No run on sentences full of “ands.” No “ums” or “uhs.” Complete sentences. Complete thoughts. A recognizable point of view. Organized content. Professional and relatable. Many KZfaqrs could learn a lot from your videos. Love your content. Keep it up.

Great video. I still remember my first proper KZfaq paycheck. I was so proud of myself. If it wasn't for my consistency (and a little bit of Famester), I wouldn't have made anything probably.

Refreshing to hear someone so well spoken. Clear, concise and articulate.

I'm not a musician, I'm a flight and aeronautical instructor, but I found your video full of right reflections and valuable advices. Especially the final one, where you tell to be yourself and to continue to make videos and do what you love not for success, but to nourish your spirit. Thanks for what you said.

You are incredibly articulate.

Great video. People subscribe for many reasons. For me it’s your honesty, integrity, wysiwyg personality, original music and absolutely magnificent singing and speaking voice that will keep me coming back as long as you continue your journey. I’d love to see every video of yours hit tens of millions of views. You deserve it.

The economics of KZfaq is a subject that interests a lot of people, thanks for sharing!

Getting that first paycheck from KZfaq was like the best feeling for me. But I think I wouldn't have made it if I didn't use some boosting tools (my favorite one by far is to use a lot of Famester when I need to make my content go viral). Good thing is that it also works on different social media platforms, so I am not just tied to KZfaq. It's amazing, feels like I am in control of algorithm.

Mary, you're one of my 'go-to' KZfaqrs. One reason.... your videos are always well produced, no matter the content. Your mike technique, approach and style of narration are absolutely pro. I appreciate that, being a broadcast professional of 40 years. I have zero patience with content creators who sound like the mic is in a room, but it's just not the room from which they're speaking. Bad edits, no economy of words, are other turn offs. Another reason..... I really enjoy your singing. I think you have a great voice. You've heard the expression, "she could sing the phone book"? Well, although I wouldn't recommend you try it, (although it might be interesting) it's kinda like that. Third reason.... you're all in! I can tell that you're fully committed to your career, your music and this channel. I love being privy to your journey. All that being said, I'm dumbfounded by how little you've been paid for 4,700,000 views. It's just surprising. Knowing this, I'm even more impressed with your level of commitment. I wish you the best.

We make money so we can make music, not the other way around. As long as you are doing what you love and you have enough money coming in to keep doing it, then you’re doing it right 😊

Wow, what an absolute pleasure to hear English spoken so well. This is the first time I saw your channel, and the first video I've watched. I have no idea what your music is like, but I could listen to Mary narrate all day long. (I will listen to some music now).of course thank you for sharing some real income data.

You're a very good public speaker! Keep up the good work!

Well done Mary, such great info. and thoughts. Thanks!

Don’t ever stop making and publishing your original music, Mary. Some of us are here for it.

I just stumbled onto this... Impressed by your candor. Haven't watched anything else you've created yet, but looking forward to it. And thank you for being real 😊

I found you because you collaborated with Leo on Sultans of swing. Collaborations are a great thing for expanding subs and it helps each other out.

Thank you for honesty & proffecionality. And indeed to get online require bravery. I do think your educational videos are great!

This is something I've always wondered about... Thanks for the transparency! Very much looking forward to seeing you hit 1 million subscribers...

Mary Spencer, As a singer/song writer myself (for many years), I felt your thoughts, your pain, your gratitude, as well as the challenges that a 21st century musician is, and will be facing (think of AI, as a main example). It's interesting to note that an 'unboxing' video, is of more interest to many folks, than the actual usefulness (if really useful at all) of the product. The positive aspect of the bigger picture is that an 'awakening' is taking place. The other side of the coin, however, is that the lower density qualities, still rules the roost. Wishing you all the best in your new ventures.

We all have unique paths. Do what you do. Own no one any apologies. You are an extraordinary musician.

Mary, your videos are always high quality. 👍

I'm not a musician (lol) and I enjoy your voice, music and presented personality. Those YT metrics don't mean one single thing which measures your value. What keeps me here is you, your honesty & healthy intelligent conversations. Even though you don't see my face, I'm seeing yours and will do my best to reflect what you give every time.

YESS!!! Thanks for sharing with us! I'm GLAD that you start off with it's not all "sunshine and rainbows" But it's a LOT of HARD WORK!!!

I love how you articulate and describe so concisely. I wish you great success. Your integrity and authenticity will always take you far. Passion for what you’re doing is a wonderful driving force.

I love your content, Mary. Your music is lovely.

"...its a long road to build your audience up and the urge to quitt is going to be ever present" so true for all creators. thank you Mary for continuing your path!

Mary, this is what you are best at. Narrating with that velvet voice and intelligent thought process

Thanks Mary for this transparence and openness! A lot of people went narcistic about their success in social media. Keep creating your music!

Your talents span many facets from musician, to historian, to business entrepreneur! I love your transparency and intellect! Thank you for being you in what you do! 👏👏👏

I hope you never stop posting songs written by you performed by you, cause youre a great musician and it woulb be sad not to hear your music any more❤

I appreciate your candor and honesty. I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you for the honest behind the scene analytics. Please accept my respect!

