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Hi Actual backers!

If it feels like I've been quiet lately, it's because I have been. Rather than talk about it here, it's something I want to address in a video so look out for that soon.

I'm desperate to come up with ways to release regular videos, because I want to repay you for all your support. But I also know that it's not worth churning out low-effort videos for the sake of it, because that's not what people are here for.

For ages, I've wanted to come up with a format that would allow me to make some shorter videos, still with characters or jokes and that still have some worthwhile content. 

It's tricky - in my head I want every video to be a super polished Top 10, with 8 characters, finely scripted jokes and beautiful videography. I believe that every game deserves that treatment. But what ends up happening is that I put those epic ideas on the backburner and a year later I still haven't made a video talking about "great travel games", because I never felt like I could do it justice.

So I want to find a way to entertain in bitesize formats. Is that a good idea?

For example, I recently thought about getting Timmy to talk about games for kids, and breaking it up into 1 video per game. 

The trouble is, one of my goals is to provide a useful resource for newbies. So that they can be sent to my Monopoly video or Couples video and watch that and be set on the right path in one fell swoop. If I divide "Good kids games" into five separate videos, it's no longer useful in that respect.

I suppose I have two questions:

1. Do you think it's a good idea to make shorter videos that can be released more regularly?

2. Do you have any ideas on the type of video you'd like to see? Or something that you feel could work well in a short format?

I also plan to continue the discussion about other aspects of the channel and the Patreon in future posts.

Thanks for reading!

Actually yours,

Jon

Comments

Chris Huston

Hmmm, I'm not really sure what I would do in your shoes. I personally prefer your longer ones, even if it's only once a month or so. I get that they probably take a lot longer to write, edit, etc, but the quality has always been top notch. Short format, that's a toughie. Maybe combine using a character with on screen text about the pros (or cons) of a game, especially if it's being compared to something else? Call it something like, "Now Just A Minute!" because it's a shorter video. Or not because that's a pretty stupid name, actually. I don't know, I'm just an idiot consumer of media, not a creator. :)

Robin

I really like the videos where you just sit and chat about what you played recently - especially the bits when you decide if you're going to sell a game and you give the reasons for doing so. They seem to exist quite happily side-by-side with the good comedy ones.

Zack Braun

From my experience with the various YouTubers out there, you need to find a mix of content that works for you, but keeps a regular schedule for your viewers. If you look at Cardboard Rhino as an example she has a mix of short videos (her 'Rhino Says Yes' series is an excellent example of quick, high impact content) and higher effort content. Don't worry about making shorter, less effort stuff to pad between the big stuff, especially since I often just want a quick video to watch. As far as what sort of stuff you should make. How about instead of one huge "Best Games For Travel", you break it into a series called "Travel Games Wut Don't Suck" that covers one or two at a time. I'd also love a "Game vs Game" segment. How about a theme oriented show which examines a few games with similar themes that are unusual (e.g. "In the mood for cooking games?"). Hell, even a series which is just interviews with people in the game video world would be interesting.

Ryan

1. Yes 2. My favorite are your character videos and songs, keep doing those. For fillers in between do the what I’m playing like your already doing. No change needed

Wesley Reynolds

I backed you because I enjoyed the scripted family at the table scenes. They don't need to all be long lists I suppose, but those interactions are funny. The schedule for me doesn't need to be break-neck, I wouldn't mind waiting longer between videos for them to be the longer style you mention. The short videos from you and others I don't usually end up sitting all the way through. But the fun story-driven ones pull me along with them and I'm more apt to share as a result as well. Also: the "actually yours" sign off is genius.

Jeremey Lasher

I love the family around the table and the character videos. Wating for them isn't a problem, it feels like a gift when they come in. I would rather see your better quality videos less often than see you just throwing things out so you can meet a schedule. That said, if your subscribers want shorter videos more often, then doing a Timmy's kids games or a Dad's games for grouchy people kind of set up would be great. Maybe do two games in each one. Like a good game vs a bad game example or a new hype and an old favorite. Not sure if that would help you balance the need for quick turn around with the creative aspect, but it would be better than a one game review. There are a lot of channels that do that already. Your content has always been special because of the care you put into it. Either way I'll keep watching and supporting.

Norm

Question 1: No. Shorter videos will make some Patreoners think you're creating higher video turnover to make more money. Good work takes times. Creativity takes time. Take your time, Jon. Quesiton 2: I like the idea of you reviewing one (or two) games per video and using your funny characters to convey their unique comical views of the games. Deadbeat Dad character is my favorite. I like your Toddler character too. You're still explaining the basics of each game, but you're *leveraging* your comical characters to add flavor to your reviews. I'm not sold yet on the Rapper character. Keep up the hard/good work Jon. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. Good Luck. Your Proud Patreon Backer, -Noel,

Robert Maeda

I really like the videos that you are producing right now, so I don't know if they are necessary. Basically, your videos have a certain style that your backers like. This is not to say that you could not make great shorter videos too, just that it is not necessary. As for what kinds of short videos you could do, I don't really know. There are so many people making short video reviews. Maybe some how to play videos might be fun. Your characters might make the how to play videos more fun for people learning to play. You would just have to make sure that the rules are still clear.

Ceedee Doyle

I'm with Jeremy and Wesley, I love the character, story-type ones and I'll hang out for them. Don't feel like you have to produce something more regularly than you are - it's exciting when I get notified of a new video, and I'm kinda disappointed when it's not a character one - although I fully appreciate that there's a mix and I watch all of them.

Ceedee Doyle

I think, in summary of the above - everyone's happy with what you're doing, so keep doing it! If you want to experiment then do, but we're loving you putting your soul into it already :)

Melissa Pananon

well, for our 2 cents, we (my 2 daughters and i) liked your character videos and we subscribed off of your couples video that was on BGG (? if any of that is correct ??) and laughed at your xmas games , song one, and def def luv your one with the american cop and hidden movement (?) games, that brexit one and 2016 also the alternatives ones are a fav! - this is off the top of my head so i'm guessing at these titles and content , i dunno, anywho... so my girls (11 & 13) wanted to back Timmy and so we do :) Shorter videos with information is fine, even if you do it in one character or even as yourself ;) -We actually enjoy Jon Purkis too , we like seeing what your playing and games you like oh and games that are leaving your collection And Why

Raymond Fowkes

In enjoyed the game collection runthrough! Shorter non-character videos including things like recent plays and thoughts, Top 5 or 10 lists of the month, etc. would be neat too.

Steve Cameron

Instead of Top 10 videos, maybe consider a "5 games for ____". They would be shorter to create/edit, and you could always follow up later with a "5 more games for ____".

Actualol

Thanks to everyone for your feedback and suggestions. I've read it all and it's helped sparked some ideas that will hopefully turn into something soon. Thanks for being the best Patrons ever :) xxx

Sara Tedrick Parikh

I’m late to the party, but I think doing mini series with specific characters could work well. You’re basically doing this now with your segments on pimping your games. You could similarly plan out themed playlists, using all one character or a different character for each game. As a perfectionist, I understand the paralysis. I fully support creating amazing videos less often, but I know that approach doesn’t always work with the creative process. As the owner of a shiny new baby, I also fully support reviewing kids games! And like many of the other commenters, I also like watching your more laid-back videos. It seems like most of your supporters came for the big showy scripted numbers, but stayed for you.