Rex Krueger
patreon
The View from 100,000
🕑 Added 2020-02-25 14:00:03 +0000 UTC
Everyone who works hard on their Youtube channel wants 100,000 subscribers. Don’t let anyone lie to you; we all want to cross that line.
Does 100,000 mean more money? Does it unlocks special features? Nope. In practical terms, it means nothing. Youtube will send you a fake silver plaque, but so what. You don’t get anything of substance for hitting 100k.
But you get respect.
I don’t know how 100k became a dividing line between the wannabes and the real-deal professionals, but it is. 100k is an invisible stamp of approval. It tells the world that you’re sitting at the grownup table. Viewers become more likely to subscribe. Other creators will treat you with more respect. We all pay attention to who has the most subscribers. I’ve shared a couple of meals with Jimmy Diresta and let me tell you, when that man says something, everybody else shuts up and listens.
100,000 is like climbing Mount Everest. Starting the trek means nothing. Lots of people end up dead by the side of the trail.
When I started graduate school, it was daunting, but I always felt like I’d get to the end if I stuck with it. It took seven years, but I finished. The only ones who didn’t were the ones who quit. If you kept going, you eventually made it.
Youtube isn’t like that. Trying hard and sticking with it won’t get you anywhere. At the end of my first year of making videos, I had 1200 subscribers. If it took a whole year to barely crack 1000, how could anyone make it to 100,000? Surely, these people were magicians. Creators with lots of subscribers were just…better than me. Numbers don’t lie.
Except they do.
Growth on the platform isn’t linear or predictable. It’s governed by a thousand mysterious variables and the dips and spikes of your career will come whipping past you like trees outside a train window. For a long time, I added 2000 subscribers a month like clockwork. The math was simple: I would hit 100,000 in about seven years.
Sigh.
But crazy things do happen. I made a fancy bowl out of plywood and colored resin. The video took off. At the end of my second year, I had 20,000 subscribers.
Let’s stop here. Understand that for the person on the ground, 20K feels like its own little mountain. You’ve fought and scraped for every one of those subscribers and standing atop a nice round number like that, you are the king of all you survey. Until you look up and see the looming shadow of all those people who have hundreds of thousands or even millions listed under their names. Your mountain becomes a hill, and then it becomes a little bump in the road.
And in between your little spikes come months or maybe years of slow, uninspiring growth; numbers that tick up so slowly that they’re not even worth paying attention to. Last year was a good one, I went from 20,000 to 60,000, but most of that growth was slow. I desperately wanted 60k by the end of the year, but I barely snuck in under the wire.
At 70K, something odd happened. The ground shifted underneath my feet and the slope to 100 was suddenly downhill. It would happen. It was only a question of when. And then I found a picture of a junky old English workbench, and I built it, and I made a video.
Boom.
Last month, I added 26,000 subscribers. That’s more than I got in my first two years combined. My subscriber count climbed faster than I could hit the refresh button on my browser.
Last Friday, I sat with my wife and watched 99,999 roll over to the magic number. We got up and hugged and jumped up and down like teenagers. It wasn’t as special as finding out that we were having a baby, but it was a moment we’ll talk about for a long time.
Honestly, I never thought I’d get here. I talk a good game, but I’m no more self-confident than anyone else. I don’t believe that I’ll succeed. I often don’t think that I deserve to. I think most of us are like that.
But I’ll tell you something interesting. Last year, I saw the great Laura Kamph give a talk about how to be creative while building a business. The woman is a genius and she has about a zillion subscribers. Everyone listened to her very carefully.
She said that numbers are meaningless. She said that the moment she hit 100,000, all she could think about was how she wanted 200,000. She said it would be like that for us who were still on the journey. She said that any number we hit would only kindle within us the lust for a higher number and another unreachable peak where the air was even thinner.
But she was wrong.
I do not care about having 200,000. I don’t think about having 500,000. I have no plans at all about getting to a million. I no longer have subscriber goals because Youtube is not my job. My job is creativity and teaching and Youtube is merely the means of distribution. And if you confuse the road with the journey, then you’re in real trouble.
Truth be told, I don’t expect Youtube to last forever. Sometimes I think it won’t even last five more years. And even if it does, every channel has a life cycle of growth, peak, and stagnation. The data is very clear: even wildly popular channels tend to stop growing in their fifth or sixth year. Then their viewership either stays the same or even declines as the algorithm moves on to something newer and more exciting.
I’m beginning my fourth year. My channel is likely to grow for a while, but not forever. My peak and decline are out there waiting for me. And that’s completely fine because I am not a YouTuber. I am an artist and teacher and an entrepreneur and I’ve taken my eye off the mountaintop of 100k. Instead, I’m looking at the horizon. I am squinting at the undiscovered country where I will go when YouTube falls apart.
I will take you with me if you want to go.
Thanks so much for all your support. Without the real and financial support of my Patrons, I never could have given my channel the attention it took to get here. My accomplishment is your accomplishment. Thank you.
Comments
Steve Parry
well done very well deserved :)
Rex Krueger
Great to have you back, buddy!
