I'm back with another installment of my Risk vs. Reward income stream series. This time, I'm delving into the world of YouTube, sharing my experiences from the first five months on the platform.

1. YouTube and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Tandem: In my journey, KDP has been a powerhouse, raking in almost $60,000 in 17 months. Surprisingly, my YouTube earnings in the same period stand at $382. Now, you might question the payoff compared to KDP, but there's more to the story.

2. YouTube Rewards: Getting started on YouTube is a breeze. With just a Gmail account, you can participate in the YouTube Partners program. Achieving 4,000 watch hours and 1,000 subscribers unlocks monetization. For me, it's been a steady race, uploading content I'm passionate about. The audience-centric nature of YouTube allows me to share, connect, and build a legacy.

3. Creative Expression and Connection: YouTube isn't just about the money. I find immense joy in creative expression and connecting with you all. Despite the $382 figure, the intrinsic rewards of engaging with my audience make it all worthwhile.

4. Navigating YouTube Risks: Of course, there are risks. Demonetization is a possibility if you violate YouTube's policies. While channel deletion is a fear, I haven't come across anyone personally facing this issue. It's a long game, and patience is key. Additionally, spammers are a concern, so vigilance is necessary.

5. Encouragement for Your YouTube Journey: I encourage you to see YouTube as more than just a source of income. It's a platform to document your life, build a legacy, and explore creative possibilities. Consider repurposing content, like KDP books, into YouTube channels for multiple income streams. Personally, I'd choose YouTube over certain income streams, emphasizing the importance of commitment and platform independence.