So how did it all start?
I started my Digger Dawn channel purely as 'a bit of a laugh' and filmed the first time I went out detecting, with no idea what I was doing, armed with a cheap detector and no expectations. Id never tried to edit a video before and even filmed it the wrong direction, I didn't realise that anyone would actually watch my video, as Id uploaded a video of my cat 5 years before which had a massive 10 views, so I thought I was only videoing for my own memories.
I wasn't on any metal detecting facebook groups at the time (I didn't realise they existed) and had absolutely no idea what I was doing, I had only watched Diggers on National Geographic channel, which was what had motivated me to give it a try.
My channel quickly started growing and to my upmost amazement people were enjoying my digs, helping me learn and generally being a lot of fun to be around.
I was overjoyed to be interacting with people who enjoyed history like myself, I found Facebook metal detecting groups and thought Id finally found a group of like minded people, who I could be happy with, have intelligent interesting conversations with and live happily ever after!
WRONG......I didn't think for a minute that the hobby would be peppered with metal detecting snobs, trolls, and youtube haters. I used to share my videos in around 5 big groups on facebook not thinking it was a problem.
But when I started reading nasty things about me, written by people I didn't know, being thrown out of groups and being called an idiot or that stupid women with the annoying voice, it came as a massive shock and hurt me deeply.
I decided then to make my own metal detecting group on Facebook, so I could have a place on Facebook just for the people who wanted to follow me, and for a place to share my videos without fear of hate and trolling. It was probably one of the best decisions I made at the time. My facebook group is still going strong with nearly 12,000 members, and has become know for being a metal detecting group of positivity and friendliness. I remember the hate, ridicule and belittling comments that hurt me so deeply when I first started out metal detecting and have strived to create a place where those things will never happen to new happy people entering the hobby.
You can join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiggerDawn2/
I am now 5 years on, I have learned a lot, I have watched a lot, I have developed thick skin and have strategies to cope with all the nasties out there.
The lovely people far outnumber the trolls and thats one thing I always remember, and I think of the people I have made friends with along the way as my metal detecting family, they are kind, thoughtful and a constant source of fun and friendship.
I'm not sure if many people will ever read this Blog, Ill give it a share here and there, but I am going to use it to write the things I cant write on Facebook, it can be difficult to write when having a large following, you tend to always upset someone someway, or have to repeat yourself a 100 times when people dont read what you actually wrote.
The purpose of my blog writing is to give tips and assistance to fellow youtubers, although you might not like what I always write, but it will be truthful and honest and might also help you on your way to where ever it is you want to be.
So till next time, be lucky & if there is any subject you want me to cover just let me know :-)
I started my Digger Dawn channel purely as 'a bit of a laugh' and filmed the first time I went out detecting, with no idea what I was doing, armed with a cheap detector and no expectations. Id never tried to edit a video before and even filmed it the wrong direction, I didn't realise that anyone would actually watch my video, as Id uploaded a video of my cat 5 years before which had a massive 10 views, so I thought I was only videoing for my own memories.
I wasn't on any metal detecting facebook groups at the time (I didn't realise they existed) and had absolutely no idea what I was doing, I had only watched Diggers on National Geographic channel, which was what had motivated me to give it a try.
My channel quickly started growing and to my upmost amazement people were enjoying my digs, helping me learn and generally being a lot of fun to be around.
I was overjoyed to be interacting with people who enjoyed history like myself, I found Facebook metal detecting groups and thought Id finally found a group of like minded people, who I could be happy with, have intelligent interesting conversations with and live happily ever after!
WRONG......I didn't think for a minute that the hobby would be peppered with metal detecting snobs, trolls, and youtube haters. I used to share my videos in around 5 big groups on facebook not thinking it was a problem.
But when I started reading nasty things about me, written by people I didn't know, being thrown out of groups and being called an idiot or that stupid women with the annoying voice, it came as a massive shock and hurt me deeply.
I decided then to make my own metal detecting group on Facebook, so I could have a place on Facebook just for the people who wanted to follow me, and for a place to share my videos without fear of hate and trolling. It was probably one of the best decisions I made at the time. My facebook group is still going strong with nearly 12,000 members, and has become know for being a metal detecting group of positivity and friendliness. I remember the hate, ridicule and belittling comments that hurt me so deeply when I first started out metal detecting and have strived to create a place where those things will never happen to new happy people entering the hobby.
You can join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/DiggerDawn2/
The lovely people far outnumber the trolls and thats one thing I always remember, and I think of the people I have made friends with along the way as my metal detecting family, they are kind, thoughtful and a constant source of fun and friendship.
I'm not sure if many people will ever read this Blog, Ill give it a share here and there, but I am going to use it to write the things I cant write on Facebook, it can be difficult to write when having a large following, you tend to always upset someone someway, or have to repeat yourself a 100 times when people dont read what you actually wrote.
The purpose of my blog writing is to give tips and assistance to fellow youtubers, although you might not like what I always write, but it will be truthful and honest and might also help you on your way to where ever it is you want to be.
So till next time, be lucky & if there is any subject you want me to cover just let me know :-)
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