Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

* 2024 and 2025, I moved overseas, got married, and we have a child now
* Those years, YouTube was my main income, so thank you for watching my videos, commenting, to my Patreons, people sending me review samples, and also working with PCBWay
* Wife is totally cool with my hobbies, she supported me all the way, working out of a bedroom overseas. She's a good one, not one of those that bans you to the shed
* Had to rebuy a lot of stuff overseas because all my stuff was in storage in Perth
* 2026, came back to Australia, working and showing family this beautiful country
* Looked around, saw all the crates with computer parts, filming equipment. To continue working on the channel, 2 or 3 bedrooms are needed and 10–30 hours per video
* Just didn't want to live like that anymore, spending time with family is now my priority, simple as that. Time and space just aren't there anymore, also lost the passion
* Gave up on repairing videos / channel. I don't have the skill / time to build it up. Also, it's messy. I loved soldering kits, it's the most relaxing hobby, microsoldering with a microscope
* Started selling some parts on eBay Australia, OCAU forums (I will NOT ship overseas, and I just list items as I go from crate to crate). Nothing will get thrown out, back into storage in Perth
* Selling was interesting, parts are worth less than people think. It's mostly large professional sellers waiting for months and years for a desperate buyer. The sought-after stuff (3dfx, AWE64, MT-32, AMD FX) sells right away; lower-value items, working perfectly fine, you can't even give them away basically. Gave away some parts to people I've gotten to know over the years here in Australia
* In the future, if you stick with lower-value items, it's actually affordable to get back into it
* I still play a few games here and there, but through DOSBox, GOG on Windows 11, emulation of consoles. Currently playing FreeSpace 2 GOG version with a T.16000, beautiful
* Heading back OS for next year, second child is underway
* Website is going nowhere, videos are ticking over and generate enough to pay for it, maybe a good time now to add more resources
* Definitely do want to be back in the future, but not covering used retro parts anymore, want to do more tutorials, setup guides, review modern replacement projects like DreamBlaster, Llama, Gameport Party, 370 Slot adapter... Keep a bunch of core hardware to test those parts, so likely I just build a few retro PCs with some spare parts on hand, also emulation. DOSBox is really good, but 9x really, really needs something that works with slower computers
* So yea, in short: I'm doing well, thank you for the concern. My videos and site aren't going anywhere, will be back at some point in the future 😀
* Bless you, thank you for the support, watching my videos, leaving comments. To this day, the highlight of Saturday morning, reading comments over a coffee 😀
* Retro PC Gaming is awesome and if you are on the fence, just give a go!

PS: I left VOGONS because I was the hardware moderator for a while, and that role was just not for me. I hate being in charge, I'm a doer not a manager type, 'm not a confrontational person, I don't like to argue, I just want to do my thing, and if something is too hard, I just walk away. I then I put all my effort into the channel rather than arguing with people online, it's just not worth it. forums and social media distracts you and I found myself just ending up in arguments all over the place 😒

PS2: In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

Good to hear you are OK!
You inspired me all these years in my retro journey. THANK YOU.
It is sad when one of the icons of the retro world leaves the scene. It is up to the rest of us to carry on.
I too have a wife who really understands and accepts me as I am - and a small kid too. I fully understand that family comes first, job second and my hobby third.
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

Nice to see you here Phil, and I am glad you are doing well. Thanks for all that you did for the community. Most of us are grateful beyond words.

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

Yeah, I expected it would be so. But I do have some projects in the works that I think people will be interested in (My 8 PC retro PC cupboard, my retro build station, and my actual work area). So for me, it would just be about getting some community feedback on that. So getting seen would be the main objective. YouTube, I believe, doesn't tend to show videos unless you post regularly and have good viewer retention

RetroPCCupboard wrote on Yesterday, 05:32:

Nice to see you here Phil, and I am glad you are doing well. Thanks for all that you did for the community. Most of us are grat […]
Show full quote

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

Nice to see you here Phil, and I am glad you are doing well. Thanks for all that you did for the community. Most of us are grateful beyond words.

