Unfortunately, most of us live in capitalist societies, and we need to earn money to live. And it takes money to make educational and/or activist videos. The equipment, hardware and software, costs money. The Internet access to post videos costs money. If research materials, costumes or props are used, they cost money too. Background music? There’s free stuff out there, but it’s safer to license tracks, which costs money. Did anyone help you produce, edit, or otherwise participate? Ideally, they should be compensated-- more money. Not to mention the time and effort involved in a really well-written, edited and produced video… which is worth something on its own.
Since the product costs money to make, why shouldn’t the creators be entitled to earn a living from their efforts?
At least some creators out there are using a hybrid ad/sponsor/crowd-sourced income model, and it seems to work okay for them. (My sample size is very small, as I don’t follow that many people.) I’d like to see them continue to make a living through their work, or at least enough to defray the costs incurred.
It’s not a perfect model, and I’ve heard at least one creator acknowledge the problematic nature of YouTube’s relationship with channel owners. But at this point, it’s the best way for video makers to get their message to the world… so until a better system develops, it’s play the game, or stay silent. And as @anon73430903 says, we need progessive, socialist voices out there to counter the fascists’ narratives. I’d prefer a better alternative, but I’d rather have what exists than nothing at all.
