago
You know, I've never pressed that thing. What are all the options? What does it do? I suppose I could just click it and find out, but I don't have facebook. DackJaniels suggested I stick those reminders in the blackbars. Do you think that's okay, or should I devote a whole screen to that at the end? Or should I only put it in the description?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
sorry for the delay, i only have internet at the office during the week.
I suggest you get a facebook profile. its a simple interface, and yet another means of marketing yourself/books/videos. you have the ability to gather friends and share your material in a different forum. yes, some of your fans would overlap but many wouldn't and there lies your potential for exponential growth. you should set one up and mention it breifly in your next video, perhaps put a link on your page?
ianhoppe 3 years ago
and hell you could always start some mock drama with someone
frigginyates 3 years ago
noooooooo way! ;)
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I wouldn't know how to get more subscribers (I capped off at 50, and before I stopped making videos I was down to 39... mostly because I like to clean out my subscriber list of suspended/closed accounts. I might have had 90 altogether).
But, you might simply want to just get involved more... many of my few subscribers came from video responses.
Dadalama 3 years ago
That's true. I really haven't done video responses on that channel in a while.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
the last one I remember was one where you wiped the floor with Mr. Cooper or Mr. Crocker or whatever that dude's name was.
Dadalama 3 years ago
I really don't feel the idea is throw as much stuff out there and see if it works is always the best idea. Nalts use to throw a huge amount on to youtube and he would get consistent number of views, but the numbers usually as high. Also he has gone and made his videos into a playlist so anyone can stumble across press play and have that instant gratification. I personally found your channel because of a reply that you made to an old Christopher Mast video.
frigginyates 3 years ago
Maybe you should consider keeping some form of consistency. Of when you post your videos, I know then it may start to seem like a job and maybe this shouldn't really seem like a job but it seems that the devoted youtubers are the ones that get the most views. You can really see an improvement in the visual quality of your of your videos and the content has always been there now it just may be a waiting game
frigginyates 3 years ago
So instead of throwing a wide variety of styles, keep a small few styles and instead have a wide variety of subjects and content.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
When you find a chunk of gold, I think, there's a natural reaction to hide it. With intellectual content the reaction is to feel that you are somehow included in a cool new clique. This is a natural progression as, for instance, a band becomes more popular. The people who were fans before the breakout usually don't survive the trend. They Sold Out.
JimmerSD 3 years ago
Nalts IMO has the correct idea. Throw enough crap and something will eventually stick. Nalts, also has a consistent brand. You have branded yourself with the Az character. Its a good character with quality and intelligence. YT is in a recession right now, as is the rest of the world. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will eventually breakout.
JimmerSD 3 years ago
That's true. Just wait it out, all the while building as much as you can.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
there is a great 2001 WGBH documentary on language titled "the mind's big bang". in this particular video (/watch?v=uF8_UyeW-8o) at 3:54 Robin Dunbar talks about the research he has done on what humans usually talk about. roughly 2/3 of all casual conversation is dedicated to... *gossip*!
you can "capitalize" on this fact about human behavior by making videos that address "important" happenings caused by particular individuals or groups. and i don't mean in a "he said, she said" superficial way
eternalundylnglove 3 years ago
you could use social gossip as a springboard for presenting your ideas on life, philosophy, politics, language, evolution and human relations. For example you could put yourself in the eye of a drama storm to draw peoples interest and then after an analysis of the situation you could expose certain tactics of human behavior, their motives and how this relates to science or philosophy. That way people get their dose of gossip and information in one stroke.
eternalundylnglove 3 years ago
Are you thinking of social gossip like whatthebuck? I'm trying to picture how this would look.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
What about having people send in facts about their life, ideas etc., which you can then turn into some story or poem. If people think they may get a mention from time to time maybe they'll tune in more often.
Or else, you could hold an informal short story or poetry competition every month - the top prize being a well put together reading by yourself... (??)
