I CAN'T AFFORD BOOKTUBE 

I hate that on Booktube there is such an emphasis on BUYING BOOKS. Not reading them and sharing our thoughts with others. No, it's just who can haul the most books each month. I think most of us started our channels because we were avid readers and had no one in our lives to talk to about books. RU-vid was our outlet. Where we could find like minded people, discuss books and make friends. I think a few people have forgotten this. We need to stick to our roots. Booktube isn't a competition, no matter how much it feels like one at times. I could bang on all day about this but I won't. Great discussion as always Richard! Really respect you for having the cojones to put this out there.

i do like this discussion, i just wish there was no need for it, you know? i wish it was understood from the start that booktubing doesn't require the actual act of buying books i think a lot of people go through the "starting-booktube-book-buying-craze", myself included, which SUCKS because i have so many books i have no desire to read anymore i agree that there is some pressure to buy books because the larger booktubers have MASSIVE collections, but this is also their job and half of it is from publishers but i really wish that wasn't the case but i hope that in the future everyone understands that there are tons of alternatives to buying books to maintain a booktube channel and that money really shouldn't be a massive factor in this community

PREEEACH I'm all about the library! and I constantly say that in my videos. if I had bought all the books I read this year I would have easily spent over $300. I ain't got time fo dat

I swear by my local salvation army. the books are 25 cents and once a month they are on sale for 10 cents. I have SO MANY incredible books from there.

Love this SOOOO much, boo! You're so right! I realized a long time ago that I am not about to screw myself over in order to try and keep up with other people's book buying habits. Booktube is what you make it. It's about the love of books, not how many books you can haul per month in a video! I don't do book hauls anymore and that's honestly by choice. I will do hauls from events I've gone too, but those hauls are intentional. I honestly just do what makes me happy. And that's the BEST advice I can give anyone in booktube. Do what works for YOU and no one else. And yes yes yes to the library. It's seriously one of our greatest gems!

You think $11 or $12 is an expensive paperback!?!?!?!! In australia paperbacks are $20 - $30. its some serious bullshit. D: thats why book depository is my bae.

I agree with everything you said. Some booktubers hold up huge stacks of books every month and eventually your just like seriously?? How do they spend that much money? It can get unhealthy when your priorities get messed up.

It's funny how people are starting drama on twitter because of this. It's so immature. You didn't call out people who buy a lot of books in any way. I buy books and I only use the library every once in a while and yet I did NOT feel offended by this video. This is not a provocative video. You just said "if you don't have the money, don't feel discouraged, you don't need to buy all the books to have a booktube channel". People who thought their buying habits were being called out need to grow up and realize not everything is about them.

I think it gets people down when they see all the booktubers with huge bookshelves full of beautiful new books and stuff, but I don't understand why people don't use the library more. I absolutely love libraries. Library book hauls are a great idea, but you're right, books are super expensive. I will only buy actual books if I have already read that book and I loved it to the point where I might read it again. Also, if the kindle version is cheaper, I'll definitely go with that. Sometimes I want the paperback just to touch it, but most of the time the kindle version is where it's at for me. That and the library. Usually I'll read the library book first. IF I like it, then I might buy it later on when I got some monies available and my bank account isn't killing me. Also, thrift shops!!! Thrift shops always have book, and yard sales. So many great ideas. Another thing is that building a bookshelf takes time. You can't buy all the popular books at one time. My bookshelf is tiny if you don't count my e-books. So it takes time, and I think that's the beauty in it. I love collecting things and taking my time on it. Shit, I should have just made my own video about this in response. Thanks for the video though, because people should know that you don't need to buy the book when there are tons of beautiful libraries out there.

WORD. Oh man. This is a good convo to have. You should never feel like you should have to keep up with everyone, whether that's in the rate at which people buy or at the rate in which people read books. I learned that lesson a few years back. I'll never keep up with every new release. Heck, I'll never see the number 0 on my TBR shelf. To touch on the money, yeah, it is a personal choice whether you buy $100 worth of books or you borrow or thrift or have to use your money for other things. I would not want someone to go hungry or homeless because they want to keep up with what everyone else is reading! And yeah, there's other kinds of content to make besides reviews, hauls, wrap-ups. It's a great excuse to stretch yourself creatively! Break the mold! I will say that I am coming from a standpoint of getting books for review from publishers, so I usually buy one book a month unless I'm going to a festival or signing and I have a little extra cash. I don't have a full-time job and I have student loans to pay, so that's also a thing. Also also also, there have been quite a few "Travelling books" as of late, and I think that can be a great way not to spend so much, but also share the reading experience with others. I know, there's no exact/perfect solution to not acquiring $100 worth of books every month, but I don't think anyone really *needs* to buy/receive more than they can read in the next few months.

Another option: If you can't stand handling used books, but like to read electronically, many public libraries (U.S.) have online collections. They even have audiobooks! It's free and there are no late fees!

