November Nonsense (Pat-ex*)

Don't blame you for avoiding engaging with YouTube comments: there are some absolute idiots out there that deserve no response but given the amount you get, it wouldn't be practical anyhow!

I definitely empathize as well about being quiet and working at home for long periods of time ... and going a bit mad because of it! I hope you can take a little break, Mat. Happy holidays. :)

Been a while since I've been active here, but I like your voiceover for The 8-Bit Guy's Planet X3 trailer! Out of curiosity, which microphone did you record it on, and did you do the echo effect on it, or was that done by the recipient?

Matt, I really enjoy your ad-lib videos, but find them too long for my normal day. I work from home but do a long drive (90 minutes each way) once a week and normally listen to podcasts in the car. I reckon that if I could download just the audio for these videos, that might work - or it might not, I'd need to test that theory. Is making just the audio available something you'd consider? Regarding your cheese sandwiches; many Youtubers (is that a word?) have "Quickies", often with a rough-and-ready vibe. Maybe a depiction of a cheese sandwich in the corner of your video would get the message across...

I liked the Anki robot video for the simple reason that had I not watched your video, I might have been tempted to buy one!

On a completely unrelated topic, I just saw this on Indiegogo. Gixie clock - reminds me of a ventriloquist saying gottle of gear. But it looks interesting - I’ve ordered one! <a href="https://igg.me/at/gixieclock/x" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://igg.me/at/gixieclock/x</a>

Matt, finally got around to watching this, been in a bit of a whirlwind here in my own life. But very much appreciate you taking the time to do these videos for your patrons... Reflecting back on these I remember mostly the one where you discussed leaving Twitter... it really provided some perspective about how I interact with youtubers, it’s unprecedented the ability to interact with those that provide us entertainment and I suppose that’s why I latched on to the Patreon concept so quickly In any case, with reference to that past video about Twitter, I was definitely in the “don’t worry/bother about the trolls” category on several occasions... never quite realized how annoying I was, man hindsight is a powerful thing... Anyway Matt, nothing but respect for you mate, and feel for you with the dad and the stroke, recently has that unfortunate situation with my grandmother... wish you all the best in what you do, and props on 600 videos...

Just the best to you, Mat. I have loved every minute of it, and then some, since you did that CTS master tape video. Bought a muppet mug or two too

I think that you should take a break of about a month. Go someware nice. A few people won't be happy though.

A very famous person I do a ton of work for once told me either do something really well or really poorly, never in between. When I was on empty after yeras and years of running full speed and I was finally just worn out that was something I fell back on, when people expected amazing work from me all the time I'd do something super awful, which in turn the public would find amusing and it would often become one of the more popular things I'd do for him. Obviously you can't go to that well too often, but I think you'd be pleasantly surprised at how well people will enjoy a really poorly done video - there's a lot of entertainment value there - and in turn it gives up quick content and some room to breath. It just has to be really poorly done so people know it's a disaster and that they don't think you gave up. Anyways maybe that helps, maybe not, but certainly understand how you feel.

I began working from home 18 years ago, but I'm like you in terms of my lack of need to be around people or talk to people to be happy. I'm not sure how long you've worked from home but in my experience I think my peak restlessness was around 7 years in. I didn't need to be around people, but that's when I'd start to get kind of bored every once in a while even though I wasn't bored with my job. Anyways I'd have to come up with projects to keep me busy and to make sure my mind didn't drift to much. That lasted for maybe a year or two, then like a fever it broke, and that was it - now I'm immune to going nuts from working from home and it's just what is completely normal. Also I do creative work and really the only downside of working alone is running out of ideas - or getting worried I do too much of the same thing and people get bored with it. For me I hired a girl, hot of course, right out of school to help with things, just to keep me on my toes and to make sure I didn't suddenly get old real quick - or to help with having some new ideas or ways of doing things. Anywho if you want to stay in your relationship I recommend NOT hiring a hot girl - but perhaps there is some young person you can get for really cheap where you work in the role of an apprentice and help them get started while reducing your workload a little, but mainly giving you another voice. Personally I don't see any decline in your work, I think it's as good as it's ever been, but I also had people telling me the same thing when I felt like I was struggling a bit - or more over something I used to be able to do in 4 hours was taking me 20 hours.

