Answering questions about expansions
Added 2024-07-22 21:43:52 +0000 UTCOk so tons of questions have come in about what is expanding on the second channel.
There are a number of new formats coming to the second channel. They'll roll out one at a time as they come together. Here's a little preview of what's coming.
You saw the science and tech test. It seems clear, that needs some refinement on voice and presentation. The voice is apparently "easy to fix" and it will probably be turned into a cartoon rather than a static screen.
The next one is most likely going to be a this day in history type thing.
A satirical series based largely on the video of trying to explain earth to aliens.
A how to series for gen z, similar to the video on the tire (which as I type this, I realize isn't out yet because the news keeps pushing it back). You'll see it soon.
Further out, there will be formats on:
Myths and parables
Basic philosophical concepts and ideologies
Biographies like the original Thomas Paine video
Most of these are projects individuals on the team want to do. So not AI voices. However, these are the same people who read my emails and constantly see the threats and attacks that show up. They're very reluctant to show their faces or identify themselves. We're very open to suggestions what y'all would like on the screen.
Eventually, this should all me to actually get on the road for the second channel.
Would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, questions, and requests.
Comments
Several of these ideas could support entire channels. As for visual media, I am currently very fond of the Perun power points. Alternatively, some series on the roads should have a highway driving visual effect
Eric J Sullivan
2024-11-10 11:56:43 +0000 UTCHi Beau. I believe I sent you a gmail on this. I wondered if someone is going to pick up the foreign policy piece that helped me keep everything straight in my head. There's just so much. Thank you
cindy jewell neeper
2024-09-28 20:28:13 +0000 UTCSending you all my best wishes during the hurricane. I hope you're safe. Sending positive thoughts your way during this challenging time.
SE G
2024-09-26 00:59:34 +0000 UTCAlthough I am a childless cat lady, I love the parenting advice from Belle. She is so dang practical and wise about kids. I think she could help a lot of young families deal with the unpredictability of the world while raising children.
Susan
2024-08-25 21:55:02 +0000 UTCWould love to see some of the videos that were recorded before Beau left. Maybe do a throwback Thursday?
Mary Altair
2024-08-14 03:27:02 +0000 UTCIt seems like gone forever. That's how his wife made it sound...like Beau is an addict incapable of controlling himself and his life's work and most beneficial channel to society as a whole is some kind of addiction that he needs to be protected from. It is his life and he is obviously free to do or not do whatever he wants with it but my reason for coming to YouTube has vanished, the guy who brought me from the brink of ending it all vanished, and while "Belle" is awesome for stepping in, there is no replacement for the real thing. I don't want a Royale with Cheese, give me the Quarter Pounder.
Jonny-5
2024-08-11 15:21:28 +0000 UTCI have a tshirt too that I want to send. A ups mailbox that is a not too distant city. Go once a month or so to pick up. It might make it safer.
Lisa H Wood
2024-08-08 02:04:55 +0000 UTCAfter watching this vid, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KskgW2XFfg I'd love a cartoon format akin to this. Heck, maybe you could even commission this artist to make something for you if it's not financially prohibitive. Marilyn could feature as a mascot in some way.
Øyvind Wallentinsen
2024-08-07 23:56:17 +0000 UTCLove the idea of using a cartoon. I'm sorry to hear you get threats. Unfortunately in this day and age your staff needs to take it seriously. Because I'd love to see their faces. Disguise? For me, anything that moves , real or made up. Looking forward to explaining earth to an alien segments. Occasional humor is a good thing. Been enjoying the replaying of some of your older shows. I've been watching since covid. I'd love to see some of your earliest segments. Even if they are mostly goofing off. Take care, get healthy soon.
Trina Davidson
2024-08-06 22:10:04 +0000 UTCI love all your current stuff. I would love to see some shorter-form content (1-3 mins.?) more often. That said, Ms. Belle is excellent and it really helps my kids and my daughter in particular, seeing her delivering the news and analysis Also, you could post anything and we'll watch it. Your content is so fresh and dynamic already that the more y'all polish it and expand it, the more we feel like we are riding a gravy train with biscuit wheels. I am constantly discovering new events, people, and stories to read and learn about. I love hearing smaller stories in history as they seem more impactful to me than grand global narratives. When I share these stories with my partner or our kids, it sparks lovely, massive discussions and laughter-bonding for us. Sometimes the stories are not so happy, and we learn from those too. I remember you told a story about a wrongly-convicted, disabled man that was allowed a toy train in his cell before being executed. I had to look up the name just now (Joe Arridy) but I still think about that story often. I only shared that one with my partner, but you get the idea. I am also 100% for you doing kids content. My kids are all under 10 and they half-listen to the political and news stuff, but they mainly like when you tell stories. They love Kid-Time-Storytime on YouTube. They engage with the voices, the puppets and the silliness. If you can bring that same novelty and energy to your own thing, ~cough, modern kids story/parable tome, cough~ or tell historical stories as you do on YT aimed at kids with easter eggs, perspective, and novel ruminations that stick with you after the video, I think my kids would love that type of thing. Especially if the heroes were kids or that kids were part of the solution rather than the problem. Either way, my family enjoys your content and appreciate the work y'all do in the real world as well as the digital one. Thanks for reading.