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

Yeah, I expected it would be so. But I do have some projects in the works that I think people will be interested in (My 8 PC retro PC cupboard, my retro build station, and my actual work area). So for me, it would just be about getting some community feedback on that. So getting seen would be the main objective. YouTube, I believe, doesn't tend to show videos unless you post regularly and have good viewer retention

From my time with YouTube as spending stupid amounts of time working out just how the algo behaves its sensationalism that gets its attention far quicker than anything else . .clickbait titles and stupid flashy thumbnails will do it every time.
It doesn't even seem to care what the content really is only if it will generate clicks, watch time and ad revenue so short form videos between 5 and 10 mins wont get pushed unless they are a "Hot" topic currently trending, long form beyond 20 mins also wont get pushed as its too long for the ADD addled brains to sit through.

That last point .. is the main one, their AI will push quick snappy content like shorts all day before it will push 10/20 min videos.

So it might be worth your time making some shorts that are snappy and eye catching for the algo to push and get clicks and watch time which will then make it want to push your longer content.

And naturally use as much word of mouth as you can to get people to come watch a video or two to get the algos attention.

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the pl […]
Show full quote

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

* 2024 and 2025, I moved overseas, got married, and we have a child now
* Those years, YouTube was my main income, so thank you for watching my videos, commenting, to my Patreons, people sending me review samples, and also working with PCBWay
* Wife is totally cool with my hobbies, she supported me all the way, working out of a bedroom overseas. She's a good one, not one of those that bans you to the shed
* Had to rebuy a lot of stuff overseas because all my stuff was in storage in Perth
* 2026, came back to Australia, working and showing family this beautiful country
* Looked around, saw all the crates with computer parts, filming equipment. To continue working on the channel, 2 or 3 bedrooms are needed and 10–30 hours per video
* Just didn't want to live like that anymore, spending time with family is now my priority, simple as that. Time and space just aren't there anymore, also lost the passion
* Gave up on repairing videos / channel. I don't have the skill / time to build it up. Also, it's messy. I loved soldering kits, it's the most relaxing hobby, microsoldering with a microscope
* Started selling some parts on eBay Australia, OCAU forums (I will NOT ship overseas, and I just list items as I go from crate to crate). Nothing will get thrown out, back into storage in Perth
* Selling was interesting, parts are worth less than people think. It's mostly large professional sellers waiting for months and years for a desperate buyer. The sought-after stuff (3dfx, AWE64, MT-32, AMD FX) sells right away; lower-value items, working perfectly fine, you can't even give them away basically. Gave away some parts to people I've gotten to know over the years here in Australia
* In the future, if you stick with lower-value items, it's actually affordable to get back into it
* I still play a few games here and there, but through DOSBox, GOG on Windows 11, emulation of consoles. Currently playing FreeSpace 2 GOG version with a T.16000, beautiful
* Heading back OS for next year, second child is underway
* Website is going nowhere, videos are ticking over and generate enough to pay for it, maybe a good time now to add more resources
* Definitely do want to be back in the future, but not covering used retro parts anymore, want to do more tutorials, setup guides, review modern replacement projects like DreamBlaster, Llama, Gameport Party, 370 Slot adapter... Keep a bunch of core hardware to test those parts, so likely I just build a few retro PCs with some spare parts on hand, also emulation. DOSBox is really good, but 9x really, really needs something that works with slower computers
* So yea, in short: I'm doing well, thank you for the concern. My videos and site aren't going anywhere, will be back at some point in the future 😀
* Bless you, thank you for the support, watching my videos, leaving comments. To this day, the highlight of Saturday morning, reading comments over a coffee 😀
* Retro PC Gaming is awesome and if you are on the fence, just give a go!