Oh man. I had a good laugh when you talked about the iTunes U2 album giveaway. I remember folks having a complete meltdown over it. And regarding the “click bait” R2R top video of 2017. You got me. I’ve so far bought 5 tapes from Analogy records. I blame you Matt !

I have a suggestion for a name: "Techmoan Bites". I would really welcome more quick video's. They also make me remember stuff. For example, the linesman telephone: the device can also be used as a torture device, because it generates high voltage for making the other side ring. I might have seen this in the movie Three Kings (I might also remember this because of the passing of Bush Sr.), which I want to see again... And about working alone: a friend of mine works one day in a shared space somewhere in the city: rent an workspace... I'm not sure it will work for you, though...

enjoyed watching this one, its good to open up about your feelings, you're not going mad. keep smiling

I bought a UoPlay after watching your review but it's still fairly large. I'm hoping having the OP will mean I take a lot more video rather than leaving it at home.

I'm with all the above. Find a name for a Cheese Sandwich video - A TechMoanMini or something, have a different intro and outtro. I'm sure none of us here would insist on the full five minute scroller on a cheese sandwich. (I think we're inventing a new language here to go along with your new PatEx nomenclature!) If you genuinely feel you sometimes need interaction with other people, even for a ten minute break, or to have a personal rant over something that has happened, I bet there are others who also spend a lot of time at home, who would happily be available on Skype or something for a few minutes. We can't be having a Mad Mat! Anyway, movin' on . . . I've always called an out of date and neglected web page a "Cob web". :-) (BTW, I just pre-ordered a DJI Osmo Pocket, you'd probably like one of those. Now I'm just waiting for a UFO to land.)

Ahh... Your mind works like mine. Hard to fill, easy to deflate. And people around you go "Don't be so hard on your self, be nice instead" Easier said then done when you're talking to your self all day... And when I interrupt my self, oooh I go mad then! I guess that envy over what you are accomplishing and the recognition you get must STING mr Ego Smith. Take care Mat and I hope you find a good pace to deliver thees great vids. Love 'em! All my best! // Johan

The Robot has has some software updates.... Seems to be working better now. (MD bought one, and its on his desk. )

Love the cheese sandwiches idea. Just a quick “here is this thing, isn’t cool” video is refreshing and fun. I agree with LGR, you never know what a couple cheese sandwiches a month will do. In a more literal sense, Branston pickle on your cheese sarnie? My wife introduced me to it and now I stop by our local ex-pat shop twice a year to get my fix (and pickled onion Monster Munch and pork scratchings and dandelion & burdock and and and...) Also want to thank you for all the videos you did in Liverpool. My wife loved being able to point out landmarks to me and see how things have changed since she was last there.

I came for the tech reviews, but stayed for the social commentary. :) Growing up in Canada we only had 2 stations until cable came in the early 70s or so. Now we have loads of channels and nothing to show, so much time to fill. Aaand, welcome to the Internet, with comment sections filled with ungrateful and unemployable basement dwellers with a keyboard stuck on CAPS LOCK, and the relentless -- yet imperfect -- soul less algorithms. As for quietly going mad, Mat, that's what happens when a man spends too much time alone. You can forget how to talk to others. Nothing wrong with being an intelligent introvert with an insanely popular channel, though.

I quite like the short little videos like the linemens phones and the Cassette winder.

It seems like over the summer that several of my favorite youtubers are struggling a little. I'd say if a break is needed, then you should take one. Missing a few weeks of videos is not going to adversely effect my viewing habits or my support for you. Let us know here if you decide to take that break so we won't worry that you've been abducted by a UFO. (especially now that you've called them out)

Regarding a "Microphone that eliminates sound reflexes". Why not use such a microphone that is used in TV broadcasting? That is, it attaches around one or two ears, and it active part sits between the side of your mouth and the chin. Perhaps it gives no "sound reflexes" or echo, if you are not TOO close to a screen?