Matthew Knight
2024-08-06 06:30:25 +0000 UTCwould like to send you a tee . Do you list a mailing address anywhere?
gerald hoff
2024-08-02 19:34:38 +0000 UTCWith your talk of how dynamic this community is, rather than using a text-to-speech in the future, maybe consider letting Patreon supporters read the segments (just audio)? Coordination and timing would probably be challenging, but it would be great to hear real voices and accents!
GrlfriendInAComa
2024-08-01 22:44:48 +0000 UTCCan't say we won't miss ya but glad you're making time for some R&R. Its About time, work life balance has been a major topic these days. Of course It's been more than quite pleasant to see Mrs Beau. Looking forward to more content. And I think he should make some some time to play with them horses lol.
Wizdomseekr
2024-08-01 15:23:29 +0000 UTCAs I said, not a fan of cartoons or AI voices. But would be glad to read on (or off) camera 🤷♂️
Shabazan
2024-07-31 21:28:20 +0000 UTCBtw: Love Ms. Beau 💙
Shabazan
2024-07-31 21:25:32 +0000 UTCSo, something I’m confused by. He said taking a step back. Earlier he said 3 / day. I understand he needs a break and I’m not faulting him that. It’s his life, he should do what he wants and take care of himself. But, what does taking a step back mean? Gone for a while? Gone forever? Will eventually come back and do fewer videos than before? Something I haven’t thought of?
Deruwyn Arnor
2024-07-31 21:22:42 +0000 UTCBeau, thank you for everything you have given us. I have been so inspired to share my perspective and just started to do so with my first article this week. I have learned so much from you. I wonder if I might be able to join the team. I might be able to contribute as a subject matter expert or help with reporting. I sent an email to the questionsforbeau email but thought I'd ask here as well if there might be a better place to inquire. Finally, I respect whatever you want to share or not share about the reason for stepping away, and I definitely trust that it must be the right decision for you. But just know that many of us care about you on a personal level and are concerned about what your departure might mean. If there is ever an opportunity for us to send support or care your way, please let us know.
Annie
2024-07-31 04:30:39 +0000 UTCLike others, I hope you are doing OK and taking good care of yourself and the fam. I just saw the new video about the evolution of the main channel...it's going to take me a while to digest that. In the words of Martha Wells's Murderbot, "I don't want to not see you again." My admittedly selfish hope is that after some time away you might perhaps consider returning as one of a number of contributors to the channel. Right now I'm having trouble conceiving of Beau OTFC minus Beau.
Pia O Nomata
2024-07-31 03:49:44 +0000 UTCThe escalation from more to different content, to full on step away with hints of no return is concerning. Hope everything is alright with you. You are more than a messenger. People look up to you.
Wolfgang A.
2024-07-31 02:13:17 +0000 UTCStill love these channels, and I'll definitely stick around to see what happens next. Take care, Beau, hope you're doing okay.
0mn1vore
2024-07-31 01:37:22 +0000 UTCAlso, love how you’re rolling these out one by one. Doing too much at once leads to (worse?) burnout. What I want for Yule this year is for Beau to take a proper vacation, including being no contact with work so it’s actually a vacation 🫶🏻
DrMaryBee
2024-07-29 22:29:07 +0000 UTCLove the ideas! To yes-and the feedback re: using AI, I’m neurodivergent with major sensory issues and it was physically uncomfortable for me to listen for longer than a few seconds. My suggestion would be to have someone with sensory issues like mine to help—if it sounds good to someone who can hear electricity, it’ll probably sound good to most other people 😁 Oh, and we should all just note there’s a learning curve and we can be patient and kind while you and your amazing team refine these ideas and implementation 🫶🏻
DrMaryBee
2024-07-29 22:25:26 +0000 UTCI might be biased, but maybe a bit more international stuff wouldn't hurt. Given that majority of viewers are American and we tend to learn only about our own countries. If you need something from Poland (history or stories etc.) just say the word.
Jan Negrey
2024-07-29 19:51:11 +0000 UTCI absolutely love the idea of your expanding the format of the channel! We've heard you talk about the Fifth Column crew but we've only met a couple of people, in past videos. As a freelance journalist, I'm sure you have met many journalists/Correspondants (Professional or Freelance) who would love to get some air time and who may be knowledgeable in certain fields. Maybe you can request some of them send in their videos to show to your viewers. If your team has time, they can edit that footage to spice it up a bit... do some movie magic.... I'm sure a high school or college level Digital Filmmaking and Video Production student would like to get some experience in post-production movie editing. (Of course we would trust that you and your team would make sure that the information is accurate. LOL) But, it's one way to highlight other journalists/correspondants and their expert view on the topics that you would like to highlight. You will probably need Credit rolls for these videos. But, It's just a thought. 😉
Jaquenta Jackie
2024-07-26 17:04:36 +0000 UTCI love the idea of cartoons as a visual!
