BYE BYE DTUBE
YouTube version of video
Hi Everyone,
This is my final video on DTube. I have decided to go back and use YouTube as my main website for uploading my videos. I will still be using Steemit to create posts that introduce and describe the content in my videos.
Why move away from DTube?
I was planning to move from DTube to DLive. Unfortunately, I encountered some technical problems uploading my videos. I exchanged several emails with the DLive help service; this problem was unable to be resolved. I therefore continued uploading videos to DTube. A few weeks later, DLive announced they would be migrating to the Lino. I therefore decided to remain on DTube. This also prompted me to do some digging into DTube. What I found was quite disappointing.
Removing older videos
Most of my video content remains relevant for a long time. Unfortunately, DTube removes or disables videos within a few months of them being uploaded. Understandably, videos take up a lot of space. In addition, Steem content only earns rewards in the first seven days, therefore removing videos may not be a huge loss to many other video creators. I still share my older videos; therefore, I need them to work.
Beneficiary rewards
DTube previously claimed 25% of the rewards of content posted on their website. Some of the rewards would be redistributed to curators of content. This was a potentially good initiative to attract people to upvote DTube content. Unfortunately, DTube did a very poor job of informing their users of the beneficiary rewards as well as the redistribution to curators. My DTube videos were getting less upvotes and comments as well as lower payouts.
DTube have now lowered their beneficiary rewards to 10%, I do not believe they redistribute any rewards to curators anymore. The combination of beneficiary rewards as well as delegated Steem power should enable them to grow their platform.
Unprofessional behaviour
Some of the members of the DTube team have been getting involved in conflicts with several other users on the platform. These conflicts have not been dealt with professionally. From my own observations, many disagreements have broken down into childish name-calling and prejudice remarks. Unprofessional behaviour in engaging with people reflects very poorly on DTube.
Overall quality of DTube
DTube has been around well over a year. Unfortunately, the quality of the website has improved very little. Videos can be difficult to upload. I upload my videos to YouTube first and then download them before uploading to DTube. If I do not do that, sometimes the videos will not upload at all. This annoying step should not be necessary. If I am uploading to YouTube to begin with, I might as well as just keep the videos on YouTube. All my DTube videos are currently backed up on YouTube.
The DTube website is very basic, it does not have anywhere near the level of customisation of YouTube or the level of in-depth information to analysis data regarding viewership. I understand DTube is new but I would have expected more progress by now.
Voting for the same users
I have been on DTube close to when it first started. I initially got a few upvotes from DTube but that has dropped considerably in 2018. I have only received 1 upvote from them this year. Therefore, I had a look at how DTube distribute their votes. I was very frustrated to find that they continuously upvote the same group of authors. Compare 30 days of upvote data with 14 days of upvote data below.
Dtube only upvoted another 108 accounts over a period of 16 days. The 50 accounts that received the most upvotes remained unchanged.
I dug further into DTubes upvoting habits using the Steemfriends.org website. This is what I found.
DTube upvoting data for 2018
Reseller upvotes
That is a lot of money and many upvotes going to just a few accounts. The @reseller account stands out because of the bot upvotes getting it onto the Trending page. @DTube has over 2 million in delegated Steem Power. That should be quite an incentive to attract to new users to DTube and Steem. It is not an incentive to attract or keep new users, if the upvotes are focused on just a few accounts. I don’t know if the problem is favouritism or just lazy upvoting through auto-upvotes.
End on a positive
On a positive note, most of DTube’s favourite customers do not use bots. DTube could have focused their upvotes on the bot abusers; this would have given them more revenue. This gives me some hope that the DTube team are not all about making as much money as possible, which gives us some hope for the future.
Next steps for me
I will be using YouTube as my main website for uploading videos. I will be sharing these videos on Steemit as I did prior to the arrival of DTube. I will also go back into my older posts and edit them to include the YouTube version of my video instead of the DTube version. There is very little point keeping links to videos that no longer work.
I feel sad about leaving DTube, I really wanted to support to them. I certainly feel I cannot do that at this time. If Dtube can sort themselves out, I would like to return. If an alternative video sharing website were developed, I would consider moving to them. I do not intend to make YouTube my permanent home but it appears the best option available for now.
I wish the DTube team all the best. I certainly hope they can learn from their mistakes. I would suggest that Steemit Inc reduces DTube delegation until they show signs of improvement.
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS
Regarding the video upload & playback issues:
Yes, I have to say that many are frustrated that they delete videos. I understand that. However, we also have to know that we can host those ourselves too! (that's the whole point of decentralization). But, running IPFS nodes does cost some money, which many users who originally came from YouTube didn't like. (They're used to getting their videos hosted for "free"). Therefore, I decided to come up with an easy to use IPFS Discord bot that allows you to back up your videos to OneLoveDTube's community IPFS node. We offer pinning of 240p and 480p videos, but if they wish to backup their HD videos it would be a small monthly fee. Those videos get backed up to multiple servers in different geographical locations, so they're very decentralized.