Yasss! I'm a uni student in Australia and books are fucking expensive! I have library hauls on my channel and normal hauls, my June Book Haul might look like a lot of books - I got most of them at thrift shops! I still splurge when I can afford it and buy books because I want to. Not because I feel a pressure because of booktube! We can't all haul 30 books a month, but that doesn't make our content worse then any other booktuber! You want to go haul 30 books every month. go ahead, you want to haul 0 books every month then go ahead. It doesn't matter as everyone can afford booktube!!

I'm so late for this video but I agree wholeheartedly! I love collecting books, I buy them off websites like Book Outlet or my husband buys them as a surprise. I try not to spend too much money on them, because obviously we have responsibilities and our son's needs and whatnot. My local library has a WONDERFUL selection! I haven't been there in a while, after I got pregnant I fell in to a 2 year long reading slump so I stopped going. I don't plan on buying any more books for a few months, or at least in bulk anyways. Nobody should EVER feel guilty for not being able to buy books. Libraries are there for a reason, and they are wonderful. No shame what so ever in hauling from a library!

YYYYYYYYYYYESSSSSSSS, slayin' it AGAIN with this video, Richard! Seriously, I don't understand people who get defensive as soon as you post a discussion video. Obviously you're trying to genuinely reach out to people who need to hear this, and if someone doesn't need to hear this then they should just ignore it and move on with their life and keep doing their thing! But YES, it makes me so sad when people say they can't "afford" BookTube. It can definitely be intimidating when we see vloggers with 100K subscribers who use $700 cameras and spend $200 on studio lighting, then drop another $100 a month on books. The natural instinct is to emulate those habits, but it doesn't have to be that way! Gurl, I ain't about that money-dropping life. I started my channel on my webcam. I use natural lighting and film on my phone's camera. I check books out of my library, buy them secondhand, go to library sales, borrow them from friends, look out for ebook deals, see if they're on BookOutlet, etc. etc. There is NO NEED for anyone to go broke doing BookTube. Because of libraries, books are readily accessible, and you don't need to own a book to talk about it or to start a book-related discussion. IF ONLY MORE PEOPLE REALIZED THIS. I respect you for getting this message out there, and I hope that the people who need to hear this realize the truth you're telling them. Great video, as always

I can afford brand, new books BUT, I have been watching the Booktube Folks and I stop in at Goodwill and Half- Priced Books all of the time. Now, I have discovered Thriftbooks- love this website. It is a good thing that I do not feel the need to have to read the newest it book. Books have gotten so expensive. The book subscriptions are also good deals. Plus, I would feel guilty spending a lot of money on books and not getting to read them all quickly. Perhaps, the Booktube Community could start giving giveaways with their books?

When i saw the drama i had to know what all the tea is about it lol but honestly this is so true because people feel obligated to buy books because of all these shelf tours and you see a million books on cute shelves and book hauls because they get alot of views and people need to know good content doesn't come from showing off the newest and latest books ESPECIALLY when you're just always blindly buying it because of other booktubers and don't know the synopsis to it. I really like this video because when i first joined booktube last year i thought "Oh wow everyone uploads a book haul every month and its the newest books and it gets views i'm gonna do that too." and end up wasting hella money on hyped books that i honestly didn't like that much but because everyone was talking about it i wanted to be in the loop too. I just hope this video gets attention so not only booktube but the book community can understand this subject.

I go to the library also, as well buying free ebooks for my laptop's Kindle app. I am thinking about trying BookTube. I've been delaying because my family doesn't have internet at home. I do like to shop at thrift and book shops. Thank you for posting this video. I'm already poor and you have given me some encouragement to try BookTube.

I was thinking about this when watching a lot of book tube. Those people who can buy books are so privileged! But that doesn't mean that people who can't afford books can't read. I discussed this a lot with my literacy development program. I go to the library a lot and I also buy lots of books from thrift stores and library book sales. I also buy them used online :) I have so much money to spend on college textbooks that buying fun books is near impossible for me! I spent $50 on like 3 new books once ( because I had been given a B&N gift card) and it was actually a bit painful.... It's hard to enjoy books when I have to spend so much on them haha

Plus: a lot of those giant book hauls are half given by the pubishers, so no much money spent by those booktubers... And i dont like it when they call themselves 'collectors' and after that make unhauls videos, no much sense to me. Love the subject and how you bring the library option to the discussion, because... books for free! Nice video, Esther.

I've only come across two booktubers including yourself who admit to reading library books. The majority of booktube have bought their hauls. Its strange how the larger channels don't use libraries.

This is one of your BEST discussion videos. Just have to say! LOVE that you remind people they can go to the library. I dropped out of booktube for about a year because of the almost "depression" that I couldn't buy all these books to "get viewers" and "keep up with the Joneses". I can't, I've got kids to support - you know? haha. I love that the community is finally branching out from just YA to other genres, and I am seeing a lot more videos about "bargain books" and "library hauls". Great video!

