I could scroll YouTube for days. In fact, if I look at my phone’s screentime stats, it would probably say that I do. There’s something immensely satisfying about shutting my brain off for a time and just taking in the fruits of others’ labor. I’m a good consumer.
But a good consumer provides little value to others.
I’ve long wanted to be a better producer. You could say that this blog is allowing me to do that, and I’d accept your optimism. However, I want to give back some of the countless hours I’ve been given scrolling through videos online. Never mind the silly “fails” videos or meme compilations, I’ve learned a ton on web development, web design, UI/UX design, WordPress, WooCommerce, and programming from tech YouTube. And yet I know that there’s more that’s not covered — or, at least, not in the way that allows people like me to learn it more easily.
With almost 2 decades of web design and development knowledge, I know I have processes, tricks, experiences, and opinions to share. I would love to make this the year that I produce more content! (Not more than I consume, that would be a big ask. But maybe more than I have in the past.)
So what’s stopping me?
I’m sure I’m not the first to wrestle with these questions, but here’s what cripples my motivation every time:
- Will anyone care? What if I don’t get any viewers?
- What if I’m not good at this?
- What if I accidentally say something that’s wrong? Will I be raked over the coals?
- What if I really don’t know what I’m talking about and people notice?
- What if my production quality isn’t good enough?
- What if I run out of things to talk about?
- Will my non-tech friends watch? Will I be embarrassed?
Despite all the fears, I know the real question is “does any of that matter?” I know that starting something new can be daunting, but the benefits outweigh the fear and I should just get started.
Maybe this is the year.
