How Much Money Should People Be Allowed to Make On Social Media -- If Any At All?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I don't watch movies or TV anymore, but have to admit to having a slight addiction to YouTube. I have always loved libraries because I love the possibility of walking in and learning about literally any subject in the world -- and I have always seen YouTube as a "living library." I love having real-time access to a world of information -- all contained in a pocket-sized electronic "library card" that I can carry with me.

Some of my favorite areas of interest to watch/listen to videos on are finance, creative hobbies, travel, faith, and home making (everything from cooking to decorating to organization.) What are yours?

Lately though, I find myself struggling with watching content creation, because I don't like its tone. The social channels I listen to have pointed out that much of social media has become all advertising, asking for, or even trying to demand money, all just for being there. While I think it's to be expected with these platforms, it's most troubling to me when I see it happen among what I consider honest Christian people.

There are several people I've followed for many years, just everyday Christian people, and yes, I believe they are the sincere Christians they claim to be. (No one who follows my threads will be surprised to hear that I wrote one a fan letter, and she wrote an actual real, postal paper letter back to me!) I follow them for their genuine personalities, declarations of faith (which often include reading Bible passages, which is a brave thing to do nowadays when you have an audience,) and their authentic love and knowledge of the subjects they share about.

I am, however, a bit torn in that many I've listened to for years are all slowly adding paid tiers and programs to their channel -- not something they require, but "a way to support the channel." Examples include adding YouTube memberships, selling books and merchandise, monetizing their videos for ad revenue, setting up other platforms like Patreon, and, the highest red flag of all to me, selling "how-to" courses.

Growing up in church culture all my life, this is always something that's made me uncomfortable. "Buy whatever I'm selling to support my ministry and my family!"

I struggle because the Bible does indeed say, "The worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18.)

* But is there a point where we, the consumers, get to decide if the work was worthy of paying OUR wages for it?! And who will have our backs in return if we're paying out for everyone else? (I know it's a matter of trusting God, but there has to be a balance -- somewhere.)

* Is there a limit as how many people can choose social media as a paid side hustle or full-time job -- and have a right to expect other people to pay for it?

For myself, I have a certain part of my "Giving Budget" that I set aside to give to social media channels I've found e specially helpful in my own life. But I have to admit to unsubscribing to some in which they were constantly asking for money, (or advertising companies I don't want to support,) and always talking about their problems as a way to hint for money (as if the rest of us don't have our own problems.)

I feel especially uncomfortable when people (including Christians) say, "Your contributions are helping to feed my family/pay for my costs of keeping this channel running/motivating me to keep going," or "Things have been really hard, I'm disabled/have a disabled loved one I take care of/have small children/just had another baby/have relatives in the hospital, and things are really tough. Your memberships/purchases/donations are helping to keep my family fed, clothed, and sheltered."

Countless people, including Christians, are seeing social media as a way to earn a living, and many seem to expect, or even become angry, that people aren't throwing money at them for just being there. I admit to being especially soft-hearted for anyone disabled/and or trying to care for others who also have special needs and are trying to support their families on social media because of real-world limitations.

However, if I give money to or unsubscribe from everyone who does these kinds of things, I'll soon be broke and won't have anyone left listen to (which could be a good thing.) I've also grown up around people who owned and ran businesses, and I know there can be a lot of costs behind the equipment (for recording and editing, which some people hire others to do,) as well as several other expenses viewers don't think about (the products and services they review, transportation, research, etc.)

I do try to stay open minded because if you could receive money, for example, for posting here on CC (let's say someone was willing to pay you a dollar per post) -- would you do it? And what if they were paying $5 for every thread? With as many threads as I write here just as a hobby, I have to tell you, I would be tempted by that.

If you could get paid to put up videos about things you love doing anyway (cooking, painting, working on cars, playing video games, etc.), would you do so?

But I also know that money, and whoever is paying it, will also start to control you, along with how, what, and why you post, and I wouldn't be okay with that at all. This is a major reason as to why, though many have kindly suggested it over the years, I have never tried to turn my writing into anything monetary. In the end, for the good or the bad, I want the final say about what I write and where I post it (at least, for now.) If someone came knocking and offered me a gaggle of money for posting on CC and I had a sick friend or relative who needed help, I would struggle with wanting to take the money.

