As a subscriber I am shocked! I don't think it's you. Other creators have the exact problem and some have found part time work to help out financially. Thank you for this video. I didn't realize how important likes, comment and shares are. I will do better for people I follow. Today was the first time You Tube has ever notified me that you have a new video out. I've requested to be notified from the first day I subscribed. How disappointing! Congratulations on the baby! I wish you and your family the best.
So I’m on my way out the door and can’t watch the whole video right now BUT since there is only comment posted I hoping you’ll have a chance to read mine. I can tell that you are very discouraged and I’m sure you have every reason to be since it sounds expensive and people can be very cruel in their comments. That being said I want want you to know how much your information that you’ve shared has changed my life and even what I let live in my garden. Though financially your hard work hasn’t paid off the way you wanted you have really helped me become healthier and keep my immune disorder at bay when nothing else has worked. I know you can’t take that to the bank but getting to “know” through the videos you’ve shared I can tell you are a wonderful human and knowing that you’ve changed lives will make you feel better. I have purchased your wild edibles book and I actually watched and commented on your wild lettuce soup video. What’s interesting is TH-cam doesn’t usually put your videos in my feed. When they do I always watch. I know there is something to those algorithms are strange. I can completely understand if you walk away from this but man I will miss you. I will make a point to look for your videos to help your channel and even try to play them over and over when I’m puttering around the house. Sending you a TH-cam hug. Love what your doing kiddo. Please try not to be discouraged but I understand! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Katie, thank you, thank you, thank you! Comments like yours have literally been driving me forward for years. But I'm tired now and need some rest. I'm re-thinking everything and it feels liberating. 🤸♂
I'll comment here because i want to encourage you to KEEP your current vision - and focus - for getting back to REAL LIFE! Most of your content has been exceptionally helpful for me and my family (the van life and exercise content passed us by). You taught us, complete strangers to you, how to forage and that all by itself worth more than gold! Truly. As a gardening grandma who LOVES being outdoors i found months ago that i had to make the same choice that you’ve come to. Sitting in front of a screen for “social media” had become profoundly unhealthy in every way for our family and (i believe) it is way past time to get free from our culture’s unhealthy dependance on it. Your righteous pursuits and your wise and inspiring willingness to share them show you to be a man of quality. Your humility and honesty, and the courage it took to make this video?… yeah, only MORE inspiration! For what it’s worth, from an ol’ girl in her 70th year, go with what you’re learned and shared so generously with all who found you. I too am thankful for the opportunities that youtube and facebook (didn’t do the others) gave me. But i OWE them NOTHING. I do owe YOU tho, Sergei ~ THANK YOU! I wish you sunshine and rain, hard work that utterly enriches you and your family, bare feet on the grass and in the sea, sunrises and sets that simultaneously take your breath away and fill your life with all the refreshes, and [pause and sigh] every blessing i can think of. Btw, two final things - am gonna go throw your book into my amazon.ca cart right now .... and this was/is a great video! @@BoutenkoFilms
@@HadasahB More than likely, I'll keep posting foraging content here on occasion. This is most rewarding for me energetically. Nature is so wise and has many great lessons to teach us all. Foraging is a fantastic vehicle to help folks spend more time outside, learn and bring free food back home for dinner. 🤸♂ Thank you for your encouragement!
I've added timecode to the video for your viewing convenience.⏳I have a big ask... I want this video to go as far as possible. Can you help me by watching it until the end? I don't care if you set it to play and leave the room. Even if 100 people did this, I think we could trick the algorithm into releasing it from de-boost jail. 🚀
The first video I watched of yours was in your garden in the fall, before you tilled it under for winter. You won me when you pulled various "weeds", explained about each, and proceeded to eat them. I knew of this practice from gardening various traditional crops, but taking the work out of farming, and still having food, is very reassuring. My prep is 95% knowledge. Stockpiles will run out, then what. Earth is our home, mother nature is our provider. I believe - more so now - that starvation is not what will end my time here. I thank you for sharing your experience.
I’m really saddened to hear this. I’ve heard several other content creators present the same issues to varying degrees. It’s maddening to hear creators, who are producing such great content, are working so hard for so little in return. The common thread I notice in those content creators are that they are all centered around providing others with skills necessary for self-reliance (i.e. not encouraging viewers to go buy a bunch of stuff). You are NOT bad at your job. You have always posted EXCELLENT CONTENT and I have learned a LOT from your videos. Foraging was something in particular that I had just started getting curious about when I came across your videos, which inspired me to take action. Now, foraging is something that has become more routine for me and my family. I am also a subscriber, watching each video that comes in my subscription feed, and always learning something new from them. The knowledge and information you are putting out is so important (especially now). I’d really hate to see you throw in the towel on TH-cam, though I can certainly understand you’ve got to live and support your family. Anything we can do as subscribers and viewers that we can do to help you, we will - you’ve helped us too. We all want to see you succeed and thrive. Congratulations on your newest family member!
Ben, thank you for sharing your two cents. I know where I went wrong... I should shilled and showed my booty more. Now I'm too old and nobody wants to see my goodies. LOL Thank you for the fatherhood well wishes! I'm SUPER pumped to be a dad.
I have enjoyed watching your videos for a while. I bought your books and some of your Mom's books. What really captured my attention was the walk from Mexico to Canada. The stories told in the book just enhanced the amazement. I gave my son your book because he works for the road department here and is challenged by eating weeds- he also challenged the boy scouts in town to try some weeds and know what they are!
Good job man, I’ve been waiting for a video like this for a long time. I’ll be honest and say that like a lot of people, I’m sure, I had no idea of that entire hiding side of TH-cam for its creators. I really hope that maybe this video will be part of a bigger thing that needs to grow up to reverse the hard reality for creators like you. Let’s boost it the old fashion way to give a stage to your voice.
I just started following you. I find your foraging videos very informative and helpful. I just bought three of your books! I bought the foraging wild edibles, the van life book, and your raw recipes book. I am grateful for your time because I think your information and raw recipes are going to help me get healthier. I am a Veteran who served for 19 years and my body , bones and organs have been damaged badly. I believe raw foods will help reverse some of the damage
Thank you for this video. I viewed the whole vid and I appreciate all that you expressed. No, it is not your fault at all I would put all the blame on YT. It has changed so much. I have been a subscriber to your channel for a while, before 2017. I remember the vids you did with your sister :) If you do choose to leave YT, I will miss you very much. Yes, I use to receive notifications every time you uploaded. Now I only get notified on the lengthy vids. The YT shorts I have to scroll on my phone to find them. Go figure :) I also have your books. I agree YT keeps changing its rules. I hope you decide to stay. Sending you and your family a huge hug 🤗
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm curious to know more about the notifications bit. Did you change something in your setting in order to receive fewer notifications? Or did TH-cam change this for you, without your knowledge?
Your energies of not being happy with your videos will show in them. Doing them because you love them will have the opposite effect. Maybe just a break in doing them full time for a while will give you more positive feelings about them, as well as ideas and solutions. Burn out happens in many jobs. I have your book and it's really good. I highly recommend it. My best to you and your growing family.
Thank you for your insight. I've been thinking about this for a long time and my mind is made up. Though, I'm learning not to say "never" in life. More than likely, I will scale video creation back significantly and only publish a few times per year moving forward.
I see a lot of people who aren’t making a lot on YT make a Patreon page and earn that way. A few YT’ers that I follow use Locals for subscriptions and income. Keep writing books. Keep being you! I miss the rest of the Raw Family. ALWAYS glad to see your vids here Sergei, you always keep it interesting!
Patreon = same old story... Way more work for very little reward. If you rack up a few thousand supporters then maybe it's worth it? But, more than likely I'd have 10-100 fans earning me an insignificant amount of $ while having to work overtime to deliver exclusive content. Plus, when everybody has a Patreon, what then? I give you $10 to hear what you have to say and you give me $10 to get a reply? In the end we both have $0. 😂
Hi Sergei, Your green smoothie challenge and I want abs changed my life. I’m really greatful for your green smoothie videos. I would say start a franchise shops which would sell green smoothies and salads. Firstly across US then eventually across the globe in most of the developed countries similar to KFC or McDonald’s. The world needs you Sergei. 🎉❤
First, your channel helped fuel my hobby for backyard foraging. Thank you! I'm fairly certain that I get all notifications from my subscriptions, but I think that's because I take care to modify the notifications to ALL. Notice that most creators always pause to tell and SHOW people how to subscribe and get notifications. That's unfortunate. Now I'm going to babble a bit: I instinctively like any video that I watch at least a majority of. If it's a small, promising channel, I'll comment for the engagement points. I'll also comment for fun or out of necessity if I have a question. I pay for YT premium mostly to download for off line viewing, and enjoy no commercials. With that being said, I prefer YT for more than half of my entertainment because I enjoy the variety and depth of content. I can't get that from cable or other tv streamers. During the pandemic, I busted my ass to make animated fitness videos for my students. That took around 5 hours a day, and if it weren't for my students I would get two or three views.... Maybe. I intend to do a game channel when I retire next year. I expect to fail, and will do it for as long as it amuses me. In short, I'm conflicted. I love the creators and the technology, but fully understand that creators aren't being properly compensated. I hope that your future direction is rewarding.