Bonnie Patterson
2024-07-26 01:22:50 +0000 UTCTo be entirely honest I did not like this format at all, it's scripted so comes across in a very different tone. I'm not interested at all until it can accurately sound sarcastic or excited or angry or puzzled when you would have been. If I just want a listing of news things I much prefer a well formatted text document -- bullets and formatting, reading at my own pace, and of course I can always use text to speech on my end. There are beautiful cartoons to animate different topics, I know some illustrators that make such things and it's so much work compared to reading a script. I seriously doubt you can animate something for a video background that gives a good factual and clear explanation for things. It's hard enough with a whiteboard, it's so hard to explain things with computer animations unless you have an attention to detail so strong that you'll take at least hours to make something for just one little topic.
Brian
2024-07-25 22:44:36 +0000 UTCno I agree. My point was that many of us who are older adults just assume younger adults know how to do stuff. My point was that why would someone who has never used a program (or done some activity, etc.) be expected to "know" how to do something like that. Some people DO have instinctive skills for stuff but most do not. Beau's idea of teaching skills makes sense.
Deanna C
2024-07-25 19:42:21 +0000 UTCADP is just one program of many that corporations use. I know this because I've worked a few corporate jobs and never even heard of it. Your manager should be the one teaching you how to use the systems in that company. They're supposed to advocate for you in the workplace, so it's also their job to teach you how to do the parts of that you can do yourself. Besides, I don't think Beau would know much at all about internal corporate systems given his history as a freelance journalist and private military.
Samwise
2024-07-25 04:31:47 +0000 UTCRelevant pictures of the topic might be nice and work.
Jackie Brown
2024-07-25 02:27:48 +0000 UTCwhat about a shadowy figure (but don't go as far as a voice changer).
Deanna C
2024-07-24 21:10:20 +0000 UTCthat could be interesting
Deanna C
2024-07-24 21:07:10 +0000 UTCI really like the science & tech news segment. The only comment I had was that the voice kinda sounded like a smart reader rather than a human. But I'm getting really suspicious of deep fakes and the like so maybe that's just my anxiety brain.
Angie
2024-07-24 19:07:44 +0000 UTCa how to series is desperately needed. I was arguing with some of my managers at work about why a young coworker did not know how to request time off in ADP. They thought that HR taught that when you got hired (they dont) and if they didn't than you would have learned how to.do that at your job at McDonalds (if you don't work at corporate, you probably aren't using adp at your local franchise to request time off). My argument was WHY would someone instinctively know this?
Deanna C
2024-07-24 15:23:42 +0000 UTCNot sure how your dating yourself? I love the idea of a dinosaur delivering science and tech news also! 🦕
Gingermoon
2024-07-24 03:52:36 +0000 UTCWait. Didn’t you get a full size puppet of yourself from a viewer? Did I imagine this? Cuz the puppet you in your studio would be cool. Can he wear diff tshirts? Cap with curious George? This could be done by team. If I imagined the puppet….how about creating or buying a puppet? Others could position it or make it talk if it’s a full puppet. It could be a puppet of a new character too. So many ideas!
Wcoasttigger (E Hodgson)
2024-07-24 03:22:35 +0000 UTCI'm looking forward to the satirical one about teaching aliens about Earth and I am definitely all for biographies and going over documents like you did with Declaration of Independence. That seems like a really important one. Real voices please if you can't have real faces and I like your real background? The artwork was good, don't get me wrong, but I like to see the shop. Just my opinion
S. Beem
2024-07-24 01:27:42 +0000 UTCthis is exciting as hell, especially the explaining earth to aliens bit. That can be such a powerful tool to change people’s perspective on how humans operate.
Arcana
2024-07-23 18:32:50 +0000 UTCI think its a great idea but we need to see some faces (maybe this was just a demo/mock up but yea..) People trust you because - at least for me - you are looking them in the eye. Just letting people speak on your channel gives them a lot of clout, or its a way to get young journalists to get their feet wet in subject areas of interest, filming, research etc...
cuddleycivics
2024-07-23 16:56:04 +0000 UTCI listened to the new series but felt information was coming at me like a fire hose. At first, I couldn't distinguish where one subject stopped and another started. I understand that your staff doesn't necessarily want to show their faces (I think this is a legitimate concern) but one thing that concerns me is: what happens if Beau is incapacitated? Shouldn't Beau be bringing on some up-and-coming journalism interns who would be willing to be filmed and tackle a variety of subjects? This could be an opportunity for them to beef up their resumes. He has an excellent journalism channel, and I'd hate to see this disappear because there is no succession plan.
