Toys4RJill

So my Spidey-senses are telling me, Alex on Autos is on its last leg. On my Apple TV today, he has put out a pledge and is now offering subscriptions from You Tube.

Thoughts?

swajames

I don't think that's what's going on, Jill. I haven't seen the content you saw, but suggest another possible perspective which is having built up a sufficient follower base he may be in a position to trial bifurcated content and distinguish free to all vs paid premium. You may be right, but maybe he's just trying to take his business to the next level.

Edited to add I see it's a Patreon campaign. A lot of independent content creators do this, particularly in cases like this where a good foundation has been established and it's something people are willing to support.

mmarshall

Alex is arguably the best auto reviewer in the business. I hope his program stays free, but it would probably be worth a reasonable subscription-price, even if it doesn't.

Toys4RJill

I can't imagine there is a sizable demographic that watches these car reviews who would be willing to pay for these reviews. You might be right.

LexBob2

I wouldn't pay for the reviews. There are too many other choices out there. Personally don't watch AoA much anyway but I'm guessing that he might have a big enough audience that would.

swajames

OK - it's exactly what I thought it was. In addition to the Patreon, there's a new premium sub option on youtube offering exclusive content and early access to certain other content. $4.99 per month.

Toys4RJill

What is Patreon?

swajames

It's a service where anyone including content creators can get ongoing subscription support. Interested parties can sign up and commit to a certain level of support per month for people or causes they want to support. It's usually just a few bucks. The goal is to get a larger group to commit so a few bucks per person adds up to a more worthwhile number over the entire contributor base.

mmarshall

I would, if it's reasonable....say, just a couple of dollars a month.

RNM GS3

I personally can’t stand his reviews- its like reading the brochure and they are way too long.

mmarshall

That's just it. Though I agree his voice can get monotonous at times, unlike a lot of other "reviewers", he actually tells you something. When he gets done, you know the vehicle from stem to stern...and exactly what you are getting for your money.

venom21

He mentioned that his team is going to buying more cars ala consumer reports to review so they need the cash to do so. They already bought a Tesla Model 3 and are bringing in a Hyundai Nexo as well. I don't think he's going out of business.

Toys4RJill

I would be surprised if he had the budget to “buy” those vehicles. Maybe lease them for the short term. mmmm. Sounds like his subscriptions would be just paying for this daily drivers.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

He did buy the tesla 3, and now he’s already selling it. I follow him on facebook and he gives some good posts and background on there.

Toys4RJill

Thanks for the comment and info. I appreciate it.