GeekyNet
YTtalk Mad
I've always dreamed I would lead something, or create something. My channel is just a small outlet for creativity, but the principles of it are the same as someone sharing thoughts & information with others through other means. So for me, my channel is what I've always dreamed of doing on a smaller scale. So no, I am not too worried about recognition or anything like that. I used to have a lot of social anxiety, but I've been through a lot and had a lot of practice & forced experience with talking to strangers and speaking in front of many people. It just takes work, and perhaps that's part of the journey you will face if you make it big on YouTube.
I've had a few people recognize me in game (World of Warcraft, haha I know - so far away from the type of lifechanging work you do) and it's quite odd. Usually it's in audio chat that they recognize my voice so then they ask me if I am GeekyNet. It always feels weird, but it also makes me feel good. It's nice to know that people like your content so much that they recognize your voice within seconds.
As for people wanting to be your BFF even though they know you and you don't know them. That comes with the business of what you do on YouTube. You can't expect it to be different for as long as you share your life on the internet. Perhaps you can try to set some boundaries with your viewers though.
Maybe you don't even have to tell them to backoff.
A simple "I spend hours each week sharing my life with you, giving you advice and trying to help you. However, I hardly get to see the outcomes, experience the process with you and understand your past. I strongly encourage all of you to share your life with me by messaging me, trading contact details (Skype) or commenting on my videos. At the very least, I urge you to be open to sharing your life as I have shared mine."
^That right there might lead to some two-way street relationships that you seem to be longing for. Just ask them about themselves and maybe you'll find out your creepy stalkers are truly BFF potential.
I've had a few people recognize me in game (World of Warcraft, haha I know - so far away from the type of lifechanging work you do) and it's quite odd. Usually it's in audio chat that they recognize my voice so then they ask me if I am GeekyNet. It always feels weird, but it also makes me feel good. It's nice to know that people like your content so much that they recognize your voice within seconds.
As for people wanting to be your BFF even though they know you and you don't know them. That comes with the business of what you do on YouTube. You can't expect it to be different for as long as you share your life on the internet. Perhaps you can try to set some boundaries with your viewers though.
Maybe you don't even have to tell them to backoff.
A simple "I spend hours each week sharing my life with you, giving you advice and trying to help you. However, I hardly get to see the outcomes, experience the process with you and understand your past. I strongly encourage all of you to share your life with me by messaging me, trading contact details (Skype) or commenting on my videos. At the very least, I urge you to be open to sharing your life as I have shared mine."
^That right there might lead to some two-way street relationships that you seem to be longing for. Just ask them about themselves and maybe you'll find out your creepy stalkers are truly BFF potential.