Sisyphus 55

IMPORTANT!

Although I don't think many people are aware, someone (or a group) has been impersonating the channel on X to push some sort of crypto scam. It's fairly convincing,

They are using our old X handle (x.com/5isyphus55) but I would like to make it clear that this is not me and I do not have an X account. Please feel free to also report this page. I have sent an official report to X and it'll be a few days. This is all that I can do for now.

Please be careful online.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,680

Sisyphus 55

Hello - Izaak here,

I have taken down the recent video ‘The Most Depressing Voyage of All Time’ due to a large amount of errors in pronunciations and spelling. I do not typically write videos for the channel nor narrate and I would hate to destroy any sort of integrity/standards that my brother has built through his detailed, heart-felt and well-researched scripts. I personally would like to do better in my ability to create content for this channel and develop a voice that that can hopefully share stories and concepts in an interesting way (and also a voice that can pronounce things correctly). This was just a fun video on something I was interested in but it’s my responsibility to make sure it is done well. Small errors shouldn’t affect the message, but I see now there were far too many to look past which is a failure on my end. The video is still available to community members and on Patreon. Thank you.

- Izaak T (animator, editor)

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,915

Sisyphus 55

Went on Michael Burn's stream yesterday. Fun chat! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaUQm...

1 month ago | [YT] | 126

Sisyphus 55

For those of you that are interested in how we make our videos, you can find a behind the scenes video for community members and on Patreon! www.patreon.com/c/user?u=3261155
Also, we have a newsletter coming out by the end of the month on Patreon as well so be sure to check it out!

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 549

Sisyphus 55

Okay, I am really enjoying Substack quite a bit. Here is a piece I made earlier in the year that meant a lot to me: open.substack.com/pub/sisyphus55/p/if-youre-not-cr…

1 month ago | [YT] | 1,842

Sisyphus 55

For those who like the writing behind the channel, here is my substack: open.substack.com/pub/sisyphus55/p/the-fear-of-bei…

1 month ago | [YT] | 1,639

Sisyphus 55

I'd highly recommend checking out Izaak's documentary on Scotland he did on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrOu...

1 month ago | [YT] | 137

Sisyphus 55

Wow I did not actually expect people to see the last post, let alone 10,000. I truly wrote that in a not great place and it means the world that so many people engaged with it, shared their own thoughts and even joined the Patreon (it's doubled!).

It's a bit terrifying to open up and ask for help and be vulnerable. And it's a lot easier to give that advice to others while it can still appear unthinkable for yourself. It's rarely been my first impulse. I think people often see me as having it together or knowing what to do, but the honest and refreshing truth is I am just as lost as everyone else! So it meant a lot to read so many emails and comments describing, in detail, the value they derived from the channel. They gave me the knowledge necessary to keep going. What means even more is that it mostly settled on a truth that I myself am quite excited to accept.

When I have been vulnerable, more poetic, and more willing to share myself, our videos have resonated. Not with flashy graphics, sharp editing or heavy research. Just me and my voice and a script and a couple decrepit stickmen. The good news, is through this time I have been writing on a lot more personal topics (relationships, activism, art, vulnerability) but I have been scared to share it. I think I was scared to show that I'm an actual person, flawed and all.

I won't write too much more here (I'll save it for a video soon). But I just want to say thank you, to each and everyone of you. For those who supported through Patreon and memberships, you keep this channel going. You are its life-blood. And for those who share their own perspective, no matter how brutal or specific, you have finally given me the clarity necessary to start feeling good about creating again. I've already confined myself to a lengthy PhD that involves constant analysis, research and pushing the limits. This place should not be for that. It should be a place of expression. And at some point, along the way, I lost that voice. I'm sorry. And thank you for sticking through this far.

For those who haven't seen it yet, here is the Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=3261155 . You can also join as a member or even send a SuperThanks. Any support is appreciated, even a comment, an email. I feel a lot more hopeful and I can honestly say its because of the audience that has been cultivated.

Take care and love y'all,
Ben

2 months ago | [YT] | 5,586

Sisyphus 55

hey everyone - quick question for you.

It’s been a rough stretch. And I anticipate that, like many of my other recent community posts, this one will be seen by around 20 people. But I’ll try to be candid regardless.

I’ve put quite a bit into this channel - emotionally, financially, energy-wise but lately the weight of it all has been catching up. Running a channel this size means paying people fairly, accounting costs, taxes, while relying on a pretty inconsistent and unpredictable monthly performance. To be blunt, at this rate, the channel is unlikely to last after a few months.

What has made it especially confusing is that I feel a lot of appreciation for the content and it seems to be quite meaningful for many. I recently returned from a speaking event where I met a considerable amount of thoughtful and engaged fans and it was truly gratifying.

And yet community posts like this will get 10 likes and the Patreon has remained around the same amount of members since 2018. The disconnect has definitely worn me down and it’s been difficult. I’m ready for a stern conversation, especially if you’ve all felt that the channel has been sliding or going in an unfavourable direction.

I haven’t mentioned it before because frankly I understand most people see YouTube channels as free services that shouldn’t have to remind their audience of costs, underperformance and the algorithm. At the same time, however, I thought I should be open and honest about how I’ve truly felt posting videos this past year (especially with school and personal stressors). Each upload has been carried with considerable anxiety. And many times, after glancing at the analytics, a hopeless feeling of dread. Through this I’ve said no to quite a few distasteful and unethical sponsors (most would probably know which ones) and tried to avoid click-bait and sensational content. At this point, I’m not sure if I have it in me to pivot to being that sort of channel.

I understand this channel isn’t particularly marketable and has grown a good audience despite this. But i also fear for the future in terms of keeping it afloat.

Here’s my proposition for everyone who likes our stuff and wants to see it continue:

If you can support the channel financially (a spare dollar or two a month as a community member or on patreon) it would make a huge difference. I hate — I mean hate — asking for this. But any sustainable source of support would keep things afloat. And that would realistically take less than 5% of current subscribers to do so.

Right now Patreon sits at around $500-600 CAD which is currently 0.05% of the audience. Math wise, this doesn’t work in terms of covering costs (note we aren’t even talking about profits). A steady source of baseline financing would really help and also allow us to avoid the dreaded sponsor section. What would be less than a coffee a month would go a great distance in helping us make content for you. And you’d get access to a lot of content that’s just not available on here!

And regarding my current patrons and community members, I greatly appreciate all of the people that have been supportive through all this time, you’ve genuinely been carrying a massive weight in keeping the channel afloat.

And, secondly, if you can’t support us financially, no worries. I’d then ask if you could send an email or write in the comments the sort of content you’d like, in as much detail as possible. And also let me know what drew you to the channel. If financial support isn’t possible, than emotional support would be greatly appreciated. I need that inner fire again personally. And I’ll try to respond to as many people as possible :)

I’ve been considering shifting to more lo-fi content. Simpler videos and fewer edits with a higher output. All with the same themes (philosophy, psychology). Just less polish and more presence. Would that interest you?

I hope these are reasonable asks. It’s been an incredibly difficult time lately and any engagement - any sign that you’re out there - means the world.

Thank you and hope you are all well

2 months ago | [YT] | 11,052