About Youtube comments making you sad: I avoid the comment sections of online magazines or youtube almost entirely because they even make me sad. How hard must it be as a content creator. The problem with comments. 90% of the people might me decent persons and like what you do. These people don't comment. The weird ones who have nobody to talk to in real life use the internet to spread their nonsence. Pre-Internet times these people could not be heard at all. Sometimes I miss those times.

I thought the Linesman video was perfectly fine. It's short, and you'd explained that, and it covered about all what you could say about the subject in my opinion... I watched it and was **absolutely NOT** dissatisfied. Also, I went back to the video on YouTube and browsed the top comments and I can't see any dissatisfaction in there either!

That reel to reel video was popular 'cos it were frickin' awesome! I think I've watched it 5 times. I subsequently went out and bought a Sony TC-458 and have been recording compilations from Tidal. Great fun!

what i have seen a lot of channels do when they have off the cuff/quickie type video's is to just set a name for those so they are easily identifiable on the channel and regular followers know (or learn) what to expect. then those that want to see them will, and those getting annoyed by the different production style will just skip it. Call it something easily recognizable, with a familiar cover thumbnail or logo and be done with it. Call them cheese and crackers, or cheese sandwich shorts. :) being slightly self aware and humorous would give off a nice vibe and (i think) eventually would make those video's welcome and appreciated by the folk that want them, and ignored by those that don't. It may divide your video audience slightly, but it would also better organize things i guess. I mean... as it is now all of your video's are there very similar, with not a lot of common tags or titles or methods to split them out. I say diversify. especially if you are going crackers from so much content creation burnout and being home on your own so much. I liked this video because even in sections where the subject matter was potentially negative, or bordering on a rant, you are passionate and there is an energy to you that doesn't always show itself. :) I am curious if you, personally, have more fun making video's where you dress up as a character or create a pseudo commercial/classic television style bit and have some fun with it. Are those harder and more frustrating/draining to make, or is it actually kind of fun?

Mat, another highly entertaining "behind the scenes" video. As always, it's enjoyable just to hear you talk about any subject. Regarding the trolls, you sort of remind me of the titular character of the American television series "Frasier" in season 3, episode 23, "The Focus Group", where 11 out of 12 people in said group had nothing but great things to say about him, but he couldn't let go of the fact that the 12th person did not like him. (I'm a bit like that too.). I say, "flippin' 'eck" with them. You are too good to let that concern you.

I do like the idea of labelling Cheese Sandwich videos as such and disabling comments on them. Far better than them not existing. I just happily watched you talk into a camera for an hour, I think it's official that I will watch everything you put out with no complaints.

I love cheese sandwich videos, they trigger all sorts of memories of things i used to take to bits, and after your linesmans telephone video i bought myself one to have a play with. Maybe you could call these shorter less technical or historical videos - "quickies" or something, then those who don't like that style can avoid them. and if youre needing a break, take one, you have to look after yourself, we will be here waiting when you feel like coming back.

Hi Techmoan, there's a vintage HiFi & Video equipment liquidation sale going on at a local university. Let me know if you'd be interested in any of these items: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NqEOAFL0JNgUYoULTE5S_ujHCFiSSzAi/view" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NqEOAFL0JNgUYoULTE5S_ujHCFiSSzAi/view</a> I'm not sure which ones are still available but I'll check if any of these catch your interest.

I kind of want the videos to have a picture of a cheese sandwich on now.

Bless you Techmoan! Take care

You're famous aroud the little big world called youtube and that's something difficult to handle, specially if we talk about time management. Please take care on you and take a break if you need it. Ah, and ignore the silly Youtube comments ;)

Perhaps you should mark the "cheese sandwich" videos as such. I wouldn't skip them entirely - please don't let people moaning about your videos ruin it for yourself and for the rest of us. It's futile to try making videos without someone complaining about something. The peanut gallery is always there, and they make the biggest racket. Your videos already contain a lot of notices to try and please these people, who will always find something else to nag about. I fully understand that you'd prefer if they thought of that themselves, though. And if you need to take some time off: please just do so! It's better for everybody if you don't break down under the stress.