PS: I left VOGONS because I was the hardware moderator for a while, and that role was just not for me. I hate being in charge, I'm a doer not a manager type, 'm not a confrontational person, I don't like to argue, I just want to do my thing, and if something is too hard, I just walk away. I then I put all my effort into the channel rather than arguing with people online, it's just not worth it. forums and social media distracts you and I found myself just ending up in arguments all over the place 😒

PS2: In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

G'Day Phil glad to hear you are doing well !

Great to know youll be back a bit later and I look forward to seeing your videos back in my feed !

Trashbytes wrote on Yesterday, 06:04:

From my time with YouTube as spending stupid amounts of time working out just how the algo behaves its sensationalism that gets […]
Show full quote

From my time with YouTube as spending stupid amounts of time working out just how the algo behaves its sensationalism that gets its attention far quicker than anything else . .clickbait titles and stupid flashy thumbnails will do it every time.
It doesn't even seem to care what the content really is only if it will generate clicks, watch time and ad revenue so short form videos between 5 and 10 mins wont get pushed unless they are a "Hot" topic currently trending, long form beyond 20 mins also wont get pushed as its too long for the ADD addled brains to sit through.

That last point .. is the main one, their AI will push quick snappy content like shorts all day before it will push 10/20 min videos.

So it might be worth your time making some shorts that are snappy and eye catching for the algo to push and get clicks and watch time which will then make it want to push your longer content.

And naturally use as much word of mouth as you can to get people to come watch a video or two to get the algos attention.

Thanks for the tips! I am not sure about clickbait. If I have sensational titles then I want to back it up with content that delivers.

I agree with you regarding content length. My plan for build videos was to keep it in the 5-15minute range. Not planning to dwell on the boring stuff. But I want to cover challenges encountered, and any areas that make the build standout.

Is Phil still going to keep his website philscomputerlabs online ?

RetroPCCupboard wrote on Yesterday, 07:19:

Trashbytes wrote on Yesterday, 06:04:

From my time with YouTube as spending stupid amounts of time working out just how the algo behaves its sensationalism that gets […]
Show full quote

From my time with YouTube as spending stupid amounts of time working out just how the algo behaves its sensationalism that gets its attention far quicker than anything else . .clickbait titles and stupid flashy thumbnails will do it every time.
It doesn't even seem to care what the content really is only if it will generate clicks, watch time and ad revenue so short form videos between 5 and 10 mins wont get pushed unless they are a "Hot" topic currently trending, long form beyond 20 mins also wont get pushed as its too long for the ADD addled brains to sit through.

That last point .. is the main one, their AI will push quick snappy content like shorts all day before it will push 10/20 min videos.

So it might be worth your time making some shorts that are snappy and eye catching for the algo to push and get clicks and watch time which will then make it want to push your longer content.

And naturally use as much word of mouth as you can to get people to come watch a video or two to get the algos attention.

Thanks for the tips! I am not sure about clickbait. If I have sensational titles then I want to back it up with content that delivers.

I agree with you regarding content length. My plan for build videos was to keep it in the 5-15minute range. Not planning to dwell on the boring stuff. But I want to cover challenges encountered, and any areas that make the build standout.

Clickbait titles not content . .the Algo doesn't care about the content just the title and thumbnail.

Thank you very much for all the work you put into your videos and website Phil! Much appreciated! 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

Intel486dx33 wrote on Yesterday, 07:34:

Is Phil still going to keep his website philscomputerlabs online ?

In Phil's own words:

"... Website is going nowhere, videos are ticking over and generate enough to pay for it, maybe a good time now to add more resources ..."

"... My videos and site aren't going anywhere, will be back at some point in the future 😀 ..."