Apart from that, get pets, tie something firmly around their necks, and have them snore on camera.
sssswwwsssss 3 years ago
Oh, that's a great idea! It's a way of giving a shoutout that will bring their subs over. It's an almost certain fav'd.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Cool. I hope it works for more than a few weekends...
sssswwwsssss 3 years ago
Jeff you are funny- I think funny is taking a hit right now- angry is the new funny- people are not amused, they are buying guns and ammo- I know people who would like to give AIG executives pedicures with bolt cutters - once people move from anger to acceptance you will be back- but right now I'm going more political and of course more angry.
billybobhobnob101 3 years ago
Okay, so... I should try being more angry? Was the tub of shit video a good example? Or is it a different sort of anger?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Also, talk about weed.. That will rake the stoners (cough* me cough* ..lol) in.
If its something you want to talk about that would be awesome.
That story about the headshop fascinated me.
1 video of shameless self promotion could land you 100,000+ views and you could get half of the YT stoners subscribed, lol.
If you worked in a headshop (did you? i wasn't sure, you are way to good at telling story's) tell us about it and give it a clever title it will probably get a few veiws.
dackjaniels555 3 years ago
Videos that get searched for get alot of veiws and words like:
weed,bong,pipe,smoke,resin,oil,hash..ect get searched quite alot.
I dunno you sounded like you really know alot about smoking, you're vid about the soapstone pipes ect glued me to the screen...
dackjaniels555 3 years ago
Well in that case, maybe you could make a point of being very topical (I guess you've kind of been doing this lately). A couple of months ago for example you might have gotten a lot of activity for a Bigfoot video, for example. Look at TAA's 'Sarah Palin?!?!' video - over a million hits. But even then, his sub base didn't increase by too much, percentage-wise, I don't think.
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
You could (and i know you probably hate doing it) put a small discreet annotation just above the play button like 5 seconds before the end of vids reminding people to rate... I forget to rate all the time even when I would give it 5 stars normally.
You could get more ratings and more publicity.
It wouldn't be so invasive because of the aspect ratio that you use (which i like).
Just a little prompt, It would remind me to give you 5 stars every vid at least.
Bad idea? Or would it work?
dackjaniels555 3 years ago
Actually, that's a great idea. I never did it because I always pictured the shot going black and saying it. Hadn't thought of sticking it in the black bars like I do with my website. So, let's see... asking people to comment, rate, subscribe, digg, share... any others?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
one reason might be an issue with youtube's subscriber "new video alert" --- mine doesn't get refreshed anymore, so i need to go hunting for all the videos i look forward to. don't let the season get you down, your fans are still out there -- many of them. looking forward to more of your work.
chris3443 3 years ago
I haven't had this problem (that I've noticed, anyway--I could be wrong). What happens?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
The only way i can think of is to dumb your vids waaaaay down.. but then they wouldn't have what appeals to me so much.
Appeal to a wider audience but also the more intellectual viewers at the same time.
Please ignore this comment =p.
dackjaniels555 3 years ago
Well, I have to take that suggestion seriously. Some of the more immature videos have been more popular. I thought it might just be dick jokes in general, so I tried making smarter dick jokes to very little avail with the younger audiences, but fairly successfully with the older audiences.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
My mainstay vids have also had a massive drop in viewings and comments... maybe its school, or people are tired of YT? or maybe there's just too much free professional content now offered online and homebrew isn't capturing interest.
For ideas? Not a clue. I wouldn't mind bumping up my views & subs either, but I also know that I am not as creative as you. Good luck.
imrational 3 years ago
Well, I know that absences KILL views. Has the difference been since yours?
The thing about pro-videos is they are and will always be non-interactive. I was worried about the idea of Youtube doing something like Hulu, but now I'm convinced it will only bring new people.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
lol, distance makes the heart grow fonder. The more vids I made, the lower my view counts were getting regardless.