Chris Evans
Congratulations on 100k, you've earned it. Glad I was able to pick up Patreon again and support your work.
Rex Krueger
So glad you're along for the ride!
Brian Benson
Excellent post. Wherever you go, sign me up. I’d like to go too. Thanks for your great videos, Rex.
Rex Krueger
Marty: I'm so glad to have you here. It's great to see people building for their kids. I make stuff for my daughter all the time. I wish you all the luck on your bench and I hope you post pics in the Community Tab.
Rex Krueger
Cool. It'll be fun, I promise.
Guy That
funny thought, maybe part of the reason we decided to chip in is because Rex also does a great job of reminding us to support him on patreon XD He definitely deserves it though. Totally worth it.
Guy That
Yes, I'd like to go with you.
Marty Ford
Fantastic Rex! I do not support people on Patreon. Heck, I don't even buy apps for my phone. I am very much about what is available for me for free. I taught myself to play guitar.. via YouTube over the past 15 years. I have learned a ton of great things over the years for free on the Internet. I found your channel because of a Christmas present I was making for my two daughters and the YouTube crawl led me to your video on making a mallet. I have since made said mallet and I am now in the middle of building the English Joiner's Bench. You are a great teacher, well spoken, fantastic personality and quite clever with your approach to woodworking. All of these things add up to my first paid support to a Patreon Creator. I realized that I am willing to pay for something that is worth paying for... Your channel is worth it to me. Keep creating.. I look forward to your next project or some more additions to the Joiner's Bench.. like maybe casters to move this thing.. it is a beast! Next stop.. Leg Vise!
Rex Krueger
I kind of think everyone should make something. It makes life a little easier.
Rex Krueger
Man, that was back in the day! I'm not sorry to have left that back-breaking labor behind me.
Rex Krueger
You too! Let's all stay safe!
Rex Krueger
I agree totally!
Rex Krueger
I hope it gets even more artistic. I'm here for the art as much as the education.
Rex Krueger
Man, you've been here from the VERY start. I'm really grateful you're still here.
Rex Krueger
It's weird, but being "real" on camera is a skill and it takes a lot of practice.
Rex Krueger
I promise: I will pay no more attention to my subscriber count.
Rex Krueger
Thank you!
Rex Krueger
For what it's worth, there's no charisma necessary. You don't even have to be on camera. Lots of people do it that way.
Rex Krueger
I admit, I'm kind of curious about that myself.
Rex Krueger
You either! I don't have the stones to mill my own lumber. Much respect!
Rex Krueger
SO much of it is junk. Man, it's a lot.
Rex Krueger
But I bet you COULD make them. That's worth a lot right there. Thanks.
Rex Krueger
I'm glad to be making things. It's the creativity that drives me more than anything.
Rex Krueger
Having a purpose makes the work a lot easier and more satisfying.
Rex Krueger
It's totaly my pleasure!
Rex Krueger
You're very kind to put it that way. I hope I continue to earn your support!
Rex Krueger
Your support makes my day possible!
Rex Krueger
Thank you!
Rex Krueger
And I bet you'll expand mine, too. I've learned a lot from my Patrons.
Rex Krueger
Honestly, one of me is plenty. Just ask my wife!
Rex Krueger
Thanks for helping me do it!
Rex Krueger
I'm so glad you think I'm practical. That's a goal of mine.
Rex Krueger
Man, you got that right!
Rex Krueger
Thank you for joining me on the trip!
Clint
Congratulations Rex. As someone who wants a hobby where I make something I really appreciate your approach. I enjoy that you keep your focus on the craft and helping folks like me who just want to make something.
Bob Templeton
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey of creativity with us. I recently watched your video on making a countertop from a bowling alley lane. It was odd to see you in a power tool shop, but your personality still shone through.
Marc Gigliello
Congratulations, Rex. Keep up the good work. I’m glad I can support you. Keep spreading the knowledge. Stay Safe.. Gigs
Paul Morin
Go get’ em!
Duncan
Count me in for the trip. As with many trips, I'm not so interested in the destination as the path.
Andrew Wyatt
congratualtions, the channel is only getting better , more helpful, more creative, more artistic.
James Boatright
We will be with you wherever you go after this. Just dont lose sight of the core elements of your success. You are an artist, and you are a teacher. Your special gift is that be it art or methodoligy, you can clearly explain not only what, but why. Keep on keeping on. We're here.
Nic Beurskens
I respect a lot of famous woodworkers for sure, but I subbed because on top of that respect: I like you. I've checked out a few other patreon pages, and connected with a few other prominent YouTubers both on YouTube and IG. You have one of the most active communities that encourages each other I have seen. I believe that community stems from who you are and how you present yourself. I really appreciate that you aren't a personality. Thanks for being a real guy, doing a thing he loves to do, and sharing it with us.
Rick Prosser
Yep, you got to 100K - Great! Now you don't have to think about getting there (or any where) and just focus on what makes this such a great channel. Glad to be a part of it.
Barry Perryman
Congratulations, recognition for all your many hours of hard work for sure.
