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Watch Wes Work
Watch Wes Work

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2024 Wrap Up

You guys have seen most of this stuff, but there might be a few Easter eggs.

2024 Wrap Up

Comments

Wes, I feel just the same about video length as you, and your videos always feel about right. I never have the urge to fast forward or skip. They're "all killer, no filler" . Please know you and your work are valued BY HUMANS

Shane McQuoid

Me too! Doorway amnesia - have a look at this for an explanation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doorway_effect

Shane McQuoid

Late to the party as usual, but wanted to say "hang in there, man". Try to enjoy everything you are doing and don't get more introspective than is necessary. You make great and engaging videos no matter what you try, so just keep doing projects that you enjoy and showing us some of them - that'll work just fine. Oh, and if I ever win the lottery, I'm gonna share some with you!

GoatBreath

That's exactly what it's like for me. Several times a day I will be standing in a room with no idea why I went there. Normally I have to leave and come back later when I do remember. There are videos I could watch for 90 minutes, but that's pushing it for any kind of content. I can sometimes watch long movies but usually it's over several days. What's really weird is I can focus to a scary level on certain things that I find interesting.

Watch Wes Work

Saying that you haven't lost interest in you wife is the most powerful statement on the internet. I always wanted that. I'm 55 and it's not to late to find the right one for me. I work alone in a warehouse and I often find myself forgetting why i walked into the office or why I'm standing in the middle of my shop. I have a check scanner on my desk so I don't have to go to the bank anymore. 4 times in 2024, I entered the payment on a customer's account and made a deposit in my accounting software but forgot to scan the check and deposit it in the bank. My accountant caught it once but the other times the customers called asking if i got their checks. Stuff like that spooks me. I had flooring installed several years ago and i still find baseboards I haven't put back. Sorry for the multiple edits, I hit enter and it saves my comment. Do you ever watch Hand Tool rescue? He doesn't make many videos, but they are fun. I think that's the way You tube should be, but maybe he has another source of income. Pacific Northwest Hillbilly doesn't make many videos, and the ones he does are over an hour but he does a lot of work in them. I used to watch Vice Grip Garage, but he's fallen into the make as many as possible and make them 2 hours long. It's not fun anymore. If something is two hours long it better be entertaining like Harry potter or Lord of the Rings.

scottgm321

I have heard that a lot of adults find out about their mental issues when their kids are diagnosed. I see a lot of my traits in my son, which is concerning. I wish he was more like his mother.

Watch Wes Work

OK. I'll check it out.

Watch Wes Work

I expected I had Autism for years. Got diagnosed last year cause it enabled me to stay as WFH - I'm nearly off the charts but still fully functional aside from having to force myself to overcome a lack of emotional IQ. I have many of the same interests and issues as you Wes: electronics, 3dprinting, cars, machining. You keep it pretty real and I learn new things from watching you. It's why I'm here. I mentioned in the YT comments but saying it here too. I take Phosphatidylserine Memory Ultimate Complex any time I start having the mental issues you mention. It helps me get past that can't focus making mistakes issues. Try it, can't hurt, and it really helps me!

KyferEz

Much like these other comments on here, I am here for you Wes. You are so intelligent and your quick wit gives me so many laughs. I'm here for you and will always watch anything you put out.

Braden McLane

... also, ADHD and Autism tend to run in families, keep that in mind in case your kid struggles in school.

Anditainment

Didn't you mention a discord or something? Might be a way for asking/polling these people on how they interact? As always, asking the right questions will be the challenge, I guess. Also: If you forgot about Rick's Videos/"Test", give yourself a point :-) I promise its worth watching, at least you'll get a couple of good chuckles.

Anditainment

Same here. Great machine.

Craig Miller

Thank you for all the videos this year, I really enjoyed them regardless of subject. As someone who started out as an apprentice on manual and CNC machines the workshop build and machinery ones certainly scratch an itch but the two main draws for me are your diagnostic process (and by extension the way you explain things, which I think you have a real gift for) and your personality and dry sense of humour which are up there with the absolute best. The fact that you judge your content by whether you would watch it is crucial, in fact I suspect it's a big part of why the people who subscribe do so and it intertwines with your desire not to waste peoples time. When people make content that they don't themselves find interesting I think it shows whereas I think I've watched all of your videos in full and there are only and handful of people on Youtube I can say that about. Keep making the stuff you enjoy the way that you enjoy. If you need/want to accept sponsorships then do so, whether you restrict it to stuff you'd use yourself or, like Captain Kleeman, do it in a way that I find highly amusing I trust your judgement. On a personal note I thought the Hamiltonville Farm collaboration was really good (I also liked the previous Dig, Drive, DIY one though I suspect that one was less planned and more necessity :) ), more in that vein would be interesting if it works for you. Lastly I'm glad you are taking care of your health, physical and mental, I have 10 years on you and hearing you speak about things getting harder on the body was like listening to myself from the past coming to the realisation that knees aren't an infinite resource ;) . Specifically on the mental health part, do what you feel is best for you but don't beat yourself up. My son has Asperger's, something it took me a long while to come to terms with but, once I had, my wife invited me to consider which of his parents he shared many of those traits with and all of a sudden a lot of my own quirks suddenly made a lot more sense. I know what you mean about 'missing pieces', however I've come to accept that it is as much the basis for my strengths as much as any weaknesses and that ultimately my son and I are who we are and that's OK (In fact as I've got older I have steadily moved toward a 'If people like me that's OK. And if they don't like me that's OK as well' attitude). Thanks again for all the videos, although we've never met I can honestly say watching your videos is like catching up with a good friend. You really are very good at what you do. Wishing you, Mrs Wes, the kiddo, Max and the rest of your family a fantastic 2025.

Max Chaplin

I do really like the variety on your channel and your authentic and down to earth and funny as hell. Your the only person I support on patreon and I would like to see a little longer videos with your down to earth and funny look at dumb stuff 😂 and I think your are really experienced and clever all-round mechanics. And please more Fabrications đŸ™đŸ€©

Martin Pedersen

100% this. I had exactly the same thought.

