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Making Time
Is it possible to make a living while giving away your work for free online? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. After 15 years stuck behind a desk in the software industry, Bob Clagett walked away from a well paying, stable job to make the things he was interested in and show the world how to make them too. His company, I Like To Make Stuff, started as a hobby but quickly grew into a passion project. In "Making Time", Bob recounts his history and build up to becoming a full time content creator, and shares his process, experiences and mistakes from his first two years of self employment. The book covers topics from income streams to emotional exhaustion as well as Bob's thoughts on purpose and responsibility.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2017
55 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 3, 2018
Great easy read
As a long time subscriber to ILTMS I found this book very insightful into how Bob got started and what motivates and drives him. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in making.
As a long time subscriber to ILTMS I found this book very insightful into how Bob got started and what motivates and drives him. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in making.
March 27, 2018
The only problem I have with this book is that it's too short. I wanted to hear more. I have been a long time follower of Bob on Youtube, so I was excited when I saw he was writing a book, especially because I also run a channel on Youtube.
I listened to the Audiobook in an afternoon and it's full of great information about Bob himself, how he manages his show and how he does the Youtube thing he does. It gave me hope for what I do and was very informative. I remember subscribing to the channel around the time it first got going, I think the spiral plywood vase was my first video. He's come a long way and this book is a great follow up if you are interested in the history and future of ILTMS.
Great Job Bob!
I listened to the Audiobook in an afternoon and it's full of great information about Bob himself, how he manages his show and how he does the Youtube thing he does. It gave me hope for what I do and was very informative. I remember subscribing to the channel around the time it first got going, I think the spiral plywood vase was my first video. He's come a long way and this book is a great follow up if you are interested in the history and future of ILTMS.
Great Job Bob!
January 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book so even though I did not give it 5 stars it is still worth a read. The book is rather short. I have a website, make YouTube videos and try to create value in the world. As he says in his book, "The reason I make those videos and leave in my mistakes is to be honest. I'm not a professional. I'm a student. Part of learning is breaking things badly enough that you remember to do it differently next time."
This is what I try to do. I was really hoping to get more details and insights into his workflow, tools, and routines for what he makes. I was hoping for a Tim Ferriss detail oriented manual, but that was not this book.
An enjoyable book with some great ideas to consider, but was hoping for more detail about how to do what he does so well.
This is what I try to do. I was really hoping to get more details and insights into his workflow, tools, and routines for what he makes. I was hoping for a Tim Ferriss detail oriented manual, but that was not this book.
An enjoyable book with some great ideas to consider, but was hoping for more detail about how to do what he does so well.
December 21, 2017
Short, sharp summary
If you like Bob and ILTM stuff you will enjoy this brief summary of how he got to where he is today. If you listen to the podcast Making It, you will be familiar with the views in many of the chapters as Bob has shared his ideas there over time. But it’s great to have a quick read and summary all in one place. I enjoyed the extra bits of insight into who Bob is and what makes him tick. It will take around an hour to read, good “value” for the price of two coffees.
If you like Bob and ILTM stuff you will enjoy this brief summary of how he got to where he is today. If you listen to the podcast Making It, you will be familiar with the views in many of the chapters as Bob has shared his ideas there over time. But it’s great to have a quick read and summary all in one place. I enjoyed the extra bits of insight into who Bob is and what makes him tick. It will take around an hour to read, good “value” for the price of two coffees.
June 12, 2018
Nuggets of Truth:
What do you want me to take off my plate so that I can do this? subtle way to say no
I'm into the messy awkwardness of stepping onto toes
What relationships have you let wither?
What could being fully committed to that idea look like?
The essence of this strategy is choosing what not to do?
The minute we think we have all the answers we forget the questions?
What is our winning aspiration? What impact do you want to have in and on the world?
Read play to win
Plans are useless but planning is indispensable
The ship of what I want might never make it out of the harbour
What do you want me to take off my plate so that I can do this? subtle way to say no
I'm into the messy awkwardness of stepping onto toes
What relationships have you let wither?
What could being fully committed to that idea look like?
The essence of this strategy is choosing what not to do?
The minute we think we have all the answers we forget the questions?
What is our winning aspiration? What impact do you want to have in and on the world?
Read play to win
Plans are useless but planning is indispensable
The ship of what I want might never make it out of the harbour
January 3, 2018
Worth $5 for wannabe YouTubers (or fans of Bob)
Is this book short? Yes. Is that a good thing? You bet. Instead of repeating himself like many motivational writers, Bob is succinct. He shares valuable business tips alongside background stories that offer context. Lots of great stuff here for wannabe YouTubers/businesspeople and fans of Bob alike. In this book, the cake is not a lie!
