I found out recently my dad knows who you are and has watched your content before. We talked about your channel, and the first thing he said is "I love how how he makes full disclosures about who pays for what and why at the beginning of every video, I wish more channels did that."
There absolutely something wrong with your channel setting or keywords or something. You never ever show up in my search results. Say I'm looking to buy a particular laptop, I search for it on youtube, they show me hundreds of reviews from people with no subscribers but they won't show me your video about the exact model that I search for even if I am sub to you.
Yeah... you can't quit! You were part of the inspiration to why I started making videos in the first place (waaaay before our family/kids content). I remember watching a video that you did on a home camera system and thinking (in like 2008), "Wow! Now that is how you do a review!"
Your channel is my absolute favorite on the entire platform. For the past 10 years I haven't bought any tech without checking to see if you have done a video on it first. Heck I also watch your videos on products I never plan on buying! haha Thanks for your transparency and straight-to-the-point style that keeps your work engaging no matter the topic. Cheers to 12 years!
The HD Homerun Prime is definitely what brought me here. I can't believe how long I've had that thing in service! I think i will be using it until Cable Cards go away. Thank you!
I am happy you're still on here making videos, I enjoy watching your videos because you've always thought reasonably and tested and reviewed products that no one else does
I like how the supporter credits are now integrated into the first part of the video. It shows continued commitment to improving the presentation even after 12 years in the biz.
Thanks for all of the great content, Lon! RU-vid's strange algorithm is just that -- a strange algorithm. I've been a sub for a long time; yet, many of your videos don't actually show up in my feed. So, I have to scroll through my list of subscriptions. I really wish that would change.
Two suggestions: In each video, promote your weekly email so that folks know about releases; I rely on it and appreciate the ease of clicking on the video links. Also what is available in 4K or 8K video content and is it worth it. Regards from Baltimore.
As a small creator on RU-vid I've given up to try and "ride the algorithm". The content I make satisfies my creative outlet. If people watch, that's great. Your channel is one of those that it was not exposing videos to me, so like others, I'd see you on a rocket launch video and then go out and seek your content because YT had dropped your videos from my sub feed.
A suggestion (stop if you're heard this before). How about gadget/technology integration? It might get you out of the house on occasion too. Sort of like when you had the ATSC 3 tuner and TV antenna setup. A personal experience where I could have used more viewpoints is using a portable printer with a digital camera. I have a Fuji Film Instax Wide portable printer that has an Android/iOS apps but it has no PictBridge connectivity. I wanted to use my Canon R5 camera, which has PictBridge connectivity built-in but no smartphone app to print to the Instax printer. So I had the Canon smartphone app copy a photo from the camera to the smartphone THEN print from the smartphone app to the Instax printer. Maybe you could explore similar ways to connect different gadgets that don't have a one-step solution. Just a thought. 😊
I've been a devoted viewer of yours for a number of years and really like your style and the kind of tech you are reviewing. Thanks and here's for the next 12 years!
I love your channel, your content, and particularly your openness when it comes to disclosures. Even your opinion pieces on things like the ATSC standard are fascinating to me, despite being in a different country! One big thing that I think holds you back though is the look of your set and your channel. I don't mean to be rude, but the overwhelming amount of beige combined with the neon colours in the thumbnails is old fashioned, but not in a cool retro way. It's so far removed from any other professional gadget channel that I really think it puts a lot of people off. Obviously I don't think you should go in the direction of of making your channel look like everyone else's, but I really think if you got some help with set design & channel graphics, you could find a look that worked to attract the viewership your channel deserves. I could be wrong, but I always find it striking how dated things look when you make such quality content. I'll keep watching either way, but I'd love to see your videos reach a wider audience.
Been watching you for a long time. I wish I could see when I first subscribed. RU-vid should have pushed your content in the algo because it's well deserved.