Max Chaplin

I'm waiting to YouTube to block the sponsors unless they get a cut. I can't believe they haven't done that already.

Watch Wes Work

I need to see a specialist. It's part of my plan.

Watch Wes Work

Yeah I should do a better job with the chapters. I do like those.

Watch Wes Work

Not stress. It's just something I think about. Everything is fine.

Watch Wes Work

Good luck with your property. Some days I'm jealous of people living in condos!

Watch Wes Work

Regarding the mental health stuff: I've had a wide range of mental disorders my whole life. I'm not at all one to disregard medical advice, but your doctor being reluctant to treat anything because you've been able to cope with it so far is dismissive and harmful. Things like ADHD and autism are obviously a wide spectrum; different people struggle with different aspects of them. Some may not need pharmaceutical treatment. But educating yourself on these disorders and how they may affect you personally is a universally effective way to improve your quality of life with them, whether it be through cognitive techniques or pharmaceutical treatment. I'm really glad that you're looking into this stuff and trying to take better care of yourself. It's an extremely rare sight among the automotive/blue collar side of YouTube.

Natalie Schmidt

Heh, I don't know if I even looked at the instructions. I don't even know if mine had them. I watched a few videos and once I figured out what it wanted I made up my own process.

Watch Wes Work

Wow! That's so simple, but somehow I never thought about it that way. I too have to just flush projects at some point. I think it's why I like art and CAD and programming. I can play with new ideas without investing so much in something I probably won't finish.

Watch Wes Work

I watched you fix your dishwasher and was entertained so i wouldn't worry too much. If you film it they will come lol. Make what you want we will be here.

Darran

I don’t know if anyone’s said it yet, but please feel free to take all the sponsorship deals you want/need to. They are easy enough to skip past, at least until YouTube implements a feature that locks your playback controls during sponsored segments or something. I would really prefer for you to have the added financial security of sponsors if it’s something you want/need.

Carson Zimmerman

It sucks that it’s so volatile. You’re right when you say it’s one of the most fun things you’ve ever done. If it goes belly up, I guess it’s back to working whatever a “real job” is these days for me.

Jamie Pilkey

Heh, I have actually seen a few of his videos. They are enlightening to say the least!

Watch Wes Work

I plan to meet with a psychologist. We'll see what he says. I don't have the social markers for autism, but it's a wide spectrum, so I won't rule it out.

Watch Wes Work

Yeah, it seem a lot of folks have the same afflictions. Maybe all of us to some degree.

Watch Wes Work

Yeah, I'm fully aware that this YouTube thing won't last forever. Gotta get the most out of it while we can.

Watch Wes Work

I get it. Money makes the world go 'round. I don't blame anyone for appeasing the algorithm, I have to do it too.

Watch Wes Work

I know it will be, though I have less hair every day...

Watch Wes Work

Thanks and welcome aboard!

Watch Wes Work

That's an interesting take on the situation. It's so hard for me to understand how other people watch and interact with YouTube videos.

Watch Wes Work

Was my thought too, I can see a lot of similarities between me and Wes, and perhaps one of the reasons I like the videos an share the same interests. Wes, if you're reading, "autistic burnout" is a thing, and is asssociated with an apparent loss of "skill", making mistakes, and exhaustion. Might be worth looking into if it sounds familiar to you.

Martin McNickle

Couple of Observations: If you’re interested in adult ADHD, Rick Green (yep, the one playing Bill Smith in the Red Green Show) has a pretty interesting channel about it. (Spoiler: Both Rick and Patrick have ADHD): Probably start with this test and then look for the TV documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmdL48xY7Ng The long videos are for money, sure. But there is more, I guess. I see plenty of folks watching streamers for hours on end and these streamer folks churn out 8+h of Material every day, any day. My guess is that plenty people out there are pretty lonely and are substituting Videos for social contacts. This is a different purpose of a video, requiring a different kind of video. You probably don’t meet up with your family for a concise 20min a week. You spent hours every day, which, from afar, probably look pretty boring to others. So if you want to scratch that itch, it’s gotta be long, feasible to produce and somehow boring. Ideally with building an active community which interacts with each other, like a meeting place for like-minded folks. Obviously this is a wet dream for marketing. Might be worth some research, there’s plenty of streamers who just stream their daily job like wood carving, game development, 
 I honestly don’t know if I would watch that or if I’d like to produce something like it. But I grew up in a workshop and remember getting up early and going to the workshop before school just to watch what’s going on, so there’s that. I hate Notifications, I just use subscriptions as a good old bookmark: If I want to watch videos, I have a look what my subscribed channels have put out. No bell. Aside from shorts, I rarely watch what the algorithm suggests, it’s mostly word of mouth or my own research.

Anditainment

We appreciate you Wes, do whatever you need to take care of you and family

Mike Gouveia

Here's a video you might relate to , and put a smile on your face https://youtu.be/lzq-KQgn5BQ?si=2YVrF0fW-bVWSwtj

Anthony deFreitas

Happy New Year Wes! I just signed up here after watching the YouTube version. If I had known you were on patreon I would have been here sooner. Thank you for your videos

Bart Wilcox

I feel like you're like the smart handy neighbor everyone wishes they had. Nobody shuns that guy because his interests shifted from machining to wrenching on cars to forest robots. People just hang out and learn some shit and probably bitch about relatable things like how everything hurts but at least we aren't bald yet or whatever. That model of social relations goes back to amiably grunting in a cave with the dude who knew how to sharpen the best rock. It's gonna be fine.

Alex Belshe

Wes, I’m not sure if you’re going to see this or not but I for one will never stop watching you. I don’t care what it is that you’re doing. I prefer the automotive stuff but of course whatever makes you happy and that you still are having fun and enjoying what you’re doing. It’s a damn shame that everything is money driven these days. I see it in my career as well.