This is exactly why I try to watch everything you post. I am not a musician or have any ability in that field. Yet, your advice about being who you are naturally AND about remaining in contact with your audience (customer base) works for every career path. Well done, Mary. You be you. No one does you better than you do.

hi Mary, I am a photographic artist and I've been running my own business now for 14 years. I have found that a newsletter was the most powerful way to go. I came off social media about 7 years ago and I haven't regretted it. Your words '1,000 true fans is better than 4 million casual viewers' is so true. a newsletter tends to be for those who bond with you and it's a great way of filtering out the casuals, and also in beating the social media algorithms which basically prevent you from reaching those who wish to keep up to date with you. The internet is broken - most social media platforms act as a broker between you and your audience. they choose how much of your audience you reach and that is just plain perverse.

Not a musician, but a filmmaker, and you're video still resonated with me... you're right, there's never-ever been a better time to take control of your own creativity.

Mary, you are a most gracious, articulate, clear, concise speaker who is able to bring one into your space in the presentation of your topic, as if engaged within a personal communication. Thank you. ❤

Watched you over the years now. You're astonishing. The most honest intelligence in a huge morass of lies and expectations. Your unusually bright and sharp personality is what so many 'great' singers totally lack. All show and no substance. You the opposite. I'll now listen to your songs with a keener ear!

Mary, Ignore the haters. You ROCK. Great voice, great guitar playing, great song writing. Keep up the GREAT WORK!

Thank you Mary, I spent yesterday writing a song about my enduring urge to quit, it can be quite heart breaking in its own right. This was much needed advice that came right on time.

Thank you Mary for all the sobering, honest and eye opening insights.

Thank you so much for being transparent Mary! So few folks are these days. Your transparency and integrity are two of the things I really admire about you, and your new music is sounding fantastic!

I discovered you through your interview with Anderton's six years ago, and I've been watching your videos ever since. I enjoy practically all of your content, and I appreciate how honest you are about how you navigate this industry. You're one of my favorite KZfaqrs.

100% the passion and time you put into creating music comes through in the gear review videos. They give credence to what you say. Glad you are getting $ and recognition, even if it's not superstardom, it's more than many can do.

I loved watching this and give you so much credit for having the grit to do what you love!

I really enjoy the videos when you invite the other Mary's to accompany you. The edits are award worthy and for me demonstrate that you enjoy doing it and making it look effortless. Thank you.

As many said, you are inspiring. In many ways! Keep on! And thank you for your kindness when we met at Ricks gig in Berlin. 🙂

This is a perfect video to show people how to be successful in almost any kind of business: Always be true to yourself and never take anything for granted. I wish your all the best Mary and I will keep watching your videos.

I stumbled across your channel. I haven’t listened to your music but I think your communication skills are outstanding. I love the no ‘fillers’, clean enunciation, and complete thoughts as someone else mentioned. Beautiful! You could go into broadcasting.

Well done Mary. You’re very creative and tenacious. Success takes hard work and you’re putting that work in. Keep going. We’re all behind you cheering you on.

Your contribution extends far beyond music. Watching you, we get to see what honesty looks like. The level of honesty that seems so easy for you, can be scary for many of us. You're an excellent role model on many levels. Please keep up the good work.

Hey Mary, I can’t tell you how long I’ve been a subscriber for but I love what you do and how you go about it! From the other side of the planet and as a “hobby” musician I’ve drawn inspiration from you and your channel and thank you for that. Looking forward to the newsletter and hitching a ride on your journey! Love your work, BT!!

This is the best vid about KZfaq vids. Not just about music but rather about how people view vids. Thank you very much. This gave me ideas on what to record to get more viewers.

Mary, your talent, insight, personality and professionalism are a powerful combination. Thank you for pulling back the curtain on this continually evolving world of music.

never stop what your doing love your voice love your playing love your channel

You do a wonderful job on your channel, Mary. Great mix of singer songwriter, product reviews and quirky stuff. And I could listen to that voice all day .

What a brilliantly transparent piece. Somehow I found you because of the algorithm and you are right we just need to be ourselves and take the long view. Keep on keeping on Mary.

Mary, you have no reason at all to put "artistic integrity" in air quotes - it is a quality that shines out of your work. I really appreciate your openness and the reality-check of navigating this crazy media world. You are a beacon of honest hard-working musicianship, but of course it is built on some inspired song-writing. Thank you!

I am subscribed to both your music channel and the newsletter. Keep doing what your heart tells you Mary. You're great!

Your humility and transparency is a breath of fresh air. Thank you

You just appeared in my feed and I happened to listen through. I enjoyed your well spoken dialogue. Thank you

Honestly coming back to your videos here and there over time while I started exploring the music world over the last couple of years, I would say your magic is the quality of your videos, your face, your honesty, and your amazingly clear well delivered speech is what makes you so easy to listen too. Your information is never too much, and always directly on point. Despite all that and without ever listening to your music as I come to you for advice, I think your video editing is your skill. The way you use lighting, and the way your person is sharp, but everything behind you has a slight softness to it . Just overall I think you sell the most premium looking advice channel on youtube. At some point I will make it to your music :)

No, no, don't stop making music. You ARE a singer/songwriter. And a good one (BTW, just got the CD in the mail!)