Also glad to see you're not quitting Lon. I found this video via a Twitter post you made - not via the YT algorithm - even though I'm a full subscriber with notifications. I think YT has a problem in that space. My CTR from notification is woefully low.. On my last "good performing" video I had a CTR of 1.7% - only 71 views from bell notifications - despite having 4.2k subs receiving the notifications. Something sounds fishy. My not subscribed to subscribed count is similar, 73.9% to 26.1% like yours. My views have also been consistently dropping off lately. Very frustrating as a creator.
Congrats on 12 years! RU-vid need your reviews! I've watched your videos for a while and I think you set a good standard for other RU-vidrs with your honesty and transparency. I know keeping up with RU-vid and its algorithm is tough work, though. It gives me lots of headaches... 😵💫
So here's what I'm using now: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QHVGhvwuEYg.html - It might be fun to do more of a behind the scenes vs. a tutorial
Lon, have you ever seen the SCTV skit for “The Jerry Todd” show? Perhaps a spoof of it or perhaps some type of homage to it, would add some humor to such reviews?
Ahhh yes the western digital mycloud from 2013 that’s what made me sub! I can’t believe that was 2013! It’s been quite the ride! I’m glad you’re not quitting Lon and I’m glad to see nothing on your channel has changed in a bad way since then! Here’s to another 10 years!
Lon, awesome you're staying around! You're an honest take on tech, without any 'fanboi' drama - and I say that as a Bonafide fanboi myself! Sometimes I need other takes on things I don't check ordinarily.
same problem here i have in one of my channels a little bit more subs than you and very few views Google broke youtube there are many youtube channels with millions of subs with the issue
Danke! Thanks for the transparency. Congratulations for doing this thing successfully for 12 years. I especially like to come here for your Chromebook reviews because yours are the best.
It sucks.. I don't see many of my favorite creators any more so I had to put them into a custom RSS reader. I talked about some things they can do here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_sWP6vIgQa8.html
I've been with you since the beginning under various usernames. I'm trying hard to cut back on my YT consumption but I don't have any desire to cut back on Lon TV. Straight up, one of the few channels that doesnt make me mad or depressed.
5+ ago LGR had a bunch of videos with 1M+ views. Now days he's lucky to have one or two 1M+ videos per year. The youtube algorithm is a mysterious thing.
Congratulations! We don't buy new computers/laptops/phones but I can tell you that I purchase many new parts to upgrade my 8700K / GTX1080 machine from 6 years ago 😉
you bring up an interesting point that is almost the definition of a “1st world problem”; namely hardware is “too good” now and people are perfectly happy with 5-7+ year old PCs. This is somehow a “problem” under capitalism. It’s interesting because it perfectly shows how absurd the logic of capitalism is and I’ve often discussed this with people. Personally I’m glad that tech equipment is becoming more of a “durable good” like a furnace or stove. People always complain that stuff these days isn’t “built to last” but in consumer tech it seems it’s a bit of the opposite in the past decade.
been watching you for quite a few years between this and my personal channel. Your content always delivers and is very consistent. I have unsubbed from most of the other tech channels I used to watch because they are getting more and more annoying to watch. I love your videos on plex/self hosting, computers, and tech gadgets.
If you're looking for more review ideas: - Working from home comparison tests! Like laptops' webcam comparison side-by-side, microphone comparisons side-by-side, or desktop webcams, too! I think having a direct comparison in a single video helps more than needing to search around for each video → scroll around. I always see these get high views, and I get it: sometimes, it's so much faster! I understand this adds to "needing to store all this junk around", though. As you have a video production background, having a "nice" / high-end camera as the control would be amazing (and maybe a cell phone as a 2nd control). And then comparing their background blur, fan noise, etc. Microphones, too: just use the laptop or any nice hardware in the $30 to $60 range? I'm thinking like a real round-up, 3-5 different devices (or even more!). - Another maybe interesting round-up test: battery life test with laptops' running Zoom or Google Meet → 1hr battery rundown = % lost times battery capacity. Even a MacBook or Chromebook thrown in there; parents are trying to buy for their kids laptops for college & what-not, but so few reviews cover this properly. Everything is just a local video test or Wi-Fi browsing: you could set up the laptops facing each other and they can all join the same call, so they're all on the same Wi-Fi + maybe need to adjust their brightness. - I'd also be interested in deeper dives: any great smart home devices you're interesting in buying (your thought process is actually one of the most helpful!), any tips on reducing cable / ISP bills that you've gathered, reviewers of label makers for labelling cables, or especially USB-C cables (testers, too, my gosh: I have like 30 cables, can't hardly tell what any of them support), etc.