Currently there is only one way to upload videos to DTube, which is using their official upload servers. (Unless you know how to upload directly to IPFS network and reference the hashes properly.) As we all know there's long queues, upload errors, IPFS issues... (the list is endless) I have been working on a solution to this problem by writing my own IPFS video uploader, that uploads directly to public IPFS gateway, asynchronous (means no more queues) and it's something that anyone can setup themselves. This is going to be an alternative way (means not a replacement) of uploading videos onto DTube, that just works. I can't reveal further details about this right now, but I will be unveiling the uploader in the next 24 hours, so if you're interested in this, make sure you follow my Steemit blog for that.
So there you go, I understand that there are many issues right now but as a community I have been working towards the solutions to these problems 😉
Join @onelovedtube discord if you want to chat with me about our work: https://discord.gg/Sc4utKr
Thanks for this information and taking the time to respond to my post/video. The issues regarding deleted videos is probably the most frustrating for me as I don't when they are going to stop working. I will keep a look out for your uploader.
Hi @spectrumecons, you know what. Your bye bye title successfully caused me to play and listen despite the inconvenience I have now - my 2 sons are not well.
I listened your whole video with an open heart and oh my I would like to say you are one nice guy. Very honest sharing of all the challenges you found out with Dtube.
I just joined this platform and super excited about it mainly because I get to do my video and come out from my comfort zone. Regarding the video that disappear, I have heard about it also and I joined a community called onelovedtube where we have one super genius guy created something to back up those videos. He is @techcoderx.
If you are interested you can join the discord and find out more about how we backup our videos.
https://discord.gg/ajmTF72
Of course we hope @dtube can solve this problem where our videos stay there for good.
I have not much idea on how dtube upvote our content. Newbie here. I try to start with the mentality if I get upvote, I praise. If I don't, I praise myself for doing a video. Lol. Hope it seems valid to you. Coz you are way longer in this journey.
I am like that. Any bye bye I will feel emotional. So I am glad I will still be seeing you around Steem.
Keep Steeming and like you say, wish @dtube the best. And who know the best has yet to come in DTube? I am putting much hope here as well as other new dtubers. We got empowered by @nathanmars who want to lay down his effort and attention to empower Dtubers.
So we hope for one another the best. I wish you all the success.
P/S: please don't forget to hop in here and have a look out. You are like our seniors whom we can learn alot from.
See you around.
Thank you @iamjadeline for that lovely message. I think most people are having a difficult time right now in regards to earning on Steem. A combination of low price, low engagement and bots. I have been on Dtube for a long time. I have uploaded 50+ videos. To be using it for that long is an indication that they are doing some things right. I also have to be honest about the areas I am not happy about. I need to do what I believe is best for my content. I really want dtube to be a success. To do that they need to do whatever they can to build a solid user base. The number of people on Steem is likely to explode at some point. They need to be ready to tap into that market.
I hope that your sons feel better soon, take care.
Oh yes.. Some are struggling to even get people to visit their posts. You are very genuine to share out what you believe in. And I salute your dedication and honesty.
I wish Dtube success.
I wish you great success.
I wish all of us Steemians greatest success. 😁
See you around. The ocean is so big now, sometimes I swim for decade only I bump into some people. Lol.
Take care.
THAT ITSELF has added so much value not only in Steem but most importantly your life as whole. My best regards to you as you do what is best for your content.
Oh yes. My sons will be better on no time.
Another thing I want to add... Since today so many of us get to know due to your byebye, maybe.... Just maybe, you could consider to stay for awhile to be on the look out and see how it turns out to be? Because our big brother @nathanmars just started Dtube Revolution... And we don't want to leave you behind. But I am not sure how to say it also since I am a newbie and you are so far ahead of me in terms of Dtube knowledge. But who knows maybe this is just the right time of 'restart'? Or 'reset'?
You know like 'reformat'...
You could stay for awhile and upload to both dtube and YouTube. Maybe a little more work.
Dtube probation one month for you?
Ops I hope I'm not spamming... 😅
No, you are not spamming. I have read all the responses. I have seen @nathanmars video. I will have a real think about it.
@spectrumecons, If you are already uploading to YouTube and then Dtube why not keep doing both in your posts?
If you look at my longer video's I will put a YouTube video at the bottom of the post for those in need of it. Not all people are able to watch DTube video's yet but it Is way ahead of where it was when it first build on top of the Steem Blockchain.
There have always been tricks to uploading videos to DTube from the beginning but again it has gotten better.
People like @nathanmars are doing what they can to make DTube work better and be held accountable.
Last week was the first DTube vote I had gotten in? 8 months.... I take votes as gifts...and wonderful surprises. I have followers that I am lucky enough to vote on my stuff but a normal post for me made 1.00$ in this day and time.
Now is the time to post and get noticed as so many leave because they don't think there is profit in it but in reality now is the time to get a bigger following......when Steem rises and everyone comes back You will already have the people following your video's.
I guess what I'm really saying is if you are still going to be making a post why not still upload it to DTube? What would you be losing?