How about you? What are your thoughts?

* How much money, if anything at all, should people be allowed to make on social media?

* Does it depend on what they produce? What topics are acceptable? Should they be allowed to film their families and friends?

* Do you believe in contributing money to channels you watch? Why or why not?

* Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

* If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?


With social media being such a big part of our everyday lives, I would really like to hear your thoughts.

 

[Suze]

Hey Everyone,

I don't watch movies or TV anymore, but have to admit to having a slight addiction to YouTube. I have always loved libraries because I love the possibility of walking in and learning about literally any subject in the world -- and I have always seen YouTube as a "living library." I love having real-time access to a world of information -- all contained in a pocket-sized electronic "library card" that I can carry with me.

Some of my favorite areas of interest to watch/listen to videos on are finance, creative hobbies, travel, faith, and home making (everything from cooking to decorating to organization.) What are yours?

Lately though, I find myself struggling with watching content creation, because I don't like its tone. The social channels I listen to have pointed out that much of social media has become all advertising, asking for, or even trying to demand money, all just for being there. While I think it's to be expected with these platforms, it's most troubling to me when I see it happen among what I consider honest Christian people.

There are several people I've followed for many years, just everyday Christian people, and yes, I believe they are the sincere Christians they claim to be. (No one who follows my threads will be surprised to hear that I wrote one a fan letter, and she wrote an actual real, postal paper letter back to me!) I follow them for their genuine personalities, declarations of faith (which often include reading Bible passages, which is a brave thing to do nowadays when you have an audience,) and their authentic love and knowledge of the subjects they share about.

I am, however, a bit torn in that many I've listened to for years are all slowly adding paid tiers and programs to their channel -- not something they require, but "a way to support the channel." Examples include adding YouTube memberships, selling books and merchandise, monetizing their videos for ad revenue, setting up other platforms like Patreon, and, the highest red flag of all to me, selling "how-to" courses.

Growing up in church culture all my life, this is always something that's made me uncomfortable. "Buy whatever I'm selling to support my ministry and my family!"

I struggle because the Bible does indeed say, "The worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18.)

* But is there a point where we, the consumers, get to decide if the work was worthy of paying OUR wages for it?! And who will have our backs in return if we're paying out for everyone else? (I know it's a matter of trusting God, but there has to be a balance -- somewhere.)

* Is there a limit as how many people can choose social media as a paid side hustle or full-time job -- and have a right to expect other people to pay for it?

For myself, I have a certain part of my "Giving Budget" that I set aside to give to social media channels I've found e specially helpful in my own life. But I have to admit to unsubscribing to some in which they were constantly asking for money, (or advertising companies I don't want to support,) and always talking about their problems as a way to hint for money (as if the rest of us don't have our own problems.)

I feel especially uncomfortable when people (including Christians) say, "Your contributions are helping to feed my family/pay for my costs of keeping this channel running/motivating me to keep going," or "Things have been really hard, I'm disabled/have a disabled loved one I take care of/have small children/just had another baby/have relatives in the hospital, and things are really tough. Your memberships/purchases/donations are helping to keep my family fed, clothed, and sheltered."

Countless people, including Christians, are seeing social media as a way to earn a living, and many seem to expect, or even become angry, that people aren't throwing money at them for just being there. I admit to being especially soft-hearted for anyone disabled/and or trying to care for others who also have special needs and are trying to support their families on social media because of real-world limitations.

However, if I give money to or unsubscribe from everyone who does these kinds of things, I'll soon be broke and won't have anyone left listen to (which could be a good thing.) I've also grown up around people who owned and ran businesses, and I know there can be a lot of costs behind the equipment (for recording and editing, which some people hire others to do,) as well as several other expenses viewers don't think about (the products and services they review, transportation, research, etc.)

I do try to stay open minded because if you could receive money, for example, for posting here on CC (let's say someone was willing to pay you a dollar per post) -- would you do it? And what if they were paying $5 for every thread? With as many threads as I write here just as a hobby, I have to tell you, I would be tempted by that.