YES! This video is on point. I talked about this with Niki form 'Niki Livesnow' few weeks ago. I started watching booktube when all these scavenger hunts and challenges that require big bookshelf went around. I really enjoyed booktube videos and started playing with the idea about me starting filming, but I felt a bit weird and uncomfortable because I don't have enormous bookshelf. Later I realised that what I was thinking was ridiculous and even realised I like to own books that I liked, but not the ones I didn't really enjoy, so I didn't really want to have huge bookshelf. I will admit it's so nice to see shelves with a lot of books on them behind the people talking and I for the most part don't have problem with them buying books if they can afford. Sometimes do feel that the consumerism is encouraged and I don't really like that. I fell that some people buy books for the sheer act of buying, not for anything else and I don't really support that. But on the end of the day, if they have the money to do it, it's their business and I shouldn't be the one to judge.

Bless you, Richard. You're the coolest. I understand this topic from first hand, because here in my country books are EXTREMELY expensive, so I rely on ebooks to actually read the books I want to read. LOVED this video!

WOW! Wonderful and thought provoking video. This is something I think about often, but I've never actually seen someone make a video on it and I'm so glad you did. I would hate to think that some people want to leave because of this. People don't need great book hauls to make good videos. The library is a great thing. Great video!!!

This video was on point. Your honesty is refreshing and I agree with your points.You handled it in a respectful way as well. I enjoy using my local library and the friends of the library program (basically a warehouse store with $2 hardbacks and $1 paperbacks). There are so many ways to access cheap reading materials. Thank you for the video :) More people should really discuss these things, especially for new booktubers.

I really do love your honesty in this video. I realise it's a little old now, but I really am so impressed with this honesty. I'm disabled and can't work and struggle to buy books, so on my Booktube channel I'm going to be doing mostly library hauls, and there's nothing wrong with that at all :) Libraries are fun and I've found some great authors that way! ^_^ Thank you for your honesty. It's really touched me today

This is why I love you. You don't shy away from topics like money and such. Many Booktubers are just like 'yay books *bookhaul* yay more books *bookhaul*'' and that's it. You always go deeper and discuss topics that are either maybe 'taboo' or BT are too sensitive to talk about and such. Great discussion! I cannot afford buying books at all let alone buying enough at 'BookTube Standard' xD you bring up the great point of 'you don't have to afford booktube' cos at the end of the day, you're talking about books, that costs nothing and should cost nothing! We should just work with what we got and what libraries have got and never ever think we need money to reach the 'BookTube Standard'. I've noticed booktube has become very centered on how many books you own and buy instead of focusing on reviewing and discussing books and that's definitely something we need to fix and even something like this discussion is a great start to getting back on track of what the point of BookTube is.

THANK YOU. As a new booktuber, it can be so frustrating to watch other booktubers haul tons and tons of books a month and feel so left out and disappointing that you don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on books. And I really wish more booktubers would be honest like you and acknowledge with their viewers that they are lucky enough to afford that amount but reassure their subscribers that this is not what it takes to be a "real booktuber" or whatever, so their viewers don't need to feel like they're left out of an elite. I love how honest you are in videos like these, please keep on doing you!!

Thanks for posting this, to add onto the library thing people need to start taking advantage of audiobooks from there also! Everyone seems to be sponsoring audible for $$ and sure there's a free trial but after that it's like 15 bucks to listen to someone read to you. Idk, I've only recently realized just how great of a library I have, and though I have plenty of books of my own, I've realized I don't need to be spending so much money on something I can acquire for free.

Thanks for making this video. After a year on BookTube I realized that my book buying has gotten out of control and the money issue really is a huge part of it. Great job, great video.

In my experience, the thing is when you're new and you see a channel do one of the massive book hauls and within days their sub count skyrocket, you think "Oh maybe this is what I have to do for new subs to find my channel". lol NO! Long story short, you learn. Because I did, even if it took me 6mo to get there. I was already a library book hoarder before Booktube so I just continued doing that. I don't feel that "pressure" anymore and I'm Ok with not seeing my sub count skyrocket ever because massive hauls aren't happening. Except maybe for my bday! (I save and splurge for my bday. ALWAYS!) XD Thanks for keeping it real!

You literally speak my thoughts, Richard! THIS IS PERFECT AND ACCURATE AND TRUE!