Sounds like you and I use TH-cam in the similar ways... To learn instead of as a distraction. Thank you for going out of your way to like and comment on the videos you watch. It REALLY helps creators when you do that. 😜
First... I don't know anything about being a creator. But, I know what I like. I've bought 5 of your books "Wild Edibles" for myself, family and friends. I Love It - and they did too! I've also watched All of your foraging videos (several times) and loved each of those. Your explanations are great and each was very interesting. I've watched a few smoothie videos, but for me, I haven't needed to watch any van or kettle bell videos. So I would like to see a few more videos about the wild edibles. (and remember, I don't know about this stuff) I also don't think it's you! You're engaging and well versed in the topics, but having at least 4 or 5 directions your videos have gone (foraging, food prep, exercise and vans) may be a downside. Having options may be good for some people, but I'm only interested in about 25% of those topics. Just the random thoughts of an old grandpa. Thanks for all you do for all of us!
Hi Sergei! Late to the party here as I just recently discovered your channel and bought your Wild Edibles book - It's a great resource, and I love it! I also watched your interview with Herb Rally. What a bummer this has not worked out better for you and your family. You are an excellent communicator and teacher, have a fantastic camera presence, a wealth of knowledge, and are very entertaining to watch. Also, I just love your foraging videos, as well as your wild edible kitchen videos. I'll just have to binge on all your old content :) :/. Perhaps you will be able to do videos on a part-time basis in the future. You should as you are very good at it. I'm sure you've thought of it, but maybe consider creating a course or two or three. Either hosting yourself or through a platform like Udemy or other. You would certainly make more by hosting yourself. Though Udemy might open up a new audience. Who knows. You could even do a combo of both. Anyway, you have a lot of talent that we all will miss :). I know I will. Also, I have a decent-sized backyard with a large garden of neatly organized raised beds. But when I saw your overgrown garden with weeds, it's like a light bulb went off. I thought it was actually lovely. So, I plan to set aside another area of my yard just for weeds - let things pop up naturally, but maybe throw some seeds in there as well. Thanks for the inspiration! Best of luck, well wishes on the growing family, and I hope to see you back at some point.
Before I forget, I didn't see the notification for this video or see it in my feed when you published it four days ago. I did get your newsletter this morning, so that's how I found out about this video. In no particular order: Congratulations on the new arrival, how exciting! You don't suck at your job; the quality of all your videos has always been exceptional and I learn a tremendous amount each time I watch one. I'm not a content creator, so I have no insights on that score. However, it seems to me that TH-cam and the other social media platforms have shifted from treating content creators as talent to treating them as commodities. They also really don't seem to know much about their users, because the recommendations I get are usually completely out to lunch. I suspect you're right about the algorithms being confused about the variety of topics you present; it's something I love about your channel, but I now understand why some other creators have many channels instead of just one. As for me, I haven't been watching your videos much because I've been focused more on the the impact of the last few years, especially dealing with the devastating fallout due to the thing that goes into the deltoid muscle . As a result, I have gravitated to other platforms that still allow creators to speak freely on topics that this platform and the others you mention throttle. No matter what you do next, I wish you the very best of luck! You're a smart and talented guy, so I am confident you will find a way to get compensated more fairly for everything you bring to the table. I hope you recover from this injustice and burnout, and rediscover your love of creating videos.
I sure hate to see you go!! I literally just found you yesterday you were recommended by Brittany Russell so I went and bought your 30 day smoothie challenge then I subscribed to your channel and now I'm going to be watching your videos... from what watching here it almost seems as if somehow or someone is preventing you from being visible... so not fair or right... we need people like you!! I hope your visibility increases and things take a turn for the better!!
I believe you- the content creators / innovators always get their formats go from enthusiasm to exhaustion- So much work to do what you're doing- time to forage new ways
I feel for ya brother! I love your book and story and will be sad to see you go! Go work hard with your hands and you'll be tired but hopefully make more money!
I find it extreamly frustrating that YT unsubs you and doesn't show you the videos of channels you've subd to. So I understand your frustration and wish you the best x
You are not the only incredible Tuber experiencing the exact same scenario. My opinion is that TH-cam is trying to increase profit at the top end. Instead of increasing fees for ads they have been pulling more from the content creators. Just as you are trying to keep viewers coming back, they are trying to get creators to keep making new content. Congratulations on the expanding family!
Thanks for weighing in. Something shady is definitely going on. Can you think of any other TH-camrs specifically. I wanna hear what they have to say about all this stuff. 🤔
@@BoutenkoFilms Alexander Williamson (Fishtory is his channel). He has recently made some videos on the subject. I truly hope this gets back on track for you guys!
@@BoutenkoFilms I tried looking for the videos/lives, but I don't recall which ones. I did send him an email and told him about you encountering the same issues.
Its so sad to see how much youtubers struggle. It always seems to be the ones with some of the most genuine content. I know ive been subscribed for a while since i watched one of your foraging videos. Your stuff never showed up into my feed though. Recently i was watching some more foraging videos as winter comes to an end and i prepare to do more foraging and saw you made a new one last year. Super exciting! I had totally forgotten about this channel sadly and was excited to re-discover it. Ive been loving all of the videos you have posted and just started trying the 30 day smoothie challenge. It always seems like channels that are genuine and not hip with the kind of general cheap content get "shadow banned". Im not sure if thats a conspiracy theory or not lol but its something ive heard people complain about. Ive watched my husband struggle with the same thing. Hes and artist and has worked super hard to make shorts, and videos and everything that might help him like paying for advertising, doing freebies, etc, but it just hasnt gone anywhere. I wish i could understand it but it seems like the last few years have really done a number on content creators. Hes felt like given up on trying to sell online, and its such a hard thing for him because its his passion and absolutely means everything to him. It seems you definitely understand that pain. I just want to say thank you for all the hard work you have put into this channel. It was made my life better and changed it in a positive way. I love the content and hope that there is a shift somewhere that opens doors for you on your creative endeavours. Your passion matters and not one moment of your love for this channel has been wasted.
Also I think times are about to get real tough and people will need to get creative to feed their family. You may get lots more subscribers if this becomes a sad reality.
@@BoutenkoFilmsI don’t think your videos are getting promoted. For some reason that soup video popped up in my feed and I was so excited to see that you were doing recipe videos for the wild edibles. I remember sometime back you asking if we would like that and I know I responded with a yes. Knowing how to eat greens other than in a salad is so helpful. After I watched that video I went to your page to see if there were other recipe videos I missed and that’s when I saw there were tons of videos I never saw. I scrolled through and saw there were lots I needed to come back and watch. As I watch the rest of this video my heart breaks for you. I can see that you put a lot of time effort and money into each one and it’s shattering to see that hard work not paying off; especially when you have a strong base of supporters. It seems the system is rigged and not only are content creators suffering; us the viewers are too when folks like you decide they have had enough. Unfortunately there’s not a damn thing I can do to help but reassure you that your videos have always been well put together and thought out and I have always enjoyed watching them. You are more valuable than anything social media has to offer and I’m excited to hear about a baby being added to your family. What a beautiful blessing. I think you’ll find spending time with this little one is going to be way more valuable than making these videos. Again…you have made an impact of my health as it sounds like you have for many others and you will be missed if you decided to hang it up. It’s all completely understandable! So very sad. Congratulations to you and your wife…you are about to discover how sweet life really is!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. It definitely does change things. Thank you for being so authentic and vulnerable about this issue. I've been watching you for decades now and have enjoyed all the experiences and wisdom you have shared. I do believe your take on the platforms closing the gates on what creatives can get for what they produce is real. The "free market" capitalism dream that is pushed out is not the reality of the heavily rigged playing field that this virtual landscape actually is. I applaud your choice to focus more on real world interactions and wish you the best at securing a job that utilizes your masterful skill set, while also valuing your innate and unique humanity. There are jobs out there that can leave you energized and uplifted enough to have hobbies and passion projects along with your family life. I see this for you and look forward to you sharing that journey once you have the time and space to do so. I'm on your email lists, so I hope you'll focus more on talking to your fans directly. I think you may get more support, referrals, etc. there. Peace & Grace, E
I'm so excited to be a dad, it's unbelievable! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with me and letting me know you're on my mailing list. I'll keep my that in mind as I build my future plans. I also agree with you on the job front, we all have options (whether we believe it or not) and I aim at finding one I'm actually going to enjoy.