If you could get paid to put up videos about things you love doing anyway (cooking, painting, working on cars, playing video games, etc.), would you do so?

But I also know that money, and whoever is paying it, will also start to control you, along with how, what, and why you post, and I wouldn't be okay with that at all. This is a major reason as to why, though many have kindly suggested it over the years, I have never tried to turn my writing into anything monetary. In the end, for the good or the bad, I want the final say about what I write and where I post it (at least, for now.) If someone came knocking and offered me a gaggle of money for posting on CC and I had a sick friend or relative who needed help, I would struggle with wanting to take the money.

How about you? What are your thoughts?

* How much money, if anything at all, should people be allowed to make on social media?

* Does it depend on what they produce? What topics are acceptable? Should they be allowed to film their families and friends?

* Do you believe in contributing money to channels you watch? Why or why not?

* Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

* If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?


With social media being such a big part of our everyday lives, I would really like to hear your thoughts.

Social media plays no part at all in my life , I go on this site , one other Christian site and a couple of retail sites for very specific things . That's my internet life . I'm off to read a book , Demons by Dostoyevsky . So far I'm enjoying , once u get used to everyone having at least 3 names , Russian literature is fab .

 

[tourist]

Social media plays no part at all in my life , I go on this site , one other Christian site and a couple of retail sites for very specific things . That's my internet life . I'm off to read a book , Demons by Dostoyevsky . So far I'm enjoying , once u get used to everyone having at least 3 names , Russian literature is fab .

This is the only social media site that I go to.

 

[seoulsearch]

Perhaps I should also mention that I also know a lot of people who have been able to make good money, and/or have greatly enhanced their own businesses or careers through what can be learned on social media (particularly YouTube) as well.

I love tutorial videos, though I'm not gifted like my friends and family are.

But I know people who, for example, have rental properties and thanks to the internet, have learned to do the majority of the upkeep and repairs on their own. I have other friends and family who have learned very profitable skills through social media too.

So for me, it brings about some interesting questions.

* Is it seen as being more acceptable if you just learn skills from the internet that help you make more money, or is it also just as acceptable if you share said skills by posting them online, then try to get paid for it?

 

[Edward429451]

Hey Everyone,

I don't watch movies or TV anymore, but have to admit to having a slight addiction to YouTube. I have always loved libraries because I love the possibility of walking in and learning about literally any subject in the world -- and I have always seen YouTube as a "living library." I love having real-time access to a world of information -- all contained in a pocket-sized electronic "library card" that I can carry with me.

Some of my favorite areas of interest to watch/listen to videos on are finance, creative hobbies, travel, faith, and home making (everything from cooking to decorating to organization.) What are yours?

Lately though, I find myself struggling with watching content creation, because I don't like its tone. The social channels I listen to have pointed out that much of social media has become all advertising, asking for, or even trying to demand money, all just for being there. While I think it's to be expected with these platforms, it's most troubling to me when I see it happen among what I consider honest Christian people.

There are several people I've followed for many years, just everyday Christian people, and yes, I believe they are the sincere Christians they claim to be. (No one who follows my threads will be surprised to hear that I wrote one a fan letter, and she wrote an actual real, postal paper letter back to me!) I follow them for their genuine personalities, declarations of faith (which often include reading Bible passages, which is a brave thing to do nowadays when you have an audience,) and their authentic love and knowledge of the subjects they share about.

I am, however, a bit torn in that many I've listened to for years are all slowly adding paid tiers and programs to their channel -- not something they require, but "a way to support the channel." Examples include adding YouTube memberships, selling books and merchandise, monetizing their videos for ad revenue, setting up other platforms like Patreon, and, the highest red flag of all to me, selling "how-to" courses.

Growing up in church culture all my life, this is always something that's made me uncomfortable. "Buy whatever I'm selling to support my ministry and my family!"

I struggle because the Bible does indeed say, "The worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18.)

* But is there a point where we, the consumers, get to decide if the work was worthy of paying OUR wages for it?! And who will have our backs in return if we're paying out for everyone else? (I know it's a matter of trusting God, but there has to be a balance -- somewhere.)

* Is there a limit as how many people can choose social media as a paid side hustle or full-time job -- and have a right to expect other people to pay for it?