Dakota Almeida

Had a chance to watch this video tonight. There’s definitely a market for personality driven content in any given niche on YouTube. The company I work for is an example, many of the other creators I follow are examples as well. I’m not watching Techmoan or LGR because every piece of tech they cover is interesting, it’s the effort they put in to making it interesting. What I like about your channel is that you are a relatable guy and you’re doing stuff with neat things that are beyond the scope of what I do every day. In 2025, charge me more on here 😂. I would happily give more. The algorithm is scary! We have regular meetings at work that discuss how well the company is doing. There was a point in 2024 where I revved up my computer and redid my resumĂ© just in case. It was ultimately unnecessary, but you never know. All the best for 2025!

Jamie Pilkey

Wes, I'm here to watch whatever you choose to put up. I've learned a ton from what you're posting! Edit: Just got to the end of the video, and it felt a *lot* like listening to myself. I'm 12 years further out, and I know exactly how you feel. Can't do the things I used to do anymore. I remember swapping engines outdoors in the snow, laying in slush to bolt up the transmission and converter. That was young me, older me can't understand how I used to do it. The physical wear and tear adds up. Spent 25 years as an urban firefighter with all the associated damage that comes with it. The arthritis, bad joints, and all the rest of it makes getting things done a lot harder than it used to. I'm technically retired but I'm so busy with family and home related stuff that I'm short on time for 'recreational' activities. I appreciate the time you put into your videos and I also appreciate the lack of 'padding'. The focus and organization stuff seemed to get more challenging with age. A lot of times I need to stop for a second or two, take a breath, and get my brain to focus on the task at hand. It never feels as if there's enough time to get everything done so I'm rushing against a clock of my own making, and half preoccupied with the next task to be done... Usually leading to mistakes. I'll quit rambling on. Just remember - You're not alone out there.

Keith Mezzina

Yeah, this. Also being autistic, I can see some similarities between Wes and myself.

centauri61032

Talking about your brain, I’m seeing some ADHD traits, but I’m pretty much sure that you are autistic. I have both ADHD and autism, and I’ve had the same sort of focus issues, life changes as you get older. You can’t be hyper focused as before, so tend to avoid instead? I’ve some experience with treating this, and I’ll happily send some scientific evidence about what might help, assuming you don’t want to go the long term pharma treatment route. I’m guessing that you have my email, I can send you some scientific papers and explain my experience if you like, you can make your own decision based on that. If you like send an email.

Richard Pruen

I'm excited about the coming content. Realize that many of your viewers are doing project vicariously through you, so I think your feelings are natural. The viewer has the free time, and you're filing it with personality and entertainment.

Michael Belt

Thank you for your honesty, Wes. I suspect the more unusual your video, the more popular it will be with new viewers. The idea of the robots shifting the car or driving the bike piqued the interest of my wife and I. You talked quite a bit about the algorithm and I know a video you might be interested in. It's a bit silly, but he's a professional exploiter who has shifted his experimentation from video games to PayPal and YouTube. Given your engineering mind, you may find some of his experiments enlightening, as I have, especially when you take a look at the results. By the way, I'm certain he's not quite as honest as you. (The Spiffing Brit): https://youtu.be/DlyjfI_4Yig?si=SevTlcbQg-xS-QW4

Alan Savoy

Wes you are only human. I watch your videos because it's one of "your" videos. I don't watch them because of the content. Don't get me wrong I like all of your content no matter what it is. I would watch a video of you doing your laundry. lol You would somehow make it interesting. That's the kind of guy/creator that you are! I 100% agree with everything you said especially about exploring sponsorships. And it would be interesting to see the press brake conversion. Motorcycle videos would also be interesting. I personally can't wait for what you produce in 2025. The lengths of your videos don't really make a lot of difference to me probably because I'm partially retired. I do agree that some creators videos are too long, but yours are always precise and to the point. Just keep doing what you want, and take us along for the ride!

Greg G.

Just turned 40 two days ago. Been seeing a therapist for a little over a year trying to find those "missing pieces" and understand why I can't seem to just use my brain "like everyone else". Turns out our brains are very powerful, with the ability to hyperfocus and avoid distraction...when we're interested. It's when we lose interest in our new "thing" and those things start to pile up that other, more negative aspects of ADHD start to pop up. Learning more about living with (not controlling) my ADHD is on my list this year. That and feeling and expressing gratitude. With that, thank you for your entertaining and informative content. (Also check out "How to ADHD" on YT, she's got some interesting comtent that may at least make you not feel so isolated)

Adam McKnight

Good point! I've been thinking that while my ADHD always "wants more", I just don't have the time or space to keep taking on projects, not finishing them and yet find even more. I have to force myself to just get rid of projects. I also have to consider what I'm willing to pay for the "experience" of buying or starting projects with the understanding I may never finish them or even lose money. I have to draw the line ahead of time and cut ties with dead weight projects.

Adam McKnight

Wes, first I appreciate the heck out of you and your videos. There’s something very grounding about your style. You haven’t “jumped the shark” as many other YouTubers have. As far as growing the channel goes you mentioned YouTube shorts had really good engagement (aside from the feedback in the comments). Have you given thought to using TikTok as a platform? It could be a good driver for viewers who enjoy short format versions of your videos and then go to the YouTube channel for the full experience. Just a thought.

Brian

On the ADHD front, as a guy with genuine ADHD I have a thought on why it's getting "Worse". ADHD for me didn't actually get worse, what happened was life kept getting more complex. It's how humans are we don't ever stay static. The problem was my coping mechanisms stopped keeping up. So, you might not be getting worse you might just have so much going on that the coping mechanisms you have can't keep up anymore.

taboc741

One more thing... I recently- on your recommendation, bought the latest Model 13-B Vevor drill sharpener. What a great machine. I rewatched your video on that. The lead in made me roar with laughter. The whole bit a about the conspiracy to "keep the Drill Doctor down" gag. "Is the drill doctor that good?" (then Wes comes in from the side of the camera view... ) "No. No it's not". And the all seeing eye drawing on the chalk board. That opener makes the whole video! Damn funny stuff. I watched that part like 3-4 times. Wry sense of humor! Priceless. So, as you know, the Vevor instructions are written in some odd barely decipherable form of Chinglish pigeon of which I am not fluent. I can make out a few words and phrases. The drawings are... terrible. But with your and Mr Pete's help I have it up and running. I have done some test drilling and experimentation. It is a super awesome machine. Thanks for the tip and the help figuring out it's proper operation. My Drill Doctor and it's huge blow molded case will be on it's way to the Habitat For Humanity thrift store later today. Make a little room on the shelf. Always a good thing.

