I’m not a fan of AI in the slightest, especially when it comes to art and music. I’ve never used it in my videos and I never will.

However for the first time I asked ChatGPT to craft me a title for my latest video that would maximise potential views. The result speaks for itself.

Here you can see a top 5 video comparison of views after 48 hours of being uploaded. The video in which I used the AI title has generated more than 3x the views of my previous fastest growing video.

Makes me wonder, can AI be useful to me if it’s helping to spread British folklore, spread my own non-AI art, and make me more money? Surely it’s a huge positive if it’s doing all of this?

Despite this though I do think the slippery slope is real. My natural reaction to this result was to think “what else can I use AI for?”

But that obviously means opening the door to potentially everything else. For example, I as a creator might think “I can use AI to write scripts for me, but I’ll still be filming on location and I’m not using AI art so it’s still technically my own creation”.

Personally I think I’d rather spend extra time understanding why certain titles lead to more views. And I’d do this by studying the algorithm and channels doing far better than mine. Even if this means browsing YouTube for hours. By doing this manually, I can actually understand the process and not have to rely on AI.

As a creator, I have to admit that the pull of AI is huge. Primarily because my efforts are rewarded a lot more, but secondly because it’s so much easier. But the line has to be drawn somewhere. And I think I personally will draw that line at not using it at all. Even for a title. I’d rather find out why certain titles work and utilise it myself, rather than open Pandora’s box and take the first step in allowing AI do the thinking for me.

So, I have just hit 3,000 subscribers on YouTube. This is fantastic to see, especially as my end of year goal was to get to 2.5k!

Even if the platform is getting bombarded with AI slop, I will always remain genuine with what I do, Rest assured, there will never be any AI video clips, artwork, music or titles in my work.

It's also great to see more and more people join the Patreon, buy coffees, and in general, show some very humbling support. It means the world and I couldn't do it without you lot!

Now, let's get this channel to 10k!

Wassail! ᛟ

Map of my filming locations to date. Gives me a good idea of where I need to target next.

Just hit 50,000 subs on YouTube. Crazy to think this many people follow my work but it’s hugely appreciated. Thanks to everyone that watches and shares!

Will be doing a Q&A soon on my channel for reaching 50K. If you’d like to ask a question, comment on this post on my YT page :-)

You might recall back in November I shared an article concerning a Boxing Day custom that combines the traditional festive Mummer’s play with English Sword Dancing. How it was revived but again faces dying out. I travelled to the village it takes place in to film it and interview the dancers. You can learn all about this tradition in my new video:

https://youtu.be/aCsxI5ruFtM?si=bSYUtsM0XtoDVIRK

Robin Hood, the greatest folk hero in English history. Beloved outlaw fighting against a tyrannical king and oppressive corrupt lawmen, giving hope to the downtrodden people of England.

Hollywood: “he was no hero”

I wonder why they’re making a film like this…? 🤔🤔🤔

Berserker piece from the Lewis Chessmen set.

Soon

Outside the Storm is raging, the days are short, bleak and cold.

Never has the world felt more hostile.

Luckily for you, you've stumbled across a cosy old pub nestled deep in the English Countryside. The warm air alive with the joy of fireside conversation and gentle folk melody.

Sat at a nearby table are three friendly faces, Pints in hand:

Joe (The Wessex Nomad),
Jack (Staffordshire Folklore),
and Josh (The Jolly Reiver).

You're invited to come in, sit down, and join the conversation of the day.

You may be new here, but you're always sure of a warm reception here, at 'The Outlaw's Rest'.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/c48UJuDiho4?si=8AYro9dMtf0gGwls

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PNDvWp6jPP9EZaIqye5Ej

New Video: I found a ruined castle in the mountains above the Croatian capital of Zagreb that had an interesting legend attached to it.

https://youtu.be/pjXDWHe02Og?si=2NXDJltSQcF3TWS8

New Video!
I visited Slovenia’s most haunted castle and return with more tales of ghosts and the supernatural. But not only that, this castle was home to a man that history has dubbed ‘Slovenia’s Robin Hood’, and it was here he made his legendary last stand! 🇸🇮

https://youtu.be/CUVTJrq0vpY?si=PyUGVfyrVAqZRSlb

***New video***

I investigate a Somerset legend that has a lot of speculation surrounding it. Join me in the rural, mystical land of the Quantocks where dragons are said to roam and where the history and folklore are endless.

Many thanks to The Jolly Reiver for producing a section for this video and giving me drone footage to use. Please subscribe to his excellent channel!

Watch here - https://youtu.be/Qmd0dX6BgPE

At long last, I’m releasing my video that I filmed in Mandalay, Burma. It’s my first go really at travel vlogging, something I likely won’t do again. But if you’re curious to see what the city looked like after the earthquake then you’ll find this interesting!

https://youtu.be/jw7aag7s9DI?si=NISOnK3zJdk8OgdV