Just ranted a bit about the new Twitch category and in the process really called out those who chase the popular crowd of like-and-subscribers. I was making the point that it is more about building a true community where you happen to be the face on the stream or video, but it’s the members helping each other out that really lasts, well beyond you.
Not 10 minutes after I concluded that huge, politically incorrect rant, I got another $20 GitHub sponsor. I had to shake my head, because one true sponsor who really believes in what you are doing is worth something like 20 different Twitch subscribers, or close to 10,000 subs on YouTube. The objective truth is that if you are true to your personality and content, if you sincerely wish to promote and build your community, to raise them all up, and you along with them, that the money will come, if it is even needed.
The really great thing about supporting myself with a full-time job is not only that I have better background about the stuff I’m presenting on my limited stream and video time, but also that I don’t need the money so I can be sincere and put that money to good work building the stream and community itself. I use that money to upgrade equipment and improve my streaming and writing processes, for everyone. That’s what the spirit of FOSS is all about. It’s the new ‘sharing economy’ that will one day dominate and replace the traditional economy we are in right now. I’m feeling particularly hopeful today about the future of humanity. Time to watch some Mr. Robot and break down that unhealthy optimism. ;)
And thank you GitHub sponsors for what you do, even if at least one of you is probably going to make a kajillion dollars building my FOSS software into a start-up at some point. More power to you!