I’ve written a lot in recent times about getting some of my time back to get my headspace out of thinking and talking about work all the time (at times it felt I was thinking about learning and development 24/7 and my mind had to take a break).
The way I’ve been doing this is increasing my knitting skills by learning new techniques such as short rows and also knitting top down (seamless knitting) through self-directed learning (mainly knitting social circle, reference books, knitting sites like Ravelry and of course YouTube).
However, another major time investment has been reading fiction books without any discernment to the topic.
I’ll read the blurb on the back and set aside my preferences to force myself to read something different hence to challenge myself.
(Truth be told I’m looking for that elusive wonderful feeling that shot through me when I first read JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. I can never get that feeling again the second time around….I need THAT fix!)
This week, I saw something on Twitter that made me aghast. I mean, check out this tweet and thread this week that was shared by John Hagel (@jhagel). I couldn’t think of any idea more abhorrent that Vinod Khosla is proposing…
I BELIEVE THAT WHEN IT COMES TO ART, THAT WE MUST NEVER LET ONLY AI DICTATE OR PERSONALISE WHAT IT THINKS WE NEED TO READ, LISTEN, WATCH, CREATE, WHATEVER…(sure by all means use it but don’t be a slave to it).
“I actually think 10 years from now, you won’t be listening to music” said VC Vinod Khosla.
Instead, we’ll be listening to custom songs designed specifically for each individual, and tailored to their brain, listening preferences and particular needs https://t.co/xtu5Lk1O9C— John Hagel (@jhagel) July 4, 2019
YouTube Used As a Platform to Share My Book Reviews – Booktube!
Anyway, as I’m reading the books rather than write about them, I thought I’d do what Booktubers do and share the review of the books on my YouTube channel.
My YouTube account is fast becoming my “personal canvas” of video content that I’m creating around my particular interests, passions and projects.
Much like this blog, I’m seeing that it is building up to be my personal album of my life and loves.
It’s not about selling my products and services – it’s not about business – besides I was never one to separate my ‘business and professional’ identity with my personal identity.
WYSIYG so I’d like to believe that in the future, I can look back to my blogs, social media accounts, YouTube channel and see my whole life evolved.
Get To the Point!
So for the last month or so, I’ve decided to follow what Booktubers are doing and try my hand at sharing my reviews on YouTube.
These are unedited, unscripted, improvised and impromptu videos that force me to gather my thoughts about the book, string a sentence together about the themes and share on camera.
I don’t know what happens on camera especially when Pud, the cat comes wandering into frame but I thought, I’d leave it all in.
The idea is NOT to create a following. Hell, it’s not even about creating a specific BookTube channel.
- It’s NOT to build a community and definitely NOT to sell my products and services at Activate Learning Solutions.
- It’s NOT measuring views (I don’t care who sees it or comments on it).
- It’s NOT about subscriber numbers
- It’s NOT a platform to present a particular theme for my work interests (that is, it’s NOT used to educate, promote or tell people in a formal way about workplace learning solutions).
If anything, it’s simply creating something and sharing it. It’s simply another way to communicate my passion and interest of books, and CREATING something from it through the form of video.
For the first time, it’s also improvised. (Usually I plan EVERYTHING because that’s the type of person I am). None of them are as good as other book tubers out there – but guess what? I don’t care!
Are you getting the message here?
I’m not one for worrying about people’s perceptions on why I am doing this and what value does it add to my work. Don’t care. I love it, so I do it.
So here are the reviews I’ve done so far if you’re interested to watch:
Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan
The Fragments by Toni Jordan
Cape May by Chip Creek
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Into My Arms by Kylie Ladd
If you’re interested to learn more about what I’m reading, or simply use an excellent app that monitors your reading and what’s on your bookshelves – or even tap into many online book communities, I strongly recommend GoodReads.Photo by Mike Bird from Pexels
Photo by Mike Bird from Pexels