AJJ
2024-07-23 13:36:25 +0000 UTCYes, all of this!
Rebecca S Walker
2024-07-23 12:32:07 +0000 UTCDo it however y’all want and I’ll watch it👍 Would enjoy seeing some Historical Comparisons showing how humans have spent centuries not learning simple lessons despite being continually slapped in the Jib with them😁👍
Sean Lantis
2024-07-23 11:25:14 +0000 UTCDepending on the topic, a voice and image like your Deep Goat videos would be fun. An entire channel of them would be a bit much, but once in a while would spice it up.
Donald Wert
2024-07-23 09:56:29 +0000 UTCI personally for the most part I only listen to the content anyway, so I do not really care what appears on the screen. I do not think there is a need for a person to be on-screen, at least for me. The "Tech and science update" is great. "Basic philosophical concepts and ideologies" and "Myths and Parables" sound very interesting. The "This day in History" sounds hilarious and cannot wait to listen to it (my guess is that funny graphics could delight those who are more visual oriented). The voice did sound AI-ish, so changing that would be great.
estelle4565
2024-07-23 09:42:27 +0000 UTCIf you could please leave the transcript as text below any non-real/automated videos here at patreon, it'll be easy to get an overview and chose if, and how to listen to/read it. Some kind of tags would be nice too. With this it would be easy to choose. I just hope you'll be able to keep today's focus, even if you expand. In my case your videos give a very valuable perspective on humanity, society, politics, and dynamics. Often as a corrective to media and my own perspectives seen from Scandinavia. The tech stuff is easy to find elsewhere btw. Thanks for everything you do! I've learned a lot from you all!
Terje Hellemo
2024-07-23 05:59:01 +0000 UTCI’m just going to glom on to your comment, since you said everything I wanted to say. A cartoon character or an avatar would work well. I’ve seen some amazing things done on YouTube! I think we need a presence of some kind there, but a dinosaur delivering tech and science news would be so cool! (Ha, dated myself! 🤷🏻♀️)
Susan Bradley Skov
2024-07-23 05:49:19 +0000 UTCSee, that's just another reason to dislike "shorts" - it's a stupid name for a video format :-P
FinalMeep
2024-07-23 05:17:41 +0000 UTCHonestly, I'm down for whatever you want to do, and I trust you to do it well. Same goes for your team. Sorry I don't have more specific suggestions. Just broadening the scope of your channels sounds great, as covering the ongoing chaos of US and foreign affairs must be a bit of a grind at this point. It's been non-stop drama for years now.
0mn1vore
2024-07-23 04:07:51 +0000 UTCI agree with the others' suggestions of having team members use avatars to represent themselves onscreen so they can keep their identities private. I totally understand. Actually, there's even the possibility of doing it in Powerpoint and having the narrator record a voiceover that is voice-only, no camera on the narrator. I'm very much looking forward to all of the projects, especially more satires in the vein of explaining Earth to aliens. All I ask is that y'all please don't overextend yourselves. I imagine everything with the two channels is already a lot of work.
Patty Boris
2024-07-23 03:44:30 +0000 UTCWould you be interested in auditioning volunteers? I have access to studio recording equipment and experience. My wife may be interested too, if you'd like a female/feminine voice.
Benjamin Hendee
2024-07-23 03:42:28 +0000 UTCI would rather you not expand but keep the quality of the content up. If expansion comes at the cost of quality of content, then it will affect the entire channel in the long run. I think the content like the Research Road video is better in written form somewhere or on a separate channel.
Michelle Oshea
2024-07-23 03:20:36 +0000 UTCOh my gosh. ALL of these sound great. Can't wait. Especially excited for the parodies like explaining Earth to Aliens. That is one of my favorite videos of all time. Nothing like dropping truth with a dry sense of humor.
NotSure
2024-07-23 03:07:24 +0000 UTCVery excited for basically all of those ideas! Excited to see where things go
Cohen
2024-07-23 02:56:51 +0000 UTCFor sure don't want to expose people to threats. Somehow, I miss having a person there. Could there be a cartoon character delivering the info? The people doing the projects could have fun making the cartoon host something silly or satirical, like a prince/ princess, dinosaur, robot, unicorn, dude in tophat and tails, etc.
Gingermoon
2024-07-23 02:54:51 +0000 UTCA few voice actors could read them in different voices like Audible They have no relationship personally with anybody there They’d work for free of course Sometimes I overthink thigd I will cancel all my online classes now
Suidge
2024-07-23 02:26:50 +0000 UTCHow would you know if Beau is wearing shorts? We usually only see a mid-torso & head shot!
