What a year… it has been an adventure of highs and lows. A high being I starting filming my projects and uploading to youtube, I use to just post to this blog. One of my lows would be the drain on my energy especially during the winter months and continuing to push through and put out a project video every week since I started.
I would like to thank all for your continued support in this venture… I met my goal of getting 1000 subscribers before the of the year and now closing in on the 1200 mark. I have absolutely no goals or visions for the up and coming new year, none, zero, zip, nada… nothing. We will just see where it gets taken and enjoy the ride and adventure. It has been fun ride hope you join me for the ride in the new year.
I did not think I would get 100 subscribers and to be totally honest it is just me tinkering in my basement. I didn’t think anyone would be interested in seeing that, as I am not that great of a woodworker, I am no expert and I am learning every time I cut the wood. Yes I have had emails saying a few things. But I have never ever said I am an expert, I am a what you would call intermediate I know enough to be dangerous. I make mistakes, and I going to make more mistakes. The way I do something doesn’t mean it is the only way or the best way, its just the way that worked for me at the time I did it.
As for the actual youtube part, well that I am still getting use to actually talking to the camera and a not looking like a gimp even though I look like a gimp anyway and then not sounding like an idiot, even though I sound like an idiot all the time. But I will say, it is getting a little easier, but as you probably notice I don’t speak in all my videos and the reason for that, is to be different, so not all the videos look and sound the same. Is it working I am not sure.
At the time of writing here are some stats
Most viewed project video: PVC Dust extractor blast gate – 11,343 views
Least viewed project video: ANZAC Day Remembrance Project – 187 views
Most liked project video: Summers woodworking 2×4 Contest 2015 – 101 likes
Most disliked project video: Tie between Tapering jig for table saw – 4 dislikes and Jig holding Jig – 4 dislikes.
The whole idea of my channel is not only to inspire others, whether you get inspired to go and make something in your shop or get inspired by the music to go and create music or other art projects, if it actually showed you something new or showed that you don’t have to be all technical about things to get the same result. However its not only that, but, if you laugh at one of my silly jokes or the video has made you smile in some way or perked you up a little after a hard day or week, if you enjoyed the music more than the project or you picked up one small tip if you were entertained by the video as a whole then the video has done its job.
Stickers
I’m working on it and hopefully get some next year… opps
Around the shop
I am wanting to upgrade a few tools, like my mitre saw and scroll saw but am not sure to what yet, or how much I am willing to spend on this hobby. And that is a reminder, it is a hobby I have a full time job during the week, so you are joining me on my weekends. I do not have any sponsors, nor do I have any intentions at this point in time to do this full as a job. But I will never say never. I am open to sponsors if I feel right about the product and will give an honest review. If it is good I will say it is good, if it is crap I will say it is crap.
Around the web
There are so many new wood working and creators in general out there now it is amazing to see, and so much talent (much much more than me). The community is so giving with their knowledge and friendships. It is true, the woodworking community is one of the more giving communities I am involved with. It is up there with my motorcycling community…
Finally
I don’t like asking for help, and never really have asked before, and probably never will beyond here or a quick mention on a video. Doing a project a week has hit the bank balance a little continually buying glue, screws, wood, and other supplies…Now I do have a patreon account (I haven’t set it up fully yet, and not really sure how) and even then I don’t really know how to ask, so I am not really going to ask. But any donations that I am given will be for this, to help buy any supplies needed for the increased number of projects. and that is the end of that…
My other hobbies
My other hobby, motorcycles I have not had a lot of time to do much riding, and am a little ride unfit… I have had starting issues with the Ducati but hopefully that has been sorted as we replaced a lot of the standard wiring with after market kits, just in time for the riding season. Other than that there is nothing new to report.
As for my music I haven’t had a lot of time to lay down any new full music tracks either, whilst I have had some short jingles not enough to make into a full track. I haven’t had any new inspiration on this side it seems as when I write the track, I say to myself that kind of sounds like the last one… For those that don’t know I also write all the music for my videos.
Hope you all have a great festive season and stay safe, and yes I we still say it Merry Christmas and a happy and safe new year. (no drink driving) and we will see you in the new year.
So how has your year been?
Regards
Nighthawk