Craig Miller

Well Wes, I guess I'm one of your retired guys who has time to do what ever I want. That said, I don't sit much either. I do watch all, every one of your videos. I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment about personality driven content. I watch not so much for what you are doing, but to get my Wes fix. If I was your actual friend, vs a virtual friend... I would drop by to help you out or just to see what you are up to, I guess in a virtual way I do the same thing. It gives me a chance to look in on you. I live in the country now, I'm a retired city firefighter/paramedic. I guess you could say I'm isolated due to retirement. But I'm very busy bringing this new place up to my standards. I have a large workshop now and I will soon begin adding videos to my channel. But with barely more than 1000 subs and the time it takes to make videos, I'm not all that motivated. I only watch Youtube, mostly channels like yours, Musty-1 and Andrew- since I'm sick of the leftist political propaganda, the media social indoctrination and the freakish rot in society and on television. I'm not sure humanity is going to make it if we continue along this path. I digress. I enjoy your work, I enjoy your family and mainly I enjoy you, your detailed explanations and drawings and your wry sense of humor. I'm glad you remain dedicated to your videos so I can see you and what you are up to. You are a very smart guy. Thanks for letting us into your world. Oh...I'm 69 a few days ago so you won't be getting much sympathy on turning 40, LOL. Keeping the weight off, staying physically active and as fit as your schedule allows and watching your carb intake I have found to be the best way to stave off the decrepitness of aging. Getting fat, depressed and lazy is the fast track to the grave. Cardio is the best bang for your buck when it comes to regular fitness training and available time. Even if it's only 30 minutes a day. Keep at it friend. I love your stuff, what ever it might be. Happy 2025.

Craig Miller

Wes, Like others have stated here, I'll watch your videos...regardless. I've followed and watched your videos from the near the beginning, when you were in your old shop in the industrial park... ...and have laughed until I cried at some of your videos... ...but until know, I have never gotten emotional over any until the end of this one... I watched it again with my wife and at the end of this second viewing, my face was leaking and all wet. I am truly sorry that Youtube is causing you all of this grief and stress. I have upped my support with the hopes my minuscule contribution helps.

Bryan Smith

For me, one of the draws to your videos are how well you explain what you are doing, then show how to accomplish it while explaining any non-standard tools used along the way. Kind of like you are teaching a smart, but inexperienced apprentice. If you want to add some "useful to some but not everyone" type content, perhaps add some chapters to the video so it can be easily skipped by those that are not interested. Which tools are used and why might be a good section to add. Perhaps an Amazon store with links to items you use could provide an additional income stream. I understand also about the slowing down part. At 50, it was pretty common for me to spend 8-10 hours straight out in my shop working on a project on my weekends. Now at 60, it becomes more like 3-4 hours at a time, and I need a break. Keep up the good work and great content.

Lee Ludden

Well stated!!

Bryan Smith

As I've said a thousand times before: You post it, I'll watch it. Always have, and always will. When you start trying to appease the algorithm Gods, they change the rules. Just do you. You are NUMBER 1 on my list of favorite content creators, and I have hundreds, ney, thousands to choose from. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to this coming year. Oh. and btw, out of about 30 channels I subscribe to, I've only joined Patreon for 2

Sammy Fender

Here's my two cents. We all have stuck with you through the years because of what you started off as. "Watch Wes Work". You have a nitch for videoing interesting content at a captivating pace. If a project takes a half a day but is condensed into a half an hour interseting video, so be it. If a project takes 3 days in the shop but is condensed into a 90 minute interesting video, so be it. A lot of us are shadetree mechanics who grew up with carberators, points and timing lights. I myself am amazed with your captivating diagnostic talents. I really wish you could be a prototype engineer, that seems to be your calling. Just a suggestion, check out Simon Fordman on YouTune. His videos are lengthly yet very captivating fixing the unthinkable with a few basic tools. And he never speaks a word whie doing it.

David G King

Personally I'd watch you change a light bulb, whether it was a short or a 3 hour video (but I like the direct content, not the teaser short or the bloated filler), and I toss you some beer coupons each month here to say so.. its the content, style, and the dry humor that hits me. I like the automotive content, but its hard to compete with the likes of Eric O or Ivan full time. Now, I as a fellow 40 adjacent fella, retired electronics tech retreading to working in a small job shop, and owner of a bunch of suspect equipment, I too am living most of the struggles you are creating content on daily, but with a lot more gear cutting. Keep on keeping on, and Happy new year!

Greg

Thanks for a great year of video. You're absolutely right about the personality aspect of the posts. That's what keeps me coming back and moved me to Patreon. My wife and I look forward to what 2025 will bring from you. I for one appreciates concise content that doesn't waste my time. Thanks again. PS. I'd love to see something on the Rabbit as I used to own one (1979) myself. I think the shorts are wonderful for the humerous posts, like customer asked for wheel balancing on a wheel with 20 pounds of mud caked on it.

Michael S Wilhelm

I've been watching your videos for a number of years. I try not to miss any of them. It seems that no matter what you do, it is interesting in one way or another. Your abilities in so many areas are impressive and sometimes fascinating. I'm a young man of 75 and have a variety of interests and find myself in the same place as you as far as having the ambition to finish things sometimes. Being retired, I do have the time to watch videos of just about any length, but one hour is about the practical limit for most. As you note, it is the quality of the video that makes it easy to spend the time watching it. I'm not a fan of a channel that is nothing but shorts. I have one channel I've watched for several years and in the past 6 months or so, all his video on YouTube is shorts. He typically only posts full length videos on Patreon. Kind of annoying. I don't mind watching via Patreon but the shorts drive me nuts. In any case, I expect to continue watching your videos regardless of length or content. Keep up the good work.