Just my thoughts..... I wish you well in all you do. We are all human and get upset and as humans have free will. Peace to you and take a breath and maybe rethink your idea is all I ask.
Thanks for sharing your experience and offering advice. 8 months is a long time to wait for a vote. I hope dtube give your videos regular upvotes from now on. DTube are in an amazing position to succeed. It is also going to be a difficult journey. The slow period is an opportunity to prepare for busier times. I am not leaving Steem anytime soon. So I will be keeping an eye on DTube's development.
There is some truth to what you say but then again, it's not exclusive. You mention unfair reward distribution and not welcoming new users. I just came to dtube with my first video yesterday and got upvoted straight away.
I'm not here for the upvote though. I want to grow my skillsets, increase my self-confidence and share valuable knowledge.
Upvotes shouldn't be our main motivation.
You will regret your decision later on. Consider sticking through the rough times. Dtube is just a baby and you are expecting it to write a song, explain the string theory and solve world hunger.
It doesn't work that way. The baby can barely speak. Give it some time to develop.
Don't give up!
Looks like you are off to a great start. I wish you all the best.
Thanks! Wish you don't give up.
Hey Man!!
First of all I’m really sorry to hear about your experience.
Watched your whole video and created video response to you
However you don’t need watch my video and I’ve asked my fellow Dtubers to engage with you and try to find a way to help you stay with Dtube.
My offer is that I’ll provide continuous support if you continue to post with dtube. Also please call me on Telegram @nathanmars or WhatsApp +447901003594 if you would prefer to talk to me.
Lastly I’m not expecting anything from you and please apologise me if I offended in any way or shape of form.
Thanks 🙏
Now that's what I'm talking about. I've noticed you @nathanmars supporting new users and being an effective ambassador for DTube/Steemit.
You're an example of the type of people I suggest new users follow in my series The Best of Steemit. Thanks for reaching out to @spectrumecons and all that you do to help spread awareness and excitement about this community.
I commented on your video, I appreciate your time.
I wanted to say big thanks for pointing out problems we’ve with Dtube
Most of the things will be improved ASAP
Have a wonderful day and happy weekend:)
@spectrumecons, In my opinion we are still on the path of uncertainty because there are lot of Dynamic situations in this Decentralised Economy. And yes, no aspect is separate from the Good and Bad, so in every aspect we will see something which inspire us and something which demotivates and frustrates us. Unfortunate to hear that you've only received one upvote in 2018 from Dtube Team, and i am not sure how it is but in my opinion Dtube is doing Manual Curation so may be they are lacking the reach for now, but they are doing some effective work for sure. But you know your position and calculations better than anyone so, i hope and wish that you will soon will find the reason to continue with Dtube. And in my opinion you should check the Dtube Video from @nathanmars, actually he made an video in response of this video. Hopefully and in my opinion he shared some boosting points. Good luck and wish that your decisions will bring you the success.
Wishing you an great day and stay blessed. 🙂
Thanks @chireerocks. We are in very uncertain times in the crypto world. That could be a good thing as it can help the strongest survive. I'm not sure the approach Dtube use for finding content but the numbers indicate they are not getting to many posts.
I haven't watched @nathanmars video yet but I will certainly get to it very soon. Have a nice day.
Welcome and have a great time ahead. Stay blessed. 🙂
Hey there, sadly you decide to leave. I totally understand, but where to leave for? Youtube, facebook, Instagram?
For me I do hope Steem dapps/UI become as user friendly as mainstream ones, so that we use it because we enjoy using it. We never post on a mainstream sites for reward, we post for fun, being a youtube/ins influencer nowadays is so costly and difficult.
Again, DTube is young, it doesn't work as great as youtube (?) Yet lately I find uploading on DTube is getting better. I believe in Steem and wouldn't mind investing some time in it. Of course, you can say, I still have some support and make some reward, it can be easy for me to say...
YouTube is certainly not my final destination. The only reason I pick YouTube for now is that videos can be shared easily in Steemit posts. My videos are no longer monetised on YouTube anymore. Even before that, it wasn't very good. There are also very strict censorship issues on YouTube. I have to be careful not to upset them again.
Judging by the fact that the author caused such a powerful resonance in his post, the topic is very relevant. Indeed, there are problems and they need to be solved. Perhaps the author's post will be the catalyst necessary to launch mechanisms to improve our community.
That would be great. The responses I have seen so far are very encouraging. I think it is great to get everything out in the open.
I also very much hope that the changes will begin, because they are ripe. And if your post becomes a starting point, then this is a wonderful event. Thank you @spectrumecons for that.
I hope that if the changes really happen, you will stay with us.
If things change, I will gladly stay.
I believe that positive changes are inevitable
Posted using Partiko iOS
I agree with you regarding the automatic votes that you give to some users, because whenever I see the trends page they are the same, and I have always asked myself that. But I never got a clear answer until now.
I hope bringing this out in the open will encourage DTube to do things differently. Anyone committed to Steem will want them to succeed. I think even more so now that DLive have left.