Why historians collaborate selectively

Why do historians not collaborate more?

Historians already collaborate and enjoy it. Joint work takes much longer, with an approximate four-to-one time comparison here, so relying entirely on collaboration makes it difficult to sustain enough output for recognition and career opportunities.

Historians enjoy working together on books and videos, but the time cost limits how often they can do it. The approximate four-to-one time comparison comes from experience making joint and solo projects. Recognition and access to university or other professional positions depend on sustaining enough output, which becomes difficult if every project is a collaboration. A two-hour Bilge Pumps episode, for example, can use time that could otherwise produce two or three solo videos on the same subjects. Enjoying collaborative work does not remove that constraint. Greater control over working circumstances can make it easier to fit joint projects around other commitments.