If you'd like to support me to help create more of these videos. Plus exclusive benefits consider becoming a patreon 🙏(7 day free trial) / camping_downunder
I remember going through this myself and choosing to not take sponsorships anymore, best thing I ever did as a RU-vidr. I still do product reviews but I buy them with the the revenue I earned from YT so it was self funding but I could say and post whatever I liked whenever. My YT revenue actually increased dramatically because the audience knew they were true reviews. My advice is to learn from other RU-vidrs but never compare. There is always someone out there that looks like they are doing better than one’s self. Just run your own race and you’ll be fine mate. Keep pressing that record button 👌
I appreciate it mate 🙏 I always made it clear a company could never influence any video & my opinion was my own opinion. But I just hated the pressure a few companies put on you. I typically test a product for months before filming a review. But some force you to pump it out within a few weeks of receiving the product so it's not a true review and I don't like that. I don't want people breathing down my back telling me when I have to release content. Some people may love it but it's just not for me. Much happier just filming what ever I want to film. I still remember speaking to you about when you finally hit 10k subscribers. I finally made it last night after 3 years 🤣 slowly building up. But I also found people didn't subscribe to a review channel. They don't sit there thinking ooh I can't wait to see what product he reviews next week. Where as travel videos people look forward to where you end up next week & are more willing to subscribe. Honestly glad to be done with reviews
Hey Paul Genuine people will always have followers and gain new ones. Do what you feel is right and feel good about and that will come out in your videos as well. Keep up the good work champ. Can't wait for the adventure videos.
🙏🏽🕊💚 No strings attached from those who offer product to you. We, as your viewers, subscribers then get to decide for ourselves from your experience whether their products are worth our while. Go you! 😁
Well done Paul, love your honestly and your mental health is more important. I hope your health is getting back to somewhat now. Thanks again for all your informative vids. Take care and look forward to seeing more from you.
Enjoyed an honest video and being straight up. My view on the changes to your RU-vid channel, simply is that you are being real with your goals and what you can achieve, ENJOY and bring to viewers, produce at a level that you do not put pressure on yourself that you don't enjoy it. Cheers good job keep up the good work 👍 Brian.
I couldn’t be happier for you man. There are absolutely companies worth working with to develop innovative new gear or showing products that are genuinely amazing and really help your viewers, but they only make up a handful. It’s sooooo tempting to accept the gear in exchange for a video, but after a while it ends up costing you more. Follow your real passion and keep creating fun stuff!
There really are a lot of great companies out there that are a pleasure to work with which is why I'm still happy to continue with a select few. It's honestly too easy like you said to just say yes to all these offers. I'll be much happier now actually making content I want to make. I appreciate the kind words mate 👍
Thanks for sharing this, Paul. Honest content made by people who enjoy the experience of getting out there and doing what they love will always have a place. I just watched your Flinders Ranges vid and thought it was excellent. Loved the relaxing guitar music (where's that from?) and the out-of-the-way spots you got to. I am not too far off resurrecting my Remote River Man channel (which has been dormant for a decade), and plan to have zero sponsors on the new version in 2024. Had a few on the old channel, but am chopping all sponsorship out on the new one. As you say, sponsorship obligations can suck all the joy out of making videos. When RU-vidrs basically become slaves to their gear sponsors and to RU-vid algorithms, it's hard to maintain the enthusiasm. Endlessly chasing monetization can be a slippery, soul-deadening slope. Fully support your decision... there are way too many 'thinly disguised ads' in people's videos these days. I believe reviews should always be 100% voluntary, and on what you've paid for yourself with your own money. Integrity matters. I notice you use a lot of excellent drone footage. I've read that South Australia has quite strict rules on drone usage in its National Parks. How do you get around that bureaucracy? Do you have to pay for permits down there? I'd love to do some drone photography down your way one day...
Thanks mate I appreciate it 👍 I get all my music from epidemic sound website. Unfortunately I've heard it's incredibly hard to get permits in south Australia so I don't film any drone footage inside a national park. You are technically allowed to take off out of the national parks and fly over it as long as you don't land in the national park as they don't own the sky
Mate, all you are missing is a goatee, a heap of ink, a wifebeater or cut off denim, a camp oven and a city style Akubra (eg Snowy River or similar) to become a true YT legend. It is a real pleasure to see a nice, honest real Australian running a channel. Keep up the good work (and stay away from the Bendlbys).
I first found you looking for information on the floods as I was worrying about those effected they gave me the best info. Loved them and I like your honesty look forward to seeing more of SA lots to see here in Victoria hope you come visit soon! I am very proud of my corner of the world hope you love it too from the Glenelg to the Grampians and the historic towns of Portland and Nelson.
