Well, I actually have a few minutes away from homeschooling, and no access to my hobby desk, so I think you all know what that means! It’s time for a #KipperWaffle!

I’d like to talk a little bit about content creators for our hobbies, and how we treat them.

There are two elements to this - some people have monetised their hobby through Patreon, kofi donations, YouTube or twitch subscriptions. Others just are madly enthusiastic about sharing what they do, and any income it’s incidental.

We all fall at least a little into that second category! If we’re hobbyists sharing RPG ideas, painting tips or pictures of our minis, we’re creating content ourselves, to some degree!

Now, remember that. Remember you - yes, YOU - are a content creator. There’s a difference between professionally producing multiple YouTube videos and occasional snapping mini pics on a phone, but it’s one of scale, not of kind, to be honest.

Now, let’s bear that in mind as we go back and look at the people I’m talking mostly about. The people who twitch stream their live hobby. Who make podcasts, or YouTube videos, recording, editing, uploading, dealing with copyright claims, sourcing free to use images and music.

Who entertain us. Who offer hobby guidance and solutions. Who make this hobby accessible, offer communities, teach us to paint, design games and play at a whole other level and show us where to find new and amazing resources.

Not all of those resources are free. Some are hidden behind Patreon paywalls. Sometimes we might actually support a kickstarter, or buy a book or guide, or a magazine they’ve written an article for.

No one has to pay - there are lots of hobbyists sharing stuff for fun.

Commission painters, access to lessons and tutorials, entertaining content? Being asked to pay for that so someone can do more, do better, actually get by while entertaining you? It’s not an insult. You pay Gw for hobby support with every box of minis, white dwarf, or paint.

If someone offers something you appreciate, and you can help support them do it? Why not?

No one is forcing you to do it. People don’t deserve insults for being laid for their work. And it is work. It is their livelihood in many of these cases.

Now, not everyone does monetise their hobby. Some content creators simply revel in sharing their love of the hobby, and get massively enthusiastic for it, whether that’s a podcast or video, or running a club, or giving free painting lessons.

They may not be asking for money at the same time, but one thing all content creators are asking for?

Respect.

That’s not mindless worship. They aren’t asking for you to agree with every word, or fatuously praise every video. I merrily tease people on here who are massive names in the wargaming community, especially.

But you know what? I always respect them.

I respect all the time, effort and resources they pile into this hobby. I respect their enthusiasm. I appreciate that many have their freedom to speak on social media curtailed, as a single bad encounter may blow up a financial lifeline.

I respect the amazing talent they display. I respect the time and effort they put in to get those skills, as no art comes without practise. I respect those who write adventures and game systems.

All the time, I see people who produce content taken for granted.

Why wasn’t your video out on time?
Why didn’t you paint something in different colours like I want?
Do this! Do that! I hate that! I don’t believe that was you.

It is absolute bullshit. Let’s circle right back to my earlier point. All of us on social media are content creators. We all add content to the hobby, if not as regularly or professionally as a few people achieve.

Next time you go to whinge at someone for being 15 minutes late putting up a free video, or complain that someone couldn’t possibly have painted that well as they’re a girl - stop.

Just think. You produce content too. Imagine getting hammered every time you miss getting a model done for #minaturemonday. Or worse, getting hammered because your tweet wasn’t up at 00:01 Monday morning.

Imagine painting the best model you’ve ever painted, or writing the best game you’ve ever conceived.

Then being told you couldn’t have done that as you’re a boy. You’re too old to understand that new system. You’re too young to appreciate that classic model.

That’s what I see happen _every single day_ on here, but people think it’s OK. They are people. They are YouTube channels. Twitch channels. “Big names”.

Because apparently 15k arbitrary followers mean insults don’t hurt?

If the stuff you write about someone else’s hobby would upset you if someone wrote it about you? Don’t write it.

Celebrate our hobby, from the biggest names right down to new accounts painting their first model or picking up their first adventure or rulebook.

That’s not saying people get a free pass. Content can be gloriously produced and be utterly horrific. You certainly shouldn’t approve of racist or transphobic or any other discriminatory material, for example. (And it’s a sad state of affairs that I feel I need to add that!)

But that’s different from attacking individuals. Attacking their work. Demanding content creators produce as if we’re entitled to their time.

Just because someone works in the hobby for money, or because they put more effort in than you? They deserve not one jot less respect.

Just remember - we’re all content creators on here. It’s a fairly simple message - treat others at least as well as you’d like to be treated in the same circumstances.

Respect!

And now I’m going back to cheeky gags, experimenting with 3D prints, and generally dribbling over minis! Huzzah!

And trust me, there are some cracking minis out there right now you haven’t seen yet. Go look!