Thank you for this honest breakdown of your analytics. It’s so helpful and revealing about how difficult KZfaq work can be.

Thanks for the straight, honest, and open sharing. Did not know people like you still existed in this world.

Mary, I love your voice, your playing, your sincerity. Thanks for putting yourself out there, and helping all of us. You’re the best. Also, I accidentally referred to my band’s livestream as a “Tuesday Talks” today. 😂

This is why I love to watch your videos, you share so much. Thank you for the authenticity and just being a delightful host to whatever you are presenting.

I've just subscribed - honesty is a rare thing, good luck going forward. xxx

Thank you for your transparency and integrity!

Your viewer to subscriber ratio is impressive. You have a very loyal fanbase. I love that you are sticking to your guns with making music. You could just sellout and only make gear review vids. The fact that your channel is a mix of everything keeps me subscribed. I appreciate all your content.

Thank you for making this and, in my opinion, continuing to do what you for the right reasons (i.e., making music and other art for yourself and out of love for the creative process), as well as being so frank and revealing here. The quality of your videos and work in general is absolute top-tier, and what you say here makes me want to do a deeper dive into your songs. Keep being incredible. Cheers!

Your personality and presentation is what is most important. Love you Ms Spender.

Fascinating! Sincere. Helpful! Thank you.

Mary, I've always appreciated your Honesty and Integrity in your videos. You are not only talented but real. The world needs more like you. Keep on following your heart.

Your channel is one I look forward to each week. I started following you after the Rick Beato video and have not been disappointed. Not only is your music great but it’s great to see someone who is so passionate about their music and has a great on screen personality. Keep doing what you’re doing.

Thank you for the insight. You’re a very refreshing and thoughtful person.

Nice one, thanks for sharing. I can see why I’ll never cut it on YT and you’ve helped see it differently. Interesting that it’s the ‘making of’ content that works.

Great video as always! You have a very balanced way of seeing everything. That's also helpful to other creatives too, so thank you!

Hi Mary. I've always found your enthusiasm, generosity, humility and authenticity up there with the great Rick Beato. Keep on doing what you do so well!

When I watch your videos here whwt I love is that I feel like I am part of your journey. Thank you for caring and it shows ❤

Incredibly Transparent. Thank you.

Mary please just keep being you, doing what you do. I love your music and songwriting. You are a inspiration.

I'm just discovering your channel and I saw this video before I'd heard any of your music. Wow, your voice and guitar playing are both GREAT. Your voice in particular has a lot of depth and texture. Anybody who tells you to quit doing this is nuts!

Great video, I have learnt so much from this. Thank you for posting.👍

Subscribed, just because of this video. I really appreciate your honesty and openness. I will listen to your music, promise!

MS, you're a breath of fresh air, always, in the YT universe. Thank you for all your good, hard work.

I love that the internet lets people with passion make an attempt at things that labels who don't create or own it don't care about. I LOVE that it allows people like you a chance and an audience. I also love the honesty and openness of this video. Best of luck to you- this is a great vid and so candid and brilliant. AND it's a great way to show the reality of trying to make it this way.

Very encouraging video! Thank you!

Great advice expressed in a clear and articulate way. I respect your integrity and your musicianship and wish you well going forward in 2024. Best wishes

I love your honest take on things. You’re an awesome artist…just keep moving forward and creating great music. Much love and respect.

Thank you for this, for us creators who just want to write our music and be successful, and to not be discouraged upon finding out what really sells

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Very informative. 👍🇺🇸

You are just wonderful, and huge success will definitely come!! 💫

Love the honesty of this video and the insights into how hard it is to make a living from the net. If you are still enjoying doing what you do, (and it is clear that you are) stick with it because we love watching you whether it's playing your songs, doing covers or sharing your travels. You are a born presenter and performer.

Already subscribed, as a musician/music content creator, I can confirm the obvious: unity makes us better. Thanks Mary

I can't call myself a music person, but this video is a great motivator for me to keep trying different things to build an audience. Thank you

Thank you so much ! :) I am starting my handpan journey, so it helps a lot. :)

Even for people who may not be great fans of your type of original music, knowing that you are are a creative artist maintaining your own integrity in your own songs and videos really gives to your essays and gear-oriented videos a great and evident level of credibility, which I think must attract views and incline them to stick around. I'm very pleased to hear that you intend to keep doing you.

Honesty, candour, diversity of content, professionalism - these are the things that keep me coming back. Your recording technique literally makes it sound like you are here in the room, so many KZfaqrs don't pay enough (or any!) attention to this but, being a committed pro, you do, and it really shows. The broadcast quality video and editing make your content easy and entertaining to watch. And that voice - like a big mug of hot chocolate with a shot of Jack Daniels. One of my favourite channels (if you haven't guessed...) 🤩

The most honest and straightforward view of the independent musician. Thank you!

Thanks, very informative! As a KZfaq watcher of a wide range of content and curious about the process I found this video to be very nicely done. A well spoken, high quality and honest presentation from an obviously talented and passionate artist.