Nothing wrong with cheese sandwiches. How about 'Techmoan Snack'? Anyway I don't think anyone here is expecting you to produce videos to a schedule. I love your lengthy and meticulously edited videos but my enjoyment would be curtailed if you were to harm yourself making them.

Just a quick note of encouragement...me (46 yo dude), my daughter (12 yo gal), and my son (10 yo dude), all love your videos. It's not uncommon for all of us to sit around the kitchen table eating our breakfast watching your latest adventure into vintage/modern tech. They especially love the ones where you put something together, but they still watch the dashcam reviews with rapt attention--LOL! We talked about why we liked your videos on the drive to school one morning. No one could articulate the exact reason, so we boiled it down to your sharp British wit and every man/humble approach. In a sea of overbearing pretentious twits rambling on and on about "proper" EQ settings, ideal speaker placement, or acceptable total harmonic distortion percentages, we prefer you--every time! But for God's sake, take a break if you need one!!! The three of us will be here when you get back eagerly anticipating whatever it is you decide to do next.

For comparison, look at MsMadLemon's videos, she has great sound quality

If you do a cheese sandwich video, turn the comments off. Definitely call the cheese sandwich though. Then people who don't like that sort can just ignore it.

Your audio 'problem' is caused by reflections from your back wall. I did a lot of voice-over work with a Neumann mike (recorded to tape) then sent by ISDN to the client. I tried everything from egg trays, acoustic box, audio tiles. By far a 1" acoustic tile along the back wall will give the best results - my head and mike in the acoustic box was dumped as being too-dead! No need for parabolic boomerangs with the hope they worked. Loved the video - hope your Dad is on the mend!

I run into that same problem all of the time where tons people send me things they found online that I already knew about. It’s always hard to know what to reply. I mean, I don’t want to be rude. And I don’t want to ignore their email, and I don’t want to lie to them. If you need help getting something shipped from the USA, let me know. I might be able to help. If you need more ideas for your muppet show, I have some. :-) I have also struggled with making short, simple videos. For similar reasons as you describe. I actually did like your video on the lineman’s handset. However, I admit it could have been better. But that’s true of almost any video that anybody makes, it could always be better. You have to draw a line somewhere. Your story about the comments reminds me of almost every video I release. There are always about 50 people saying Youtube is broken because they just got the notification and yet there are comments (from Patreon, of course) from hours before. I’ve notice that with the proliferation of smart phones, there has been a sharp decline in alien abductions, UFOs, religious miracles, ghost sightings, etc. Interesting, huh?

Lol... loved the end part! Thanks for the post, Mat! Ps- techmoan2 for the short vids. It seems to work for Dave Jones.

Hey, See for the part of the video that indicates if a video is not going to be a full one. I watch Serpentza's videos (Chinese Youtuber) and he has a VHS into for full videos and a Mini-disk for small videos. Maybe you could do a slightly different into like a Walkman with your sign or something.

Matt, regarding your audio: I handle audio/video for my church, whose sanctuary seats about 300. I use wireless lapel microphones for the preacher and any other speakers. The receivers feed a mixing console. Each mic has an individual volume pot and tone controls. This solves the problem of capturing audio from speakers who move about: No more fluctuating levels and varying tonal quality. Wireless lapel mics are truly tiny; the transmitters are about the size of a pack of smokes and fit in the speaker's pocket. You might try this setup, connecting the receiver directly to the audio line input on your camera.

Pattex is already in the lexicon, it's a German contact adhesive brand (they also make hot glue and such).

Perhaps we subscribers need to up our monthly contributions ... and establish a "Build Matt A Video Annex Fund". You sure could use some more space!