It might help if you tell your viewers to hit the notification button. I am subscribed to a large number of channels, but only get notifications for a handful because I don’t want to be bombarded with notifications. I’m always tweaking this. I usually start out wanting to be notified of all new content from a channel, but if I find I’m no longer as interested I turn off the notifications button of that channel. I barely ever look through all the recent content of my subscriptions. Also, I’m retired so I have a lot more time than the average adult to watch videos. I would think teenagers and retired folk have the most time on their hands to watch and comment on videos, so gearing your content to them might be helpful.
Call me crazy, but I don't want to bombard my viewers with tons of request right out the gate. Time is a finite commodity so why waste it on bull shit? Plus, everybody else who chooses to say: "Like, comment, subscribe, etc., etc." is basically educating the masses to do all that stuff. I think it's basically common knowledge at this point, which begs the question: why even do it?
@@BoutenkoFilms The reason likes and views are important to TH-cam is because they can’t get paid by their sponsors if viewership is low. It’s all about making money to them. If they don’t get paid you don’t get paid. The reason viewers will like, subscribe to your channel and hit the notification button is not only so they are notified about your content, but because they know you work hard at bringing them good content and they want you to get paid for your efforts.
I really loved the "I want ABS" video. I must have watched that 25 times. You and Coach Hacker were very motivating and I still model my functional fitness workout after it. Thanks so much!
You know what? Having been utterly stressed and not following my own walk for a few years now, I sat down and re-watched my own fitness movie a few months ago. I got re-inspired to get back in the gym. I figured I could do it (again) because the guy in the video was me. 😜 Now, I'm down almost 15 pounds and my abs are starting to peek through (again). In other words, I'm double dipping. 💪
Thank you for this video and sharing your true experience. I watched some of your videos and enjoyed them. Always made sure I put a thumb up. I am no expert with TH-cam, Facebook or Instagram, but I know there is shadow banning and that TH-cam and others are changing the rules constantly. Anyway, take care of yourself and good luck with your little one to be born. Greetings from Montreal, Canada. 😊🎉
Love your videos Sergei, I think what you are doing is for the best. A little one on the way changes things. You are now to be a sturdy foundation for you young one. Its hard to be sturdy when you hate what you are doing because you cant tell your child to follow what they love if you are not doing the same. Good luck on your endeavors!
Also playing a part is you dont choose to fill your videos with ads so not only do you earn less but yt algo also recommends videos more that we choose to allow more ads placed throughout our videos? I dont wanna bombard my viewers with ads while watching so i only choose a single skippable ad placed at the beginning and one placed at the end.
I can't say I've haven't been tempted to load my vids full of ads. But, I HATE non-skippable ads myself so it doesn't seem fair to force them on folks to give me their attention. 🤷♂
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this kind of thing. I’ve been seeing this happen to other TH-camrs as well. Bananajamana is a channel that I have followed for years and she’s gone from hundreds of thousands of views per video to under 10,000. She thinks it’s because she had to take a small break because she got sick, but she’s not really sure.
You are a moderm new form of hero! We need to keep real on our videos and as usual since the dawn of history...real is hard and scary and persecuted! Thank you for being real🙌🌟🙌
Hi sir, I am kind of at the same place with my own youtube channel. It's a decent side gig, but I do not get the returns anywhere near what I have to put in unfortunately. So I do have a full time job and do youtube whenever I can afford to do it ... I have bought your book on wild edibles in a bookstore when it first came out about 10 years ago. I did not know you had a youtube channel until quite recently. I love all your content of wild edibles and foraging. I would love to attend one of your classes or walks someday although I am in Alberta Canada and would have to travel. Congrats with the family and baby !! Good luck and looking forward to some wild edible videos in the future. You could do some shorter or simpler videos concentrating on one single wild edible during the summer months whenever you go harvest a specific plant ... just an idea ! I will recommend your book in some of my future videos. Respectfully, Steve
Love your videos, but I haven't noticed when they are published in my notifications. Yes the bell is highlighted. I just checked how many long videos I missed - 7 recent ones and no Shorts. From now on I will go to your channel and check. I always click the Thumbs Up. Maybe you need to be less nice, but please don't give up. Yes Vegans can be zealous.
I only discovered you recently after really getting into edible gardening and foraging. As someone who follows a bunch of youtube channels and watches youtube daily I can confidently say that your issues with engagement are not an either-or but an all-of-the above situation. TH-cam has been messing with the TH-cam content meta in recent years and it has negatively affected even the biggest creators, them trying to force shorts is only the latest in a series of issues. With that said I can see from your channel and videos about this topic from others TH-camrs that your channel does have a bunch of problems, at least "problems" so far as doing things that don't work well with the current youtube ecosystem. I'm currently tired and about to go to sleep but i'm willing to make a much longer post tomorrow or sometime soon if you are up for some constructive criticism and/or techniques I see other youtubers using from someone who genuinely loved your wild edibles ID/classes videos.
Thank you for weighing in on this issue. No need to spend time on constructive criticism as I've already made up my mind. I very much appreciate your offer though.
@@BoutenkoFilms Alrighty. If the TH-camr spark ever comes back or you want to try again just let me know. There are a handful of actionable ideas that i could suggest just off the top of my head. If I'm being honest I'm kinda disappointed since I already started writing the advice post in my head but I wish you well in your non-youtube endeavors. I understand that with burnout mounting and especially the new very serious responsibility of being a father that a non-ideal but stable source of income is extremely important. If you'll allow me to armchair psychologist for a moment I would say that it also would give you a chance to prove your parents wrong about lecturing being the sole metric of your value as a person and allow you, if you ever start doing TH-cam again, to come back to online lecturing on your own terms with your own goals and boundaries because you have an outside anchor (if you keep the job and do TH-cam on the side) or have established that you're not going to be a hobo with no other options or prospects if you don't (if you return to TH-cam full time). All in all, I hope you and your partner have a safe birth and healthy baby as well as I hope you find something to fill the monetary and mental hole that TH-cam burnout has carved into you. Best of luck, Amy of Shadows
Beneath all the stress and worries, my new show Wild Edibles Test Kitchen (th-cam.com/play/PLtn1NagujsThaIS0iyozgXvIX5c1otqxc.html) is where my heart lies. But doesn't support my life on earth so I'm going to figure out to support it in other ways and do TH-cam on the side when time permits.
I watched this in 2024, came here from your short on inflation at Costco, and I'm thankful you did this video. I totally agree, I miss old youtube... and I also just don't like that the algorithm is who dictates success or not. I hope you are doing well, in whatever you are doing.
Does watching advertisement help any at all or duration of watching vs skipping?Yes, please...thx for informing us. TH-cam waynesville NC USA 🇺🇸 woman veteran
These social media platforms are putting themselves out of business because we will follow you wherever you go and drop the platforms that are using you.
Your content is excellent. It will continue to bring people like myself to your channel which I just discovered today, June 2024. You were ahead of the curve on your wild edibles …. You don’t really need to be creating much anymore to have all your videos keep advertising your book. And if you had courses and such. It’s been my understanding that YT was set up more for that - or certainly became that some time ago. - a place to advertise - ad revenue is just pathetic but many use YT to promote their products.
I really think that TH-cam has changed, the world has changed, you have changed and your needs and family's needs have changed! I believe you are at a crisis point and the things that served you well before are just not serving you now. I think there is no need to assign blame to yourself or believe your work is not valuable. Sometimes we do things for a seasons and we don't have to make career of certain things or a title. You love a variety of things and I sense you move through different ideas and plans . I hope you can find your way to something new that brings joy and energy. Being a husband and provider is no small thing. You are staying the course and it requires wisdom and sacrifice. We have been married almost 30 years and my hubby has struggled to find his direction but he knows his highest calling is being a follower of Christ and a husband. Hope my words can somehow encourage you. We have much appreciated your books and videos and I am still making your smoothies!!
Your words are indeed encouraging! 🙏 I'm delving more into the spiritual these days and getting prepared (as best as one can prepare) to take on fatherhood responsibly.
@@BoutenkoFilms Oh yes...our congratulations on becoming a father too! And I will leave you with a path that has stood the test of many centuries.... Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
What other people said, it's not you. I wrote a comment that didn't make it. Trying a second time. Have you tried other video platforms? Congratulations on the baby 😊
Friend, BE ENCOURAGED!! The values of the world are not always the greatest. What is important is doing your best, avoiding the evil side of our (human) nature, knowing you will give an account before your creator. Your channel is priceless for the knowledge you impart. You are doing well in my opinion. Give glory to God and let all be done to glorify what he has given to us for good... ALLELUIA!!
