Evan Essar once described statistics as, “The science of producing unreliable facts from reliable figures.” The sprawl of blog entries from YouTube users inspired by new statistical information about viewership on the site amused me greatly. Not so much for the statistics, but, rather, the conclusions being drawn from such information! A high percentage of female viewers, for example, was a reason for great celebration by male YouTubers (regardless of their sexual orientation.)
Personally, my female to male viewership is more equitable than I have seen anywhere: 54% Female, 46% Male.
The age groups watching JohnOfJordan videos was also telling. The single largest group watching were 35-45 year olds, followed closely by under 18 year olds.
The thing that really struck me, though, was that in the previous two weeks not a single person fitting my own demographic subsection had watched my videos. That is to say there is not another 25-35 aged Australian male watching my content.
In the same time, a number of people confessed that they wouldn’t be subscribing to the FiveAwesomeJ’s channel for various reasons. The one that startled me the most was the person who (only six years younger than myself) said they wouldn’t subscribe because everyone in the group seemed significantly older than themselves. This perplexes me because, to the best of my knowledge, there is only one person in the group older than myself.
YouTube facilitates interaction between myself and other people that I might not encounter in any other context. I tend to cringe around discussions of “YouTube Community,” but it does contain elements of truth. There are barriers of age and geographical location that are overcome through this use of technology.
I have a lot of younger friends. I wonder, given the earlier comment regarding the FiveAwesomeJ’s, and another friend’s belief I was only twenty, if I give the impression of being my age.
Having younger friends actually has come with its own challenges. Generally my younger friends are really talented at teaching me how to take myself less seriously and have more fun. Though I find I do become very concerned for their safety at times. I become overprotective. “Parent-like” if you will. I don’t mean to. Infact I strongly believe there is no need for it! They are all intelligent creative individuals who are more than capable of looking after themselves.
I feel really proud to know them, honestly. I like to think I could be some kind of mentor, which is kind of laughable since they have achieved more in their youth than I have in my entire life.
Sunday is the 20th birthday of my British friend Dave. I intended to make a video tonight to observe the occasion. I confess I was quite jarred by news that an 18 year old actor (Rob Knox) featured in the forthcoming Harry Potter movie was killed in a brawl outside a south London bar. I have absolutely no reason to think my friend would experience anything similar, but the news has certainly given me a moment to reflect on the precious quality of life.
I would also like to take this opportunity to apologise to any of my young friends if this news makes me more protective than usual. Just know it comes from a place of love and concern.
Tomorrow, however, is another day and with the time difference between Australia and the UK it will be his birthday in his own timezone. I look forward to being in a more cheerful mood then and making a video befitting such a wonderful friend.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
First!!!!!
LOL – I know what you mean regarding the new Insight stats. I find it very interesting to go back and look at some of the stats. My age range appears pretty even distributed between the 18-49 population and, for the most part, 50-50 on the male to female side of the equation as well.
I didn’t subscribe to the FiveAwesomeJs channel, simply because I usually find the five awesome concept boring. It’s true. I haven’t found a channel on that type I’ve liked yet.