Oooo, I LOVE the "half baked" idea. Get the video you did of the kitchen gadgets (bacon cooker and a sandwich maker I think) and make a new intro called "Techmoan - HALF BAKED".

Thanks for the video Mat. I thought of Plain'n'Simple title for the 'cheese sandwich' videos. Best wishes.

Maybe a different video intro labeled "Techmoan Quick Shot" or something to differentiate a regular video from a shot-in-one-day video. I know you'll still get complainers because actually *watching* the video is for suckers :P but it would be a way that you could label them slightly different.

Techmoan Quickies could be your cheese sandwich videos?

and yes... had the same thoughts about how we have so many cameras now and there's not one clear HD video of a UFO! lol. Idiots

Always good to hear from you in these video letters, Mat. That sound you can hear is the noise of your many Patreons nodding sagely at everything you say! The lot of the middle-aged man with elderly and ailing parents is often not a happy one. Just out of interest, I wonder what proportion of your Patreons are female? Your observation on UFO videos is very astute and amusing. Similarly, one might have expected to see HD clips of the abominable snowman, unicorns and Lord Lucan riding Shergar by now. Oh wait, those last two were fictional characters. Personally speaking, I enjoy all your videos, long or short, in depth or cheese sandwich. If you need a break - take a break. Thanks as always for doing what you do!

Sorry to hear about your dad. Hope he gets well soon. Thank you for the videos, they (for some reason) relax and calm me down really much. Greetings from Finland and take care.

Hi Matt, You are doing a great job and the 'cheese sandwich' vid was fun and good! My theory about the amount of 'views' and the still pretty good succes on YT; YT factors in the result of A/B testing to determine if a video is a good recommendation. It does this by 'recommending' to some of the users and see (1) if they click on it and (2) how long they watch etc. If they click the 'recommendation' and watch, than YT thinks it made an interesting 'recommendation', and recommends it to even more people. Because we did not got a notification, we probably clicked on it in the 'recommended' section. YT thought it did great, suggested it to more people and and the success grew.

Take a break mate. you deserve it with what else is going on with your life. Remember you will always be welcome at TH.net I don't take fools lightly and the AIWA débâcle (I hope was dealt with in a swift manner). The current thread regarding your content has resulted in a ban (the idiot was already in moderated status for other reasons). You have my personal email if you need to get in touch. Don't feel pressured into doing long vids. Cheese sandwich vids are fine - the field telephone brought back many memories. Lastly, I echo Daniel Pritchard's comment above. I will endorse (maybe even beg) some puppet action of this nature as long as you don't name the forum directly (could turn nasty and we don't want that). This really is my last bit - take a break for a few weeks, kidnap the missus and take her to a premier inn and relax and other stuff. Family comes first. Best regards, Kelvin

Pattex? <a href="http://www.pattex-adhesives.com.au/en.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.pattex-adhesives.com.au/en.html</a>

Oh man, regarding the situation (AIWA walkman) you discuss around 11:45, PLEASE make a puppet video about someone being mad that you did the video thus allowing other people (including himself) to also find out about the featured product! That would be so perfect. I already nearly died laughing when you quoted him "I've only just found out about it from watching your video"!

I quite liked the Line's Phone video. I couldn't tell it wasn't a full effort video, it was the length it needed to be for the subject. The bit with running it out the window was a good touch, cheese sandwich with bacon. +1 for calling the cheese sandwich videos "Quickies". You're popular enough that you might be able to pull of a guest video week/month and take a break. It's always a good idea to ignore the negative comments, if not most general public comments. There is little to gain from doing so. Its a toxic wasteland of regret. You could donate the Vector to a children's hospital.

A suggestion for the short "cheese sandwich" videos: why not call them Techmoan Quickies? Kind of brand it slightly differently so people don't whinge on as much. People will still complain but at least they can't say they weren't informed that it'd be a different video type.