Is this book short? Yes. Is that a good thing? You bet. Instead of repeating himself like many motivational writers, Bob is succinct. He shares valuable business tips alongside background stories that offer context. Lots of great stuff here for wannabe YouTubers/businesspeople and fans of Bob alike. In this book, the cake is not a lie!
January 28, 2018
More than a “how to” book
This book is concise, to the point, but not lacking in information. You want to read more because it’s enjoyable. It’s not a how to get rich on YouTube. For me it was actually more of a self help book. If you think a bit out of the box (sorry had to do it) it’s very easy to relate much of what he says to everyday life and how to work better and be better no matter what you do.
This book is concise, to the point, but not lacking in information. You want to read more because it’s enjoyable. It’s not a how to get rich on YouTube. For me it was actually more of a self help book. If you think a bit out of the box (sorry had to do it) it’s very easy to relate much of what he says to everyday life and how to work better and be better no matter what you do.
March 26, 2018
Bob is like you and me.
From the get go I was hooked and read this book in about two sittings. Bob is very relatable . I got into woodworking much the same way he got in to making things . And that is by the support of our family. This book is very candid about his journey through self employment as a content creator and I will be reading this several times throughout the year...especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed or defeated.
Great job, Bob. Now go make awesome stuff!
From the get go I was hooked and read this book in about two sittings. Bob is very relatable . I got into woodworking much the same way he got in to making things . And that is by the support of our family. This book is very candid about his journey through self employment as a content creator and I will be reading this several times throughout the year...especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed or defeated.
Great job, Bob. Now go make awesome stuff!
June 11, 2018
A very inspiring read!
I really loved the backstory of Bob’s journey to full-time content creator. It was great to hear his views on the different pitfalls that a creator can fall into and his personal choices to avoid or overcome them. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into content creation or anyone who wants to see behind the curtain of a great Youtube channel.
I really loved the backstory of Bob’s journey to full-time content creator. It was great to hear his views on the different pitfalls that a creator can fall into and his personal choices to avoid or overcome them. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into content creation or anyone who wants to see behind the curtain of a great Youtube channel.
November 24, 2019
The book gets better as it goes on. You can tell it was written over a long period of time and as they write more thy have more experience about the subject of a making youtube channel. Overall very informative and interesting if you like the youtube channel but want a more behind the scenes look at it.
December 28, 2017
Interesting. Interesting.
I found this book very interesting in that I was taken on a journey into the author's life. The story of how he entered full time You tubing with all the turns and twists included was quite profound.
I found this book very interesting in that I was taken on a journey into the author's life. The story of how he entered full time You tubing with all the turns and twists included was quite profound.
May 14, 2018
I wasn’t the target audience for this book (mostly YouTube creators), but I still enjoyed his simple lessons. Bob’s approach, content, and personality is amazing, so I was happy to read his thoughts on his experience thus far.
June 7, 2018
Great short read! My favorite part is where he outlines his process for quitting his 9-5 job. I gleaned a lot of insight & inspiration from this book. It's fitting that the book is short and to the point. Not much fluff in there, which is fitting for the title.
August 1, 2019
Good short read about becoming a YouTuber full time. Bob talks about his experience going through the process of quitting his day job and offer some advice. I read it in a single afternoon (only about 80 pages). Didn't know about Bob's channel beforehand but now I'm subscribed.
April 8, 2018
Excellent!
Just what i was needed all this time! Thanks AGAIN Bob for inspiring to not afraid and to move towards you goal!
Just what i was needed all this time! Thanks AGAIN Bob for inspiring to not afraid and to move towards you goal!
August 10, 2018
No waste
Similar to the project videos on YouTube with quick informative content in a logical progression with useful material. He's Bob and he likes to make stuff.
Similar to the project videos on YouTube with quick informative content in a logical progression with useful material. He's Bob and he likes to make stuff.
November 6, 2018
Enjoyed the Read
I enjoyed reading this book. It is short and concise. Great perspective on life and tackling a new business while juggling life and family.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is short and concise. Great perspective on life and tackling a new business while juggling life and family.
November 18, 2018
I had never heard of Bob or his video, but I enjoyed his book.
April 21, 2019
Quick read
Great read for those that want to learn how to be a full time maker. Inspired me to think harder about how start off on my own journey.