A lot of our interests tend to be somewhat niche and non-mainstream: retro PCs like Apple II, amateur radio, space rocket launches, video production, physical music/movie/TV media and offline ownership. Cord cutting and mini PCs are cool though. I do see other RU-vidrs following your sponsorship disclosure format (whether that's coincidence I don't know). Either way, I'm happy to watch all your content Lon and THANK YOU for your hard work! I *LOVE* your video production how-to videos and how you bring in your prior education -- live switching seems to save a ton of time in post. I'd love to see more long-form workflow videos!
First congrats on your 12 anniversary Lon! Great job always providing reviews and how-to’s. I think you’re spot on regarding AI. I think today it’s a lot of hype and is akin to when tech companies convinced us how much better life would be with Smart Assistants. Neither Apple, Amazon or Google provided anything impressive. That said, though there are many RU-vid channels posting Smart Home reviews and how-to’s, I have seen you do much in this space. I always love your Plex videos and occasional Synology videos. Would like to see more on Synology NAS Apps, configuration, and security. Even the Synology Routers are not getting enough air time in my opinion. Anyway, you always seem to find something that draws my interest. Thanks for all the hard work! 👍🏻👍🏻
The last 12 years has turned RU-vid into a mess. The reasons I watched RU-vid have gone. It is an advertisement channel now. Searching for a better option.
I'm so happy that I stumbled across this channel! Thank you for all your thoughtful reviews, transparency, and advocacy in the public policy domain. Such an incredible channel!
Amen to your comments on "AI" (LLMs). Im tired of it. So many lazy people at work jist paste code into a db query for instance and have no idea what it even does. Then I have to treat them like children as the systems engineer cuz they cant be trusted. Sigh. Good luck on your channel bro. Found you from an old interview from Bob at RetroRGB
Congrats on 12 years, been watching for awhile. From your TV tuner videos to your Comcast Gigabit Pro journey and updates. Thanks and glad there will be more to come.
The "Acer Revo Build Review" video from 8 years ago brought me here. I ended up buying that mini PC, which I still use today for very light Linux experiments. I also ended up subscribing to the channel because of the more "live/hands-on" format (in contrast to most other review channels that usually just talk over some repetitive footage of the product), and also partially because of the general feel + variety of products and events that are being covered very professionally (CES for example).
One of the best channels out there, been watching for years and always watch all your videos. Love your integrity, commitment and passion on your videos. Looking forward to another 12 years!
Sorry about your car, but c'mon, you're really using FSD on _that_ road? Sure, commuting on the highway... have at it. But please take control on a poorly marked b-road.
I've noticed recently that some channels I had fully subscribed to (subscription + bell set to all) recently downgraded me to the transparent bell (?) that means I never see anything from them. I've had to turn them back on to see them again, not just get notifications. I wonder how many of your subscribers don't know you've been effectively muted for them... Love the channel. Your presentation is unique and approachable, and you're one of the few channels that actually focuses entirely on things that matter to regular consumers. I'll keep watching as long as you're here. Have you considered more content on network attached storage units and or networking equipment? So much of the marketing (and RU-vid content) for that is marketed at medium to large businesses, and you'll run into videos about how a Unifi Dream Machine SE rack mount firewall is barely good enough because left unstated is the fact that the video and its audience are in the actual small business/enterprise space, and the Dream Machine SE will not only power YOUR internet, it can power your entire BLOCK's internet with breathing room. A bit more niche than that is the ... I'm not sure what else to call it .. transition market for NAS and network stuff? Entry level equipment isn't enough, but they don't need enterprise equipment. I think there's a big untapped market for reviews and guidance here: the products exist, but the space is so crowded and confusing it's hard to know what you need and who sells it and how to differentiate between various products whose model names make anything Sony ever put out during the Cold War seem elegant. See you here in 2036. Hopefully with a jet pack and some sort of lasers or something that make my back hurt less.