For myself, I have a certain part of my "Giving Budget" that I set aside to give to social media channels I've found e specially helpful in my own life. But I have to admit to unsubscribing to some in which they were constantly asking for money, (or advertising companies I don't want to support,) and always talking about their problems as a way to hint for money (as if the rest of us don't have our own problems.)

I feel especially uncomfortable when people (including Christians) say, "Your contributions are helping to feed my family/pay for my costs of keeping this channel running/motivating me to keep going," or "Things have been really hard, I'm disabled/have a disabled loved one I take care of/have small children/just had another baby/have relatives in the hospital, and things are really tough. Your memberships/purchases/donations are helping to keep my family fed, clothed, and sheltered."

Countless people, including Christians, are seeing social media as a way to earn a living, and many seem to expect, or even become angry, that people aren't throwing money at them for just being there. I admit to being especially soft-hearted for anyone disabled/and or trying to care for others who also have special needs and are trying to support their families on social media because of real-world limitations.

However, if I give money to or unsubscribe from everyone who does these kinds of things, I'll soon be broke and won't have anyone left listen to (which could be a good thing.) I've also grown up around people who owned and ran businesses, and I know there can be a lot of costs behind the equipment (for recording and editing, which some people hire others to do,) as well as several other expenses viewers don't think about (the products and services they review, transportation, research, etc.)

I do try to stay open minded because if you could receive money, for example, for posting here on CC (let's say someone was willing to pay you a dollar per post) -- would you do it? And what if they were paying $5 for every thread? With as many threads as I write here just as a hobby, I have to tell you, I would be tempted by that.

If you could get paid to put up videos about things you love doing anyway (cooking, painting, working on cars, playing video games, etc.), would you do so?

But I also know that money, and whoever is paying it, will also start to control you, along with how, what, and why you post, and I wouldn't be okay with that at all. This is a major reason as to why, though many have kindly suggested it over the years, I have never tried to turn my writing into anything monetary. In the end, for the good or the bad, I want the final say about what I write and where I post it (at least, for now.) If someone came knocking and offered me a gaggle of money for posting on CC and I had a sick friend or relative who needed help, I would struggle with wanting to take the money.

How about you? What are your thoughts?

* How much money, if anything at all, should people be allowed to make on social media?

* Does it depend on what they produce? What topics are acceptable? Should they be allowed to film their families and friends?

* Do you believe in contributing money to channels you watch? Why or why not?

* Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

* If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?


With social media being such a big part of our everyday lives, I would really like to hear your thoughts.

Well I could answer your questions if you was an Edward page subscribed membership premium member, but you are not so I can't. Lol!

All those kids on youtube who have pages and make all sorts of money think they are in business and are so smart but most don't have the IQ of a Turnip. It's really just the government making that possible for them and they're getting the kids used to paying more and paying digitally so they will want to get their Mark fast!

 

[seoulsearch]

Well I could answer your questions if you was an Edward page subscribed membership premium member, but you are not so I can't. Lol!

All those kids on youtube who have pages and make all sorts of money think they are in business and are so smart but most don't have the IQ of a Turnip. It's really just the government making that possible for them and they're getting the kids used to paying more and paying digitally so they will want to get their Mark fast!

Lol, great answer!

I've been quite appreciative of a lot of the content in the finance space. Yeah, a good number of them aren't actually making money from the skills they try to sell in their courses, but are only making money from those willing to pay for all the nothing burgers.

I HAVE found some very useful content on a few channels though, and I tend to gift them a small amount when I find something especially genuine and useful.

The beauty space also saves me money, since my skin is very sensitive -- honest reviews keep me from buying a lot of duds, so I pick out a beauty channel or two to donate to as well when my Giving Budget has funding.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

* How much money, if anything at all, should people be allowed to make on social media?

There should be no limit to the amount of money a person can make via social media.

* Does it depend on what they produce? What topics are acceptable? Should they be allowed to film their families and friends?

The individuals paying for the content are the judges of that. As to filming others, they should have explicit permission first.

* Do you believe in contributing money to channels you watch? Why or why not?

I've never come across anything online I felt like paying for. Pretty often though, I wander away due to advertisements that get in the way of content or popups asking for $$.

Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

Anyone should be free to try and do this if they feel inclined to. This is the land of the free, after all.

If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?

That would depend on the level of monetization v.s. how much I value my time. In other words, the pay would have to be worth it to me. It's unlikely in my case as I put a high value on my time.

 

[RodB651]

How about you? What are your thoughts?

I'm a follower of a few channels on YouTube. I enjoy the content that some of the Van Life people are putting out there. There are a couple of homestead channels and Prepping channels that I follow too. I think they all have patreon accounts where you can contribute if you want, and that's great if people want to do that.I enjoy their hobbies and the life they are pursuing, They have given me quite a few ideas that I might put into use one day. When that happens, I'll send some money their way as a way of saying thanks.

One thing I do though is if the ads are longer than 15 seconds, I'll turn to another channel and come back to it later. I realize everything is about ad revenue now. The problem I have with the ads is that they are taking up bandwidth that I've already paid for. I want to be reimbursed for the bandwidth the ads have consumed. Yes, I know that will never happen.

Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

I know of a couple that have generated enough YouTube revenue that they do their channels full time now. I guess if you can do that, then do it as long as you can. I just don't think that will last. Technology is moving so fast with AI that it will start making its on content and start pushing the real people aside.

 

[RodB651]

If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?

Lol.. I wish!
Doing something like that is way outside my personality. I guess maybe people would pay to watch me eat burgers or drink coffee. But I wouldn't be comfortable knowing people were watching me!

 

[Suze]

There should be no limit to the amount of money a person can make via social media.



The individuals paying for the content are the judges of that. As to filming others, they should have explicit permission first.



I've never come across anything online I felt like paying for. Pretty often though, I wander away due to advertisements that get in the way of content or popups asking for $$.



Anyone should be free to try and do this if they feel inclined to. This is the land of the free, after all.



That would depend on the level of monetization v.s. how much I value my time. In other words, the pay would have to be worth it to me. It's unlikely in my case as I put a high value on my time.

Our time is so very precious , that's for sure .

 

[SomeDisciple]

The value of media-content is mostly subjective; and it isn't easy to produce legit GOOD content such that a large amount of people will be like "Wow, that was great, I want to monetarily support this".

Should content creators get angry if people don't respond that way? No. But, I also think it's true consumers shouldn't get upset when there is a paywall for some content- and especially if you've already gotten something good from the content creator for free.

It's okay to get angry about commercials, because they often lower the content quality, sometimes even when the content delivery is structured around commercial time. It is what it is.

MERCH is completely legit; and I see nothing wrong with it... same rule applies though- if you're going to sell merch and expect people to pay for your merch, it has to be COOL MERCH, you can't just expect people to buy your coffee mug even when it is uglier than feminism, and they already have enough coffee mugs, keychains, cheaply-made beanies or whatever junk you want them to buy.

Becoming so dependent on sponsors that you lose creative control of your content sounds like a nightmare-job that I would never want. Ideally this is something to get into when you're already financially independent. I would never want to be in a situation where I'm either controlled by patrons, or trying to guilt trip them into giving money- I like free-will fair exchange.

 

[seoulsearch]

Lol.. I wish! Doing something like that is way outside my personality. I guess maybe people would pay to watch me eat burgers or drink coffee. But I wouldn't be comfortable knowing people were watching me!

I'd tune in to see what Rodney was up to for free...

But if he was making burgers -- and offering a cut (I'm thinking 20%, all paid in burgers) -- then you'd better believe I'd tune in.

I'd even start a GoFundMe to help pay for supplies.

 

[Levib]

Good questions @seoulsearch. We are supposed to be good stuarts and that includes discerning whether a cause is worthy to give to or not. I think it is also okay to give according to our ability and take greater risks (less discerning).

Everyone should be able to earn as much as they can lawfully/morally obtain. What you are describing is modern day begging. It’s not unlike people sitting on a street corner. The first question we should ask is, is there an actual need. Then, is this need something they reasonable should be able to provide themselves and have chosen not to?

It is difficult for missionaries living full time in impoverished countries to provide for themselves so we support them more liberally (their need is unquestioned). Contrast that with the USA where there are endless opportunities to easily earn more than enough (their own ambition is scrutinized).

