The “grain of salt” with YouTube is watching with an awareness that each video seeks to make you the product. Chris Williamson is paid, and well, for those views. Being provocative feeds the algorithm and wins more views, more income. He can’t do it without you. Same with the more incel leaning fellows like Asmongold, who will tell you his income.
Guys with views in that range do this full time. It’s their job. You are their income.
90% of the popular woodworkers are selling you products even as they make you the product. In addition to other crafting channels.
It’s not altruistic. These people are getting paid.
One of the initial promises of capitalism included the alignment of altruism and profit, like providing a good or service to the community that they need and did not otherwise have, and they all pay you enough to live, meanwhile they all do the same with other goods and services, creating a big virtuous cycle.
I know that has largely broken down and been perverted as more and more market segments collapse into monopolies like black holes, but I think you can still see some of that “making money doing something good” spirit out there, even on YouTube. The first YouTuber that came to mind was “Dad, How Do I?” for example. I am pretty sure that guy’s getting monetized and he’s wholesome as hell.
The “grain of salt” with YouTube is watching with an awareness that each video seeks to make you the product. Chris Williamson is paid, and well, for those views. Being provocative feeds the algorithm and wins more views, more income. He can’t do it without you. Same with the more incel leaning fellows like Asmongold, who will tell you his income.
Guys with views in that range do this full time. It’s their job. You are their income.
90% of the popular woodworkers are selling you products even as they make you the product. In addition to other crafting channels.
It’s not altruistic. These people are getting paid.
One of the initial promises of capitalism included the alignment of altruism and profit, like providing a good or service to the community that they need and did not otherwise have, and they all pay you enough to live, meanwhile they all do the same with other goods and services, creating a big virtuous cycle.
I know that has largely broken down and been perverted as more and more market segments collapse into monopolies like black holes, but I think you can still see some of that “making money doing something good” spirit out there, even on YouTube. The first YouTuber that came to mind was “Dad, How Do I?” for example. I am pretty sure that guy’s getting monetized and he’s wholesome as hell.
I know, but chasing an algorithm twists content. People who gained viewership 10 years ago, not so much, but now?
Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” - Individuals pursuing their self-interest can lead to mutual benefits for society.