I remember subbing to you from the original GPD Win video! You don't do much of these type of videos anymore, but Russ from Retro Game Corps has and it seems he's very successful with it, but I like your style of reviewing better. Maybe just a bit more emulation or pc handheld reviews from your channel and I think it'll help your views.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but I never look for content from my subscribed channels among recommendations. In fact, I will always select "do not recommend this channel" whenever any of my subscribed channels appear in my recommendations. I'm only looking for NEW content and creators among these recommendations. I DO actively check into my subscriptions daily, looking for new content from creators I subscribe to, like this channel.
What interests me in the "shorts" format are quick solutions for common problems... ie. "Are you having this problem? Try this gadget or try this app". etc. I do love the livestreams where you open and setup a newly released product as that shows the true experience I would have buying the same thing. If your experience stinks then I delay purchases till the product matures. I also was pleasantly surprise when I saw you on NASASpaceFlight. Don't quit cuz you have an audience.
I first saw you on NSF. I particularly enjoy your appearances there. I didn't know this channel existed until one day it appeared in Recommended. I suspect "the algorithm" had made an association between your channel and NSF at some point, and began recommending your videos to viewers of NSF and related content. I watch alot of RU-vid, and I can safely say that _most_ of what "the algorithm" does is show people more of what they've been watching recently. At one time you logged into RU-vid at the PC and by default you got what is now the Subscriptions page. Today we see the "feed" generated by RU-vid, often on mobile devices which by their nature further discourage a systematic view of the subscriptions. Lon, your biggest asset is Lon. Your enthusiasm for the content, whatever it may be, is evident and I would say engaging to viewers. This is an edge you have over many presenters, who rightfully or wrongfully, often come across as blasé or disinterested!
I first stumbled upon your channel in 2014 when I was starting university. I don't follow tech as closely as I used to but I have always appreciated your transparency in reviews. I also liked you reviewing products I hadn't heard about and didn't know I needed to work into a project as a solution.
In full disclosure, I'll keep watching, no one is paying for me to watch you, and no one reviews me watching. Hey Lon, I agree, I'm buying way less gadgets these days. But I did recently pick up a Miyoo Mini Plus (pocket game emulator). Maybe something you can pick up as well and do a series on. It comes with stock software but has a custom user made Onion OS that improves the devices capabilities. It's a nice rabbit hole you can go down.
Have you ever considered producing home automation videos. Particularly Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant. Review various devices and create videos about how to integrate various devices. And ideas for home automations.
Lon, you're one of my favorite tech RU-vidrs. I really appreciate the integrity you have in your product reviews. I have a RU-vid folder in my browser bookmarks and go to my favorite channels that way because as you've mentioned RU-vid doesn't even show your videos to your subscribers. They should just get rid of the Subscribe button if it doesn't serve any purpose anymore. Keep it up!
Thank you for all of your content! There is some content which is not interesting for me, like cable cutting or Plex stuff. But it seems these videos have an audience, so good for you. The rest is well made and no sponsor BS like other channels which I used to watch. So please keep doing this that way. I unsubscribed and blocked channels like MKBHD, LTR, derBauer and AMDtech because the videos are for me not looking honest anymore (sometimes it was something different that made me stop). You and explaining computers are the last "new" tech channels I watch. The rest is - for me - often just sponsored advertisements with "research" not done outside the marketing material they got, without questioning or trying a lot. I think good research and preparation combined with knowledge and honesty is the key and more and more channels are giving that up or never even tried. RU-vid algo: I see most of your videos on my page, from time to time I check my subscription page and even your video page and it seems they are in sync. I also find your videos when I search for something. I don't watch shorts at all - from any creator - the format sucks and takes a lot away that youtube usually offers.