Merritt Derr

I'm honestly surprised you haven't taken on sponsor spots yet, seems like the low hanging fruit to me. As long as the company isn't a blatant scam I see no harm in it, pretty much everyone just skips over those parts anyway. I'd say do whatever the algorithm wants you to, at the end of the day it's your employer

Nick Hough

I personally enjoy your videos, regardless of the topic. Focusing more on personality-driven content could pay off in the long run, but who knows? It’s ultimately up to you—do what you love and keep going. Please take care of yourself and your family first, and don’t let the channel frustrate you too much. I'm looking forward to enjoying "Watch Wes Work" content for a long time to come. Thank you for all your hard work, and have a Happy New Year in 2025!

Cesar

I enjoy all the content. I would just like to see more of it. One of my favorite videos was the profile threading of the cable shaft from the old shop.

llljj9

Same for me, i went to a psychologist in leadvile, co, she does remote iif you need one. I just received my late diagnosis autistic/adhd. Very glad i went after self diagnosis 3 years prior. Its helpful just to talk to them about it. It gets harder the longer i went undiagnosed

mike forbes

Hey Wes. I placed an “order” on your website last night with note saying not to ship the stickers. I just wanted to make a donation and that was the only way I could figure to do it.

Jon Nierenburg

Matt's video did make me tired :-) It's his longest so far in Q4, near as I can tell. Many channels seem to have just added cameras so that they have "roll" to edit. That would probably not fit well in the WWW format. I do note that both Matt and Bob Dunne are shilling for Factor.

CapnMac82

With no data to back up my guess, I have to wonder how much of your audience actually has more time for watching All The Things from the 'death' of cable. When your alternative is annoying junk off streaming services (and having to go through a menu of a dozen or more) it can be far easier to sit down with "plain" YT and watch that. (It may help that most modern TVs already have a link to both YT and YT TV in their menus.) Dunno. YT keeps monkeying with the algorithm. And, much of that may just be that YT has too many bots running other bots, and is not actually under human control now, anymore.

CapnMac82

I agree - for me it was liberating to discover that there are others like me, I'm not so alone. My wife is also on the spectrum but she'd much rather not know where so is unwilling to go through diagnosis or therapy. Each to their own as ever. Good luck on your journey Wes!

David Yates

Hope you had a great Christmas Mr and Mrs Wes,Great vlog Wes see you on more vlogs I look forward to watching them,All your vlogs are good imo your humour is great

craig orford

You could add more levels on Patreon. Personally, I would watch you wash the gravel in your driveway. I like videos between ten and twenty minutes.

Sue Rollinson

I don't have any advice worth giving since I'm not you. I feel the age creeping up on me too. Certainly I empathize with not being able to do all the physically demanding things I used to. I don't get the long YouTube video thing either. 30min in the morning with a cup of coffee and WWW is a nice way to start the day. I probably fall into the personality driven viewer category. So I'm here to see where it goes. I hope it works out. I'm excited to see where you take the channel. All the best, and Happy New Year!

K H

I think that only 2 of the automotive content videos made it into the top ten of 2024 is (obviously) an important observation. Brings you more freedom content-wise, doesnt it? And if sponsors are necessary, I'm in for it. Running a shop isn't cheap, everyone has to understand that. Looking forward for what 2025 will bring!

thedeafguitarist

I came across your channel for the first time earlier this year, funnily enough it was your drill doctor video. I watched it and, while entertaining, it wasn't anything especially wild for a first visit to a channel: a YouTuber reviews a tool they purchased on Amazon. What made me stay, watch a good percentage of your back catalog, and become supporter on Patreon was you and your personality. There's a million places where I could watch someone change brake pads, or sharpen drill bits, or repack a hydraulic cylinder. The reason I choose to watch all that here is because you're the one doing it. You're personality and way of making videos is what brings me and everyone else back to keep watching, not necessarily the content. I hope you and you're family have a great start to 2025!

joe Conrad

I like hanging out with you. keep up with the personality driven content. length doesn't matter to me (I watch all yt at 2x). if it helps with the algo, keep stuff you normally would cut. thanks for your comments at the end. I find them relatable and have also found being vulnerable helps with my imposter syndrome. keep at it!

Michael Stern

Hi Wes and Happy New Year. I fall in that old retired guy category, however in my working years I have done some degree of nearly everything presented in your videos and I look forward to each release. Education and entertainment in one tidy package! One of my favorites was "AFM Deletes Itself" and I've watched it many times. What an emotional roller coaster! I subscribe to YT Premium, to me it's a few dollars well spent. Do you receive any proceeds from views that do not include ads? Lastly, if you need to take on a sponsor to make things economically viable, go for it. I'd prefer it not be about Salisbury Steak or green goo but I'll gladly sit through it to support the channel. All the best to you, Mrs. Wes, Kiddo and Max!

Eddie Williamson

Imposter syndrome is a big problem for me.

Watch Wes Work

I actually go to a nurse practitioner. I kind of like it. She's all business. But I will probably look for a psychologist or someone in that space.

Watch Wes Work

It is kind of nice to know what the problem is, even if there's not much you can do about it. I'm going to look for a psychologist or something closer to that.

Watch Wes Work

I'm with you. I just need to get the ship headed mostly in the right direction and see how far it takes me.

Watch Wes Work

Yes, it's hard to maintain novelty. Some creators are really good at it.

Watch Wes Work

I'm not smart enough to BS anyone.

Watch Wes Work

I mean some repairs are more interesting than others, but I was surprised.

Watch Wes Work

I will start at the end of your video, I really like watching your videos. I think you hit it with the personality thing. While watching your videos at the start, You would say or do something that would let me see there was a lot more going on with you than just replacing brake pads everyday. Three times in this video, I heard you say I am not sure if anyone would watch. Well I would watch and think a lot more feel the same way. While I am not retired I am decades older then you. 40 is when I noticed the same thing and it was not until 50 I took it seriously. Please do not make that same mistake! Just take small steps in the right direction everyday and your future self will thank you. If you do not like what the doctor is saying just get another opinion. I would look for a DO as opposed to just an MD. I like all your ideas for the upcoming year. Give the family a hug and the dog a pet from us. Thanks for bring us along

Robert

Happy New Year to you and your family Wes, I hope it's a good one. Regarding the mental health aspects, I've had a really rough year with what I think was a mini breakdown in February. The upshot is that I definitely have ADHD with a dash of Autistic Spectrum Disorder too, which does explain a lot of the experiences I've had in my formative years. The breakdown was brought on because I couldn't sustain the effort of masking my personality to try to appear "normal" or like everyone else. I've pretty much stopped trying to do that now and I do feel much better as a consequence. I don't mean t make this all about me, just trying to relate my experience to your situation. Whatever part of the spectrum you are on, you have a brilliant mind and an engaging personality and that's why I love your content. I'm really glad to hear that you enjoy making videos, I hope you continue to do so for a long time to come.