Shabazan
2024-07-23 01:50:19 +0000 UTCDefinitely like the idea of a civics course. Even just getting bits and pieces may plant the seed for people who even listen to one video to learn more and begin open their eyes and mind to the truth and facts. And, if just a few MAGA people tune in thinking Beau is a fellow Trump supporter and hear a few bits of facts, they may question a few of his lies which could lead to wondering how much else have jusr been lies and manipulated. Just a few ideas from a Christian who has learned you don't have to speak a word from the Bible to let people know there is a reason to hope and we really aren't so very different as they have Been lead to believe.
William Stefens
2024-07-23 01:31:50 +0000 UTCIf you did on this day in history type stories I would like it to be about our government, laws that affect us now, the founders as well as some of the not so easy to face stuff. I get the need for anonymity, so maybe their voice with an avatar of some sort.
Jo Swan
2024-07-23 01:28:01 +0000 UTCI can understand the reticence to show faces on screen, especially if that's not what folks signed up for. Not sure I'm loving the idea of a cartoon - if nothing else, I seriously doubt that's going to lighten the workload for getting videos out. What about just turning the camera on a nature scene, trees swaying in the breeze or the ocean or ants just doing their anthill thing? Something that's not static, but not trying to represent the story either. A moment of zen to go along with the audio...
Philip Undercuffler
2024-07-23 01:21:43 +0000 UTCAs someone looking to start a channel, I’m sorry¬ surprised that your crew knows their reality. I second/third/seventh/support the idea of avatars, muppets, filters etc. But would you be amenable to 1) adding biblical stories in your mythology section with a heavy lean towards their ethics transcending the denomination? 2) any/all tie-ins with other Native American content creators on survival skills & lore? 3) time-lapse videos of the community garden growing? 4) to help with your crew’s workload, volunteers from your patreon/community/acquaintances etc. to do voice-over work similar to LibriVox? And thank you for Beau-ing like this, Beau. I hope we’re all force multiplying from it 🤞
Vanessa Elkins
2024-07-23 01:00:33 +0000 UTCMaybe for anonymity you could do something Paulogia style? A simple cartoon avatar overlaid on the shed set with simple animation. Then we can still hear a human voice and have *some* kind of familiarity (eventually) with the speakers avatar without needing to know what they actually look like or their real names. As the above commenter says they could be anything from rainbow unicorns to battle mechs.
Jordan jackson
2024-07-23 00:56:17 +0000 UTCIf you want to keep the man in a shed feel perhaps your team can each have an avatar in the shed of whatever they want. White unicorn with rainbow hair, green alien, you get the idea. I'd prefer a human voice though but that's my 2 cents.
Erin Rogers
2024-07-23 00:32:37 +0000 UTCI understand anonymity, but also, this is a human interaction. No human in sight, no validity in sight. If it's a cartoon as someone suggested, it falls into the same category as the old Saturday morning comics. The topics mostly look great, but I doubt I'd be a regular viewer without a human on camera.
Evelyn Jacobson
2024-07-23 00:32:36 +0000 UTCI think I deleted my own comment! I'm most interested in basic philosophical concepts and ideologies. That would help a lot in understanding behavior. The satire of Earth/Aliens sounds fun. I'd like to see you do a basic civics course too. Far too many people seem to lack that knowledge. And the issues seem to be growing more complex. Thanks for all you do.
Sherri Reneau
2024-07-23 00:31:26 +0000 UTCBeau muppets, yes! Brilliant.
Mary Whalen
2024-07-23 00:29:52 +0000 UTCLike the CodyShowdy.. with WarmBeau 🙂
Jeremy Horlacher
2024-07-23 00:26:02 +0000 UTCLove that you want to expand the channel and giving the team a chance to shine. Plus you can set your boundaries and focus on what brings Beau more happiness.
Erin Rogers
2024-07-23 00:25:44 +0000 UTCThis might be disappointing to hear, but I wouldn't recommend doing science and tech news, biographies, or explaining earth to aliens. Up against the limit of production time, you need to keep your focus on your comparative advantage. This isn't that. If you do want to expand your media footprint, look to areas where there's (1) some overlap with your current profile but (2) with a slightly different appeal. Think of the classic Venn Diagram where there's a partial overlap in both directions, so you can bring existing viewers somewhere new, and some new viewers to your existing core content. The other projects you mentioned are a much better fit. Someone with your face and voice talking about basic philosophical concepts would be pretty good, as would a howto for gen z. But I think it's gotta be you as the on-screen talent to make it work, so you can't do all of them and you'll have to trust people to do more stuff for you. But whatever direction you go in... good luck! We're all rooting for you. :)
Kendall
2024-07-23 00:24:08 +0000 UTCDeep Goat needs a team!