There's just other people out there who made better vids, arguments, and material than I was.
I'm curious if any newcomer vloggers are hitting the bigtime now. Or have they been usurped by people doing sketch comedies and pro-work?
imrational 3 years ago
Vloggers, I doubt it. New comedians, yes. In fact, nigahigga or whatever his name is, fighting with smosh and fred for most subscribed on YT, are very new.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Awesome man! Looking forward to the longer vids! ;d
dackjaniels555 3 years ago
Keep plugging away. Your videos have been awesome and I find it hard to believe that you won't eventually find some recognition. I've given links to your vids to several of my friends...
I think you should encourage some of your loyal viewers to promote you. Sub-whoring is fine until you actually hit it big ;)
imrational 3 years ago
Do you think direct or indirect sub-whoring is preferable? I did both when I was marketing my book, first by outright asking, then indirectly by the Out-Az Az challenge. Also, at what point is it "big"?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I was probably off of YT when the Out-Az challenge was going on... I missed it.
I still need to order your book dammit (makes mental note)... can you send me a PM with the link?
I think use both indirect and direct sub-whoring. Just be honest why you are doing it... maybe throw out some jokes too. "Cute with Chris" is constantly sub-whoring and it's hilarious.
imrational 3 years ago
(contd) It seems to me that your enigmatic presentation limits the engagingness of your videos, which is unfortunate because you are definitely entertaining and thought provoking. I cant help but think that many are dissuaded from making response videos because theyre never sure where you are coming from, though Im not sure what cascading effect this might have.
TheoreticalBullshit, by contrast, is always crystal clear. Is it possible that you could take something from his style?
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
I love theo.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Actually, I do have a thought! To me (and I doubt I'm alone in this) there is a sense that you keep your cards pretty close to your chest. For example your "Why I Am An Atheist" video where you liken your atheism to your distaste for peas - I can imagine various routes by which you might arrive at such a view of belief, but I can't read your mind, so I can't figure out what route you are taking. Does this make sense? (cont'd)
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
Ohhhhhh... you don't know about my other channel, do you?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
No, you're subbed to it. But yeah, I'm not talking about the content of this channel. I'm talking about the content on the azrienoch channel.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I'm SUBSCRIBED to your other channel! What I'm saying is that when I watch your argumentative videos, I do what anyone would do: I try to understand you, but at the same time, I'm listening for mistakes (the nerve!): 'how has he arrived at this conclusion? has he overlooked this point?', etc. I'm planning for example to make a response to your Dawkins Letter, but I had to do some research (watching your other vids, reading reviews of 'Absurdity') to begin to see where you were coming from.
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
Ah, okay. Well, I'm talking about comedy alone--I don't do argumentative videos anymore. Any ideas for improvement with those?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Oh, I had no idea!
Comedy: well, I have no complaints about your comedy videos. Parodies seem to have a mass appeal, and you seem to have some acting chops. I have to chime in with those favouring collaboration. It would give your videos more variety, open up lots of possibilities. And it seems to me that there is such a thing as ensemble charisma.
But again, your videos are pretty intellectual, and I can't help but think that to a large extent you may have found your audience already. :(
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
Again, that would really suck. I hope not.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
if watch news early in the morning and get a jump on a good story can help. TAA did a palin video the day she emerged into politics and it was his most viewed video.
before that it was kittens.
the news story thing has worked for me, but not all that much.
you could start drama with some who has a sick number of subs.go off on nalts,or whatthebuck.or that smosh guy.
i dunno.if i knew,i'd be doing it too.
i will say this,i think your videos have consistantly kicked ass for a long time
cozmikzen 3 years ago
What do you think of this: on Yahoo's home page, there is a list of the biggest searches that day. I can turn anything into a story, so if I were to tell a story or rant about one of the search words, do you think that will bring in views?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
sure, if you see something that interestes you, you will be inspired and that will inspire others. it does hurt to try it and see how it goes. TAA lucked out,everybody instantly wanted to know about palin, ive did the knoxville shooting and the bailout pretty early, they got me about twice as many views, tho that is still about 1/2 to 1/3 of yours, but still.