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the pl […]
Show full quote

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

* 2024 and 2025, I moved overseas, got married, and we have a child now
* Those years, YouTube was my main income, so thank you for watching my videos, commenting, to my Patreons, people sending me review samples, and also working with PCBWay
* Wife is totally cool with my hobbies, she supported me all the way, working out of a bedroom overseas. She's a good one, not one of those that bans you to the shed
* Had to rebuy a lot of stuff overseas because all my stuff was in storage in Perth
* 2026, came back to Australia, working and showing family this beautiful country
* Looked around, saw all the crates with computer parts, filming equipment. To continue working on the channel, 2 or 3 bedrooms are needed and 10–30 hours per video
* Just didn't want to live like that anymore, spending time with family is now my priority, simple as that. Time and space just aren't there anymore, also lost the passion
* Gave up on repairing videos / channel. I don't have the skill / time to build it up. Also, it's messy. I loved soldering kits, it's the most relaxing hobby, microsoldering with a microscope
* Started selling some parts on eBay Australia, OCAU forums (I will NOT ship overseas, and I just list items as I go from crate to crate). Nothing will get thrown out, back into storage in Perth
* Selling was interesting, parts are worth less than people think. It's mostly large professional sellers waiting for months and years for a desperate buyer. The sought-after stuff (3dfx, AWE64, MT-32, AMD FX) sells right away; lower-value items, working perfectly fine, you can't even give them away basically. Gave away some parts to people I've gotten to know over the years here in Australia
* In the future, if you stick with lower-value items, it's actually affordable to get back into it
* I still play a few games here and there, but through DOSBox, GOG on Windows 11, emulation of consoles. Currently playing FreeSpace 2 GOG version with a T.16000, beautiful
* Heading back OS for next year, second child is underway
* Website is going nowhere, videos are ticking over and generate enough to pay for it, maybe a good time now to add more resources
* Definitely do want to be back in the future, but not covering used retro parts anymore, want to do more tutorials, setup guides, review modern replacement projects like DreamBlaster, Llama, Gameport Party, 370 Slot adapter... Keep a bunch of core hardware to test those parts, so likely I just build a few retro PCs with some spare parts on hand, also emulation. DOSBox is really good, but 9x really, really needs something that works with slower computers
* So yea, in short: I'm doing well, thank you for the concern. My videos and site aren't going anywhere, will be back at some point in the future 😀
* Bless you, thank you for the support, watching my videos, leaving comments. To this day, the highlight of Saturday morning, reading comments over a coffee 😀
* Retro PC Gaming is awesome and if you are on the fence, just give a go!

PS: I left VOGONS because I was the hardware moderator for a while, and that role was just not for me. I hate being in charge, I'm a doer not a manager type, 'm not a confrontational person, I don't like to argue, I just want to do my thing, and if something is too hard, I just walk away. I then I put all my effort into the channel rather than arguing with people online, it's just not worth it. forums and social media distracts you and I found myself just ending up in arguments all over the place 😒

PS2: In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

Phil glad to see you pop back in! Thank you for all your hard work, videos, and website. Congratulations on getting married and starting a family. It's both fun and rewarding especially when you can share your hobbies with your kids. Thank you again Phil and good luck on your future endeavors.

Thanks to Phil and your "Lab"- yours is one of the channels that flamed the initial spark of retro computing after I was donated a Spectrum 48k during COVID. Greeat news that the website is staying up too - great to have curated drivers and utilities.

Good to see you drop by here, and glad to read that you and your family are doing well, Phil! 🙂

Thanks for all the entertaining videos and cool retro insights. All the best, and good luck with whatever cool projects you decide to take on next.

PhilsComputerLab wrote on Yesterday, 01:39:

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the pl […]
Show full quote

Hi all! I got word of this thread. I just posted an update on the channel, but also want to post here, because VOGONS was the place that started it all.

