RAINES perspective

Send a text Even though my channel isn’t growing the way I hoped, creating content has changed my life. After decades in IT, YouTube gave me back my energy, creativity, and freedom. It’s one of the few creative paths with no gatekeepers—no licenses, no juries, no industry approval. Just you and your story. That’s why, to me, it’s still worth it.

Send a text Is YouTube still worth it? In this video, I break down the real challenges facing small creator,  (AI content, rising competition, and shifting monetization) while also sharing why I still believe it’s worth doing. If you’ve been wondering whether to start or keep going, this is for you. Honest, personal, and grounded in real experience.

Send a text Lately, I’ve been wondering if YouTube’s ad strategy is actually making it harder for small creators to grow. After hearing friends say they’re watching less YouTube because of too many ads, I started thinking—what happens when someone new discovers a small channel, gets hit with an ad, and decides to click away before giving the content a chance?

Send a text Many creators get stuck trying to follow the YouTube education formula—but it’s not the only path. Some of the most successful channels in niches like photography, van life, and off-grid living don’t use hooks, flashy thumbnails, or scripted intros. They simply share their story.

Send a text After many years of struggling with various creative activities, I take the unique perspective that if something is keeping you from product the thing that you want to produce and it is in your means to get that thing - then I feel like you should get it.

Send a text This video is just me generally sharing my thoughts on how Nikon’s purchase of RED and the recent “new” release of RED cameras with Z mounts has changed the way I am looking at things. That I NEVER considered want to own a “movie camera”, something like a RED until the recent release of the new cameras. As a result, I am starting to look at how I film, what I film and what my future mi...

Send a text As I step into the new year, I’m making some intentional changes to how I create content. There’s a lot of advice out there on what YouTubers should do, but I’ve realized that not all of it works for me. In this video, I’m sharing five things I don’t do as a YouTuber—even though everyone says you should. My hope is that by hearing my perspective, you’ll feel empowered to define your ow...

Send a text You’ve probably heard the advice: Don’t tell anyone about your YouTube channel, not even family or friends. But is that really good advice? In my experience, it’s actually one of the best things you can do. In this video, I’ll share why I believe keeping your channel a secret could be holding you back, and why sharing it might be the best thing that you can do.

Send a text Struggling with scriptwriting? A well-structured script can make all the difference in creating videos that engage viewers, increase watch time, and get more views. But writing scripts that flow naturally and keep your audience hooked is not always easy. In this episode, I am sharing a couple of powerful solutions that have transformed my scriptwriting process, helping me refine ideas,...

Send a text Finding the right online community as a creator can be frustrating. Many groups are either tied to revenue-driven programs or overrun with self-promotion, making it hard to build real connections. In this video, I break down the five key attributes that make a community truly great—one that fosters genuine support, collaboration, and lasting relationships without the noise. I also shar...

Send a text Let’s end this debate once and for all: It’s always the right time to start a YouTube channel or Podcast.  In this video, I dive into why the constant chatter about whether it’s the “right time” to start needs to stop. The truth is simple, if you’re passionate about creating, the best time to start is now. Forget the overthinking, ignore the endless debates, and focus on what really ma...

Send a text Reinvention isn’t the answer, it’s time to focus on being your authentic self. In this video, I’m breaking down the three essential things every creator needs to know to stay true to who they are.  Whether you’re just starting or have been at it for a while, these practical steps will guide you toward embracing your authentic self and building a path that truly resonates.

Send a text How do you stay motivated to create when it feels like nobody’s watching? In this video, I share my thoughts on a comment from a fellow creator about the challenges of motivation and finding an audience in today’s content creation world. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience on YouTube, I explore why persistence matters, the importance of finding the right community for support an...

Send a text When I started in the IT industry over 30 years ago being a software developer was very much like being a content creator is today. One of the things that concerns me is, will the creator world end following the path of the IT industry and become a regulated, rule based industry that drains creativing from its core. 

Send a text Not all companies in the creator space understand the unique challenges we face, especially as small or growing creators. But there are a few that truly “get it,” offering tools and services that are not only valuable but also affordable and built with creators in mind. In this episode, I’m celebrating three companies that have impressed me with their commitment to supporting creators...