Nodding in agreement listening to your woes with staying at home all the time working, finding it challenging to be able to take a break, and feeling painted into a corner with your own established content standards. Being your own worst critic seems to come with the job. Always trying to readjust things myself to make this bizarre occupation continue to function healthily, but one surprise to me is that a couple cheese sandwiches a month seems to be worthwhile. If only because you never know what'll catch on. A couple of my most popular videos were total cheese sandwiches. Just filler, completely below my regular fare in quality, but for whatever reason they piqued curiosity even when I was personally unhappy with them and was expecting ample negativity. And I figured you'd unticked that "notify subscribers" box with that video! Always wondered how that would go myself, so it was pretty amusing to hear your somewhat counterintuitive results.

Hi Matt. I used to work from home, and did so for 6 years. I know what it's like. Please make some time for yourself, you're much more important then the videos you make! Enjoy watching these candid rambling thoughts!

PS...love the UFO observation...made me laugh out loud!

I liked the cheese sandwich, sometimes that's good enough! Maybe you do need to make a different into for those "throw away" type videos, so people know what to expect. Hope you dont go too mad. And hope your dad is doing better.

Just want to say as I'm sure many others on here would agree, if you need to take some time out to relax, go for it, you've more than earned it and I for one would far from mind. If this is "Mad Mat" we don't want you any other way mate. As long as you're happy with all you do, we'll keep watching. The rest is just YouTube blather :-)

Stop beating yourself up! Just take a respit, even a couple of days. Set up your schedule, do some planning, etc. I do understand about being rather solitary, it's hard to explain, but you have to just ignore the naysayers. I really enjoy the videos and you show something interesting. Maybe just your plain vids just mentioning it as a preview, mini-show, or something. Never undersell yourself. I like your mentality and attitude as a presenter. Please take a break and don't make yourself unwell.

@50:51 Everyone has HD and UHD cameras, where are the UFO videos. Same issue with miracles... when most people could not read and nothing could be recorded (video or audio) miracles abounded. Where are the miracles now.....

As an expat, I’d suggest using ex-pat for ‘exclusive to patreon’. And I hope you do get to take a break. Maybe you could call the cheese-sandwich videos ‘quick takes’ or ‘quick watches’ or something similar [not ‘quickies’ ;-)] so people realise it’s not intended to be an epic.

Regarding video quality as discussed early in this pat-ex, I am watching the video on my MacBook (Retina) in a window at 720p and fullscreen at 1080p. The footage from your little Sony MV1 looks great, as far as I can tell. Perhaps I don't have your eye, but I see nothing wrong with it. Of course you are the pro, I am but a humble viewer. One (perhaps too obvious) suggestion I can make is to just use your cellphone. I took my new iPhone Xs on holiday around Europe this past month. My previous phone was an iPhone 6 and the camera advancement shocked me; especially the video. Cloudy day video shot in Venice at 1080p was stunningly spectacular and I am the king of poor photos and video (all thumbs when it comes to photography). As a secondary or emergency option, I suspect no one would even notice it was shot with a cellphone unless you told them. I also agree with your decision to _not_ use the footage from the motel: it _was_ sad. Take care of yourself and perhaps don't sweat it so much. Your fans love your content: the video and sound look and sound great as is.

I loved the lineman phone video. It was a great simple video on something that is really neat. I think it was just right. I can't think of anything you've done I've disliked.

As far as microphones, of all of the youtube channels I subscribe to (over 1000) - the one with the best audio quality is actually utilizing one of those microphones you wear on your head! - And it is actually cordless. Not low cost though, I guess you have to pay for quality, like anything else. It costs about $700, and that is just mic itself, not any cordless transmitter/receiver portion. But the cool part is that it does not obstruct your vision at all, and with additional hardware, you can walk around and still have very high end sound. quality. Here is the mic: <a href="http://amzn.to/2e74PVF" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/2e74PVF</a>

Love these Pat Ex videos. Please take whatever break you need to maintain your mental health. I think the Patreon community will continue to support you. I have the unfortunate feeling that even if you label the "cheese sandwich" videos with some sort of warning tag that it is just a quickie video with less content, that you will likely get just as many complaints, but I'd say it's still worth trying it.

