Last, I’m convinced that this whole thing has become bigger than they both imagined, and now it’s become more than a greed machine, it’s at the point that they have to do streams to supplement their spending and bills that they have created. It’s so sickening to me mostly because we all have issues and some of us have financial woes we have to work through, but would never stoop to this, at least I don’t think.
I just wish their “followers” would see it for what it really is and who they really are.
This is my theory - the donations are no longer an extra bonus; they've become dependent on that income to meet their basic needs. The problem is that Josh already has a full time job, so where other streamers and vloggers could quit their channels, get a job and immediately replace or increase their income, that's not an option for Josh. Unless his wife (or sister-wife) give up their commitment to never working again.
I agree with
@YesNow that most followers do eventually figure it out. Because Josh is also a terrible businessman, who doesn't understand that his unwillingness or inability to reinvest in the channel will be its downfall. Other channels travel, do more events, try more food. Where's Jenna's California Grill vlog? Or the fireworks cruise vlog? Not going to share those with the viewers because you didn't pay for them? Cool - plenty of other channels will. Other channels do giveaways, and give you extra streams, Zoom calls, and merch for your membership. When is the last time Josh did a giveaway, or even the walkout stream he promised to do for channel members? All you get from Josh is your name mentioned on stream, when he remembers, and only if you commit to $50 per month. Pretty pathetic from the guy who boasts about being one of the biggest and longest running channels.