David Yates

Trying to figure out this stuff is hard. There is a response bias built in. The majority of commenters will be those at the extremes - very happy and very upset. It gives you very little info on what the lump in the middle want. Are they happy and quiet? Are they upset and left? Good luck with that. You have your priorities correct. Take care of yourself and your family. It's great if the YT stuff helps support your family and the projects you enjoy. Not many get to do all of that and stay successful. I am interested in your content because 1) I enjoy diagnostic and problem solving videos. 2) You give me the completely misplaced confidence to try bigger and more complicated projects at home. 3) I really like your approach. Self-deprecating humor, humility, honesty showing mistakes, and a love of learning. No idea where that puts me in your viewer demographics. I pay for your content on Patreon because of the perceived value. While I watch your whole videos, I admit to frequently using ad blocking software. I'd rather pay you directly on Patreon. If you get sponsors, I will watch the ads if the product is of interest. If not, sorry - fast forward. Bad news - the brain stuff does not improve much with greater age unless there is some underlying issue that can be treated. Yes, the research shows exercise and good sleep are some of the best things (hopefully in your control) you can do to keep the mind as sharp as possible. "Long Covid" is a pain. Happy 2025 to you and yours. Thank you for the content.

Larry Stein

I say it's your personality that drew most of us in. I've seen other creators, but most of them come and go. Case in point, I like "I Do Cars" but there are just so many water pumps thrown into the junk pile I can take. I don't blame him, it's his shtick and he plays to his audience. You're one of a few creators I support. I enjoy your content and approace, and being in tech I know it's impossible to satisfy the "algorithm" unless that's all you're doing. You do you and your die hard fans will be here for the ride as long as you can do it. Happy New Year and a great 2025.

Marco Lopes

What I like the most about your channel is your honesty. My bs meter is pretty accurate and it always reads zero on your videos. Thanks for all of the effort.

John Armstrong

I'm lucky that I can work with my dad and we get along. Many people never get to experience that.

Watch Wes Work

I don't know if I can do more backhoe content. I need a few years off.

Watch Wes Work

I enjoyed doing that too.

Watch Wes Work

Coming soon. Mrs. needs her ride.

Watch Wes Work

Thanks Mike!

Watch Wes Work

Me too!

Watch Wes Work

Good on you! Not sure I'll make it that far.

Watch Wes Work

I've thought about it. Like you said, I'm just not sure there's enough demand here. Ivan from Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics makes it work, and he doesn't seem to be a high population area.

Watch Wes Work

Wow. That's great! They don't teach automotive repair in schools in my area. I wish they did.

Watch Wes Work

It's one of those deals, you're damed if you do and you're damed if you don't. You can't please everyone .

Anthony deFreitas

LOL! Thanks!

Watch Wes Work

All I know if my luck with fuel injection is a heck of a lot better than my luck with carbs. I just can't make them work.

Watch Wes Work

I'm legit surprised that the automotive repair videos aren't the most popular vids on your channel...I think they're what brought a lot of us over here in the first place. I'll watch pretty much anything you post though...I find pretty much everything you do interesting, in no small part due to it being presented by a super smart guy who knows his stuff :)

Chris Freemesser

It's really hard to find non-scam sponsors. Even the ones that seem OK often later turn out to be scams.

Watch Wes Work

It's really amazing how much different I feel at 40 than I did at 35. Hopefully it plateaus a bit.

Watch Wes Work

I can't blame the creators, but I sure don't like it.

Watch Wes Work

I've never enabled the feature. I guess I could. I mostly suck as a businessman, but I sleep better at night.

Watch Wes Work

Thanks for that!

Watch Wes Work

I could probably do with a bit less moaning!

Watch Wes Work

Thank you!

Watch Wes Work

I will ask about it at my next appointment. I may seek out a psychologist of some kind.

Watch Wes Work

It's not enough to survive on, but with Patreon and the ad revenue, I could make it without the income from my shop as long as I didn't go crazy.

Watch Wes Work

I think a lot of folks are doing the same thing. It's like the modern version of the radio playing in the background while you work.

Watch Wes Work

You can't do things like SuperChats on an iOS device...Apple requires apps to use their payment processing system and YT/Google refuse to give Apple ~40% of the money. Shouldn't be a problem on a real computer though.

Chris Freemesser

That very true. The best example I can think of for "personality driven content" is Adam Savage from Mythbusters. He has a channel. I usually have no interest in what he is doing, it's mostly replica movie props. But he's entertaining and fun to watch.

Watch Wes Work

No. I did take some kind of test in college. All I remember is my test did not match the recommendation for my major.

Watch Wes Work

I'm doing well. Really I am.

Watch Wes Work

I don't know if we can fight an algorithm, but we have to try.

Watch Wes Work

I just watched his video. Pretty cool!

Watch Wes Work

I like making those too.

Watch Wes Work

Don't watch those bloated long videos.

Watch Wes Work

Yes. There used to be a great channel called "Minute Physics". They were not all one minute, but they were quick and concise.