The Idle Hands Workshop - Stephen Miller
It's kind of neat how the view from 100k is very similar to the view from 3... You're an awesome inspiration Rex and I sincerely look forward to watching and reading your posts. I started making videos because you said "Point a camera at it" lol, now I just have to work out all the kinks and become as adept and charismatic as you seem to be. And for what it's worth, you're still the only one I support on Patreon or anywhere for that matter... unless you count my Dr. Squatch subscription.
Drew Nelson
Congratulations, Rex. I'm really happy for you. I can't wait to see where the next part of your journey takes you.
Paul J Schneider
One word, Congratulations! Damn, that's 3, 6, 7, errrrr!
Bruce Rose
I'm already packed and out the door, come on...catch up and let's just get'er done!
Bruce Rose
RE: Trip invitation
Colin Green
Well you've helped me....and that's all the "sunshine" I'll blow lol. I'm not woodworking as a hobby but as a cheaper alternative to spending money....I mean, I do enjoy it but I'm milling my own lumber too. Don't stop doing what your doing.
Paul Pearson
Keep up what you have going. It’s fun, helpful, and not a hidden sales pitch...you can say “this helps me” or “this luxury is nice but not necessary” or “this is junk......”.
Christoph Schmitz
Csongor, same here. I joined Patreon because of Rex's channel. I am kind of tired of all those people who turn the maker scene into some sort of homeshopping TV, but for a no-BS channel like the one by Rex I am happy to shell out a little money every month.
Steve
I agree with all that those ahead of me have said, it is your honesty and enthusiasm that cause me to watch. I may not make a leg vise for my workbench, but I enjoyed the journey. Congrats.
William Allen
Not every YouTuber, even those with millions of subscribers, is worth supporting. You are. Why? Because you don't just make "YouTubes", you inspire me: to make things, all kinds of things and not just the things in each video: to push myself: to accept that this is what I can do today, but tomorrow . . . I'm supporting your honest efforts to explore creativity openly, and to drag me along with you. For that, congratulations on reaching your goal. I am glad to see that there are 100k other people who are being inspired by you. Keep it up, even if YouTube tanks (which it will)
Howard Tuckey
Csongor Halmai just said it better than I can say it - I came to Patreon for one reason - to support what you're doing here. I believe you're doing it right, and doing it for the right reasons. And I appreciate it! Thank you, and yes, Congratulations!
Csongor Halmai
Rex, apart from saying "Congratulation" and other highly overused phrases, I wanted to tell you just one thing. I am your patron because of your genuine commitment in the direction of what you honestly believe in. I registered on the patreon.com site because I wanted to give you real money. And I didn't regret it. Thank you for being here with/for us. :)
Paul Bucalo
Josh McWilliams' comments mirrors mine almost to the "T". But I'll say a little more. I've been aware of you, your channel, for a while before I became a channel subscriber. You had some interesting subjects/projects, but not quite where I needed help: not a beginner, nowhere near being an expert. The hand plane builds are what made me subscribe. The workbench what made me a patreon subscriber, my first ever. And this post has earned not only my respect as provider of valuable information, but as a person who I would look forward to spending time with, learning from, sharing laughs and PITA daily blunders. Honesty is very important, but direction of one's drive is the key for longevity. I left all the so-called greats when it became evident that their time spent among each other, grooming and patting backs, was more important than rubbing in the dirt with me. I'm not here for autographs, to ogle idles, to be gifted one's magic climax touch. YouTube won't be what it is today in the near future. They have made that an axiom to live (or die) by. When you stated it's not a career, but a path to one, I smiled and knew you understood and wasn't under the YT influence. I'm glad. I didn't want to see you become a YT demigod, watch you preen and pump air with other YT demis. Thank you for being who you are. That's what's gotten you to where you are, what will bring you into the future you are working for. YouTube didn't.
Adrian Abshire
Keep doing what you are doing and you won’t have to worry about 1 or 2 million at all! Your videos make my day! Thanks!
Kevin Lundquist
Congratulations!
Shanni Marmen
I'm happy you are dragging some of us along like your bench. :) It's been a privilege to be along for the journey with you. I look forward to expanding my horizons with you.
Mr. X
You’re a good man Rex Krueger. Happy to lend my support. I wish the world had more people like you and maybe one day it will. In the meantime I wish you nothing but success and satisfaction.
Robert Mitchell
Rex. Thank you for what you’re doing. I’m truly learning a lot.
Josh McWilliams
You’re the only patron and youtuber that I pay. You’re not the only one I follow, but you’re the only one that has convinced me to contribute my hard earned money. It’s not a lot , but when you’ve got 6 kids in Appalachia, that’s relative. Lol the thing is though , you never tried to convince me. You just do you. I watched several videos and thought to myself , this guy gets it. This guy is practical , frugal , and well versed and spoken. Keep up the great work Rex. You don’t know how much is newbies appreciate you.
Nicholas Russon
Congratulations, Rex. Keep doing what you've been doing and don't get hung up on the numbers (because you have literally no control over them).
William Mirra
Congrats. I’m so happy for you. Happy for us too. I look forward to what you put out in the future. Great job man!!!