Been watching the channel since your original 'save money on cable' videos! I really enjoyed the Weekly Update videos, but I understand why the format had to change.
Watching your videos for years and years, cannot even remember how long ago I started. What brought me here is that it's to the point, it's quite detailed and that you review or look at wider spectrum of things. What you said about phones isn't always true. I am still on OnePlus 6T, but even when I had it pretty much new I'd still keep taps on new phones just to know where the industry is going and what can you get for certain amount of money. One idea/recommendation: when you review or look at the laptop and talk specs and stuff, maybe also mention what type of work is this device useful for? E.g. an accountant running 2 - 4 company books with multiple excel sheets and a booking software and etc... This has to be presented in a correct time/spot to be easily seen to capture attention. With the new chips for laptops there is a HUGE confusion about laptops and what they are for and etc. You could bank on that somewhat
A major factor that was not mentioned: saturation. Me. I am saturated. I have had the epiphany that I spend too much time watching RU-vid videos. WAY too much time. Too many channels I am subscribed to. By now, even YT's AlGoreithm is perplexed with me. The only offset is that I haven't watched "TV" for over two years. That does mean that I can pass on videos that deal with related streaming services, cord-cutting, etc. But I still need to cut back more. That will mean being much more selective. But this is all me. It leaves open the question of whether others are at the YT saturation point as well, how that would be measured and reported and how individual channels would manage that condition.
The industry is struggling because they've lost sight of what products people really need. Tech went from respecting consumer to being very condescending to the consumer.
Don’t worry we’ll stick with you I just like how you put your videos together and the tech topics you cover. Especially plex content. Keep up the great work.
Personally, I miss the old days prior to monetization and endless ads. Yes, many monetized channels are good and provide useful information or entertainment. However, many more use misleading titles and graphics just to generate clicks or views, while offering poor or worse content. Google/RU-vid needs to weed out those folks and provide more support for the good guys and gals, while fixing the obnoxious number and placement of ads.
Hmm. I'm not sure what to suggest for you. Honestly, your channel covers a lot of technology that others don't-- which is why I'm here. I'm glad you're going to stick around; I'd be sad if this channel went away.
I've been a supporter for a number of years and plan to keep supporting smaller creator's like Lon going forward. As much as I'd love to toss out some half baked ideas for gaining momentum on the channel, I fear that they've already been tossed around by viewers before and probably would not be much help.
Lon,, great channel, been watching for a long time if you were in a store and there were maybe 5 tins of beans would that slow you down as to toooo much choice? maybe you have just tooooo many channels ,, youtube would only have to push one channel ,, if there were only one keep up the good work...... ( 500 hours is uploaded into youtube every 60 seconds )
Lon, stuff I would like to see you keep us up to date on:...MOCA Tech, StarLink, 2,5G & 10G NetWork Switches (non-programmable), HD Homerun & FireStick Streaming UpDates, Mini PC Tech, Connectivity Devices for Automobiles...thanks for what you do...I used your MOCA videos to eliminate WiFi in our home...works like a champ, easiest upgrade that I have ever done, we are even sleeping better now, seriously...thank-you again...!
You need to think about the end user experience on RU-vid, being barraged with suggested video's that aren't related to anything in the subscription list. I find I am watching less and less RU-vid and finding that the suggested list is just noise. I come to RU-vid for education mostly along with reviews. I would have never built a home lab if it wasn't for all the videos that RU-vid would surface in suggested lists. RU-vid now is putting a bunch of shorts trying to compete with TikTok, and other creators that aren't really creators, but they are commentors of content from other producers. I hope you can hang on but with consumer disenfranchisement with RU-vid it's going to be a rough ride.