As an observer and watcher of videos on here, I have noticed a pattern among three booktubers in particular (who shall remain nameless, although I'm sure you can guess the three I'm talking about. lol). This is a pattern of doing all these hauls of the same books, reviews of the same books and if that's not bad enough - they all have the same opinions of the same books!! Like, I am so turned off of YA after watching them blather on about this series or that one, and which books the publishers gave them, blah blah blah. They are all young people and I have to wonder how they afford it, and I feel almost resentful that they make booktube seem like a lifestyle rather than a hobby. They are setting an unrealistic precedent for people young and old like me (47) who watch their videos. I have also seen some lesser-known booktubers on here that may not have near the amount of subscribers, but they are just as entertaining and they use a lot of library books in their vids! I agree wholeheartedly with you Richard, thanks for opening up this discussion and for keeping it real. Bravo. :)

Thank you for making this video! I'm privileged because I'm able to afford buying books and I feel so bad that people feel like they can't make videos if they can't afford books. People could honestly make videos sitting in front of a white wall talking about a book without having it with them and I would still watch it. For people who really want to buy books I also recommend the used book section on Amazon. Sometimes they have amazing deals!

It sucks when people turn things into a popularity or status contest. Personally, I don't give a damn how BookTubers get their books. I just like to find people with awesome personalities, who have tastes similar to mine or are vastly different, exposing me to books I might skip over while browsing. It never occurred to me that BookTubers would go broke trying to sustain having huge monthly hauls. What sucks even more is they're probably not even reading all of those books, which is the whole point. I'm not a BookTuber, but a blogger. I use any means necessary to get the books I want. Libraries are amazing and I use mine frequently. But I still buy books and have an Audible subscription.

Thank you!!! I'm SO glad you said this, booktube does make it look like you've to buy a million plus books. I just made a channel, and I know I can't afford to buy every book that i want to read. i LOVE libraries! I know I'm going to try to spread this message when i start uploading videos. well said!!!

I love your honesty. to me money was why it was so hard for me to even think of starting a channel. until this past weekend I only owned 6 books. but I own tones of ebooks. now I am studying up on editing so people can see the books I talk about. thank you for this video. it is so true that people think that without money you cant do what u love. there is always a way.

I love how all the twitter drama around your videos usually results in you getting a lot of support, subscribers, positive responses, etc. and just makes the other people look like assholes. Keep doing what you're doing, you're awesome! :)

I don't have a paying job at the moment, so affording books is nearly impossible...BUT I don't let that stop me. I get some books for cheap at yard sales when I earn money from selling off things I have...and the church(es I visit one in another city) have "book nooks" that work on a barter system. I think we should all get into the barter system. Give a book get a book. Even a little cafe I've gone to in Canada had that. I love it, it's one of the best ways not only to get new books, but also to make new bookish friends.

Amazing video! It is so true! I mostly get my books used from Amazon or used book stores. I plan to get a library card soon and start checking books out as well. I agree, you don't have to buy all the new books, every one is already talking about them anyways, so be different, and check out or buy a used book that's not talked about much. I love hearing about books that not every one is talking about.

This thumbnail hahaha love it. I am glad you made this video although my problem isn't with wanting to buy books, you know I'm all about the library! Mostly I just feel pressure to get more videos out and this is a good reminder that booktube should be fun! I'm going back down to one video a week because it takes up so much time that I just don't have right now. I do love getting new books but I'm glad you mentioned thrifting because it can be so fun to scrounge through stores and find awesome deals! Those books are more special to me. And don't forget about books for trade!

It's important to remember that leisure reading should be enjoyable and not stressful. I love borrowing books from the library, it's free! One should purchase books that are affordable for them.

I loved this conversation video! I don't have any videos on my youtube account. I just love watching booktube and enjoy listening to others talk about books. For me its something that makes me happy. I love your videos Richard and you are a very kind hearted individual. I pray that you will be blessed with all the happiness you deserve.

You make some great points about the cost. I know I've blown wayyy too much money on books over the past 1.5 years I've been watching BookTube. It adds up fast. I try to shop smart, bargain places like used bookstores, online and real life. It is unhealthy about it sometimes and I am trying to learn and get better about it. Cause let's be honest, this body is not a money-generating factory XD I'm much better than I was awhile and always looking to improve. I'm very lucky that my local library is fantastic. But you're right, no one should feel bad about buying/not buying books. "If you can't afford it, you can't afford it" is the bottom line! It's an up-and-down process of learning how to do it in moderation for me. Thanks for the motivation to stick with it! :)

I love that you keep it 100! Great video content as always. I think people watch the book tubers who are buying 15 books a month(who is reading that much really?) and think wow I have to be like them to get viewers. I hate that about Book tube now. I miss the old videos where you watched people get really passionate about books(popular and independent sellers) instead of the few popular books out there. They had actual content talking about books and they weren't all a carbon Copy of each other. No shame in the library or thrift store books. Hopefully, your video will inspire more people to make video for more than just money.

great suggestions on using libraries. I just went to one today! I think you talked about very important key points. I do believe that people can spend their money on what they want to, and if they would like to spend their money on books, then so be it. it's definitely unhealthy to be spending your money on books if you're not able to pay your bills, but I think that if it's a hobby to booktube and show the books you buy and read, then that's okay. Because people have free wills and can do whatever they please. I can't really say much about that because I receive almost all of my books for free (which I'm so surprised by and thankful for) but I can definitely see where you're coming from.

i really like this video. a bad habit that booktube got me in that i'm working on is reading/ buying books that i'm not really interested in. i wasted so much money buying books that everyone else was reading that i "wanted" to read.