I have seen many asking for money to go on missions trips. Sometimes it is well within their own means or they have the money but would rather ask others, some people are taught to do this. That to me is less of a need and more of a want, so I give accordingly. I prefer to see some self sacrifice of their own before giving heavily. A person should be the greatest supporter of themselves so it seems wrong when they don’t want to share the cost.

 

[Underd0g]

I was impressed by a Christian apologist once and joined his Patreon site or whatever it was, I forget.
As my first month was running out, my access went away before the month was completely over. As I explored what was going on, he became aggressive in his tactics to get me to resubscribe. By then, I had figured out that his promotion, claiming he was discipling people, was a sham. He tried to upsell the subscribers. He never participated in his forum, and his moderators were incompetent. They let in flakes, and it wasn't the balanced place of learning advertised. Not when you are charging money.

I didn't learn my lesson and joined some kind of a substack site of a pastor who was navigating the split of The Methodist Church.
I thought the split was necessary, and they were honorable for leaving.
I watched much of his content and even his church services. He was definitely an uptight 1700's Wesleyan preacher. He was obsessed with total depravity doctrine, and no mistakes about his interpretations were allowed. He used his children in his content. Things that could scar a kid for life to have displayed for the world to see. His standards toward his children were harsh. He had videos and interviews with obvious false doctrine.

When I contacted him, he dismissed me as "the peanut gallery". He didn't live what he preached. You can't create hundreds of videos and hide your true character. He pastored his church for ten years and had about a dozen attendees, and then left that church to go to a bigger one. Another problem I have with denominations.

This has been a free site. I've seen the appeals for donations. I kinda feel that if I hang around, I ought to contribute if they're going to let me keep posting photographs just to keep their servers operational. But I'm only a couple of days in and reserve my right to be cynical.

 

[Gideon300]

Hey Everyone,

I don't watch movies or TV anymore, but have to admit to having a slight addiction to YouTube. I have always loved libraries because I love the possibility of walking in and learning about literally any subject in the world -- and I have always seen YouTube as a "living library." I love having real-time access to a world of information -- all contained in a pocket-sized electronic "library card" that I can carry with me.

Some of my favorite areas of interest to watch/listen to videos on are finance, creative hobbies, travel, faith, and home making (everything from cooking to decorating to organization.) What are yours?

Lately though, I find myself struggling with watching content creation, because I don't like its tone. The social channels I listen to have pointed out that much of social media has become all advertising, asking for, or even trying to demand money, all just for being there. While I think it's to be expected with these platforms, it's most troubling to me when I see it happen among what I consider honest Christian people.

There are several people I've followed for many years, just everyday Christian people, and yes, I believe they are the sincere Christians they claim to be. (No one who follows my threads will be surprised to hear that I wrote one a fan letter, and she wrote an actual real, postal paper letter back to me!) I follow them for their genuine personalities, declarations of faith (which often include reading Bible passages, which is a brave thing to do nowadays when you have an audience,) and their authentic love and knowledge of the subjects they share about.

I am, however, a bit torn in that many I've listened to for years are all slowly adding paid tiers and programs to their channel -- not something they require, but "a way to support the channel." Examples include adding YouTube memberships, selling books and merchandise, monetizing their videos for ad revenue, setting up other platforms like Patreon, and, the highest red flag of all to me, selling "how-to" courses.

Growing up in church culture all my life, this is always something that's made me uncomfortable. "Buy whatever I'm selling to support my ministry and my family!"

I struggle because the Bible does indeed say, "The worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18.)

* But is there a point where we, the consumers, get to decide if the work was worthy of paying OUR wages for it?! And who will have our backs in return if we're paying out for everyone else? (I know it's a matter of trusting God, but there has to be a balance -- somewhere.)

* Is there a limit as how many people can choose social media as a paid side hustle or full-time job -- and have a right to expect other people to pay for it?

For myself, I have a certain part of my "Giving Budget" that I set aside to give to social media channels I've found e specially helpful in my own life. But I have to admit to unsubscribing to some in which they were constantly asking for money, (or advertising companies I don't want to support,) and always talking about their problems as a way to hint for money (as if the rest of us don't have our own problems.)