Off to bed now (midnight) - thanks for all the kind works and support. Back to making more videos in the morning.

Cheese sandwich... aka shooting the poop.. <a href="https://youtu.be/aqw-f-lTz-A" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/aqw-f-lTz-A</a>

I really understand your dilemma about the standard of a 1-day video compared to a 5-day video. I see that some other Youtubers makes a second channel for their "alternative contents". I would subscribe to "Techmoan 2" (or any other name suggestion) to watch 1-day videos :)

I just want you to know, that I really enjoy cheese sandwiches.

Re: Sound--- You can do a few things. You can buy a good microphone - a pop filter - a good stand, you can put a piece of acoustic foam in the background. Now, you have done all that already. And, as a result, i believe there is nothing negative to say about your audio quality, it´s just fine. But if you want to improve, there is a end of that. Maybe you can improve a little with buying better stuff. But for a real (unnecessary) improvement, you have to build a special room. This room will be more or less like a record studio or a professional broadcast studio. I think, it´s not worth it. Your videos are just fine. Now for the aliens. I spoke to one of them lastly. The answer is quite simple: they are not interested in being in HD in television, because they don´t get paid for it. So they land only, when nobody is watching. And mostly they land only, to speak to me :-)

Well this is the first video i'm going to have to disagree with you on! I mean REALLY disagree. "i'm going to rush through this list...these things tend to go on too long anyway." How dare you make such a false accusation! ;)

I really like these videos. As Riccardo said, going out with people would probably be a good idea but, as I am a loner too, I know that it is one of those "well, of course"-things which I would have done myself already if it was possible. (Don't want to say "easy", because it isn't) What about going on a cruise with the wife again? Or other vacation? Including stopping videos for a few weeks and not preparing for that time. Shooting some nice photos at most for the channel. It's important to make new experiences because otherwise there is a risk that the videos get boring, additionally to being boring because you are bored yourself. Not being able to do a video may makes you want to make a new one when you get back. One of the more interesting experiences I recently had was when I started going to university. Getting deeper knowledge of the material, if you are interested, is amazing. In Germany you can go to a university as a "Gasthörer" (Guest-Listener). Maybe it would be interesting to use one or two days a week for something like this or other places of scholarship. As always, I am happy that I have the means to support you monetarily and I will support you as long as it is possible for me and you do stuff you like and let us take part in it.

I do apologize for all the absolutely terrible TV shows originating here. One would assume there are only so many cute kittens, inaccurate or sensationalized history, but I guess not. But - you did give us Benny Hill, so I guess it's all payback.

As Big Audio Dynamite sang "Everybody Needs a Holiday". Take a holiday with the missus...

Lots of shows go on hiatus. Just don't like it so much that you make it permanent. :-) Hadn't heard about your Dad - sorry. Hope your Mom is coping (or is it Mum?).

You sound stressed. I quit my job to run a business making Pocket PC software and it was the best thing in the world, until the day when it flipped in my mind from *wanting* to do something to *having* to do something (because it was so successful, and stopping would kill the golden goose). My advice is to take a break, even if it doesn't make sense while you're "in the eye of the storm". You can pick it back up.

I think others have mentioned this, but a different (quick) intro, and a snappy name. Like "QuickMoan" or "TechMeh", might work. This way your viewers know that the video they are about to watch is not the usual. May add a fun sound-effect, like a bell. Viewers will adjust to it, like "Pavlov's Dog".

About Article 13, as far as i understood it was modeled on YouTube, seeing it has a very efficient content blocking system, EU lawmakers thought "if they are able to do this, surely everyone can", so the main problem is that start-ups, non-profits (Wikipedia) and little websites obviously don't have the resources to implement something similarly effective. The fact that it was modeled on YouTube (again, AFAIK) also makes me skeptical about why they keep complaining about it, as they should be already compliant. After all, like we've seen with GDPR, they'll probably just ignore it. As for the "becoming mad" part, i am too an introvert loner, so i can understand you. I often say "when i'm with other people i want to be alone, when i'm alone i want to be with other people", i know it sounds silly. I suggest you try to go out with friends at least once a week, doesn't have to be a long thing, even just a coffee or a walk. It keeps everything in balance. I also spend lots of time home when studying, sometimes it helps to go out, just for groceries or for a nice walk downtown. And thanks for these pat-ex videos, they're always nice and interesting.

