Comments by "" (@MyLifeOutdoors) on "Levi Hildebrand"
channel.
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I have a channel that talks about outdoor gear almost exclusively. I’ve had similar thoughts and feelings and have wondered how I can continue to serve my audience, help them find the gear that will work for them at every price point without contributing to excessive consumerism.
I’ve also experienced the massive difference in views a gear video gets over a trip video. It used to really bother me, but one of my viewers helped me see it in a different light.
Trip videos, especially to beautiful exotic places, can be discouraging to people who will never get to see those places. Why do I want to see your expensive vacation photos? But gear can go anywhere. If you are only able to hike a few weekends a year close to home, you can still picture yourself there with the gear in the videos. (Assuming it’s within your budget). If you plan one big trip a year that will only last a few days but might have some unique terrain, conditions, or gear needs, you can essentially extend that trip for months through researching and shopping for the gear that will make that trip more enjoyable. It’s fantasizing about the one big trip long before it happens. Do you need that gear, maybe not but it’s not completely about that, it’s about the trip you are looking forward to.
Those perspectives have helped me feel better about the popularity of gear videos. But I’m still concerned about the consumerism.
I enjoy your content BTW. Thanks for making it.
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