Watch Wes Work

Thanks for the update Wes. I agree with Robin Gustavsson and I wish the rest of the viewers would as well. I try to watch too many YouTube channels but if I had to pick one and only one without any hesitation it would be WWW. I could go on and on about why I like the channel but like so many viewers I really could care less what the subject matter of a WWW production is
 I don’t want to miss it and I always feel like I got more than my money’s worth after watching it. The best way I can explain it is Wes is one of those people who is a natural at what he does in front of a YouTube video camera. Like
 for a while anyway he could make reading the Chicago phone book an interesting video
 LOL. I want Wes to be comfortable doing his thing but I’m perfectly OK with an hour long WWW production
 but since Wes isn’t
 stick to what works
 screw YouTube analytical BS. I really like the every now and then treat of Wes and his Dad working together. It’s a dynamic I miss when its not done often but with that said
 Wes in those productions isn’t the Wes we have all come to love in his one on one productions. So the Wes with his Dad productions should be kept as a treat for us viewers. I really hope the experience Wes gets from the hard work of managing and creating YouTube content is as rewarding for him as it is for us his viewers. If it isn’t then at some point Wes is going to say good bye
 and that would be a tragic day. Best wishes for a great and happy New Year Wes

Doug Tinsman

I was hoping for an update on the backhoe situation. ;) I've always enjoyed your content, and you're 1 of 2 I subscribe to on Patreon. Congrats on finishing the workshop organization (mostly)! Since you brought up the video format, I'm with you on the "long format" stuff. If there's really over an hours worth of story, then sure, I'll watch it. But I swear about half of the content in those longer videos is just ad reads and sponsored tool content. I really appreciate that you don't "beg" from your audience. I think you, Rainman Ray, and Southmain Auto should talk/strategize. It seems to me you're in a similar space and likely facing the same difficulties. Of course, it's your paycheck on the line, so do as you see fit. PS those slingshots look really good, hope the kiddos enjoyed them.

Nicholas Hansford

I dont care what content you're creating, i enjoy it all! And i learn a thing or too aswell along the way. What i would like to see more or rather what i hope to see more is more like the old videos, where you went out in the woods and found some old equipment that has been sitting forever and got it running again. But until then, i'll settle for this! Keep going Wes!

Robin Gustavsson

Would love to see the work on the bike and the side-by-side.

Marco Lopes

Wes I really enjoy your videos and full disclosure out of all the content creators I watch you are the only one I utilize patreon with. I think we are enigmatic hindered spirits. Nerds with many interests and a thrist to know how things are made. Please keep doing the videos you want to make. Get in the weeds, go down the rabbit holes. Most of all work on yourself, its the hardest work but the most fulfilling. Hugs Mike Drouard The Dunbridge Truckstop

M Drouard

I think I enjoy all of your videos because I agree with your idea of them being concise and just getting to the point not wasting time. I'm sure it'll work out. Welcome to 2025!

Brien Devine

Make them shorter and slow them down or make them longer and speed them up.

Adrian Gadd

I like to watch you fix or build different equipment, and I like your dry since of humor! I always have a laugh. Its interesting to me and I no longer work on cars. I do some woodworking, a clock and a few dressers. My shop don't look the same so I get a kick out of yours! You Tube would be hard I think. Its not for me. Happy new year!!

Aaron Windsor

Love what you’re doing Wes, by a long way my favorite YouTuber to watch always feel like I learn something new every video keep up the good work!

BirdSticks

Still love the content keep it coming whatever you put out there I’ll watch.

Justin Simpson

Happy 2025. I'd love to be 40 years of age again. I am nearly 2x that. C'mon Man! As long as you produce videos, I for one will watch, regardless of length.

Jeffry Blackmon

Thanks for everything that you do. You sound a bit down. I didn't realise you're coming to regard your neuroatypicality as a burden rather than an asset. I hope it all works out for you. Regarding getting older and less inclined to do the physically demanding jobs, I wondered with your brillliant diagnostic brain you could specialise in fixing the problems that other shops cannot. But I suppose you are too remotely located for that to be viable. If you were near a big city that might work. I agree on video length. I've stopped watching some channels because they've gone from 40 to 90 minutes. I'm still hanging in with Mustie and DieselCreek, but only just. Sponsorship is fine: go fot it! But not product placement like Abom79 please. Happy New Year!

Peter Facey

Don't make longer videos. Your format with well-edited and appropriately long videos with relevant content suits me perfectly. As long as the advertising is about tools and other things related to what you do, I have no problem with sponsored segments. However, I'm not interested in ready-made meals or insurance. I don't think you need to be so worried about your mental health, at least not as you describe it in the video. I'm 61 years old and have clearly seen that I more often make silly mistakes and forget methods I used a long time ago, but I'm convinced it's because I'm careless, since I know how to do it but skip certain important parts because they are so obvious. When I approached fifty, I realized that my body wouldn't be able to drive trucks and excavators until retirement, so I trained to be a high school teacher and now educate car mechanics and technicians. It's not always as fun as what I did before, but my body thanks me for the career change.

Ulf Bergstrand

Hi Wes, Thank you for your your great content and expertise this year, I will say that I’m happy to watch just bout anything that you take the time to put together. All the best to you and your family for the new year.

Matthew Riley

"Whatever the year shall bring, Wes will make the hammer ring. CNC or manual play, YouTube may never pay. As one who values you enough to be a Patron, keep yourself from the world of "Carry on Matron"." Happy New Year to all the family, and whatever you release, I know I'll be watching it all. :-)

Andrew Burton

Hi Wes, thanks for the interesting ramble. I love most everything you do (except for the Slingshot, bad choice that one). One small suggestion, I would love to see a video about how Fuel Injection works. Many old timers were happy with carbies, but gave up when EFI came along. Am rebuilding a not-so-old car and realise I don't know anything about it. Best wishes for 2025.

Graeme Zimmer

Thanks Wes. I think us Patreons will watch anything you choose to do. I don't mind the occasional longer video but, as you say, not if it wastes my time. I also don't mind sponsorships, as long as they are relevant to the channel and not scams. Good luck trying to find them! Wishing you and yours a healthy and successful year.

Alan Wood

I always find your perspective to be well reasoned and pretty balanced. It’s refreshing and helpful to see someone who’s willing to not only undertake the process but share it with the world in a meaningful way. Your personality as conveyed through the process is exactly why I watch your videos. If sponsors and algorithm chasing (to a reasonable extent) is what you need to do to keep the fun going, so be it. The focus on yourself and your health is IMHO absolutely the right thing to do. As someone getting ready to turn the page on 60, I can vouch for the fact that making whatever changes you deem necessary at 40 is exponentially easier then than with each passing year. Best to you, Mrs. Wes, the kiddo, and Max in 2025. Thanks for taking us along on the ride.