* 2024 and 2025, I moved overseas, got married, and we have a child now
* Those years, YouTube was my main income, so thank you for watching my videos, commenting, to my Patreons, people sending me review samples, and also working with PCBWay
* Wife is totally cool with my hobbies, she supported me all the way, working out of a bedroom overseas. She's a good one, not one of those that bans you to the shed
* Had to rebuy a lot of stuff overseas because all my stuff was in storage in Perth
* 2026, came back to Australia, working and showing family this beautiful country
* Looked around, saw all the crates with computer parts, filming equipment. To continue working on the channel, 2 or 3 bedrooms are needed and 10–30 hours per video
* Just didn't want to live like that anymore, spending time with family is now my priority, simple as that. Time and space just aren't there anymore, also lost the passion
* Gave up on repairing videos / channel. I don't have the skill / time to build it up. Also, it's messy. I loved soldering kits, it's the most relaxing hobby, microsoldering with a microscope
* Started selling some parts on eBay Australia, OCAU forums (I will NOT ship overseas, and I just list items as I go from crate to crate). Nothing will get thrown out, back into storage in Perth
* Selling was interesting, parts are worth less than people think. It's mostly large professional sellers waiting for months and years for a desperate buyer. The sought-after stuff (3dfx, AWE64, MT-32, AMD FX) sells right away; lower-value items, working perfectly fine, you can't even give them away basically. Gave away some parts to people I've gotten to know over the years here in Australia
* In the future, if you stick with lower-value items, it's actually affordable to get back into it
* I still play a few games here and there, but through DOSBox, GOG on Windows 11, emulation of consoles. Currently playing FreeSpace 2 GOG version with a T.16000, beautiful
* Heading back OS for next year, second child is underway
* Website is going nowhere, videos are ticking over and generate enough to pay for it, maybe a good time now to add more resources
* Definitely do want to be back in the future, but not covering used retro parts anymore, want to do more tutorials, setup guides, review modern replacement projects like DreamBlaster, Llama, Gameport Party, 370 Slot adapter... Keep a bunch of core hardware to test those parts, so likely I just build a few retro PCs with some spare parts on hand, also emulation. DOSBox is really good, but 9x really, really needs something that works with slower computers
* So yea, in short: I'm doing well, thank you for the concern. My videos and site aren't going anywhere, will be back at some point in the future 😀
* Bless you, thank you for the support, watching my videos, leaving comments. To this day, the highlight of Saturday morning, reading comments over a coffee 😀
* Retro PC Gaming is awesome and if you are on the fence, just give a go!

PS: I left VOGONS because I was the hardware moderator for a while, and that role was just not for me. I hate being in charge, I'm a doer not a manager type, 'm not a confrontational person, I don't like to argue, I just want to do my thing, and if something is too hard, I just walk away. I then I put all my effort into the channel rather than arguing with people online, it's just not worth it. forums and social media distracts you and I found myself just ending up in arguments all over the place 😒

PS2: In terms of money, in short YouTube isn't financially viable for most of us creators. In 2025, the channel made around USD 600 per month. It's really not much. So if you're thinking of stating a channel, just have realistic expectations. That's why you see Patreon, sponsorships, cooperation, sales shops...

Interesting...

Good luck with the family Phil, and thanks for all the videos.

Thanks for the update Phil. It is nice you posted an update here, thank you. I wish you the best and hope to see any future videos from you. 😀

Thanks for the post Phil. You have been an inspiration to me for my retro build. Know that you are appreciated and that we understand you are making the best choices for you. I'll be there when you post your next video, whenever that may be. Cheers!

I also wanted to say that I'm glad you're doing well, Phil. I really enjoy watching your videos and always found it fascinating how you would focus on budget retro builds with "good enough" parts. Good luck to you and congrats on starting a family! Definitely keep a wife that supports the hobby! Mine does too. Take care and hope to see you back soon.

Isnt it strange how starting a family means you can no longer afford, either by time or cost, to do those things you liked to do before.

It seems that is the natural order of things.

ElectroSoldier wrote on Today, 02:06:

Isnt it strange how starting a family means you can no longer afford, either by time or cost, to do those things you liked to do before.

It seems that is the natural order of things.

Having a family turns it to 11, but as a permanently childfree curmudgeon, I can assure you that simply having to deal with the consequences of a yoyo economy is more than enough on its own.

I have no idea how people afford to have kids these days.