Thank you 👍 I've already done plenty of videos around south Australia if you'd like to check out my adventures playlist. Victoria is amazing. I grew up in Mt Gambier so I used to visit Nelson, Portland & Warnambool quite often. My favourite place so far that I've seen is the Grampians. I want to go back there once it cools down a bit and film some videos there
New viewer here and I definitely support you on adventure videos over product reviews. Product review videos are generally tight cast as one hit wonders. You’ll only get hits from people looking for that product.
Just subscribed Paul... After watching this video....!! Stumbled upon your channel, I have started a you tube channel myself, yes it's only young BUT like you I love the adventure... Camping, off roading etc... Getting out there and exploring our great land of ours. I can understand your new direction, go for it and just enjoy life without the stress. Sometimes less is better. Cheers mate, looking forward to your next adventure.
Hi mate. This is the first video of yours that I've seen. I subscribed straight up because of your genuine honest approach. I'm looking forward to watching your past and future content.
Just subscribed mate after watching this as your first recommended video to me. Sounds honest and I am a big fan of not having products pushed and pushed like a certain number of other (once travelling) YT's have been recently doing with their build videos (which I am about 2 clicks away from unsubbing from) as it just gets uninteresting.
u got me i get the missus to subscribe we live in the riverland, but we just in the process packing up,retired early in life, i do gold prospecting and have done for 30 yrs we debating doing something but take up time and money, but in your gut, i love helping people and passing on knowledge so they make right decisions when prospecting
@@Campingdownunder I started watching the aircon one and had a look at the price.. after I spat my wine out at the price lol yeah don't tease me with expensive products show me great places..
Hey Paul. You're absolutely correct to put your mental health and wellbeing first, mate. Good on you for speaking out and admitting you're not always doing OK. I love your adventure videos and I'd much rather watch that type of video than product reviews (although they definitely have their place if you're in the market for something specific), so do what you love and keep it real. Absolutely loved the interview with Alan and Jess from Exploring Oz, and your beach drive video from Robe to Beachport that you did with your Dad and your brother. That's one of our favourite parts of the country now. Your Esperance videos were great, too. Also loved the flood updates around the Riverland. Looking forward to see what you get up to in the future. Cheers, Rodney from Mt Compass (SA).
Good on you mate 👏 we are a small you tube channel too (and we love it), no sponsors, no BS, just us, the outdoors and a camera. Keep it up!! Love your adventure content!!
Thanks mate 👍 yeah it's much better without the stress and pressure. I still work with selected sponsors but they are very easy to collaborate with. I actually enjoy making the content now 😀
Hi Paul totally understand the changes you have to make. Your health is the most important part of life. I enjoy what you present, and I think you do a great job of it. Stick with the best sponsors and don't let them rule your life. Cheers
Thanks mate 👍 a majority of companies are great to work with. It's only a few that have ruined the experience for me. Much rather be happier making content I want to make 😀
Absolutely fantastic mate. Have been growing increasingly tired of the the caravanning/off road influencers.. My favourite you tuber from times gone by was seek adventure.. He made the same decision as you have. Cheers and good luck. Paul
Hey Paul, I totally agree it’s so hard to go away Enjoy it and then you have to go and edit the video so you can put it out to the public. because you miss things get stressed with it so I basically Do the same thing even if it’s not pretty I don’t care as long as people can see my adventures. And things that I do. Love your channel, just do you, people will still watch
Good on you for keeping in real. This is not a challenge I've faced yet with my (much smaller) channel but definitely something I'll keep in mind should I start getting approached. To date, I guess like you started I've done a few product reviews, mostly of products I own or have bought and have sought out a few specific ones. Looking forward to your adventure content on SA! I got a small taste of the Flinders Ranges last year and it was Epic! Have also spent some time down around Carpenter Rocks in the past, found it a great alternative to Robe.
I hear ya bro! I suffered depression and anxiety for over 30 years, trust me you can beat it as I'm all good now. Our channel Mad Aussie Adventures has never received a cent as we do not have sponsores or want them, and we have never asked anyone for support, probably should but it goes against my principles. Yes, it costs heaps to do these trips and produce these episodes and you do an awesome job. We wish you the best! Gibbo and Andrea. 👍😎👍
It's definitely a huge thing trying to get used to being on camera. But you guys do a great job and I love watching your videos 👍 we'll have to go camping together some time.
Still here brother, you know that. We all go through everything and our community will always be here for each other. Keep them coming bud, and one day I'll drag you out on one of my trips.
Love to catch up in person one day mate 👍 thanks for your continued support over the years. You've been one of my longest RU-vid members & a friend even before that 🍻
Good luck Paul, I have been subscribed since I stumbled across your Flinders Rangers videos. Do what you love and film what you can. It’s your life and we will always wait and watch your content, your edits are very good imo.
