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 might look like as far as a creator, now that Nikon / RED have opened the door for me to utilize all the glass I currently own with some form of a cinema camera in the future. 

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 own path and focus on what truly matters in your YouTube journey.

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, catch mistakes early, and push through creative roadblocks. 

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 share how I have applied these principles to create a space designed for creators like us to grow and thrive together.

Click the link below to find out more about the community that I have for creators like us.
🔗 https://bit.ly/3zId6wR