I feel especially uncomfortable when people (including Christians) say, "Your contributions are helping to feed my family/pay for my costs of keeping this channel running/motivating me to keep going," or "Things have been really hard, I'm disabled/have a disabled loved one I take care of/have small children/just had another baby/have relatives in the hospital, and things are really tough. Your memberships/purchases/donations are helping to keep my family fed, clothed, and sheltered."

Countless people, including Christians, are seeing social media as a way to earn a living, and many seem to expect, or even become angry, that people aren't throwing money at them for just being there. I admit to being especially soft-hearted for anyone disabled/and or trying to care for others who also have special needs and are trying to support their families on social media because of real-world limitations.

However, if I give money to or unsubscribe from everyone who does these kinds of things, I'll soon be broke and won't have anyone left listen to (which could be a good thing.) I've also grown up around people who owned and ran businesses, and I know there can be a lot of costs behind the equipment (for recording and editing, which some people hire others to do,) as well as several other expenses viewers don't think about (the products and services they review, transportation, research, etc.)

I do try to stay open minded because if you could receive money, for example, for posting here on CC (let's say someone was willing to pay you a dollar per post) -- would you do it? And what if they were paying $5 for every thread? With as many threads as I write here just as a hobby, I have to tell you, I would be tempted by that.

If you could get paid to put up videos about things you love doing anyway (cooking, painting, working on cars, playing video games, etc.), would you do so?

But I also know that money, and whoever is paying it, will also start to control you, along with how, what, and why you post, and I wouldn't be okay with that at all. This is a major reason as to why, though many have kindly suggested it over the years, I have never tried to turn my writing into anything monetary. In the end, for the good or the bad, I want the final say about what I write and where I post it (at least, for now.) If someone came knocking and offered me a gaggle of money for posting on CC and I had a sick friend or relative who needed help, I would struggle with wanting to take the money.

How about you? What are your thoughts?

* How much money, if anything at all, should people be allowed to make on social media?

* Does it depend on what they produce? What topics are acceptable? Should they be allowed to film their families and friends?

* Do you believe in contributing money to channels you watch? Why or why not?

* Should those who can't work regular jobs be allowed to turn social media into a full-time, full-paying job -- especially if they have families to support?

* If you were offered a deal in which you were paid money every time you posted (or met certain requirements, like "recommending" a product) just to share something you love doing, or for every post you made on a site -- would you take the deal? Why or why not? Would it depend on how much money they were offering?


With social media being such a big part of our everyday lives, I would really like to hear your thoughts.

I understand both points of view. Some channels are professionally presented and produced. That does not happen for free. I watch Dr James Tour, for example. I do contribute from time to time. I contribute a pittance to another channel that produces 2-3 hour epics every few months.

I don't believe that it is necessary to control social media to any great extent. No one is forced to pay. I've resolved the issue by subscribing to youtube and so going ad free.

What youtube shows is how shallow and pathetic most people's lives are. But that also applies to entertainment generally. The cost of tickets to a popular show is outrageous, but then so is the cost of putting on a show these days. If you are blessed by a particular youtuber, why not help if you can? Should it become a living? Why not? It's "supply and demand". I get hardly any views on my channel. That's OK, I have no desire to monetise. I have enough.

The other issue with monetising is youtube censorship. At present, I've not come across Christian channels that have been censored or demonetised. That could easily happen. We live in a world on the precipice. Some countries are on the verge of declaring the Bible to be "Hate Speech". That will make things interesting.

 

[Spiritwalker]

If I had a YouTube channel I would teach people how to sleep.

Come to my channel y'all and just close your eyes.....


I follow some that I enjoy, they are usually incorporate music, adventure and travel and wild animals. ( I adore tarantulas) and all that goes bump in the dark. The good thing about them is the people actually enjoy doing the things they do! and I like that. They can be themselves.

 

[Lynx]

A tree will grow as much as the conditions around the tree allow it to grow.

A few decades ago this particular tree would not have grown much. Even if YouTube had been so prevalent back then, few people have the money to throw away on YouTube channels. If you had gone around begging your viewers for money, that would have been seen as unmitigated temerity. Forget paywalls entirely.

