I started making videos on YouTube, not of tractors, but of other random things. Things that when I searched YouTube for, couldnt find exactly what I was looking for.
I put in a well cistern, had no idea what was involved. I searched YouTube, but didnt find exactly what I was going though. So, when it came time, I filmed the process and posted it to YouTube, in hopes that if someone searched for it, they would see my content and gain knowledge of the process.
I also made a video of making Biltong, which didnt turn out very well, but was fun. At this point, I didnt have a single subscriber, and I didnt care. I was just having fun.
Then I got my tractor, and up to this point, no one has made a video of my EXACT tractor. Some creators has similar tractors but, they didnt show the features that I wanted to see before I made my tractor purchasing decision. I found myself pausing the video to gain a glimpse of a lever or button, or whatever. I asked questions that went unanswered by the creators. People who make a living making YouTube, the large creators, seemed more focused on their business, rather than the tractor, or responding to questions or comments on their YouTube channel. So, about 2 minutes after my dealer dropped off my new tractor, I whipped out my phone and made the first tractor video. I strive to answer any question or respond to every comment necessary. Since posting that first tractor video, my channel has gained more and more subscribers.
I dont make videos for fame, money, to show off, or even as a "creative outlet." I am not the creative kind. I strive to be original and genuine. I highlight projects and focus on what I think my viewers want to see. Owning a tractor does not make me a farmer, a homesteader, or business owner. I have a normal "9-5" job working in an office environment. I do not make videos on a set schedule, nor do I script them. I use my own money for equipment, and spend my free time making and editing these videos, as well as brewing beer, working on my truck, spending time with family, hunting, fishing, other projects, playing video games, traveling, etc. It takes me roughly 30 minutes to shoot a 10 (or so) minute video with about 2 hours of editing involved. That is typically because I dont, yet, know exactly what I'm doing.
As far as security is concerned, I try not to show things like my house number, road name, real name, etc. Now, if it gets in there, oh well. If someone really wanted to know my identity or where I live, I am sure there are other ways. Google, Apple, the CIA, NSA, FBI, ATF, or any other agency the tin foil hat wearing people believe are out to get us all, already has all that info and will come to 'get' me one of these days. Privacy anymore is a complete joke. But I do attempt to keep some sort of anonymity. I simply dont live my life in fear of being... public.
I will continue to make videos as long as people watch them. It provides me the ability to interact with this community, and the YouTube community. Like when I posted a video, about the tractor, and someone on TBN noticed something completely wrong with my tractor that I didnt think was a big deal. Three videos on YouTube and a long thread with advice about the issue later, and the problem was solved. Making videos saved me from a major breakdown.
I believe that I have something to offer. I strive to keep my videos educational to the prospective buyer or owner. I wish to spread the brand of tractor I have, LS. I attempt to 'document' the things that I experience with my tractor. I do not make 'how-to' videos, or feel the need to discuss tractor brands or the business end of things. I know that I am dry, boring, and make mistakes (and I am not afraid to show them). My videos are crap compared to others, but I know that as I make them, I will get better. I recently got a Go-Pro and a lav mic for better audio and video. I dont think I will stop making videos until I am asked to, or people stop watching.
If you are so inclined, feel free to swing by my channel (link in signature) and check it out. I dont gain anything from it, but if you like it and want to see more, please subscribe and leave a comment.