Ok. This weekend I’m off to buy a winning lottery ticket. It’s going to be such a big win, I’m going to be able to hire you to take me and my sister from end to end on the App trail. Camera crew invited. We will come to you first for training. When we come off the mountain into the towns, we will fly your wife and baby to stay with us for a few days in the air bnbs before we get back on the trail. Compensation will be a nice annual salary. There- I put it out there in the Universe. Need to make it happen before you are settled in a 9-5 job. :-). A gal can dream. Sending much love to you and your family.
Ciao Sergio I told you I am not trying to sell anything. It is a short video that will give you new perspectives. Open you mind man. Just see the video's and you can discard it. I am a real person and just trying to give you some of my feedback. We are programmed since we are kids to live or in scarcity or abundance. You can make the choice. Those two video's will give you something new I hope. You don't need to continue further. Just see those video's and see where you fit. That's all you have to do. I am not writing anymore here. Ciao Francesco
@@BoutenkoFilms Ciao Sergio, here is the link. I believe it is a part of the lesson that they do online, but it is a free version. I saw it and it really makes sense. th-cam.com/video/prZdHP-NQLQ/w-d-xo.html
OK my post was removed. I c ur on the rum ball *AL GORE rhythm ( 10 months was ur last post). This yt hasn't been notifying me about you. Seems they buried ur videos, etc. Go there, I subbed 😊
Which post was removed? Yes, I've tried uploading a few of my videos to Rumble. Seems like I get more dislikes than views there. That's kind of confusing? LOL People be hating on content they didn't even watch. Oh wait, 🤡🌍
I'm a fan, I've been all over your videos in the last 6 months. You still haven't collected my email yet. I've been told that business builders have to control their own following with email. I also noticed that you used the best blender in the world. but when mine needed replacing, I didn't think about the possibility that you had an affiliate link when I bought one. So sorry I didn't come looking for your link.
Hi Sergei, i just found your work by purchasing one of your mothers books at the library. Do you have a video discussing growing up in a raw food cult? I want to better understand why you and your mother are not eating raw food exclusively.
Hey! I know just the thing for that sunburn!!! Lance leaf PLANTAIN made into a salve with avocado!!! OK, your message is so IMPORTANT. Take a break, find a job you ENJOY to supplement your income, and do more videos "on the cuff" part-time. Again, your content is so IMPORTANT. Do NOT give this up. You're correct, I don't get notifications of your video. I'm not surprised. I would assume that all the more sexualized and humiliating content is promoted by this platform. I've had to search your name to keep up with your videos. I want to encourage you. You'll always have hateful commentary from people who aren't doing anything worth while and have nothing better to do but critize those that are doing it. Keep writing, keep posting, and keep positive. I'm going to pray for you and your growing family. ❤
Thank you for your encouraging words. Do I understand you correctly... You're subscribed but have to type in my name into TH-cam search in order to find me every time? That's how I read it. I suspect my quiet inner voice won't let me quit filming/writing entirely, I'll just do it much less (and hopefully create better shit). 😁
@BoutenkoFilms Correct. I have to search your name on TH-cam to get to your videos. I actually thought you had stopped keeping up with your channel, because it was older videos I was getting and ones that I'd seen a few times already.
I’m also under my dads TH-cam account so I’m not a 78 year old male I’m a 54 year old woman. You can mentally add that to your stats and my 3 comments I’m sure are going to make you rich. 😉
maybe more innovation in the kitchen would help. for example, have you tried making soups that are green based? I've increased my hydrochloric acid level with that and no fruit, the added sugar that makes us gain weight. Should you wish for more details, please comment and I'll oblige and share the gist
Kind of ironic that the kid who's parents where homeless and raised him in the woods, is now an adult discouraged by the unfairness of capitalism. I think maybe your parents where smart people and realized that relying on corporations to provide for you is less reliable than relying on yourself, family, friends, and maybe the occasional investment in watermelon market.
Don't go, I have just found you today. I would change some things about your smoothie and food videos, I am convinced that you would get many (!) more views then. I wrote some suggestions under a 4 year old video about a smoothie some minutes ago. Improve these videos as suggested and watch videos on the same topics from other channels that have many clicks. Ask your friends what they think. You really must change the way you ptesent your videos about food. Please don't stop this. At least bring some improved smoothie and teceipe videos regularly. You will get more views. You can do it, it just needs to be presented more attractively. Film in front of you and zoom in, it is too small on the phone to watch when you create a smoothiie. And the titles need to be more clear, not smoothie challenge number xy. And a photo of the smoothie in the thumbnail. What are the benefits? Sell your thing and you will get big.
Too bad you are putting the channel on the back burner, but I totally understand your frustration. You want to take care of your budding family, good for you and I applaud that. TH-cam won't make you a rich man with their chokehold unless you have several millions of viewers for each video you produce. Making You Tube videos as a way of living is way too easy to fail and the odds are solidly stacked against you. You Tube makes money on your creativity by giving you a free platform to get your content out. As a business they are trying to maximize their profit margin by keeping as much ad revenue as they can. I agree with capitalism, but...when the platform suddenly becomes a editing publisher (shadow bans, lowers visibility, and flat out slams your views) and decides your videos don't meet their idea of what people want to see, I believe they have gone past their scope of business. But that's just my opinion.
I believe at one point you were learning about crypto or crypto trading. I am in a situation where i "might" be able to succeed. I would say 100% but that would put me in the 95% of traders in the losing $ category. If you want , i will let let you know my results by showing you the proof. Up to you. You help us so maybe i can help you?
Incorrect, at one point I was getting paid to film a crypto workshop. Honestly, I walked away from this 20+ hour event thinking: "What a bunch of BULL DOOKIE." What I learned sounded just like Wall Street.😜 th-cam.com/users/shortsdAW_Ls0xS6s
On second thought, if you're going to tell me you're eating dead animals every day. I might unsubscribe also. I assumed "bacon" was just for attention but I guess bacon is just not popular anymore. And good riddance! One suggestion: different channels, named for the type of video, like John Kohler does. "Boutenko Films" doesn't say much about the channel. Btw, John Kohler and Gillian Berry seem to be making a good living from TH-cam.
Shame on you TH-cam! Your awesome Sergie and thank you for your videos and for your honesty in sharing all this. I'm sure you'll be an amazing dad💞 Wait! You grew up in a raw vegan cult?.. you need to do a video on that!
Thanks for sharing your experience with TH-cam. I started following you over a decade ago after reading your mom’s book about green smoothies. I wish you the best and that your work will be acknowledged the way you deserve! I see you 💫🤍 And I know you will get there. 🪄
As a subscriber I am shocked! I don't think it's you. Other creators have the exact problem and some have found part time work to help out financially. Thank you for this video. I didn't realize how important likes, comment and shares are. I will do better for people I follow. Today was the first time You Tube has ever notified me that you have a new video out. I've requested to be notified from the first day I subscribed. How disappointing! Congratulations on the baby! I wish you and your family the best.
Yup, like and comments help us survive. 🛡
So I’m on my way out the door and can’t watch the whole video right now BUT since there is only comment posted I hoping you’ll have a chance to read mine. I can tell that you are very discouraged and I’m sure you have every reason to be since it sounds expensive and people can be very cruel in their comments. That being said I want want you to know how much your information that you’ve shared has changed my life and even what I let live in my garden. Though financially your hard work hasn’t paid off the way you wanted you have really helped me become healthier and keep my immune disorder at bay when nothing else has worked. I know you can’t take that to the bank but getting to “know” through the videos you’ve shared I can tell you are a wonderful human and knowing that you’ve changed lives will make you feel better.
I have purchased your wild edibles book and I actually watched and commented on your wild lettuce soup video. What’s interesting is TH-cam doesn’t usually put your videos in my feed. When they do I always watch. I know there is something to those algorithms are strange.
I can completely understand if you walk away from this but man I will miss you.
I will make a point to look for your videos to help your channel and even try to play them over and over when I’m puttering around the house.
Sending you a TH-cam hug. Love what your doing kiddo. Please try not to be discouraged but I understand!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Katie, thank you, thank you, thank you! Comments like yours have literally been driving me forward for years. But I'm tired now and need some rest. I'm re-thinking everything and it feels liberating. 🤸♂
I'll comment here because i want to encourage you to KEEP your current vision - and focus - for getting back to REAL LIFE! Most of your content has been exceptionally helpful for me and my family (the van life and exercise content passed us by). You taught us, complete strangers to you, how to forage and that all by itself worth more than gold! Truly.