Great read for those that want to learn how to be a full time maker. Inspired me to think harder about how start off on my own journey.
April 19, 2020
Quick and Great
Good read - really enjoyed it. I highly recommend to get some inspiration to make time to do things you enjoy.
Good read - really enjoyed it. I highly recommend to get some inspiration to make time to do things you enjoy.
December 27, 2020
Great book for motivating you on taking some risks to follow your dreams.
April 26, 2018
I found the author's YouTube channel a couple months ago in a Google search result when I was getting ready to rebuild my miter station. Bob’s video on the topic was informative and I enjoyed his storytelling style. I saw that he had a book on his website so I checked it out. I purchased the Kindle version. The author says upfront that this is not a how-to book but rather stories along his path to becoming a full time content creator. For those of you looking for a book that instructs you on starting your own YouTube channel or some other type of business, there are millions of other books out there for that purpose. That doesn't mean this book won't have value for you. Many of his chapters deal with how he handled certain things that came up, and those things would be relevant in many or most small ventures.
If you’ve seen his videos, you’ll notice quickly that his writing style is similar to his speaking style on YouTube. The chapters read quickly as you would imagine they do if you’ve heard him speak on YouTube. The stories mainly illustrate that a regular person looking to get out of their 9-to-5 rut can do it. He shares insight on issues that come up when you're on your own and how he thought through them. He also spends time covering the decision making process with his family to go full time.
All in all it was a decent read. If you like his YouTube channel, you’ll probably like his book. Maybe after reading his story, you’ll be inspired to take an idea that you have and do something about it.
If you’ve seen his videos, you’ll notice quickly that his writing style is similar to his speaking style on YouTube. The chapters read quickly as you would imagine they do if you’ve heard him speak on YouTube. The stories mainly illustrate that a regular person looking to get out of their 9-to-5 rut can do it. He shares insight on issues that come up when you're on your own and how he thought through them. He also spends time covering the decision making process with his family to go full time.
All in all it was a decent read. If you like his YouTube channel, you’ll probably like his book. Maybe after reading his story, you’ll be inspired to take an idea that you have and do something about it.
December 29, 2017
Slowly, over the past few years, I've been realizing what I really enjoy doing: creating, building, making. Every day I create something, no matter how small, I feel fulfilled. I came across Bob Clagett's 'I Like to Make Stuff' site a few months ago and have checked in periodically. He just published this short book describing how he started his content creation business based on doing what he loves to do: make stuff.
He does a fine job describing the high level bits about how he decided to change careers and what it meant for him and his family. As is my wont, I'd love to hear more about the boring/domestic aspects of a career change (i.e. stressing over, and selecting, insurance as a self-employed businessperson) but I think the book does a good job of keeping focus on the larger topics in Bob's transition.
Finally, I think the chapter that resonated with me most was 'Purpose'. In it he describes trying to answer the question "why?" for himself. Per Bob, "I needed to work with my hands, for my own well being." Like, Bob, my background is software; I cannot often point to artifacts of my work, but when I've built something from raw materials, I feel a great satisfaction (even in all the warts). This book has reminded me of where my passion lies and what I can do about it.
He does a fine job describing the high level bits about how he decided to change careers and what it meant for him and his family. As is my wont, I'd love to hear more about the boring/domestic aspects of a career change (i.e. stressing over, and selecting, insurance as a self-employed businessperson) but I think the book does a good job of keeping focus on the larger topics in Bob's transition.
Finally, I think the chapter that resonated with me most was 'Purpose'. In it he describes trying to answer the question "why?" for himself. Per Bob, "I needed to work with my hands, for my own well being." Like, Bob, my background is software; I cannot often point to artifacts of my work, but when I've built something from raw materials, I feel a great satisfaction (even in all the warts). This book has reminded me of where my passion lies and what I can do about it.
January 6, 2022
great read
I enjoyed reading this almost as much as I enjoy watching his YouTube videos. Bob’s videos are awesome and very informing.
I enjoyed reading this almost as much as I enjoy watching his YouTube videos. Bob’s videos are awesome and very informing.
Read
January 26, 2018Ich war so schnell fertig mit lesen, dass ich das ganze nicht wirklich bewerten kann bzw. will. Hat Spaß gemacht, die Geschichte hinter dem Youtube-Kanal zu hören und ein paar Tipps könnte ich mir wahrscheinlich auch zu Herzen nehmen.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews