Comments on: Photography, Writing, and the Idling of YouTube

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:38:53 +0000

Thank you Pete for your kind words about my videos and for sharing your experiences leading up to finding your Vespa.

I agree with you about the herd and the industry. They’ve led to ever bigger, more powerful, expensive machines. Not unlike the trend with four-wheeled vehicles. It became less about the actual experience of riding and more about satisfying some itch of the mind and ego. At least that’s what I’m choosing to believe. Regardless, you and I are riding for ourselves, rebels in a world of sheep! *GRIN*

Southern Maine. My wife and I used to visit a couple times a year. Always staying at the Beachmere Inn in Oqunquit.

By: Pete Davis

Pete Davis — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:10:01 +0000

I will always be grateful for your videos, Steve.
They let me see a different side of riding. About a decade ago I became curious about riding and started to explore the internet and print media. Enjoyed learning about the technology but ended up turned off by the prevailing culture. Your work offered a glimpse into the simple pleasures of riding for oneself rather than for the herd and the industry. Maybe we’re the real rebels for having rejected that external validation in favor of personal satisfaction in another way.
Thanks to that realization, I found a preloved Vespa and got my motorcycle endorsement last year at the age of 68. I’ve had a great time exploring this season and I look forward to as many more as I can get away with.
Your YouTube legacy will carry on, but if you’re feeling that it’s time to move on, then do so. Be true to yourself.
Pete Davis
Southern Maine

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:59:08 +0000

In reply to Paul Ruby.

The lens I have for the 5×7 camera is a Caltar II 210mm F5.6 Multicoated lens in a Copal No. 1. shutter. I’m getting closer to using it for a project. The Darkroom will process and scan it. But I suspect by the time I am ready to start shooting I will have my darkroom functional and will be process and print myself. Contact prints on Ilford Multigrade II Classic Fiber-based paper.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:53:09 +0000

In reply to Jim Zeiser.

I’m much more relaxed when creating blog posts. I may seem relaxed in the videos but they can be intense and at time frustrating to create.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:52:05 +0000

In reply to Buck Biernier.

People certainly like watching videos. The audience traffic differences between the blog and YouTube is breathtaking. Good thing it doesn’t matter to me.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:51:01 +0000

In reply to Jens.

I’m glad you liked my videos and am sorry I have to disappoint you now. I learned a lot about myself while making them. And maybe I will create more someday. But for now I just want to write, take pictures, and ride. Producing videos is a whole different kettle of fish.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:49:24 +0000

In reply to David Eakin.

YouTube was work and began to feel like a job. I’m retired and don’t want to return to that state of being if I don’t have to.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:48:38 +0000

In reply to Mark.

I had a similar experience with digital photography after a hiatus with film. Like with you it reignited things and I did some good work. And now a similar thing is happening with film. I guess everything does change.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:46:41 +0000

In reply to barbarianunabashed65b5734ae7.

Hopefully I can reproduce the relaxed feeling in my writing!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 01:46:03 +0000

In reply to Mario Vaselli.

I”ve thought about making one video a month. Or an occasional video. But so far it’s just not excited me.