I make How To videos… I think most people know that. Many are getting tired of them, mainly because there are so many people doing them, and a great deal of them are… well… just plain bad (including some of mine, I’m sure!).

The reasons why I do these types of videos are varied. The first and foremost is because they are quite easy to be made popular, and garner a lot of views. Whether they’re ueful to a great deal of people, or simply something silly that very few people will ever try, they are undeniably an easy sell.

This is important to me on a personal level. Because of a back injury, I am unable to work a “normal” job. I do not mention this for any pity. It is merely a fact. The greatest personal opportunity that doing these videos has given me is a sense of purpose I have lacked for many years. I also greatly value the opportunity to share knowledge and hopefully give people an insight into the thought process that goes into coming up with, for the most part, original ideas.

And it is within this scope that I think the greatest value of How To videos lie, and that is, that it teaches and encourages people to think “outside of the box”. Why is this important? Look at it this way… if you were ever in a situation that called for creative thinking to ensure your survival, what will better serve you at that moment? Humorous or crazy videos of people doing stupid stuff, or videos that demonstrate how you can take two seemingly unrelated things and create something unique? Out of the box thinking is a survival skill.

Not only that, but out of the box thinking also encourages innovation and creativity. Look at all of the trends that have become big over the last 50 years in technology. Who do we have to thank for them? The comedians and Funniest Home Videos, or innovative thinkers? Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate humor and silliness, as we all need as many laughs as we can get, especially in this day and age. Humor and comedy DOES serve a great purpose in its own right.

And please don’t misunderstand me… I’m not purporting that I’m a particularly innovative thinker with ideas that will contribute to the welfare of mankind. I can hope, however, that perhaps my videos might spark the imagination of someone who may, one day, come up with a truly innovative idea that will benefit society, or lead to the next big technological advance in some field.

So, that’s the REAL reason that I make these types of videos, and I hope perhaps this will give everyone an opportunity to examine the role of How To videos in a bit of a better light. I DO aspire to do bigger and better things, such as truly educational videos that enlighten people to aspects of our society that need constant attention so that they are not forgotten, primarily the plight of disabled children and how we can make the world a better place for them. I’m currently working on a documentary which I hope to have finished very soon that I hope will open some eyes and perhaps contribute to changing societies’ perceptions of their capabilities and contributions.

In the meantime, I have two children of my own with disabilities that I need to do all I can to assure that they will be cared for after I am not around for them anymore. Part of this is financial, and making How To videos gives me an opportunity to help them in that regard.

So, please consider that not everyone who makes How To videos is simply in it to make money just to increase their wealth and enjoy the high-life. Some of us are in it by necessity.