Jeremy Horlacher
2024-07-23 00:23:19 +0000 UTCI am imagining a video being done of a fairly innocuous subject, history perhaps but the voice being the deep one news agencies use to mask sources. Finish the picture with people being lit from behind and hidden in the shadows and I would watch that. :-D
CBM
2024-07-23 00:20:26 +0000 UTCI want a Beau Muppet Video now. I want to see a puppet explain the horrors of war and the dismaying state US politics is in. I didn't know I needed that until just this minute.
CBM
2024-07-23 00:17:29 +0000 UTCI like the idea of the Beau Muppet. Once and done. The speaker or a separate person can operate it. Different settings as seems appropriate.
william woods
2024-07-23 00:03:48 +0000 UTCThis might require more vetting work on the part of you team than you want to spend, but you could open up one or more of the content shows to Followers who have expertise in different fields and allow them to contribute topics. I watch a lot of those expert videos on the Wired site, and it would be great to have experts in topics you cover to do a Q&A or provide a deep dive on a question. Again, that would require a lot of vetting and coordination on the part of your team to be sure the contributor is, in fact, an expert on [insert topic].
Karla
2024-07-22 23:58:41 +0000 UTCBeau, what about reaching out to journalism students to do the historical narrations and possibly getting school credits for it? At some point, they will be writing or appearing on media in some sort.
moon4409
2024-07-22 23:17:05 +0000 UTCI know intellectually that online threats are rampant, but it was still a gut punch to think specifically about you and your team being attacked. I'm so sorry that you have to deal with such noxious behavior. Thank you for what you do. You are making such a positive difference in the world.
Robyn Hill
2024-07-22 23:15:11 +0000 UTCTotally understand your team not wanting to show faces. I listen to podcasts, so I dont necessarily need an image of the person doing the talking, if they are comfortable with that. I just really don't like AI voices.
Kelly Westover
2024-07-22 23:09:08 +0000 UTCI’m sorry we live in such a misinformed and misled society. Whatever you try, remember nothing is perfect the first time out of the gate. Look at how some of your first videos have changed compared with today. We all appreciate and trust your time and judgement. Keep on keeping on! 👍
Gary Droege
2024-07-22 23:02:36 +0000 UTCKeeping faces off the “Air” very very Smart. I remember even before MySpace, thinking parents that put their kids photos on the InterWeb Machine might be making a Big Misstep. 😬
Robert Bess
2024-07-22 22:53:12 +0000 UTCI completely understand the desire to remain anonymous by your staff. I would suggest creating a fictional character for purposes of the videos and naming that character. Also there are lots of voice modification software programs out there if they want their real voice masked. This is basically what vtubers do.
alexander gaitan
2024-07-22 22:52:48 +0000 UTCAssuming the funds are available, I think there are quite a few good voice actors out there who can record spoken narratives for whatever videos your team wants to produce if any of them aren't up to doing their own voice work. A lot of actors - including some very big names - also narrate documentaries, cartoons, other animated things (like video games). Any local radio or TV personality might be willing to do that kind of work, too.
P Jacobs
2024-07-22 22:52:31 +0000 UTCAh! I was right about it being an AI voice. I am excited for it to switch to a human and thanks for taking in the feedback on that.
Wynter
2024-07-22 22:51:16 +0000 UTCHere I am kinda upset that the roads videos have been getting shorter ... Please no shorts!
FinalMeep
2024-07-22 22:51:07 +0000 UTCWow! I can't decide which of the listed projects I'm more excited for!! These all sound like my kind of geekery. I'm sorry to hear that your staff have to vet threats and feel like their safety might be at risk. That's awful.
Wynter
2024-07-22 22:49:36 +0000 UTCI am glad you won't be doing AI voices. Without the human inflections, my brain tunes it out as background noise, and I don't "hear" the content unless I concentrate harder on it.
Barry Drake
2024-07-22 22:49:20 +0000 UTCPerhaps it is time for the Beau "Muppet" to make an appearance, or be the basis for an animated presenter ... maybe with different voicings?
Michael Linder
2024-07-22 22:48:09 +0000 UTCDo you are taking on the role that public schools used to perform with these topics, but clearly do not anymore. It’s a big task, but good on you for taking it on. Now, if you can just infuse what we used to call horse sense..:
John Caywood
2024-07-22 22:47:00 +0000 UTCYeah I have an intense curiosity in seeing how good they can make the ai voice and the experimenting with the science and tech round up seems like the place to do it. If they can't get it relatively soon, it'll switch to the human on the team who is our resident science nerd.
Beau of The Fifth Column
2024-07-22 22:43:59 +0000 UTCI figured there was a "I really don't want my face out there," vibe with the tech video. I think, basically for a video...movement of some sort. Like images somewhat related to the topic. Changing with the topic. Could be cartoonish. Just...between the static nature of the image and some of the "running together" of topics made it difficult to know what was related to what. I'm aware punctuation apparently makes some of the younger generations nervous(? I do not understand that honestly. Unsure whether it's a joke or not,) but they're great for breathing and pause guides. I am very much looking forward to the "explaining Earth to aliens." Because satire and sarcasm are the lifeblood of GenX. Or at least this GenXer. Really, all of these the ideas.