I have given up on buying books unless they become one of my ultimate favourites. I love my library, and they have an amazing selection. I bought so many books last summer that I haven't even read. It seems silly now thinking about it. I could have gotten every one of those books for free at my library. For me, I actually love knowing that someone else read this book before me and someone else will read it after me. It's a beautiful cycle. I am a student, who has to think about student loans. Buying books just doesn't fit into my life anymore.

I absolutely agree with this video. Thank you for posting it! I love the library and frankly I love reading because I can get books for free from the library. I also love watching library hauls. It makes no difference to me if Book Tubers are showing a library haul or a haul they bought. You will get great book recommendations either way. Growing up we didn't have much money but my world was always rich because of the library. Book Tubers like you that have the courage to post videos like these are going to change the community in a positive way which is awesome. Just to let you know I found this video from video responses that other Book Tubers posted about this video so it is reaching lots of people. People that feel the same way as you. Have a great week, Richard!!

I bought so many books last year that I have no space for anything else. I am at the point where if I could have my books on Kindle or just borrow from a friend or library, I'd be fine. I feel like watching Booktube made me feel like I HAD to get the newest books when they came out, but it's unhealthy like you said. Finally, someone is talking about this issue. Awesome as always Richard!

Omg! Thank you so much for making this! You're absolutely right. This is a MAJOR issue that needs to be talked about. I've talked with several people who've wanted to start booktube but they said they were nervous because of the money issue. It's like this community that is so welcoming is already turning some people away. Viewers see the "big booktubers" haul massive amounts of books at a time and some may feel pressured to keep up with them. What they don't realize is, they are receiving a lot of these books for free. This video has inspired me to start a project I've been wanting to do quite some time. I'd love to DM you on Twitter more about it.

Libraries are the greatest things ever invented! I go to the library at least 4 times a month. It confuses me on why a lot of booktubers don't use their local libraries. It's free books and if you don't like the book you're reading, you don't have to feel bad about spending money on it!

Wow, books are actually that expensive in America?? :O I just go to my local super market and can get a paper back for £5-£7 Or a hardback for £9-£11. But I only spend money on new books when it's a book I have read and LOVED, I get most of my books from charity shops (thrift stores) or the library. I can't re-read many books, what's the point in a collection when you don't read them anyway.

Great discussion, bud! I have been thinking about starting a discussion about this very thing, so way to go! Xoxo

Absolutely excellent video as always Richard, you handle topics so well and in such a thoughtful way- you touch on these things delicately yet with hard honesty at the same time and I really admire that. It's really great to see someone be so level-headed about topics like this. Booktube definitely changed my buying habits... to the point where I now have too many books that I regret buying when I was younger. I'm learning now that wow, I need to pay for things like college, I can't afford this anymore, and am altering my decision-making process. I still do the occasional book haul, but I never want it to be like it was a few years ago. I will try to spread this like wildfire because I too want people to know that Booktube is for everyone who enjoys books, whether they buy a ton each month or borrow from a friend or library. (another related issue is also things like expensive cameras and lights- it's okay if people have those but also okay to film on a webcam or phone!)

Thank you for putting this video out there, this subject isn't talked about enough, you do you Richard💪🏻

I'm so happy to see a discussion on this! It is a touchy subject but a very prevalent one. I need to go to the library more, I always forget but I do go to used book stores a TON, and I really like them. This was a great video- good for you for speaking out! :)

There are also so many free or cheap ebooks on Amazon and Google Play, and if people are keen to keep up with the latest releases, they are at least cheaper as ebooks. I know some people look down on electronic reading, but, one you can always buy the book later if you love it, and two who is going to know you're using an e-reader if when you talk about your books you edit in a picture of the book cover. I love it when booktubers edit in the cover image, I find it so hard read the cover when people wave it around, especially if I want to add it to my TBR. I do think there are quite a few privileged kids on booktube who have reading allowances from their parents, and that's great but it doesn't really reflect the real world.

Truth. Plain and simple. Thank you. I know I have spreadsheets that limit me and everything else I library. So I only buy books I know I want to keep, not that I'm unsure about. Plus half the time the ones I do buy are old library books put to pasture. Reading shouldn't be about the shiny. It kills the love.

here in malaysia a paperback is $50-60. i didn't think about it when i started my channel which i meant to become strictly a booktube channel. so i did other things like vlogs and stuff and never once did i think about using the library! thank you! xx

I get the cheapest books I possibly can. One of my favorite places in the Restore for Habitat for Humanity. Paperbacks are 25 cents and hardbacks are 50 cents. I mean, you can't get much cheaper than that fir books. Plus, the money goes towards building homes for the homeless. It's a win win!