it wouldnt hurt to send a kickass video to All Contacts under send. Even an old one, it could spark up interest in dormant subs
cozmikzen 3 years ago
Small problem with that. I got rid of all my contacts. Hated having videos sent to me. Is that not how people generally feel?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
you couldnt have gotten rid of all contacts, all subscribers, and all those ho you subscribe to should be on that list. as for friends,usually if someone asks me to be friends, and they dont sub, i tell them subbing is better. if they want to be friends, and not sub, they just want you to watch their videos.
and, yea, i wouldnt abuse the mail thing, it does get tedious. But once in a while, its special. i only did it once, got a few new subs to the YTAC
cozmikzen 3 years ago
I was watching YouTube videos for well over a year without getting the point of rating and favouriting, so I never did so. Not sure how unusual my case is.
Anyways, this may not be of much help, but is it possible that you simply have a certain audience for what you do and a significant proportion of them have already subscribed?
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
That would really suck.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
2nd entry.
this is not the case. you definitely have a talent for this, its all about getting seen. same for you, same for me.
you have a spark, people can tell. you are speaking from the heart, even when you come off indifferent. maybe try some sub-whoring. there's no shame in self promotion, i been doing it since ive been making videos. its nice to keep it to a relevant topic, but doesnt have to be a direct response.
cozmikzen 3 years ago
Okay, so post older videos to relevant videos. I've got to ask this: What is going too far to you when it comes to self-promotion?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
i dont think i know any limits. i have become familiar with those who do and those who dont automatically allow videos. people who like to approve videos tend to not let you subwhore. and it only takes1 time to find out. tho, they usually do allow direct responses to their video.
Also, edit any video title you have with Re: in it, just take the Re: away. it makes a difference.
going below to the other comment.
cozmikzen 3 years ago
Why would it even be a problem? I mean, you're not making money off your channel, are you?
Brandt761 3 years ago
Not much, and it's not the motivation anyway. The idea is to popularize my work. That's the problem.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I'm sorry I can't offer any advice.
I will however say that I think you're the best YouTuber I watch. And you do deserve more recognition.
mrKuba07 3 years ago
Well, thanks! I don't know about "deserve," I'm just trying to be smart about this.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
More collabs (like the parody of congress vid)
More live shows (like you do with spricket)
Videos that involve your subscribers/viewers (like an "ask me questions" vid)
More Philosophy videos, along with your story/funny/creative videos to appease your longtime fans
More "words" and "look" type videos - those were some of your most viewed
Umm... get involved in YT drama? lol. I think I'm running out of ideas here.
That's all I got for now.
Off topic: Is that a white russian?
jonleflar 3 years ago
Been thinking about that. Ideas?
Been thinking about that too. Ideas?
This is true. The How I Met Tex vid was huge--I'm just not sure what it was that got people going on it.
The problem with this idea is that they tank views these days. Even Beetle in a Box tanked. That'll have to stay on this channel.
Does Me and You count?
I don't know how to keep drama going. I get tired of it too quickly and make ammends.
Egg nog is now in season.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I would say "me and you" counted as that type of video.
You know...
Any type of short, interesting video that makes you think, maybe laugh a little, scratch your head, and doesn't have you actually looking into the camera is what I'm talking about.
As for the collabs, I couldn't say. I was thinking (hoping really) that you would put out more Knighted Owls videos, as those are always fun to watch. Maybe collaborating with a few of the more prominent, YT using members of KO?
jonleflar 3 years ago
Live shows could be with either you alone or someone else. Your shows with spricket were great. Trying to reach an audience that hasn't seen or heard of you is what you should try for though.
jonleflar 3 years ago
That's the difficult part. My only link to other crowds are the people who are in this crowd, but also in the other ones. And this is where the "participatory celebration" comes in. How do you get people to participate? Rephrase: what gets YOU to participate?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I've sat hear thinking of what to put for a few minutes now. The problem with me, and probably so many others is, we're mainly watchers.
