I’ve never been afraid of YouTube comments.
When I first started on the platform — way back in 2007, before most people even knew it existed — it didn’t quite register that people would have thoughts about what I uploaded to my channel. Even when those thoughts did start to come in, they were mostly warm and inviting, as if those watching felt they had found a kindred spirit. The feeling was mutual.
Opinions did start to turn different shades in the comments as the years passed. It quickly became apparent that anyone could say anything and there wouldn’t be repercussions. Not for the commenter anyway. It did affect the creators.
I’ve seen so many creators lose their cool because of how awfully they were treated in their comments sections. It didn’t stop at YouTube. It continued on all social platforms.
Which is why I’ve looked at the state of my presence online and decided… something’s up.
Throughout my career, I’ve been quite lucky. Thoughts, quotes, and opinions on my videos have only driven me to make more and more content, to the point that I’ve now been a creator for almost 20 years.
But for a while now, it’s been weird. The comments have almost dried up.
I blamed the way we watch videos now. People aren’t commenting because they’re watching as they go about their day. They don’t have time to comment. They simply show their appreciation by returning for the next one.
That’s true, to an extent. But what if my next one doesn’t show up? You could be subscribed to a channel and still never see the video if it doesn’t register as “good enough”.
Rather than beating up the algorithm, as everyone loves to do, I asked myself what would have to be true if the algorithm were actually a very accurate assessment of what people want to see.
If that’s true, my videos aren't showing what people currently want to see.
Pulling on that thread, I wondered if my content wasn’t good enough or if it just wasn’t presented the right way. Does my audience not want another resource on becoming the most productive and high-performing person they know or do they want it in a different way? What if they don’t care about it at all?
The sentiment of not being productive would definitely align with the summer months and wanting to take it easy. But it’s more than that. Maybe everyone’s sick of being told what to do all day on their social media feed and they just want to see people actually living their own marching orders.
I liked the sound of that last one.
AmyTV looks very different right now, and it will for the foreseeable future. Not because my audience doesn’t care to be productive and high-performing. But because they really just want to spend more time with someone who’s happy to show more than they tell.
Rather than posting videos about what to do, I’m spending the summer showing people what I do. What it looks like to prioritize tasks. What it looks like to take it easy. What it looks like in a normal life where I actually get to enjoy things other than work and organizing tasks.
Vlog Mom Summer has entered the chat. You can tune in here.
After just two episodes of the series, people who haven’t commented on my videos in years have popped back in to tell me how happy they are about the pivot. Not wanting me to bail on what we were doing before, but loving how multifaceted the content can be.
If you think what you’re doing isn’t working, it might just be that people aren’t feeling it. Before you get into a rhythm of posting, notice what moves people. Don’t just post for posting’s sake.
This is why I’ll never be afraid of the comments. I can only learn from them. Bring it, comments section.
Welcome to The ROLE Model
My framework for building a personal brand that creates opportunities, income, and influence. It guides you to Reveal Your Focus, Optimize Your Energy, Lead the Movement, and Elevate Your Impact.
R — Reveal Your Focus
Every “just this once” is training people on how to treat you next time.
The vendor knows you’ll let the deadline slip. The client learned you’ll answer emails at 10pm. Your friend confirmed you’ll always rebook when she cancels.
The standard you refuse to name out loud is the standard you’re teaching quietly.
Say it.
O — Optimize Your Energy
You don’t have to post about the break.
Nobody keeps score of your absence like you do.
Just go. Come back better.
The Inner Circle applications open shortly.
The Inner Circle is group coaching for ambitious women who are done collecting things they’re merely capable of and ready to expand their highest potential capacity. Applications open soon. Get on the waitlist to be first in.
L — Lead The Movement
If you’re teaching a thing, show yourself doing it.
The proof isn’t the framework. The proof is the completion.
The most persuasive content on the internet is a person casually living the thing everyone else is trying to sell.
E — Elevate Your Impact
Question of the Week: What would you charge if you weren’t afraid?
That’s your real price. The one you’re using is fear-adjusted.
Go after the life you want!
Amy
In a new casual series where I’m putting the frameworks down and letting you watch me actually live the thing. Episode 1 is a real-time reset in my Good Morning, Good Life Planner as I rebuild my movement, mindfulness, and mastery buckets for the new season. Watch me commit to 100 daily jumps, restart my morning pages, remember why yoga used to save my week, and admit that meditation still makes me deeply uncomfortable. If you’ve been feeling the same shift, come hang out.
If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who’s ready to step into their ROLE Model era, feel free to share this with them.
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