I've been giving this a lot of thought these past couple of days. Over the years, I've watched other internet shows gain enormous success, and through that, have been able to turn either a small or hefty profit.
I've been saying for years that we're not in this for the money, and we don't profit from VMTV (if you don't count the DVD sales). People have been saying for years how I'm foolish for not making money off of this, or by putting up ads, or submitting the show to this site, or that site.
I've been stubborn about it mainly because I would feel like a sell out, or some money grubbing jerk, only interested in making a profit, not churning out a quality show each month.
I was never the jealous type. I'm thrilled that shows like Mega 64, and all these other internet shows have such great success.
It looks like this show has been the only one being produced for almost 15 years without a big break. Sure, an opportunity has come along to bring the show to a wider audience, but I turned it down for my own reasons. Honesty being the big reason. I couldn't handle the fact that I'd be writing for some actors who have no knowledge of the material we're reviewing, and our passion was not theirs.
I still think I made the right choice all these years later.
Still, with Facebook, Youtube, Google ads and so forth, people from Backasswards, Missouri are making some dough off of their videos (good or not).
Granted, our numbers/views are not in the thousands or millions, and I've tried every site and forum I can think of. We've already seen the result of Destructoid. I've tried that Guy with the glasses.com a while back. Nothing really happened, and I put up small videos, clips from some episodes.
I realized years ago, VMTV will not be everyone's bag. I understand that. Still, a little side money couldn't hurt, especially with the need to upgrade our equipment. My DV camcorder has proven to be a piece of shit, even evidenced at this years Big Apple Con. And I've seen other TV shows of the internet stroll through the Con lugging these $3000 HD Professional movie cameras, with boom mics and all this. Even when conducting the interviews, I admitted we were low tech, kinda garage style. Sure, it works, but for another 15 years? Ok, let's be realistic. 5 years.
I've never been one to have an open pocket saying "please gimme money". I got a decent paying job. I get money. I just can't pull out expensive equipment orders. Ok, fine. What about recognition? While I don't want to change the format or style of the show just to attract attention, I do wish more people would come out of hiding so I know who is watching the show. Have some of you dropped off?
What do you guys think of VMTV turning a profit from these shows through some of these networking sites? Or some other source.
Just to be clear, VMTV will never turn into a pay model. You will never have to pay money to download a show or watch it. We will never, EVER go down that route. The show has been FREE to watch, it will remain that way.
I just feel after all these years, the show should be worth something, both in a profitable sense, and recognition.
In the end, I'm very fortunate that we do have fans. Very loyal fans. Even 46 of them is something I'm still not used to. You know in the beginning, we had none, 0%.
Alright, it's time to head out, folks. Thanks for readin.
Talonluck
You've got a very honorable stance John. It's kinda a catch 22, stay like you are or change for the sake of change with unknown consequences. There isn't really a right way or wrong way so the only thing you can do is your way.
I'll be following you guys until you stop. You're one of the two internet shows I watch consistently. Keep up the good work!
John Gibson
You bet!
We'll just keep getting better, without profiting.
Talonluck
John Gibson wrote:
You bet!
We'll just keep getting better, without profiting.
And some of us will continue to support any way we can.