Pamela Hineman (Lexy Wolfe)
2024-07-22 22:40:38 +0000 UTCOh make no mistake, my content isn't changing. This will be additional content by other people. My involvement in that content will be limited to fact checking because I'm obsessive about that on the channel.
Beau of The Fifth Column
2024-07-22 22:39:20 +0000 UTCI have a fb friend does all kinds of mythology stories in her feed. She finds the strangest stuff. Everyone loves it
cindy jewell neeper
2024-07-22 22:38:46 +0000 UTCStatic image and some text may lose interest to some, let's say, younger folk who need to hear your stuff. The cartoon character/avatar to keep the speaker off screen is a good idea. There is relatively inexpensive software available for that, including lip sync of the speaking, some good, some not so much. Another approach might be the doodle drawing that is popular: the hand drawing the illustrations on a whiteboard, etc. There is some inexpensive, relatively simple and ok --> pretty good software for that. I'm sure your staff doesn't have a lot of time for any extensive animation, based on what y'all already produce.
Thomas White
2024-07-22 22:33:33 +0000 UTCLooking forward to seeing how all the adjustments shake out. What a drag about the threats and their deterrent effect. Not that I blame anyone who doesn't want to open the door to that sort of unwanted attention.
Jen Gosnell
2024-07-22 22:25:04 +0000 UTCLike that idea - maybe the sound of a page turning; a sound effects version of Paul Harvey saying Page Two.
Thomas White
2024-07-22 22:22:09 +0000 UTCI like the cartoon presentation idea. I totally understand the need to safeguard your people and/or if they just aren't ones for wanting to be in front of the camera. Also, a cartoon presentation can allow for visual aid etc. (the fake countries drawn on a board comes to mind but animated). Love that all you and the team are doing. I'm here for whichever way the Roads go... 😉
JamieAnn Kaskowitz
2024-07-22 22:20:14 +0000 UTCThere are already excellent creators who post "on this day" videos. I love knowing honest thoughts about politics, constitution, things you are experienced in. NI in satire--there's already a lot of weird commentary out there. Really don't need you to join them in that. Really NI in AI, robot style voices. Please stay with your calm voice, that is your biggest power. Thanks for being you, please stay you. Sometimes bigger, more episodes etc isn't better.
Sherry Sahlstrom
2024-07-22 22:18:05 +0000 UTCShorts don't pay though, several of the channels i follow have posted videos on why they won't do shorts and YouTube is almost forcing creators to do them but for free.
justin wood
2024-07-22 22:15:59 +0000 UTCTo expand on this, a Political Science crash course might also be a good video. You could also have your team members take up fake names or even use "Beau" as their name sorta like the Walking Dead and the whole "I'm Negan" thing.
Zane Perron
2024-07-22 22:13:57 +0000 UTCI'll be multi-tasking, too.
Suzanne Brown
2024-07-22 22:13:06 +0000 UTCIt would be nice also to have shorts on the channel. Just an idea
Shane Sanders
2024-07-22 22:09:59 +0000 UTCThis is a great idea.
Lisa T.
2024-07-22 22:06:27 +0000 UTCI think one thing that would be good to add is when you change topics on a video that’s going through a number of topics rapidly, like the test video that you showed us , is to have a little visual and sound cue that you’re changing topics. It could be a simple as alternating between two different narrators. Also, I really enjoy your explanations of historical events, and I would love to see more of those.
Kate Casey
2024-07-22 22:06:13 +0000 UTCAwesome, looking forward to it!
Aaron Bono
2024-07-22 22:05:37 +0000 UTCOh that's coming too but that's me. Lol.
Beau of The Fifth Column
2024-07-22 22:03:59 +0000 UTCThese all sound like really interesting topics. As for the on-screen, I really don't mind a static image or related pictures (might be important for the how-tos) because these would be the kind of things I would listen to more than watch anyway and this would allow your team to stay safe while sharing their interests. I look forward to the new segents.
Jess
2024-07-22 22:03:33 +0000 UTCI really have no problem not having a face on screen. I mean, i watch/listen to peruns powerpoint videos. And quite a few video essayists don't show up on camera. I guess having visuals with the text if it makes sense could be good but isn't necessary. I just trained myself to quickly scroll past shorts with robot voices so if you use an obvious robot voice i can't make my brain focus on it.
Misha
2024-07-22 22:00:59 +0000 UTCDon't know how much work it would be but could you supply some links to the news sources so people could explore more.
Greg Zunic
2024-07-22 22:00:55 +0000 UTCYeah, agree. Heck, even a "talking hands" video might be a great especially if there's something to handle, wonder over, point to, etc.
