100,000 strong on ONLY in JAPAN GO!
Added 2018-10-08 07:37:01 +0000 UTCI want to first say THANK YOU to YOU - our Patreon community. It's a milestone that represents an idea that started the same time I started our Patreon community in 2017 and it's risen beyond anything I've envisioned!
We have 500 strong in our Patreon family and the continued support allows me to do more with the channel, go further, longer and -- treat my wife to a nice date at least once a week. I also have to say thank you to her for being so helpful with sending packages, being a part of the series and generally understanding the life of a YouTuber -- and being flexible with it all to help bring you better content.
NEW: With 100K subscribers, YouTube has activated the "membership" feature. I'm not 100% I'll do it but it's under serious consideration right now and I'll be announcing a decision shortly.
The reason for this "member" is to add more to the experience like ONLY in JAPAN EMOJI, special edited videos or edited recaps from the month's live streams - for supporters. It's different than Patreon, or at least I see it that way, because it directly enhances the live streaming channel and is a different way to support. YouTube clearly takes 30% so if I had to choose, Patreon is the best place to support ONLY in JAPAN but - this could be fun.
One Patron here said I shouldn't put my marbles in one basket so I will try new things and expand, but I don't know if I can add more rewards to Patreon at this time. The more I offer, the further I get away from simple making videos, my intended purpose. I can't lose sight of that. Those videos have brought us together, created a community and that is the path forward, not losing sight of how I got here and also who is here supporting me to continue.
So I am asking you first, if I do open up YouTube memberships, what EMOJI would you like to see in the live stream chats? What things from Japan, the live streams, the ONLY in JAPAN series -- are iconic? What image would you like to express yourself in the live chats? Any idea, brainstorming?
Would you be interested in a monthly special episode talking about the MONTH in REVIEW of live streams?
What other ideas would you like to see on the GO channel?
What ideas do you have to add more to your experience on Patreon?
I am deeply invested in our community so please let me hear it - anything and everything.
Sincerely,
John
Comments
Thank you everyone! One of the reasons for YouTube sponsorship is to reach people who don't want to support here on Patreon or get rewards for less money in developing countries. Patreon is by far the best place for it though! They take often less than 10% of the support! YouTube takes their 30% cut. In developing countries, the costs are smaller for YouTube sponsorship -- but max out at 5 Euros for the EU / $4.99 for the USA. I don't know if it is fair or not (maybe not) but it is their system based on per capita income etc. Also, YouTube has locked in that amount - for now. As more and more creators start to use this feature, I do fear getting left behind a little - so having it as an option is important. Also, having the ability to use customized emoji in GO chats is pretty fun because ONLY in JAPAN GO is ALL live streaming. The sponsorship would only be for the live stream channel, not main channel, because you can see the benefits more there. Basically, you'd be able to use it A LOT MORE because you can only use them in chats on live streams. Other channels simply can't take advantage of it like we can. This is something that I am considering to reach more people and also keeping focus on simply creating content. I'm very thankful to be able to share this with you, come up with paths that help us all with the experience watching the shows live. THANK YOU! -john
ONLY in JAPAN
2018-10-11 02:32:58 +0000 UTCAgreed. No need YouTube membership. I happy with Patreon and with all the members' comments and suggestions. Thank you everyone.
Francis Tan
2018-10-09 06:30:29 +0000 UTCAll I can say is KEEP IT SIMPLE! Please and thank you 😊 I don’t think you need to a YouTube membership thanks
Estin Kiger
2018-10-09 06:17:58 +0000 UTCSome ideas for EMOJI's: Your hat, a piece of nigiri, Mount Fuji Also, I noticed that your Patreon isn't linked in the description of your Only In Japan Go videos. I had a tough time finding your patreon when I first decided to subscribe. I had to navigate from your Only In Japan GO channel to your main channel then go to your website and then to your patreon. Is there a reason you don't link your Patreon in your Only In Japan Go video descriptions?
Rudy Villalobos
2018-10-08 23:08:42 +0000 UTCOops, meant to write Okapi.
Sunny De Jesus (Tasty Chronicles)
2018-10-08 21:04:09 +0000 UTCCongratulations John for the 100,000 subscriber milestone. It goes to show how spontaneous livestream urban adventures attracts your viewership on the Go channel. Not many Creators can pull off being on the fly, but you're a lot of fun to watch which makes the livestream tours around Japan so appealing. It's obviously your gift of gab as well as your teaching and journalism background that fine tunes the appeal of livestreaming. Please excuse me from speaking my mind on YouTube membership. I'm of the opinion to not pass on YouTube membership considering that you are using the YouTube platform for both your channels. It's obvious that YouTube membership also creates a community too so it makes sense to make a flat $1.00 and $5.00 per month membership fee for those who want to be a part of the YouTube community for the Go channel. They would at least get those advanced notifications that were exclusive to being a Patreon. The 70% leftover from the You Tube membership fee would still be chump change for your production. Either or, it's chump change for your production. Hmmm....I hate to say it, but nothing would stop the truly committed Viewers to join Patreon to contribute more and obtain the already existing Patreon Tier Membership privileges. I like the idea of seeing quirky emojis exclusive to having a YouTube Membership if that's something that YouTube offers to its Creators. If YouTube has other special enhancements for creators and its paid YouTube Members community then take it. Will it add value to my viewing pleasure? Not really, because it's the creators content that I look forward to the most. Furthermore, it's already expected that YouTube Membership enhancements will only be marginal in comparison to being a Patreon member. The only perks that I can think that a paid YouTube Memberships would offer is advanced notifications and perhaps a 30-minute Q&A once a month. But if they want to partake on the longer (for exclusive) Q&A discussions, then it makes sense to join Patreon. Okay, I will stop rambling. If something else comes to mind, I'll let you know. P.S. Okopi should be your mascot!
Sunny De Jesus (Tasty Chronicles)
2018-10-08 21:03:24 +0000 UTCCongratulations John! I couldn’t agree with Japan Kofun more.. whatever you decide I’d support you so long you continue making super fun video and live-streams :) As for contents of GO channel, I’d like to see you visiting areas along Chūō line, Nakano, Suginami, Musashino, Mitaka, Kokubunji, Tachikawa etc. I guess those area are quite unknown to tourists but they have so many interesting spots and good food. You could easily feel very unique Japanese quintessential ‘otaku’ atmosphere when you step into Chūō line :)
Kiki Miyazaki
2018-10-08 20:10:30 +0000 UTCI agree that you shouldn’t worry too much over the extras, because, we fans are just happy to see you exploring and eating around Japan.
Joanne Albon
2018-10-08 17:06:02 +0000 UTCCongratulations John 🎉
Joanne Albon
2018-10-08 17:03:50 +0000 UTCnot me! i have a personal goal of getting you 1 million on go! because i know you you deserve it!
Ramses Silent
2018-10-08 16:52:03 +0000 UTC