I hate how there is so much pressure to have all the newest books day of release. I'm a stay at home mom and while my husband's job allows us some spending cash on our hobbies, i pretty much rely on my library for the newest books or ones that have been on my tbr forever. I do enjoy buying books when i can, like with birthday money or Christmas but they are very expensive and i cant afford it. To me going to the library is like shopping for books lol it makes me giddy and excited because if i didn't have the library, Chances are i wouldn't have the opportunity to read half of the books i do. I also think people shouldn't be afraid to review older books because there are so many that get forgotten about in the over hype of new stuff. This was an awesome video, and hopefully it will help some people who were scared off by the feeling of needing to spend tons of money to make videos and realize library hauls are just as fun to film and watch 😊

I completely agree! You don't have to AFFORD booktube. As far as showing books you slap up an image of the book you read if you don't have the book. I think Libraries are an awesome source, I live in a small town so the library in my puny town is tiny and don't have much to offer and to get into the larger library I would have to pay $50/year to go because I don't live in the city. When I buy books they are usually bargain books from thrift stores, good will or the UBS I shop at. The only time I buy from like B&N is if I get a gift card. I am not sure how I missed this video, but it speaks volumes Richard. Great job!

YAAAS PREACH!!!! Libraries, used bookstores, and thrift stores are where it's at! With booktube there is way too much pressure to buy ALL of the books the second they come out when they're crazy expensive. Ummm no, I am way too broke for that shit, I'll wait until I can find it super cheap or find it in my library. I mean if you have the money for that more power to you, go ahead and do you. As always, great discussion video. I'm glad someone finally brought this up.

You are so awesome Richard! I totally love this! I do videos because I enjoy it and go to the library because I enjoy it as well! I'm not the kind of person who wants a huge bookshelf - to me books on a shelf is another thing to dust! I feel like my viewers come for me, not how much I spend on books! =)

i loveeeee you for posting this. this issue needed to be addressed.

I buy tons of used books so I feel ya on this one! Yes, it’s wonderful to have the hard back brand new beautiful version but it’s not always feasible!!

Preach!!! I started my account like two months ago and I'm a booktube-ish account and even before I started I felt like I needed to buy all the books people talk about but ain't nobody got that much money. This is all for fun and people shouldn't feel forced to do anything. I hope your booktube friends keep doing RU-vid and I hope everything works out for them.

Great point of view, I am no BookTuber but appreciate the love you are throwing towards libraries and used book stores. Libraries are fucking great and don't get nearly enough props for the FREE BOOKS that they offer. I'm guilty of feeling like I "need" certain books on my bookshelf but I download a shit ton of kindle books or audiobooks and real deal books from the library. Awesome, thanks for the video.

Great video!! I'm like you. I have a full time job, but bills, gas, and food on my table come first. If I have extra money that month then I get books and even then I don't buy books full price. I'm a bargain shopper so my first instinct is to go to the library, library book sales, second hand stores, and thrift stores. I think people feel like if they don't have the latest "hardcover" book like everyone else they won't be noticed, but honestly I don't know how anyone can afford that. I wish, like you said, booktubers would start feeling comfortable in their own skin. I know there are other "big" booktubers out there and people want to be like them, but being on booktube should be fun and relaxing not high pressure to be likes someone else.

This is amazing. I need to share this with everyone I know. This is sending a great message!

Love this. Used book stores are my favorite! You can find books cheaper online too! Also yes, libraries!

Thank you for addressing this issue. I haven't been following Book Tube for very long, maybe some months. I have been stunned to see how many books people buy, especially at once. I can't imagine being that rich. Now, if you are, good for you. My view is that people have the right to buy whatever they want with their own hard earned money. But it does get annoying when you see people buying so many books at a time that you know it's impossible to get them read anytime soon. It does seem that Book Tube has gone from focusing on the content of books to just... a shopping list.

Great video! I'm subbing right now! I'm so glad I broke my book buying habit a few years ago. I just started making & watching booktube videos. The first thing I thought was does any body use the library these days! I also thought I would go before if I tried to keep up with these booktubers It's actually been about a year since I purchased a book. I'm so thankful the library is right around the corner from my job. Also the thrift store is my favorite place to buy books.

I totally agree. I use a mixture of bookshops and charity shops at the moment and am going to join the library soon as I don't have unlimited room to stack books either!

I wish people would stop feeling the need to conform to what's popular. Because what makes a successful community is diversity. It's not all about massive book hauls and showing off a huge collection of hardback books with pretty covers on your shelves. Although, yes I get that they get the most views. You can still do hauls from cheaper alternatives like you suggested. I personally like ebooks, so Overdrive and when ebooks go on sale for like $1.99 is where I thrive. There are. also a ton of book giveaways out there (blogs, Twitter, Goodreads); I'm not even a booktuber nor a blogger and I've won several. If you're worried about content, there are so many other options besides constantly buying expensive books to show off. You can also build your content by doing book reviews, discussions, tags, etc. Hopefully once you have a enough viewership, you can start requesting review copies from publishers.

