Behind The Review

Hopefully this gives some context. I get questions or sometimes some assumptions that give me the impression this could use more clarity.

I have tried making this video a few times. It is a long ramble but important to put out there for anyone curious about it. The majority of people will not care about any of this stuff but for those who do, it can matter a lot. Anyway, here is the least whiny version of this content I could come up with.

2:21 - Introduction
9:22 - Channel Goal
11:21 - Review General Rules
12:31 - Money
14:13 - Public or Private
17:41 - Samples
19:40 - What do I do with samples after the review?
21:57 - How much do I make from YouTube? Address again at 44:26
23:14 - Target for Samples
24:30 - How long does it take?
26:12 - How many videos will you make with a sample?
26:34 - Will I send samples back?
27:35 - How do I communicate with vendors, what will I add, edit, or change?
31:27 - What targets do I cut and what benefits do they have?
38:51 - Do free swords make you bias?
42:25 - Do you worry about samples being cherry picked for you?
44:26 - How much do I make from YouTube?
45:40 - Why do you only review katana?
46:57 - Why do you break swords?
50:06 - What are the ethics of a review?

My goal in making videos -
Provide information that is helps sword friends better spend their money.
Side missions -
Meet cool people, learn stuff, do cool stuff, play with awesome swords.

Why should you listen to me?
I try to make videos that show information so that you don't need to listen. If you know more than I do, then great. Please teach me stuff. Hopefully you can see some details in the footage that helps you decide how to spend your money. If you are new to swords, then hopefully my experience in the hobby is helpful. I have handled a pile of swords and talked about them for a decade. Having lots of stuff and knowing lots of stuff are different things. I consider myself an armature.

Do you take money for sword reviews?
No. I get add revenue from YouTube. I get samples, and occasional cutting targets. I don't take money, spiffs, commissions ect. from vendors.

Do you ever bury a review?
Kind of.. If a vendor asks for private feedback and they are upfront about it, then I will provide it privately. Things sent for public review are in a public review.

Do you get a lot of samples?
I ask for 3-5. Good, better, best kind of thing. Sometimes I get them. I also ask for targets because they cost a lot.

How long does it take to make a review once you get a sample?
Around 90 days. Give or take.. This is negotiable but I like to take my time.

How many videos will you make with a sample?
At least one. If I get to keep it then maybe more.

If the review is negative do you let the vendor know?
If it is bad I say stuff and give a chance to give the same kind of customer service they would to a customer. I also give a heads up so they can be ready to help people who may have concerns.

What benefits do your targets have?
They all offer something different. Though some are just because they are fun or look cool.

Sword Stand by Enso Workshop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnsoWorkshop

Music provided by - Kevin MacLeod incompetech.com

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