Shalin Mody
2024-07-22 21:59:30 +0000 UTCThat's what I suggested for the this day in history thing. Then just flipping through a daily planner.
Beau of The Fifth Column
2024-07-22 21:58:51 +0000 UTCAll the ideas sound interesting and even fun. For the (understandably) camera shy I'd suggest maybe ninja masks or perhaps balaclavas in winter 🤣 Or some sort of cosplay disguise. Have fun with it.
Pauline D
2024-07-22 21:58:42 +0000 UTCOf course you get threats. Ugh. Totally feel for those folks! If they're ok using their voices, perhaps they could have a presenter name and avatar on screen. It is the era of vtubers! The main draw of being a vtuber is that you don't have to show your face so you can keep your body out of your brand and maintain your privacy. You could start out real basic to begin (like static image, or a short animated character loop or something). I'm not sure of the state of the art, but it seems likely that you could get a basic avatar created, get the face rigged, and have them record to a webcam with a program that translates facial expressions to the avatar. Can turn out a little odd, but I think people are getting used to the idea. Might take some of your audience time to get used to, though.
IcyMidnight
2024-07-22 21:58:36 +0000 UTCYou know what I'd like to see, a full on civics class to teach people how government/Washington works (or at least how they are supposed to work) cuz i know I'm tired of trying to teach people when these things come up in the news, it would be nice to just be able to share a few videos instead writing books on socials lol.
justin wood
2024-07-22 21:58:09 +0000 UTCI don't really care what the screen shows. I have ADD, so I'll be multi-tasking anyway! I am all for contributors feeling safe and hiding their identities in ways that work for them. I partcularly love the contributions of explaining to aliens and philosopy. The former sounds hilarious and the latter is something I'm sincerely interested in learning more about. If anybody would be interested in doing dives into various economic systems that would be viable alternatives to capitalism, I'd be HUGELY interested! I love where this is going and can't wait for the road trip. Please HMU for helping out with the Seattle/PNW legs of the journey. Final request... I'm still missing the campfires from days of yore. Just one? Pretty please?
Ro
2024-07-22 21:57:48 +0000 UTCI had so much fun making that video and could've made it so much longer. It just seems like an interesting concept that could go so much bigger.
Beau of The Fifth Column
2024-07-22 21:56:08 +0000 UTCYeah, you could probably let them be "on camera" but with a VR "skin" like Vtubers use (or something similar)...
Rick Sjolin (BearGriz72)
2024-07-22 21:54:41 +0000 UTCAlways first is to protect your team. Don't include anything that would identify them in any way. I love all these ideas. Very cool. I like the idea of a cartoon person or something like that. Thank you for all you do. You make a difference for sure.
lawhoff95
2024-07-22 21:54:11 +0000 UTCFor those who don't feel comfortable with an on camera presence (very understandable!) the illuminaughti format could be good! Basically just a lightly animated talking head, gives us something visual and protects anonymity
Blake & Ethan
2024-07-22 21:51:03 +0000 UTCOh, was that voice AI? I didn’t want to be rude, but it wasn’t the best voice. Honestly, I’m happy with whatever you choose to do.
D.Shepherd
2024-07-22 21:50:57 +0000 UTCYou are doing terrific work
Robbie Frechette
2024-07-22 21:49:56 +0000 UTCI heartfeltly appreciate all that you and your team does. I am also super excited about the explaining Earth from alien perspective. Done right, I think it will be a huge hit. I do like the idea of animation also.
Robbie Frechette
2024-07-22 21:49:50 +0000 UTCNoice! Excited for more hopeful/happy/educational content. I need the other stuff to stay... Present? But I like the happy stuff more. XD
MerryMary
2024-07-22 21:49:49 +0000 UTCMake avatars for them with a made up name. That way the videos would be identifiable by the thumbnail. So instead of you standing each member would use an avatar. They keep their privacy and we can see if it's a video by an individual that we like their take on things.
Meg the Sparkly Unicorn
2024-07-22 21:49:48 +0000 UTCI totally respect that they're reluctant to identify themselves. That makes a lot of sense. Maybe aliases and avatars would help bridge that gap? That way we can still get to know them and their work, but in a more anonymous way. I'm looking forward to the variety! Another thought is that maybe you could color-code topics or authors in the thumbnails to make particular content easier to identify.
GalacticGuava
2024-07-22 21:49:34 +0000 UTCJust don't show the faces. Keep the camera on their hands. I've seen many YouTubers use that technique and it worked well.
Juan Gutierrez
2024-07-22 21:48:02 +0000 UTCVery cool. I am looking forward to this.
Kier Salmon
2024-07-22 21:47:22 +0000 UTCI love all of these ideas!
Dawn Alexander
2024-07-22 21:47:05 +0000 UTC
