• Spot the gap: Build your business around a real need you observe in your industry or community.
• Empower your users: Give creators control by letting them set their own prices and define the value of their content.
• Lean on authenticity: Transparent and genuine communication resonates deeper with audiences than trying to appear big or corporate.
• Challenge the status quo: Don’t be afraid to go against big tech or established norms if you believe in your mission.
• Offer flexibility: Give your customers multiple, convenient ways to engage and purchase—frictionless access means more opportunity.
• Respect your audience: Remove unnecessary barriers and allow freedom, but clearly define your boundaries and uphold them (e.g., content policies).
• Build with fairness: Design platforms and businesses with the user in mind, prioritizing their needs and autonomy to foster loyalty and growth.

[00:00] Introduction – Phil Better kicks off the episode and the podcast's mission is introduced.

[00:49] Meet Bob Bowdon – Phil welcomes Bob Bowdon, detailing his background in media, education, and digital entrepreneurship.

[02:32] Raising the Stakes – Bob jokes about the “mogul” title and prepares to dive deeper into the topic.

[03:11] Leap to Entrepreneurship – Bob shares why he left the 9-to-5 world to create opportunities for video creators.

[04:59] Empowering Niche Creators – Discussion about monetizing niche and smaller audiences and the value of diverse video content.

[06:30] The Genesis of VidAffair – Bob explains how festival circuit experiences inspired the founding of his pay-per-stream platform.

[08:08] Price Setting and Flexibility – How creators can control pricing and why customizability is key to the platform.

[09:32] The Subscription Dilemma – Bob reflects on internet history, micro-payments versus subscriptions, and his personal dislike of “subscription fatigue.”

[11:40] Monetization Model – The vision for VidAffair’s pay-per-view and token system, modeled after classic video rental experiences.

[13:41] Taking on Big Tech – Bob on the challenge of building a startup amid industry giants and his sense of mission and democratization.

[15:18] Montreal Anecdote – Bob shares his entertaining story of meeting Pierce Brosnan in Montreal.

[16:47] Responsibility of Creators – The need for creators to promote their content and how VidAffair keeps barriers low for uploads.

[17:43] Startup Marketing – Lessons learned in marketing, embracing authenticity over appearing “big,” and building trust directly.

[24:13] Coexistence of Monetization – How VidAffair’s approach complements existing subscription and ad models, boosting creator choice.

[25:13] The Importance of Creative Income – Bob and Phil discuss why supporting creators is vital and how VidAffair helps fund digital artistry.

[26:04] Podcast Monetization – The applicabilty of VidAffair for podcasts, offering an alternative to Patreon for paywalled content.

[26:54] Customer Choice – Giving fans options: subscription, pay-per-view, or free content, and how this expands reach.

[28:08] Looking to the Future – Phil asks where Bob and VidAffair will be in 10 years.

[28:54] Vision for VidAffair – Bob outlines his hopes for an open, fair marketplace, empowering creators without gatekeeping.

[31:20] Amazon Analogy – Comparing VidAffair’s model to Amazon Prime’s à la carte and subscription options.

[32:34] Accessible for All – How VidAffair opens streaming for independent creators, avoiding the exclusivity of major platforms.

[33:14] Advice to Younger Self – Bob’s practical and meaningful advice for his 10-year-old self, emphasizing relationships and compassion.

[35:34] How to Get Started – Where to find VidAffair, how to sign up, and joining the creator community.

[37:08] Final Thoughts & Farewell – Phil and Bob wrap up with gratitude, encouragement, and a reminder to invest in yourself.