Is that a "West World", "Future World", or "Six Million Dollar Man" cyborg on the wall in the back left?

By the way I wonder who subscribed to your Youtube channel around 39:45 :)

If ya want some inspiration on how to do small things in a video, check out This Old Tony, he has his "Shoot'n the poop" videos where he takes a few small topics and mashes them up together. The difference is he takes 3-4 small things and make a bigger video and ya probably can't shoot such a video in one day, but if you have many small things ya want to cover it might be worth looking into.

FlashMoan? TechMoLess? Techmoan CS (CS=Cheese Sandwich)? SnapMoan? EggMoan? Does Patreon have a way of doing polls that you could use to let patrons suggest a brand name for short shows?

enjoyed that immensely. especially the UFO footage bit. Brilliant thanks.

As far as the Vector goes, you were the only honest review. All the others were basically commercials. I appreciated it.

If only I had known any who produce albums on Dataplay... I'd get you one with the new album. :D

I love your sandwich videos as well as three course meal once. That's why I became the patron. PS I like "Quick Takes: " prefix for the videos.

With regard to the shorter “cheese sandwich videos”; how about: Techmoan’s Show & Tell

Techmoan break- under 5 mins everytime..

Techmoan Lite. Obligatory use of the annoying "lite" vs. "light."

#1 - Edit the 3 seconds of Bone Fone and put it out as a very short video. Bam. #2 - I enjoy everything you release, even if I'm not that interested in the product. Maybe Colin is right and you brand the cheese sandwich videos differently if people are making that much of a fuss about them.

I think I speak for everyone, when I say that your videos are highly appreciated. I'm sorry to understand, that you feel a bit distressed about it all. I feel like I'm in good company when I watch your videos, so all the best to you.

For the "Lower Standard" videos you could just make up a brand name that's instantly recognizable as "possibly not up to par". Fran Blanche just calls them "Quickies": they're short, they're still good but don't expect weeks of research, Mission Impossible-style editing etc. and don't moan all over the forum to get little technical details fixed. You could give them a modified intro where you don't spin the tape on a tape recorder but just have the Cheese Sandwich Moan logo pop out of a toaster or something, and you could even make a short version of the outro without all the names scrolling by, to shorten things even more.

On the topic of short videos and the haters who react to their relative lightweight content: First all "ignore the trolls" as you say. But also, could you brand those videos differently? I noticed some channels have show names and season/episode numbers. Could you have different "shows" in your channel and your meatier episodes could have a distinct name or brand from those that are more like "quick takes" about products or tech like the linesman's phone?

I always enjoy the ramble and the behind-the-scenes look, thank you! One thing I love about Patreon is the idea that I am supporting an artist/creator/maker/whatever with a monthly amount that is specifically *not* tied to their output. I am a "patron" in the old-world sense, and I am supporting them because I like what they are doing. I want them to succeed without their income being tied to ad revenue from constant content creation. So my personal hope is that you take some time for yourself, cut back to 3 weeks a month, spend time with your Dad, and just generally don't worry about keeping up the pace of creation because your revenue comes from we patrons.

We love your video's in our house, all 3 of us including our 9 year old daughter, both me and my hubby are patreons

Cheese Sandwich Videos work for me too. Carry on, sir!

As an ex-pat, your new term confused me initially ;-). Of course thank you for the updates and fun videos, really enjoyed the style of your Mission Impossible one.

I don't think I've heard a problem with the sound in your videos. The clip early on here was a bit muted but otherwise, the sound is fine. And your voice is your voice. Ain't nothing wrong with it from my point of view. It promises an interesting video to come, stay tuned!