In this video I’m laying out the truth about my channel—how it started, what it’s turned into, and what it costs (time, money, and energy) to keep it moving. Before YouTube, I was already an audio engineer doing small projects, and I was also shooting/editing brand campaigns. I started this channel with one goal: give you an “extra degree” of value—because that one degree is the difference between hot water and boiling water, and boiling water makes steam that can move something. That’s the whole point for me. I talk about how the early Slate VSX videos popped off and gave me confidence, how brands started sending gear, and the part people don’t see: I don’t get to keep about 90% of what I review. A lot of the time it goes back, or I sell what I can keep because I’ve got rent and two kids. And as far as YouTube monetization goes, I’ve made a little over $700 in two years—so no, I’m not doing this for the bag. Most importantly, I’m protecting the one thing that makes this channel worth watching: honesty. I’m easy to work with, but I’m not an employee, and I can’t be bought (unless… SSL wants to send a Duality—then we can talk). I’m a “turn the knob, does it sound good?” guy, and I’m still that kid whose dream was a studio in his bedroom—and I’m trying to pass that feeling on to you.