Cheers mate I love that kind of feedback 👍 I try and always improve each video and try new things. I've had no training on any of this & have just been winging it by watching a heap of RU-vid videos on how to film & edit 🤣
@@Campingdownunder you sound just like me. I am a small channel and was terrified to talk in front of camera and slowly getting more comfortable. I make videos for fun and fir the ease of looking back at my adventures with my sons. Your Flinders Rangers series inspired me and I got some great content ideas from your adventures. Stay happy and film for fun 🤘🇦🇺🇦🇺✌️✌️
Good on ya Paul. Been following along since the beginning, always loved the genuine relatability of your content. Good to hear your making changes to keep it that way. Looking forward to the new content to come!
G'day Paul. I have only recently discovered your channel and really enjoyed your footage of the Riverland floods. I grew up in Renmark and watched the river rise and fall every year but never to this extent! Follow your passion and live your dream. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to your adventure videos!
100% mate. Everything i have reviewed on my channel i have brought with my own money so i can give the 100% truth about the product to give the viewers the real reviews. Love your work and the adventures you go on. ❤️🍺🇦🇺👍
Mate you have to look after yourself first and foremost. always do what makes you happy otherwise you will burn yourself out. If your passionate about adventure video's then go for it. All the best in 2023 and beyond 👍👍🇦🇺
Thank you for your honesty. With this video you've gained another supporter. I for one am tired of seeing just "plug the product" videos. Unfortunately I've stopped following a few overlander/4w drive Chanel's because they've lost their way...now 8m off to binge watch your chanel lol
Good on you Paul, I've watched you for awhile and will continue to do so. If you could cover some of the SA hotspot camping locations in future videos that would be great and help us out when we travel over to SA next year. Best of luck mate.
Good stuff mate, I’ve always liked your adventure videos better anyway. I’m digging the upcoming SA based adventure videos. Gives me ideas of where to go because I too cannot afford to go interstate on epic trips.
Thanks mate 👍 I still haven't even decided which beaches I'm going to on Thursday. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute 🤣 I love taking spontaneous holidays though
Mate your a legend I watch your channel for you and your videos not because the products. I Just enjoy sitting down and see what you put up so I'm keen for future videos
Keep doing what you enjoy, and share with us what you are happy to, and when you are happy to. Your fans will support you. No need to be another RU-vid factory reviewer. Be true to your outdoor passion!
And now you know why pop stars get burner out in a few years... the managers squeeze them like lemons and just drop them when they are finished with them..
Well done Paul, great direction, so many pushing sponsors products, all about the money, drives me off them straight away, I'll be checking out your previous videos, 1st time subscriber to your channel 😀 👍
Good on you mate, do what feels right for you and as far as Im concerned, Id much rather see some 4WD videos than just product reviews. So for me, Ill be watching and supporting more now.
Well done, Paul march to the beat of your own drum, sponsors want to use your good name to push their barrow whether the product is at a premium or not the sponsors are only worried about themselves. . One's credibility is more important than the $$$$ not worth selling yourself out. You made the correct decision for YOU.👍
Finally, it is great too see someone with integrity. There are too many 2 dollar pedlars out there and frankly I am over it, to the point that I am unsubscribing from their channels.
I'm the same mate. RU-vid is changing. It's not people making content for their viewers anymore. They are making content that's going to attract sponsors and making content to keep sponsors happy. Not taking into account their audience
Thanks mate I really appreciate it 🙏 feel free to check out some of the adventure videos I've already uploaded. I particularly love my Flinders Ranges videos 👍
Glad you're thinking about the longterm, and taking care of yourself. Big move, but I, for one, am very pleased to hear that I'll get to see more adventure videos from you. Don't share all the best spots though... we've got to keep a few good ones for ourselves in the Riverland 😉
Tell me about it! I was thinking I might pitch my tent in the backyard tomorrow night just to get some tent-time! Looking forward to the river camps being dry again... let alone being allowed to paddle on the river without a guide!
It’s an interesting journey and path you have taken. Most RU-vid creators start with travel, then get sucked into the big money and freebies of sponsorship. It appears like you are doing it the other way round. I have a strong view on sponsorship and the way many creators get trapped into defending their integrity (unsuccessfully) when they are on the take. I think you will find it very liberating not having to bend to the will of another agenda other than your own. Enjoy the journey, and you do you. Cheers from Jafffa Adventures.
Thanks mate 👍 you've definitely got a point 🤣 I'm going to be much happier now not having the stress of worrying about what companies think & just concentrate on the content
Got my Support here mate. Your mental health comes first mate and I love seeing your camping and going away videos more than reviewing corporate items that demand you to do a video of them. But hope to catch up with you one day if you come over to Victoria for a trip.
Thanks for becoming a member & supporting my channel mate it means a lot 🙏 definitely want to do a trip over to Victoria once it cools down a bit. Thinking of heading back to the Grampians. Love it there 👌
I watch for you bro not the products! Change is always good. Love a good adventure video. If you ever get a chance to do the cape make sure you come say hi IT’s sickpuppycody btw 😂
I read the name and was like hey I've heard that name recently. Then it clicked 🤣 definitely want to head up that way at some point mate. I'd love to catch up with you in person and have a few 🍻