A tree that has grown a lot in a good season may have too many branches to support in a dry season.

I get concerned about people who have made something like YouTube subscriptions their lifestyle and support. One little financial hiccup, one little recession, and suddenly they will be left scrambling to find what many people call a real job. Problem is at times like that, more dependable jobs are much harder to find.

Sometimes in a tough season some of the tree's branches will die off. If it had not grown them during the good season, it would not be losing them now. But things looked so much better back when it grew them.

 

[RodB651]

unmitigated temerity

unmitigated temerity???

It's too early for that. I'm glad I have my coffee!

 

[Underd0g]

I understand both points of view. Some channels are professionally presented and produced. That does not happen for free. I watch Dr James Tour, for example. I do contribute from time to time. I contribute a pittance to another channel that produces 2-3 hour epics every few months.

I don't believe that it is necessary to control social media to any great extent. No one is forced to pay. I've resolved the issue by subscribing to youtube and so going ad free.

What youtube shows is how shallow and pathetic most people's lives are. But that also applies to entertainment generally. The cost of tickets to a popular show is outrageous, but then so is the cost of putting on a show these days. If you are blessed by a particular youtuber, why not help if you can? Should it become a living? Why not? It's "supply and demand". I get hardly any views on my channel. That's OK, I have no desire to monetise. I have enough.

The other issue with monetising is youtube censorship. At present, I've not come across Christian channels that have been censored or demonetised. That could easily happen. We live in a world on the precipice. Some countries are on the verge of declaring the Bible to be "Hate Speech". That will make things interesting.

You make interesting points.
Why do people in general, Christians especially, have such a desire for entertainment spectacles?
I see why the young and immature need the experience of an extravaganza to file away in their memories,
but after a while, I can watch a performance on TV and be able to imagine how difficult the parking was,
and the expensive food and trinkets, and the lines to the bathroom, and the obnoxious fans.

I don't remember being enthralled with celebrity past age 25.
I tell people I saw Bob Dylan less and less. This is the first time in decades.

I've never even been impressed with a YouTube influencer for more than a few weeks.
After a very short while, they hit repetition mode and check out, knowing that
as one market ages out and gets bored with them, another will crop up because they've never heard it.
You can process the content in most channels in a matter of a few hours.
More often than not, you can figure out that a channel has no value in minutes.

I hear that even if something has no true intrinsic value, it makes the economy go round.

I wonder why we're not satisfied playing cards or Pictionary with our friends anymore. It's free.
Relationships are what take a hit with our obsession with YouTube channels.



.

 

[Lynx]

You make interesting points.
Why do people in general, Christians especially, have such a desire for entertainment spectacles?
I see why the young and immature need the experience of an extravaganza to file away in their memories,
but after a while, I can watch a performance on TV and be able to imagine how difficult the parking was,
and the expensive food and trinkets, and the lines to the bathroom, and the obnoxious fans.

I don't remember being enthralled with celebrity past age 25.
I tell people I saw Bob Dylan less and less. This is the first time in decades.

I've never even been impressed with a YouTube influencer for more than a few weeks.
After a very short while, they hit repetition mode and check out, knowing that
as one market ages out and gets bored with them, another will crop up because they've never heard it.
You can process the content in most channels in a matter of a few hours.
More often than not, you can figure out that a channel has no value in minutes.

I hear that even if something has no true intrinsic value, it makes the economy go round.

I wonder why we're not satisfied playing cards or Pictionary with our friends anymore. It's free.
Relationships are what take a hit with our obsession with YouTube channels.



.

All value is relative. Gold is useless to a starving man. It has a lot of value to one who is well fed but poor.

As for your last paragraph, playing pictionary is not nearly as distracting as watching tiktok. It's all about turning up the volume loud enough so you don't have to think. Your phone does that much better than your friends.

Once I heard a comedian say one of the most trenchant things I have ever heard. He said he sat down on the subway and suddenly realized he forgot his earbuds. Oh no! Now he can't listen to his music! Then he realized what he just thought and started trying to figure out why it was such a tragedy to him. "Oooooooh... I always thought I liked music. Turns out I just hate the sound of my own thoughts."