Scott Childress

I highly appreciate your videos (for many years now), love your "no bs" approach. Thanks for all your work!

Marc Pare

I'm with you Wes on the subject of video length. For a long time I have noticed other channels are watering down their content and like you I will either skip sections or watch in stages over a period of time. I am even considering unsubscribing from certain channels. Thanks for all the hard work.

Anthony deFreitas

I really appreciate shorter videos. Better to have multiple short videos than big compilations. I, too, find myself skipping a lot on overly long videos.

Sebastian Brueckner

I just watched Wes’ video on You Tube and when he mentioned sponsors I got shivers. I went to hit the ‘thanks’ button and send him a couple bucks but I couldn’t find the button in the IOS YT app. Does YT not allow Thanks on videos that haven’t been publicly released or do I just suck at the internet today?

Jon Nierenburg

Thanks for the honest look behind the scenes. I stopped paying for every other Patreon channel last year except yours, which hopefully gives you a clue about the value of personality-driven content. I appreciate your honesty & humility, and I think it would behoove you to find some sponsors that offer a product you would use, regardless of the application. Every other channel I watch on YouTube is sponsored, and I would use many of the products if I had the cash. Regarding your health - nothing is more important. I've got 15 years on you, and it's the only thing I would change about how I've lived if I could (how well I took care of myself). As much as I can being a total stranger, I would strongly encourage you to put your health ahead of everything else. The cost of not doing that will eclipse anything you care about. Enough outta me - you're great, and I appreciate all the content you create. Thank you.

Bill

Hey Wes, just want to say I really value your content, in fact you are my only patron subscription! For me, long, short, automotive, shop, personality.... It makes no difference. You represent the best of humanity, it is a rare person who shows mistakes and deficiencies to the world. I love the "moans" & grumbles it makes your content real and unsanitized. Unfortunately you need to follow the algorithm to make a living, don't worry there are a lot of folks who will follow your interests precisely because you are interested and not faking it. Best wishes to you, Mrs Wes, kiddo and Max for 25

Andrew Smith

All the best things to you and your family Wes. I support the master plan 2025, both for you and the channel. It makes sense to me and I am supportive of investigation and discovery. It will be fun in the end! There are few channels that I value and support as much as WWW. The personality piece is a big part and I stay for the knowledge and humour. Take care! ✅

Marshall

I just want to comment on the ADHD aspect you mentioned in the video. You identified a problem with yourself over a period of time and determined to see a doctor because something isn't lining up. Don't let the doctor push you around about coping. I coped through my childhood and teenager years and regretted not getting diagnosed sooner. I would look up rejection sensitive dysphoria as I do see many signs in your videos with those particular traits. RSD is linked to ADHD behavior. It's one of the reasons why I got diagnosed. I will always watch your videos and support you as long as I can afford it. Happy new years buddy!!

Nima Ostadkar

Thank you Wes 🙌

James Riordan

On the topic of video length, I often will delay and in many cases skip videos that are much longer than 20 minutes. I just can't set aside enough time.

Dale Marthaller

Wes I have enjoyed everything you have done. Please keep making the videos.

Jon Koferl

I'd be interested to know what percentage of your income stream comes from the Patreon. Another channel I support, Squatch 253, has %37 of his revenue coming from memberships. It's enough for him to remain a fulltime youtuber even as the ad revenue has been dropping. He doesn't have nearly the overhead or a family to support, so it's not like I can really compare the two of you, but it gives me pause to think about it. Also, I think you look darn good with the greying beard. I'll bet you have to keep a stick handy to keep Mrs. Wes off of you.

Martin lewis

I’m the one YouTube drives the long videos towards
 I work alone and have YouTube going 90% of my day and let the videos be more background noise and light entertainment, but I save the good content for when I can focus on it and glean the important information from it. I’m always happy with your content and have avidly watched all your content for probably 4-5 years (since the old will it runs on the farm) and have watched the channel grow. I’m hoping to get my own channel off the ground this coming year now that I have space to work on projects, so getting to see some of the behind the scenes battles with content is very appreciated. No matter the path you take I will still be watching! Keep up the good work

Stephen mowrey

I have never heard of “personality driven content,” but I definitely would watch anything you do. Anything. Also, I hundred percent agree that you should be very suspicious of the algorithm. They will change it in a heartbeat and leave you and the other creators. In a way, YouTube itself is driven by algorithms, just ones that involve stock prices and venture capitalists.

Richard Smith

nice wrap up .

gregory mais

Hey Wes, have you ever done the tests for gifted/talented minds? It's not so much as focused on intellect, but rather thought processes that are completely different than normal minds. Might surprise you to also find the personality traits that accommodate said processes.

Noah

Wes, please take care of yourself first. Most of us enjoy everything you put out there. I throughly enjoy your wit, your comments, your mouse hunting dog
shoot, everything about your content. I can tell you’re stressed but I hope you’ll do what you feel is right, and I believe it will all work out. God bless you and your family.

Jack Nevitt

I agree with your take on video length. I cant stand the long videos where creators are wasting my time too. A big reason I'm here on Patreon is to help buck the video length trend. You make great content Wes, and Im glad you make what you want.. I really enjoy it. Your up coming project list looks great. The press conversion looks fun and so does the work in the CNC machines.

Chris Jenkins

Thanks for being honest about how much you love making videos. It really SHOWS too. Here's to a GREAT new year!

Doug Wray

You made the "top ten" of channels that Matt from HAL Heavy Duty Machining Australia likes watching.

David Dogruel

Anything with graphic illustrations is good with me. Your explanations are wonderful.

Doug Wray

I totally agree with you about video length. IS there a way to let You Tube know as a viewer?

Ron Stevens

I agree that favoring longer videos is NOT a good thing. Some of the best videos I've ever seen are less than five minutes long. Elegance matters.

Doug Wray

Happy NY Wes and the family!

Vadim

Happy New Year to you and the fam!

John Hubbard


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