From: officialflagrant
The Modern Content Creator: Logan Paul’s Self-Description
Logan Paul, identifying himself as “the real Maverick,” “the crown prick of Pokemon,” and “the most hated man in wrestling,” embodies the multifaceted nature of a contemporary digital content creator [00:00:07]. His career has seen him transition from a prominent YouTuber to a professional boxer and WWE personality [00:00:07].
The Evolution of Digital Content Creation and Monetization
Early Days of YouTube and Vlogging
Logan Paul recalls that when he was daily vlogging, YouTube’s “mid-rolls” (ads placed in the middle of a video) did not exist [00:35:57]. He estimates he could have made $50 million on AdSense alone if mid-rolls had been available during his peak, when he was generating 5 to 10 million views a day [00:36:20]. He notes that innovators often don’t get to take full advantage of the technological advances they pioneer [00:38:38].
Shifting Influence and Value
The landscape of fame is undergoing a significant shift, with the value of the “influencer” and “online entrepreneur” becoming increasingly recognized [00:35:08]. Paul states that major brands are now “hungry to get their product in front of Millennials” [00:35:27], a key demographic reached by digital content creators.
The monetization model for creators is also evolving:
- Direct Engagement: Unlike traditional TV shows that sell advertisements for a product months after shooting, digital content can be produced and monetized with ads within days [00:35:45].
- Equity Ownership: Paul predicts that as influencers and YouTubers become partners in “legit billion dollar companies” by owning equity in the businesses they influence, the public’s perception of fame will “completely shift” [00:34:26]. This contrasts with actors who might be paid 20,000 for a commercial, simply “playing characters on TV” [00:34:50].
Paul mentions Emma Chamberlain as an example of a YouTube star who has become a “massive Global star” [00:34:02].
NFTs and Cryptocurrency
Logan Paul’s Investment and Project
Logan Paul acknowledges being invested in the crypto market, stating he’s “down 750k” strictly in crypto at the time of the discussion [01:44:19]. He clarified this was not “terribly crazy” given his involvement in the space, and he had liquidated much of his crypto to buy a house [01:44:33].
His “99 Originals” project is described as a “niche” venture that appeals to those who “appreciate like art and like and like stories like that and most importantly like NFTs and crypto” [01:49:26]. Because of its niche nature, it limits the audience who “give a s***” about it [01:49:35].
Authenticity and Fame in the Digital Age
The Importance of Authenticity
Paul believes that we are “approaching an era of authenticity” where being genuine will “reign supreme” [00:32:17]. He asserts that his success or criticism stems from him being “100% myself” [00:32:29]. He distinguishes himself from 95% of celebrities who “have to fake every single thing” and whose true identities are unknown to the public [00:32:34]. He contrasts this with people like Drake, whom he describes as “incredible human being” and “so kind every time I see him” [00:32:52].
The “What Now” Moment
After achieving his lifelong goal of being the “biggest Entertainer in the world” at 26 [01:55:05], Paul experienced a “what now” moment [01:58:19]. He reflects that unlike some who fall into depression after achieving a major goal, his “what now” moment happened at a time when he still had many opportunities [01:58:27]. He attributes this to his “privilege” and being “crazy blessed” [01:58:31].
He admits to being “fairly numb to success and failure” [01:59:04], driven by a love for the process rather than just the outcome [01:59:29]. He views setbacks as learning experiences, stating, “I took an L but I never really lose” [02:38:04].
The Influence of Social Media
Paul discusses how social media can amplify the sentiments of both the majority and vocal minorities, making “things trend” and potentially starting “revolutions and like movements” [03:05:17]. It provides a voice and community for previously “alienated people” [03:05:52], evidenced by phenomena like the Flat Earth movement [03:06:16].
The entertainment landscape has become “so over saturated” and “fractured,” leading to “niche content creators” [03:02:02]. While there are still “mass appeal” figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, future stars will likely be vastly different [03:02:11].