As a gardening grandma who LOVES being outdoors i found months ago that i had to make the same choice that you’ve come to. Sitting in front of a screen for “social media” had become profoundly unhealthy in every way for our family and (i believe) it is way past time to get free from our culture’s unhealthy dependance on it.
Your righteous pursuits and your wise and inspiring willingness to share them show you to be a man of quality. Your humility and honesty, and the courage it took to make this video?… yeah, only MORE inspiration! For what it’s worth, from an ol’ girl in her 70th year, go with what you’re learned and shared so generously with all who found you. I too am thankful for the opportunities that youtube and facebook (didn’t do the others) gave me. But i OWE them NOTHING. I do owe YOU tho, Sergei ~ THANK YOU!
I wish you sunshine and rain, hard work that utterly enriches you and your family, bare feet on the grass and in the sea, sunrises and sets that simultaneously take your breath away and fill your life with all the refreshes, and [pause and sigh] every blessing i can think of.
Btw, two final things - am gonna go throw your book into my amazon.ca cart right now .... and this was/is a great video! @@BoutenkoFilms
@@HadasahB More than likely, I'll keep posting foraging content here on occasion. This is most rewarding for me energetically. Nature is so wise and has many great lessons to teach us all. Foraging is a fantastic vehicle to help folks spend more time outside, learn and bring free food back home for dinner. 🤸♂ Thank you for your encouragement!
I've added timecode to the video for your viewing convenience.⏳I have a big ask... I want this video to go as far as possible. Can you help me by watching it until the end? I don't care if you set it to play and leave the room. Even if 100 people did this, I think we could trick the algorithm into releasing it from de-boost jail. 🚀
The first video I watched of yours was in your garden in the fall, before you tilled it under for winter. You won me when you pulled various "weeds", explained about each, and proceeded to eat them. I knew of this practice from gardening various traditional crops, but taking the work out of farming, and still having food, is very reassuring. My prep is 95% knowledge. Stockpiles will run out, then what. Earth is our home, mother nature is our provider. I believe - more so now - that starvation is not what will end my time here. I thank you for sharing your experience.
Stockpile do run out. That's an unfortunate truth.
I’m really saddened to hear this. I’ve heard several other content creators present the same issues to varying degrees. It’s maddening to hear creators, who are producing such great content, are working so hard for so little in return. The common thread I notice in those content creators are that they are all centered around providing others with skills necessary for self-reliance (i.e. not encouraging viewers to go buy a bunch of stuff).
You are NOT bad at your job. You have always posted EXCELLENT CONTENT and I have learned a LOT from your videos. Foraging was something in particular that I had just started getting curious about when I came across your videos, which inspired me to take action. Now, foraging is something that has become more routine for me and my family. I am also a subscriber, watching each video that comes in my subscription feed, and always learning something new from them. The knowledge and information you are putting out is so important (especially now).
I’d really hate to see you throw in the towel on TH-cam, though I can certainly understand you’ve got to live and support your family. Anything we can do as subscribers and viewers that we can do to help you, we will - you’ve helped us too. We all want to see you succeed and thrive. Congratulations on your newest family member!
Ben, thank you for sharing your two cents. I know where I went wrong... I should shilled and showed my booty more. Now I'm too old and nobody wants to see my goodies. LOL Thank you for the fatherhood well wishes! I'm SUPER pumped to be a dad.
🤣🤣@@BoutenkoFilms
I have enjoyed watching your videos for a while. I bought your books and some of your Mom's books. What really captured my attention was the walk from Mexico to Canada. The stories told in the book just enhanced the amazement. I gave my son your book because he works for the road department here and is challenged by eating weeds- he also challenged the boy scouts in town to try some weeds and know what they are!
Thank you very much for your kinds words. They mean more to me than you know. 🙌
Good job man, I’ve been waiting for a video like this for a long time. I’ll be honest and say that like a lot of people, I’m sure, I had no idea of that entire hiding side of TH-cam for its creators. I really hope that maybe this video will be part of a bigger thing that needs to grow up to reverse the hard reality for creators like you. Let’s boost it the old fashion way to give a stage to your voice.
Thanks homie! I can't believe you made it through the entire hour. ⏰
I just started following you. I find your foraging videos very informative and helpful. I just bought three of your books! I bought the foraging wild edibles, the van life book, and your raw recipes book. I am grateful for your time because I think your information and raw recipes are going to help me get healthier. I am a Veteran who served for 19 years and my body , bones and organs have been damaged badly. I believe raw foods will help reverse some of the damage
Thank you for this video. I viewed the whole vid and I appreciate all that you expressed. No, it is not your fault at all I would put all the blame on YT. It has changed so much. I have been a subscriber to your channel for a while, before 2017. I remember the vids you did with your sister :) If you do choose to leave YT, I will miss you very much. Yes, I use to receive notifications every time you uploaded. Now I only get notified on the lengthy vids. The YT shorts I have to scroll on my phone to find them. Go figure :) I also have your books. I agree YT keeps changing its rules. I hope you decide to stay. Sending you and your family a huge hug 🤗
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm curious to know more about the notifications bit. Did you change something in your setting in order to receive fewer notifications? Or did TH-cam change this for you, without your knowledge?
@@BoutenkoFilms No. I never changed anything re:notifications. I have always been an "show all" notifications subscriber.
Your energies of not being happy with your videos will show in them. Doing them because you love them will have the opposite effect. Maybe just a break in doing them full time for a while will give you more positive feelings about them, as well as ideas and solutions. Burn out happens in many jobs. I have your book and it's really good. I highly recommend it. My best to you and your growing family.
Thank you for your insight. I've been thinking about this for a long time and my mind is made up. Though, I'm learning not to say "never" in life. More than likely, I will scale video creation back significantly and only publish a few times per year moving forward.
I see a lot of people who aren’t making a lot on YT make a Patreon page and earn that way. A few YT’ers that I follow use Locals for subscriptions and income. Keep writing books. Keep being you! I miss the rest of the Raw Family. ALWAYS glad to see your vids here Sergei, you always keep it interesting!
Patreon = same old story... Way more work for very little reward. If you rack up a few thousand supporters then maybe it's worth it? But, more than likely I'd have 10-100 fans earning me an insignificant amount of $ while having to work overtime to deliver exclusive content. Plus, when everybody has a Patreon, what then? I give you $10 to hear what you have to say and you give me $10 to get a reply? In the end we both have $0. 😂
If you can get set up with your local community college to do foraging classes you can get paid by the school And by people buying your books.
I've done this many times in years past. 🌱
Hi Sergei, Your green smoothie challenge and I want abs changed my life. I’m really greatful for your green smoothie videos. I would say start a franchise shops which would sell green smoothies and salads. Firstly across US then eventually across the globe in most of the developed countries similar to KFC or McDonald’s. The world needs you Sergei. 🎉❤
First, your channel helped fuel my hobby for backyard foraging. Thank you!
I'm fairly certain that I get all notifications from my subscriptions, but I think that's because I take care to modify the notifications to ALL. Notice that most creators always pause to tell and SHOW people how to subscribe and get notifications. That's unfortunate.
Now I'm going to babble a bit:
I instinctively like any video that I watch at least a majority of. If it's a small, promising channel, I'll comment for the engagement points. I'll also comment for fun or out of necessity if I have a question. I pay for YT premium mostly to download for off line viewing, and enjoy no commercials.
With that being said, I prefer YT for more than half of my entertainment because I enjoy the variety and depth of content. I can't get that from cable or other tv streamers.
During the pandemic, I busted my ass to make animated fitness videos for my students. That took around 5 hours a day, and if it weren't for my students I would get two or three views.... Maybe.
I intend to do a game channel when I retire next year. I expect to fail, and will do it for as long as it amuses me. In short, I'm conflicted. I love the creators and the technology, but fully understand that creators aren't being properly compensated.
I hope that your future direction is rewarding.
Sounds like you and I use TH-cam in the similar ways... To learn instead of as a distraction. Thank you for going out of your way to like and comment on the videos you watch. It REALLY helps creators when you do that. 😜
First... I don't know anything about being a creator. But, I know what I like. I've bought 5 of your books "Wild Edibles" for myself, family and friends. I Love It - and they did too! I've also watched All of your foraging videos (several times) and loved each of those. Your explanations are great and each was very interesting. I've watched a few smoothie videos, but for me, I haven't needed to watch any van or kettle bell videos. So I would like to see a few more videos about the wild edibles. (and remember, I don't know about this stuff) I also don't think it's you! You're engaging and well versed in the topics, but having at least 4 or 5 directions your videos have gone (foraging, food prep, exercise and vans) may be a downside. Having options may be good for some people, but I'm only interested in about 25% of those topics. Just the random thoughts of an old grandpa. Thanks for all you do for all of us!
Hi Sergei! Late to the party here as I just recently discovered your channel and bought your Wild Edibles book - It's a great resource, and I love it! I also watched your interview with Herb Rally. What a bummer this has not worked out better for you and your family.
You are an excellent communicator and teacher, have a fantastic camera presence, a wealth of knowledge, and are very entertaining to watch. Also, I just love your foraging videos, as well as your wild edible kitchen videos. I'll just have to binge on all your old content :) :/.
Perhaps you will be able to do videos on a part-time basis in the future. You should as you are very good at it. I'm sure you've thought of it, but maybe consider creating a course or two or three. Either hosting yourself or through a platform like Udemy or other. You would certainly make more by hosting yourself. Though Udemy might open up a new audience. Who knows. You could even do a combo of both. Anyway, you have a lot of talent that we all will miss :). I know I will.
Also, I have a decent-sized backyard with a large garden of neatly organized raised beds. But when I saw your overgrown garden with weeds, it's like a light bulb went off. I thought it was actually lovely. So, I plan to set aside another area of my yard just for weeds - let things pop up naturally, but maybe throw some seeds in there as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
Best of luck, well wishes on the growing family, and I hope to see you back at some point.
Before I forget, I didn't see the notification for this video or see it in my feed when you published it four days ago. I did get your newsletter this morning, so that's how I found out about this video.
In no particular order: Congratulations on the new arrival, how exciting! You don't suck at your job; the quality of all your videos has always been exceptional and I learn a tremendous amount each time I watch one.
I'm not a content creator, so I have no insights on that score. However, it seems to me that TH-cam and the other social media platforms have shifted from treating content creators as talent to treating them as commodities. They also really don't seem to know much about their users, because the recommendations I get are usually completely out to lunch. I suspect you're right about the algorithms being confused about the variety of topics you present; it's something I love about your channel, but I now understand why some other creators have many channels instead of just one.
As for me, I haven't been watching your videos much because I've been focused more on the the impact of the last few years, especially dealing with the devastating fallout due to the thing that goes into the deltoid muscle . As a result, I have gravitated to other platforms that still allow creators to speak freely on topics that this platform and the others you mention throttle.
No matter what you do next, I wish you the very best of luck! You're a smart and talented guy, so I am confident you will find a way to get compensated more fairly for everything you bring to the table. I hope you recover from this injustice and burnout, and rediscover your love of creating videos.
Claudia, thanks for sending your message in two forms. I gave you a proper response via email. ⌨
@@BoutenkoFilms thanks for returning the favour, I was smiling as I read your reply 😊
I sure hate to see you go!! I literally just found you yesterday you were recommended by Brittany Russell so I went and bought your 30 day smoothie challenge then I subscribed to your channel and now I'm going to be watching your videos... from what watching here it almost seems as if somehow or someone is preventing you from being visible... so not fair or right... we need people like you!! I hope your visibility increases and things take a turn for the better!!
Don't be too bummed, you still have 615 videos to watch on BoutenkoFilms. 😜
I believe you- the content creators / innovators always get their formats go from enthusiasm to exhaustion- So much work to do what you're doing- time to forage new ways
It's true, video creation is a time suck. ⌛
Thank you Sergei, for your work / video _)
You are very welcome!
I feel for ya brother! I love your book and story and will be sad to see you go! Go work hard with your hands and you'll be tired but hopefully make more money!
Done and done. 🤸♂
Thank you for sharing always. ❤
You're very welcome.
I find it extreamly frustrating that YT unsubs you and doesn't show you the videos of channels you've subd to. So I understand your frustration and wish you the best x
Have you noticed being unsubbed from me? I hear whispers...
@@BoutenkoFilms no I don't think I've been unsubd from you recently but maybe in the past. I don't always see when you've posted vids though.
You are not the only incredible Tuber experiencing the exact same scenario. My opinion is that TH-cam is trying to increase profit at the top end. Instead of increasing fees for ads they have been pulling more from the content creators. Just as you are trying to keep viewers coming back, they are trying to get creators to keep making new content. Congratulations on the expanding family!
Thanks for weighing in. Something shady is definitely going on. Can you think of any other TH-camrs specifically. I wanna hear what they have to say about all this stuff. 🤔
@@BoutenkoFilms Alexander Williamson (Fishtory is his channel). He has recently made some videos on the subject. I truly hope this gets back on track for you guys!
@@BoutenkoFilms I tried looking for the videos/lives, but I don't recall which ones. I did send him an email and told him about you encountering the same issues.
Its so sad to see how much youtubers struggle. It always seems to be the ones with some of the most genuine content. I know ive been subscribed for a while since i watched one of your foraging videos. Your stuff never showed up into my feed though. Recently i was watching some more foraging videos as winter comes to an end and i prepare to do more foraging and saw you made a new one last year. Super exciting! I had totally forgotten about this channel sadly and was excited to re-discover it. Ive been loving all of the videos you have posted and just started trying the 30 day smoothie challenge. It always seems like channels that are genuine and not hip with the kind of general cheap content get "shadow banned". Im not sure if thats a conspiracy theory or not lol but its something ive heard people complain about. Ive watched my husband struggle with the same thing. Hes and artist and has worked super hard to make shorts, and videos and everything that might help him like paying for advertising, doing freebies, etc, but it just hasnt gone anywhere. I wish i could understand it but it seems like the last few years have really done a number on content creators. Hes felt like given up on trying to sell online, and its such a hard thing for him because its his passion and absolutely means everything to him. It seems you definitely understand that pain.
I just want to say thank you for all the hard work you have put into this channel. It was made my life better and changed it in a positive way. I love the content and hope that there is a shift somewhere that opens doors for you on your creative endeavours. Your passion matters and not one moment of your love for this channel has been wasted.
I realize you touch on shadow banning. I made the comment at the beginning of your vidoe lol but wow this is a well done and thought out video.
cheers!
The reality of that TH-cam life. Thanks for the deep dive!
Hey its been awhile. Glad I looked for you again
Also I think times are about to get real tough and people will need to get creative to feed their family. You may get lots more subscribers if this becomes a sad reality.
I agree. Every one of my friends is struggling right now. I talk about it in the Bacon video. Maybe that's why it did so bad? 🤔
@@BoutenkoFilmsI don’t think your videos are getting promoted. For some reason that soup video popped up in my feed and I was so excited to see that you were doing recipe videos for the wild edibles. I remember sometime back you asking if we would like that and I know I responded with a yes. Knowing how to eat greens other than in a salad is so helpful. After I watched that video I went to your page to see if there were other recipe videos I missed and that’s when I saw there were tons of videos I never saw. I scrolled through and saw there were lots I needed to come back and watch.
As I watch the rest of this video my heart breaks for you. I can see that you put a lot of time effort and money into each one and it’s shattering to see that hard work not paying off; especially when you have a strong base of supporters. It seems the system is rigged and not only are content creators suffering; us the viewers are too when folks like you decide they have had enough.
Unfortunately there’s not a damn thing I can do to help but reassure you that your videos have always been well put together and thought out and I have always enjoyed watching them. You are more valuable than anything social media has to offer and I’m excited to hear about a baby being added to your family. What a beautiful blessing. I think you’ll find spending time with this little one is going to be way more valuable than making these videos.
Again…you have made an impact of my health as it sounds like you have for many others and you will be missed if you decided to hang it up. It’s all completely understandable! So very sad.
Congratulations to you and your wife…you are about to discover how sweet life really is!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. It definitely does change things. Thank you for being so authentic and vulnerable about this issue. I've been watching you for decades now and have enjoyed all the experiences and wisdom you have shared. I do believe your take on the platforms closing the gates on what creatives can get for what they produce is real. The "free market" capitalism dream that is pushed out is not the reality of the heavily rigged playing field that this virtual landscape actually is. I applaud your choice to focus more on real world interactions and wish you the best at securing a job that utilizes your masterful skill set, while also valuing your innate and unique humanity. There are jobs out there that can leave you energized and uplifted enough to have hobbies and passion projects along with your family life. I see this for you and look forward to you sharing that journey once you have the time and space to do so. I'm on your email lists, so I hope you'll focus more on talking to your fans directly. I think you may get more support, referrals, etc. there. Peace & Grace, E
I'm so excited to be a dad, it's unbelievable! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with me and letting me know you're on my mailing list. I'll keep my that in mind as I build my future plans. I also agree with you on the job front, we all have options (whether we believe it or not) and I aim at finding one I'm actually going to enjoy.
It might help if you tell your viewers to hit the notification button. I am subscribed to a large number of channels, but only get notifications for a handful because I don’t want to be bombarded with notifications. I’m always tweaking this. I usually start out wanting to be notified of all new content from a channel, but if I find I’m no longer as interested I turn off the notifications button of that channel. I barely ever look through all the recent content of my subscriptions. Also, I’m retired so I have a lot more time than the average adult to watch videos. I would think teenagers and retired folk have the most time on their hands to watch and comment on videos, so gearing your content to them might be helpful.
Call me crazy, but I don't want to bombard my viewers with tons of request right out the gate. Time is a finite commodity so why waste it on bull shit? Plus, everybody else who chooses to say: "Like, comment, subscribe, etc., etc." is basically educating the masses to do all that stuff. I think it's basically common knowledge at this point, which begs the question: why even do it?
@@BoutenkoFilms The reason likes and views are important to TH-cam is because they can’t get paid by their sponsors if viewership is low. It’s all about making money to them. If they don’t get paid you don’t get paid. The reason viewers will like, subscribe to your channel and hit the notification button is not only so they are notified about your content, but because they know you work hard at bringing them good content and they want you to get paid for your efforts.
I really loved the "I want ABS" video. I must have watched that 25 times. You and Coach Hacker were very motivating and I still model my functional fitness workout after it. Thanks so much!
You know what? Having been utterly stressed and not following my own walk for a few years now, I sat down and re-watched my own fitness movie a few months ago. I got re-inspired to get back in the gym. I figured I could do it (again) because the guy in the video was me. 😜 Now, I'm down almost 15 pounds and my abs are starting to peek through (again). In other words, I'm double dipping. 💪
That's good to hear. You and your family have inspired thousands of people to pursue healthy habits. @@BoutenkoFilms
Thanks!, I’ve been binge watching your videos
Thank you for this video and sharing your true experience. I watched some of your videos and enjoyed them. Always made sure I put a thumb up. I am no expert with TH-cam, Facebook or Instagram, but I know there is shadow banning and that TH-cam and others are changing the rules constantly. Anyway, take care of yourself and good luck with your little one to be born. Greetings from Montreal, Canada. 😊🎉
Love your videos Sergei, I think what you are doing is for the best. A little one on the way changes things. You are now to be a sturdy foundation for you young one. Its hard to be sturdy when you hate what you are doing because you cant tell your child to follow what they love if you are not doing the same. Good luck on your endeavors!
Also playing a part is you dont choose to fill your videos with ads so not only do you earn less but yt algo also recommends videos more that we choose to allow more ads placed throughout our videos? I dont wanna bombard my viewers with ads while watching so i only choose a single skippable ad placed at the beginning and one placed at the end.
I can't say I've haven't been tempted to load my vids full of ads. But, I HATE non-skippable ads myself so it doesn't seem fair to force them on folks to give me their attention. 🤷♂
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this kind of thing. I’ve been seeing this happen to other TH-camrs as well. Bananajamana is a channel that I have followed for years and she’s gone from hundreds of thousands of views per video to under 10,000. She thinks it’s because she had to take a small break because she got sick, but she’s not really sure.
Interesting behind the scenes. I wish i could get even one video with 100,000 views, id be rich!
You'll get there Aaron. I know you will.
You are a moderm new form of hero! We need to keep real on our videos and as usual since the dawn of history...real is hard and scary and persecuted! Thank you for being real🙌🌟🙌
Thanks so much for the info. Wish you well in the work world.
Love your smoothie content!! Thank you
You're so welcome!
Would you consider going to other states to forage or show some of the available food there?
I did exactly this for 20+ years. Have been to 66 countries and all 50 states (many numerous times).
Come back! I don't know why TH-cam never notified me of your vídeos even though I had selected all notifications.
Hi sir, I am kind of at the same place with my own youtube channel. It's a decent side gig, but I do not get the returns anywhere near what I have to put in unfortunately. So I do have a full time job and do youtube whenever I can afford to do it ... I have bought your book on wild edibles in a bookstore when it first came out about 10 years ago. I did not know you had a youtube channel until quite recently. I love all your content of wild edibles and foraging. I would love to attend one of your classes or walks someday although I am in Alberta Canada and would have to travel. Congrats with the family and baby !! Good luck and looking forward to some wild edible videos in the future. You could do some shorter or simpler videos concentrating on one single wild edible during the summer months whenever you go harvest a specific plant ... just an idea ! I will recommend your book in some of my future videos. Respectfully, Steve
Love your videos, but I haven't noticed when they are published in my notifications. Yes the bell is highlighted. I just checked how many long videos I missed - 7 recent ones and no Shorts. From now on I will go to your channel and check. I always click the Thumbs Up. Maybe you need to be less nice, but please don't give up. Yes Vegans can be zealous.
Very interesting. Bell is highlighted, but my videos aren't being delivered. I've heard this over and over again from heaps of people. 🔕
I only discovered you recently after really getting into edible gardening and foraging. As someone who follows a bunch of youtube channels and watches youtube daily I can confidently say that your issues with engagement are not an either-or but an all-of-the above situation. TH-cam has been messing with the TH-cam content meta in recent years and it has negatively affected even the biggest creators, them trying to force shorts is only the latest in a series of issues. With that said I can see from your channel and videos about this topic from others TH-camrs that your channel does have a bunch of problems, at least "problems" so far as doing things that don't work well with the current youtube ecosystem. I'm currently tired and about to go to sleep but i'm willing to make a much longer post tomorrow or sometime soon if you are up for some constructive criticism and/or techniques I see other youtubers using from someone who genuinely loved your wild edibles ID/classes videos.
Thank you for weighing in on this issue. No need to spend time on constructive criticism as I've already made up my mind. I very much appreciate your offer though.
@@BoutenkoFilms Alrighty. If the TH-camr spark ever comes back or you want to try again just let me know. There are a handful of actionable ideas that i could suggest just off the top of my head. If I'm being honest I'm kinda disappointed since I already started writing the advice post in my head but I wish you well in your non-youtube endeavors. I understand that with burnout mounting and especially the new very serious responsibility of being a father that a non-ideal but stable source of income is extremely important. If you'll allow me to armchair psychologist for a moment I would say that it also would give you a chance to prove your parents wrong about lecturing being the sole metric of your value as a person and allow you, if you ever start doing TH-cam again, to come back to online lecturing on your own terms with your own goals and boundaries because you have an outside anchor (if you keep the job and do TH-cam on the side) or have established that you're not going to be a hobo with no other options or prospects if you don't (if you return to TH-cam full time). All in all, I hope you and your partner have a safe birth and healthy baby as well as I hope you find something to fill the monetary and mental hole that TH-cam burnout has carved into you.
Best of luck,
Amy of Shadows
Been following you for awhile.. And appreciate your work :-).. What kind of videos do you like to make?
Beneath all the stress and worries, my new show Wild Edibles Test Kitchen (th-cam.com/play/PLtn1NagujsThaIS0iyozgXvIX5c1otqxc.html) is where my heart lies. But doesn't support my life on earth so I'm going to figure out to support it in other ways and do TH-cam on the side when time permits.
I watched this in 2024, came here from your short on inflation at Costco, and I'm thankful you did this video.
I totally agree, I miss old youtube... and I also just don't like that the algorithm is who dictates success or not.
I hope you are doing well, in whatever you are doing.
Does watching advertisement help any at all or duration of watching vs skipping?Yes, please...thx for informing us. TH-cam waynesville NC USA 🇺🇸 woman veteran
I think I make about $0.10 per ad watched. So yes and no. TH-cams still need to get big view numbers to see any significant earnings. 💰
These social media platforms are putting themselves out of business because we will follow you wherever you go and drop the platforms that are using you.
Your content is excellent. It will continue to bring people like myself to your channel which I just discovered today, June 2024. You were ahead of the curve on your wild edibles …. You don’t really need to be creating much anymore to have all your videos keep advertising your book. And if you had courses and such.
It’s been my understanding that YT was set up more for that - or certainly became that some time ago. - a place to advertise - ad revenue is just pathetic but many use YT to promote their products.
I really think that TH-cam has changed, the world has changed, you have changed and your needs and family's needs have changed! I believe you are at a crisis point and the things that served you well before are just not serving you now. I think there is no need to assign blame to yourself or believe your work is not valuable. Sometimes we do things for a seasons and we don't have to make career of certain things or a title. You love a variety of things and I sense you move through different ideas and plans . I hope you can find your way to something new that brings joy and energy. Being a husband and provider is no small thing. You are staying the course and it requires wisdom and sacrifice. We have been married almost 30 years and my hubby has struggled to find his direction but he knows his highest calling is being a follower of Christ and a husband. Hope my words can somehow encourage you. We have much appreciated your books and videos and I am still making your smoothies!!
Your words are indeed encouraging! 🙏 I'm delving more into the spiritual these days and getting prepared (as best as one can prepare) to take on fatherhood responsibly.
@@BoutenkoFilms Oh yes...our congratulations on becoming a father too!
And I will leave you with a path that has stood the test of many centuries....
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
What other people said, it's not you.
I wrote a comment that didn't make it. Trying a second time. Have you tried other video platforms? Congratulations on the baby 😊
Friend, BE ENCOURAGED!! The values of the world are not always the greatest. What is important is doing your best, avoiding the evil side of our (human) nature, knowing you will give an account before your creator. Your channel is priceless for the knowledge you impart. You are doing well in my opinion. Give glory to God and let all be done to glorify what he has given to us for good... ALLELUIA!!
Ok. This weekend I’m off to buy a winning lottery ticket. It’s going to be such a big win, I’m going to be able to hire you to take me and my sister from end to end on the App trail. Camera crew invited. We will come to you first for training. When we come off the mountain into the towns, we will fly your wife and baby to stay with us for a few days in the air bnbs before we get back on the trail. Compensation will be a nice annual salary. There- I put it out there in the Universe. Need to make it happen before you are settled in a 9-5 job. :-). A gal can dream. Sending much love to you and your family.
Thankyou for sharing
😊❤ So true. I don't get notified or see the people I subscribe too.😢
Ciao Sergio I told you I am not trying to sell anything. It is a short video that will give you new perspectives. Open you mind man. Just see the video's and you can discard it. I am a real person and just trying to give you some of my feedback. We are programmed since we are kids to live or in scarcity or abundance. You can make the choice. Those two video's will give you something new I hope. You don't need to continue further. Just see those video's and see where you fit. That's all you have to do. I am not writing anymore here. Ciao Francesco
Send them along, I'll give them a peek. 👀
@@BoutenkoFilms Ciao Sergio, here is the link. I believe it is a part of the lesson that they do online, but it is a free version. I saw it and it really makes sense. th-cam.com/video/prZdHP-NQLQ/w-d-xo.html
OK my post was removed. I c ur on the rum ball *AL GORE rhythm ( 10 months was ur last post). This yt hasn't been notifying me about you. Seems they buried ur videos, etc. Go there, I subbed 😊
Which post was removed? Yes, I've tried uploading a few of my videos to Rumble. Seems like I get more dislikes than views there. That's kind of confusing? LOL People be hating on content they didn't even watch. Oh wait, 🤡🌍
Hi, I also tried to write that word in my comment that didn't make it. "The rum ball". What a strange world we live in...
I'm a fan, I've been all over your videos in the last 6 months. You still haven't collected my email yet. I've been told that business builders have to control their own following with email. I also noticed that you used the best blender in the world. but when mine needed replacing, I didn't think about the possibility that you had an affiliate link when I bought one. So sorry I didn't come looking for your link.
Hi Sergei, i just
found your work by purchasing one of your mothers books at the library.
Do you have a video discussing growing up in a raw food cult? I want to better understand why you and your mother are not eating raw food exclusively.
What about hashtags like I'm trying to get eyes on like our latest #scanflation -- based off retailers overcharging their customers?
Hey! I know just the thing for that sunburn!!! Lance leaf PLANTAIN made into a salve with avocado!!!
OK, your message is so IMPORTANT. Take a break, find a job you ENJOY to supplement your income, and do more videos "on the cuff" part-time. Again, your content is so IMPORTANT. Do NOT give this up.
You're correct, I don't get notifications of your video. I'm not surprised. I would assume that all the more sexualized and humiliating content is promoted by this platform. I've had to search your name to keep up with your videos.
I want to encourage you. You'll always have hateful commentary from people who aren't doing anything worth while and have nothing better to do but critize those that are doing it.
Keep writing, keep posting, and keep positive. I'm going to pray for you and your growing family. ❤
Thank you for your encouraging words. Do I understand you correctly... You're subscribed but have to type in my name into TH-cam search in order to find me every time? That's how I read it. I suspect my quiet inner voice won't let me quit filming/writing entirely, I'll just do it much less (and hopefully create better shit). 😁
@BoutenkoFilms Correct. I have to search your name on TH-cam to get to your videos. I actually thought you had stopped keeping up with your channel, because it was older videos I was getting and ones that I'd seen a few times already.
I’m also under my dads TH-cam account so I’m not a 78 year old male I’m a 54 year old woman. You can mentally add that to your stats and my 3 comments I’m sure are going to make you rich. 😉
Hahahaha, I won't hold my breath. 🤿
maybe more innovation in the kitchen would help. for example, have you tried making soups that are green based? I've increased my hydrochloric acid level with that and no fruit, the added sugar that makes us gain weight. Should you wish for more details, please comment and I'll oblige and share the gist
You seem like a good dude man. Stay off TH-cam.
It isn't your fault, it is what it is. Stay off social media and live your life.
Some live streaming I can't comment doug and Stacy I make 0
🥺😭😭
Kind of ironic that the kid who's parents where homeless and raised him in the woods, is now an adult discouraged by the unfairness of capitalism. I think maybe your parents where smart people and realized that relying on corporations to provide for you is less reliable than relying on yourself, family, friends, and maybe the occasional investment in watermelon market.
$10,000 a yr would be nice if you tube videos were just your hobby.
He did say he needs to earn a living.
Don't go, I have just found you today. I would change some things about your smoothie and food videos, I am convinced that you would get many (!) more views then. I wrote some suggestions under a 4 year old video about a smoothie some minutes ago.
Improve these videos as suggested and watch videos on the same topics from other channels that have many clicks. Ask your friends what they think. You really must change the way you ptesent your videos about food. Please don't stop this. At least bring some improved smoothie and teceipe videos regularly. You will get more views.
You can do it, it just needs to be presented more attractively. Film in front of you and zoom in, it is too small on the phone to watch when you create a smoothiie. And the titles need to be more clear, not smoothie challenge number xy. And a photo of the smoothie in the thumbnail. What are the benefits? Sell your thing and you will get big.
I don’t think your dad was talking about the money so much when he said about working there.
Too bad you are putting the channel on the back burner, but I totally understand your frustration. You want to take care of your budding family, good for you and I applaud that. TH-cam won't make you a rich man with their chokehold unless you have several millions of viewers for each video you produce. Making You Tube videos as a way of living is way too easy to fail and the odds are solidly stacked against you. You Tube makes money on your creativity by giving you a free platform to get your content out. As a business they are trying to maximize their profit margin by keeping as much ad revenue as they can. I agree with capitalism, but...when the platform suddenly becomes a editing publisher (shadow bans, lowers visibility, and flat out slams your views) and decides your videos don't meet their idea of what people want to see, I believe they have gone past their scope of business. But that's just my opinion.
I believe at one point you were learning about crypto or crypto trading. I am in a situation where i "might" be able to succeed. I would say 100% but that would put me in the 95% of traders in the losing $ category.
If you want , i will let let you know my results by showing you the proof. Up to you.
You help us so maybe i can help you?
Incorrect, at one point I was getting paid to film a crypto workshop. Honestly, I walked away from this 20+ hour event thinking: "What a bunch of BULL DOOKIE." What I learned sounded just like Wall Street.😜 th-cam.com/users/shortsdAW_Ls0xS6s
Agreed! @@BoutenkoFilms
On second thought, if you're going to tell me you're eating dead animals every day. I might unsubscribe also. I assumed "bacon" was just for attention but I guess bacon is just not popular anymore. And good riddance!
One suggestion: different channels, named for the type of video, like John Kohler does. "Boutenko Films" doesn't say much about the channel.
Btw, John Kohler and Gillian Berry seem to be making a good living from TH-cam.
have u considered a Amish lite/like community...many canucks here in search for freedom from poliprics eh!?!!8;00Am8/11/2023
I have not considered anything like this. 🤷♂
You're good at computers go work for a company for social media advertising or communications. They make good money like 50k a year.
I'd rather gouge my eyes out. LOL
Shame on you TH-cam!
Your awesome Sergie and thank you for your videos and for your honesty in sharing all this. I'm sure you'll be an amazing dad💞
Wait! You grew up in a raw vegan cult?.. you need to do a video on that!
Thanks for sharing your experience with TH-cam.
I started following you over a decade ago after reading your mom’s book about green smoothies.
I wish you the best and that your work will be acknowledged the way you deserve! I see you 💫🤍 And I know you will get there. 🪄
Thank you Lisa! 🕺