When YouTube Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade

Better To Be Better Than Bitter

“WITH THE PAST, I HAVE NOTHING TO DO;
NOR WITH THE FUTURE. I LIVE NOW.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

“PEOPLE PROTECT WHAT THEY LOVE.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau

“ART IS TOO SERIOUS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.”
Ad Reinhardt

THE GOOD NEWS = GOOD ORDERLY DIRECTION

This morning, I woke up to the largest single order in the Shop’s history. (If you’re reading this, kind patron, I will be reaching out shortly to thank you personally.)

For me, this is a sign that last night’s tough-love self-talk did me some good.

(Re)Starting today and going forward, I will be doing everything I can to replicate the relative success I’ve had on YouTube (8K+ subscribers to date) on both the Shop and here on Substack.

Where there’s a community, there’s a way. Usually many ways.
And I know there’s a community.

Now it’s time to remind them I’m still here, queer, and making it work, dear.

THE BAD NEWS = BITTER LEMONS

Yesterday afternoon, “Rox” from YouTube Creator Support delivered bad news:

Their “policy team” rejected my appeal. These “composed professionals” (compared to a very frustrated creator like myself) feel very confident I’m in the wrong and have violated their (blatantly subjective) nudity and sex policy. And I must be punished accordingly. For a link to Wikimedia Commons…spare me the performative outrage.

I feel even stronger that they are in the wrong, censoring art and photography that falls well within their ridiculous policies. But whatever…I’m (mostly) over fighting YouTube’s bureaucrats, bots, and bullies. They continue trying to justify their inactions and refusal to support creators and I continue to remind them they suck. One or both of us are bound to get bored…sooner or later, right?

Part of me feels sorry for “Rox.” Part of me wants to throw rocks at them.

The silver lining is I’ve gotten under at least one of their skins. That they followed up and responded to MULTIPLE truth bombs (complete with bad grammar, swear words, and typos) is surprising. Even if that last paragraph gives me a headache. So full of the fake, corporate speak that makes me sick to my stomach.

Saying something is not the same as doing something, hunty.

Oh well, maybe, just maybe, they’ll think twice the next time they and/or their team acts like arrogant, dismissive asshats who only use their brains as a hat rack.

Not likely, but it’s nice to dream.

Lastly, about that appeal and strike: YouTube’s well-trained “composed professionals” have yet to close the case or contact me directly with their decision. Guess they skipped that part of their training.

AFTER TEN DAYS = GO (TO HELL), YOUTUBE!

The End? Close enough. I guess. Let’s move on from the bitter lemons and get back to making (and selling) more lemonade.

SHOP + SUBSTACK = LEMONADE STANDS

While YouTube continues to raise the bar on censorship (and lower the bar on the definition of “support”), I’m more than a little grateful to everyone who’s subscribed to my work on Substack.

And I’m determined to make the best lemonade possible.

Even before “Rox” delivered the bad news, I got busy creating and curating again.
Both the Shop and Substack have updated and have several new and/or improved features and work.

Thank you for your patience and support while I work on both my lemonade recipe and my lemonade stand.

The Shop is better than ever, full of freshly created and curated Art, Design, and Photos. You’re cordially invited to stop by (and shop till you drop).

I continue to be impressed with Substack. As a creator, it’s a joy to use. And it’s also fun to discover new, simple ways, to organize and share my content with both free subscribers and paid patrons. Both help encourage and support the work in different ways. (That said, I posted a new video earlier this morning…available to all.)

You’re cordially invited to explore the blog on the web or via Substack’s app.

ART + DESIGN + PHOTOS + VIDEO = LEMONADE

The “sugar” that sweetens those bitter lemons will always be, for me, the Art, Design, Photos, and Videos, I create and curate. Here are a few links to new (and/or improved) ways to experience (and support) that work:

• COLLIDE PRESS SHOP

• SUBSTACK = POSTS + VIDEOS

FINAL THOUGHTS

I see art and life as interconnected, rollercoaster rides. The climbs and heights are just as beautiful and exciting as the falls and valleys are frustrating and scary.

Like everyone else, me and my work will continue to evolve. In fits and starts.

Thank you for being part of my creative journey. The ups, downs, and all-arounds.

Thanks for reading and supporting my work!
Clint

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