I don't participate.
I don't make videos.
I don't make video responses.
I comment, rate, sometimes favorite, and move on.
Getting your name out there is harder than it looks. The thought of how to self promote on youtube never crossed my mind until I saw this vid. Bleh. It must be frustrating to be in your shoes. There really isn't a secret or method to it.
jonleflar 3 years ago
I was going to suggest trying a twist on "out azrienoch azrienoch", but you've changed your style so much lately that it would be too hard to imitate.
jonleflar 3 years ago
Okay, let me ask you this: what was it that got you to comment on this video? What is it that gets you to favorite other videos?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
I know you weren't asking me directly, but: I commented on this because it was engaging and I thought I might be of some help; I favourite videos that are either delightful or say something important.
I think you need to look at others who are similarly both intellectual and esoteric who are well-subscribed to.
I hate to keep harping on it, but I don't see you getting the teenaged audience that TAA has, for example. Do you think you can get, say, 10s of thousands of subs without that?
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
Okay. That actually helps a lot.
As far as teenage viewers, they make up the majority of my views these days. I don't think they're the majority of the comments... and that's a problem.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
Maybe I just don't understand how all this works. More comments on your videos = more what? Why is more comments good?
LeafInTheStream 3 years ago
There are lists of most commented, rated, favorited, and viewed, and having a place on any of those lists automatically brings in new people.
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago
What got me to comment this particular video was that you're my all time favorite and you seemed deeply concerned about this. Since you asked for them, I gave my ideas.
Even if they aren't terribly helpful, I still feel the need to at least try to contribute simply because recognition is something you want, and something I want for you.
jonleflar 3 years ago
And I favorite videos for two reasons:
1.) I want other people to see them. Whether it be me physically showing it to someone, or just hoping people will come across it when they go through my favorites.
and 2.) If the video is worthy, I'll favorite it so I can watch it again at a later time. I'll usually forget I fav'd it and stumble across it and watch it, only to remember why I fav'd it in the first place. It's those types of videos that make it worthy.
jonleflar 3 years ago
White Russian * 2 oz. Vodka * 1 oz. Coffee liqueur (Kahlua) * 1/2 oz. Cream
Pour Vodka and Coffee liqueur over ice into an old fashioned glass. Float cream on top.
Note: This is the same thing as a Black Russian, except with the addition of the float of cream.
personally... if I want a drink with coffee in it it's straight rum and coffee for me.
Dadalama 3 years ago
The princess feature probably got you a lot of "reactionary" subscribers, theory being people who found your channel on their own probably feel a lot more precious about it as opposed to those who subed on a whim because a funny video was presented to them...
Maybe you should put links in the description like "Like it? Digg it..." stuff like that to promote it. I think something like the bill parody will go down well on dig.
HighKingOfDalliance 3 years ago
And was it just me or did your shout out on Spriket's channel not have a big sub impact? I was expecting a good rise there? I don't remember seeing one? What did you get for that?
Also, as a budding graphic designer, may i suggest a type face change? something with serifs? Classy like? The rest of your channel design is starting to come together real nice... but that type face makes my shit itch!
HighKingOfDalliance 3 years ago
Thanks for responding. The thing about features are that they don't usually bring a lot of subs, just views. And the thing about my channel font is that I LOVE IT. Sorry about the itchy shit. ;) Kidding. What font are you thinking?
Spricket's shoutout (and doing blogtv shows with her) kept things consistent for a while. Not big, but consistent.
I know next to nothing about digg, only what it does memetically. How does something get "dugg"?
jeffsmithluedke 3 years ago