A New Chapter: Josh Bailey Creates is Becoming Maker Dad Tech

Hey everyone! I've got some big news to share, and I wanted to take the time to do it properly rather than just drop it in a quick post. There's a lot happening in the Maker Dad universe right now, and I want to walk you through all of it so you know exactly what's changing, what's staying the same, and where to find everything going forward.

The Rebrand: From Josh Bailey Creates to Maker Dad Tech

If you've been following along for a while, you'll know this channel has been on a bit of a journey. It started out as The Independent Creator, a name rooted in the content focus at the time. From there, I rebranded it to Josh Bailey Creates to give it a more personable feel and put a real face behind the content. That shift made sense for where things were then, and I think it did what it was meant to do.

But as the Maker Dad brand has grown and taken shape across different channels and audiences, I've felt a growing need for something more cohesive. Right now, the different corners of what I create don't quite feel like they belong to the same world, and that's something I want to fix.

That's why I'm officially rebranding the channel to Maker Dad Tech.

The name brings this channel into the same family as everything else under the Maker Dad umbrella, while being clear about what it's for. This is the home for tech and gadgets, aimed specifically at makers and creators who want to dig into the tools, platforms, and gear that make their work possible. Whether you're into building, tinkering, reviewing hardware, or just geeking out over the latest tech, this is the space for you.

Don't worry, the platform discussions you've come to enjoy aren't going anywhere. That content is very much still part of the mix. The rebrand is about expanding what's on offer and creating a more intentional, cohesive brand, not replacing what already works.

The YouTube channel URL will look familiar for a little while longer while the name change processes, but it will be fully updated to Maker Dad Tech soon.

What's Happening to the Forums

This one I want to be upfront about: the forums will be shutting down.

I want to be clear that this isn't a decision I made lightly. Forums are genuinely a fantastic tool for communities, and I have a lot of respect for what they can be. The problem is that they work best when a community has already reached a certain size and level of activity. Without that foundation, forums can feel empty, which actually works against the sense of community we're trying to build.

Honestly, we're just not at that stage yet, and that's completely okay. We're a growing community, and that's something to be proud of. Rather than maintain a space that isn't quite ready to thrive, I'd rather focus our energy somewhere that can.

Which brings me to the next point.

Discord is Our Community Home

Going forward, this Discord server is the hub for everything community-related. This is where conversations happen, where questions get answered, where ideas get shared, and where we grow together.

If you're reading this, you're already in the right place. But if you know anyone who's been following along on YouTube or the website and hasn't joined the Discord yet, send them this way. This is where the community lives.

The Full Maker Dad Universe

I also want to make sure everyone knows about the full picture of what's going on across the Maker Dad world. There are a few different spaces, each with their own focus, and here's a breakdown of where to find everything:

Maker Dad Tech (name change coming soon)

Tech, gadgets, platform discussions, and creator-focused content. This is the channel in the middle of the rebrand right now.

https://www.youtube.com/@joshbaileycreates

Maker Dad

This channel is a little different. It's the home for the personal side of things, the journey, the discovery, and the behind-the-scenes of what it means to be a maker and a dad navigating all of this together.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheMakerDadOfficial

The Maker Dad Website

The main hub for everything written and published under the Maker Dad name. A great place to stay up to date on what's happening across the whole universe.

https://themakerdad.com

Discord

You're already here! This is the community space, and it's where I'd love to see all of us connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Join the The Maker Dad Discord Server!

Welcome to The Maker Dad community! A place for makers, woodworkers, and creators learning by doing. All skill levels welcome. | 13 members

Discord

Thank You

I'm genuinely excited about where all of this is heading. The rebrand, the refocused content, the community coming together here on Discord. It all feels like the right next step, and I'm glad you're along for it.

More updates are coming soon. Stay subscribed, stay connected, and as always, keep making.

— Josh