I know I'm like two years late in watching this, but I just found your channel. This video means so much to me. I quit booktube a while back because I felt like I couldn't afford it. Thank you for this. It really does mean a lot. Oh, and I love your channel and I am looking forward to purchasing your book soon!

Sad that this even needs to be said, but glad someone said it. I remember leaving comments on videos after the whole Pro/Anti-Library debacle, that it seemed that Booktube was more about buying books, getting free books from publishers/authors, and less about actually READING the books. I would say about 80% of the booktubers I follow take advantage of their local library system and still make plenty of content. The Haul is not the be all, end all, required content that people think it is. It is especially infuriating when I see "famous" booktubers receiving free books and ARCs, but not ever getting around to reading the book until well after release date. Or buying books they aren't sure they will like (or outright know they don't, but have to finish a series). I know people can do what they damn well please with their money, but I don't give a fuck what is on your shelf, I want to hear that you read it and what you think about it!

Yass! I am so happy that you've spoken about this subject because I've seen so many videos where the person is like, "I did need money for my trip, but a book was so worth more." and I don't understand why they're like that at all. There are libraries to use and there's always FREE books on iBooks, Kindle, etc. They don't always have to spend money. In fact, I know a shit ton of people who sell their books (brilliant conditions) for just the postage price.

I completely agree with you! The entire point of BookTube is sharing our love about books - be them books you buy, books you bend , books you get for review or whatever. And also I personally think that book hauls aren't such a mandatory video ( let's call it like that) like Wrap-Ups for example. So it's not like if you don't film book hauls you're a bad booktuber or something. This was such a great discussion.

I totally agree with this video, thanks for making it!! I'm a huge library user and for a while I didn't want to start a channel because I don't buy books, but after hearing you and seeing a handful of other booktubers who don't buy a lot of books I'm inspired to represent us library users on booktube!

Love this, thanks for sharing! I wish the nice library was closer to me (over an hour away) but as a schoolteacher I also enjoy seeing what practically new books people ditch at the Goodwill (especially YA and middle grade) and I can swoop them up for $1 each :) Enjoyed this bookish peptalk!

***** I feel like that's what happens on BookTube to some people. The newer/less popular BookTubers are feeling pressure from the more popular BookTubers with their book hauls. I might not do big book hauls, maybe smaller book hauls but that's what is going to work for me. The popular BookTubers--names withheld--are hauling books like the books are free, and it sort of becomes a competition with BookTubers to see how many books they can haul. Then they get the books, then they don't read the damn book. So they basically just wasted ten or fifteen or twenty bucks for a book they aren't even going to read. So there are constant questions around threads and other social media's saying, "Do these BookTubers even have a job? Do these BookTubers even save money for anything?" I don't know how consistent that was. But I needed to say it. This video was very important, Richard. You shouldn't quit BookTube because you don't have the money to splurge like the "popular" BookTubers. You should do you. Wanna make tag videos? Do it. Wanna do library book hauls? Just do it. And that thing about the library?? Heck yas. Libraries for the win. Most of the time, I kind of prefer the library to the bookstores. BTW, if that wasn't consistent, I apologize. It felt good to say, or type, those words. I wanted talk about this for a long long time. And you said my words. Great job, Richard.

Yesssss!!! You are speaking the truth! I can not afford anything let alone books so I am at the library all the time! I loved your video and I love how your so willing to talk about the touchy subjects! Wish I had a friend like you..I feel like life would be easier lol :) keep doin what your doin because your damn good at it!

I buy a lot of used books on BetterWorldBooks. They may not have all the newest books but it's a nice alternative. Another way I save money is reading ebooks. They are usually cheaper in general and a lot of times there are huge discounts on them. I don't go to the library as often anymore because I only read in English but live in Germany so (obviously) there are mostly German books in the library. I am moving to the UK soon though and once I'm settled there I want to start going to the library and get my books there :)

Amen amen! I am super new to BookTube (I don't have a channel or anything but I just recently discovered this community and have been watching lots of cool book videos). It's funny that I found your video and I'm so glad I did because I kept asking myself "how do these people afford all these BRAND NEW books?" I collect books for my own enjoyment and so my kids will someday have a great selection of books to read. I'm a college student with a wife and a 16 month-old baby and another due in 6 months. I can't be buying all the books I want (and believe me, I want! I want! I want! haha). So what I do is buy my books at used bookstores, thrift stores, Craigslist, ebay, etc. My local library has its own bookstore where they sell books that don't get checked out anymore for crazy cheap prices. And most are in great condition! I love that place. I'd estimate that I've got 98% of my books for under $2 (quite a few for free even). You've just got to keep your eyes open for those deals. Thank you so much for this video man. I think BookTube needed it.

This video is kind've old now, but it's really what I needed to hear right now. My problem isn't financial, it's more psychological. I wanted to start putting stuff up on booktube, but I've frozen every time I tried to use the camera. I was thinking about recording a voice over and using images, but was afraid it was too unlike the status quo on here. I know it wasn't the exact focus of your video, but regardless, you've given me the courage to at least record something audibly and see how the community takes it. Thanks man, I mean it.

I stumbled across Booktube a few days ago and can't tell you how glad I was to find this video. I was starting to wonder if library books and ebooks were somehow off limits. (For years now, I've written about books on my blog and it's almost all library books or review copies.) Then this morning I've been watching videos about how unfair it is that some people have bigger budgets or better cameras or lighting or whatever other advantages... Thanks for sharing ideas that are so down to earth and common sense.

Awesome. I love books and I love discussion of books, but I read weird stuff and don't have much use for people who just do hauls of stacks of books from desperate publishers and never discuss their content, ever. Unless, of course, the movie version is coming out. Consumerism can infect anything! I've subscribed, I'm so glad you're addressing this (hopefully younger people trying to catch up will take it to heart). Have fun at the library! (Does yours have a book sale section? I've gotten a massive amount of quality stuff for 25 cents-$1 each.)

Though this video is five years old, I'm so glad I found it. Thinking about joining the community and I was a bit hesitant just because I can't afford to splurge on books. Also, I don't have the space for a bunch of new books. But with that said, I feel blessed to have a library card and a library where I can have access to books I would otherwise not have access to. Thank you for your words and video!

This is true and this was me when I started booktube.. I read solemnly on my kindle. and it wasn't even my kindle it was my schools kindle haha till I got a job and started buying books slowly and bought my own kindle. I guess people find themselves obligated to spend tons of money every month for books when they are indeed expensive. And I have a harder time looking for books cause here I have spanish books haha and I like reading in english so it is a problem xD EITHER WAY I think what you are talking is a serious topic that many people do need to listen to. Great video Richard!

haha "There is a big huge thing...it's called the library!" I just made a video where I showed the book covers on the side. I read a lot this year but I got most of my books at the library. I didn't have the physical books to show. Oh well.

Overdrive is a free app that allows you to borrow ebooks from your online local library for free...all you need is a library card (free to get one). and they usually have almost every popular and classical books on there. it's amazing. plus amazon New and Used is a great place for cheap books.

I am so glad you did this video. I'll admit that I spend way too much money on books. It's not like I hide it. It isn't healthy, as you said, and I don't want people who watch my videos to feel that they are obligated to buy a certain a,out of books if they want to start their own BookTube channel. There is a stigma and it needs to be changed. Very good suggestions, Richard. Definitely on point. 💗

You know I never thought about this. I buy a ton of books and I didn't think about the after effect of that in my viewers... This was super insightful! I agree that booktube pressures you into wanting to buy books. I appreciate that I have the means to buy the books I buy but I definitely I'm going to cut back now that I think about the pressure it may put on others watching my book hauls. Thank you so much for this video!!! Also, the library rules

I totally agree with you. I don't have a job, i'm currently studying. And here, in Colombia, the books are IMMENSELY expensive, and I don´t think that purchasing a book is something that I´m compelled to do just so I can place it on my "owned" shelf on Goodreads. Although I prefer reading physical books, I read mostly on PDF (My town is in the middle of the nowhere, there´s not even a library) and i can attest it makes no difference at all. Same words, same author... nothing changes. People should stop with the hype. Sorry if if you already mention what I just wrote, but I´m typing this as the video is going (also, sorry for my english).

I am so glad to see some one highlight this. I thought it was just me but affording the massive stacks of books that I see on some of these videos are out the question for me. And you are right on target about the library. I don't check out books much but I love the book sales. People should not sleep on thrift shops either you would be surprise how many new or like new books you can find as well as early editions of timeless classics.

Also, I dont think it is a priority to have an actual copy of the book you want to talk about in your videos. Im perfectly ok with a graphic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I dont know why people get so worked up about that. As long as I can see what the cover of the book you are refering to looks like then Im good. You dont have to buy/own a book in order for you to be able to talk about/discuss it in your videos. Booktube is supposed to be about discussing books and sharing a passion for books. Having a physical book in your hands does not make your content magically better.That fact that you read a book and have an opinion about it or are interested in a book and want to share your interest is what's important!

I loved this!! Also the big booktubers also get tons of books for free from the publishers, don't try to haul books the way they do cuz it's not always out of their pocket. I want to join booktube eventually but I want to open conversations about books I have read. Most of these booktubers seem like book collectors to me not actual readers. Case in point: if the cover isn't pretty, they probably won't bother with it. I read my books and so far have just stuck to my blog because if I bought it, you can be damn sure I'm reading it. Good video!!

Love this! Agreed- Libraries are the best thing and a reader's best friend :)