Getting It Off My Chest
Added 2018-10-20 01:44:36 +0000 UTCHey, guys.
No usual 'Helllllo' today because I am immensely p-ed off right now. I just came from the comments section of the latest PokeSins announcement video and...wow... I thought the majority of viewers had got over the whole Patron episodes thing, but nope... It never ceases to amaze me how angry, insulting and just downright unpleasant people can be when you tell them they don't get to watch a video they want to watch.
I make videos for entertainment. I play games and commentate, I do lists of my favourite things and I do comedy critiques of an old anime. People tell me to kill myself. Not regularly, but more regularly than any sane person would want. It just doesn't seem like those statements should go together.
I used to look forward to PokeSins episodes releasing. I'd post one and people would comment with their favourite lines, their thoughts on bits I should/shouldn't have counted, or just general encouragement. It always warmed my heart.
Now I dread it. I dread releasing these episodes more than any other content I've ever done. Because I know, I KNOW, that I'm going to be told I'm greedy, stupid, a disappointment or that I don't deserve to live. Even on the free episodes I get people brutally insulting me and my work because of the ones that aren't free. And on the paid ones...beware all ye who enter.
The thing is you guys will never see the worst of the comments. They get caught in the spam filter or I delete them from the comments section because why the hell would I leave words of such hatred and contempt ABOUT ME on my own channel?
Did you know that one commenter felt slighted by me and proceeded to comment on every video I posted just the word "pussy"? He'd often be the first commenter. ON EVERY VIDEO for about two weeks before I worked out how to block him. That's not really on topic, but even that was nothing compared to the dread I have for PokeSins comments sections now.
I knew from when I first announced this plan back in the State of the Channel 2018 that there would be people unhappy with it. I also knew that it was BY FAR my best option as I'd spent a year trying a lot of others and I was running out of time and, frankly, money. I never talk about my money situation and I'm not going to here, but I've never once exaggerated when I've said that either I charge for alternating PokeSins episodes or I cannot afford to continue making any. As I put it in the comments tonight "This is working off the logic that 50% of 100 is more than 100% of 0."
The negative backlash from all this, however, was MUCH worse than I ever expected. Every episode I get bombarded by people telling me the 'obvious way to fix this so they don't have to pay' or 'greedy paywall unsubscribe' or 'So are you just not posting anything to YouTube anymore?'
That last one is a direct quote from tonight's comments. I just don't understand how people can be so blind to what I do, only to fixate on one detail. Whether they think it's worth watching or not, I make between 20 and 30 videos a month. I strive for daily content and varied content at that. Just last night I tweeted about how my six Latest Videos on my website showed six different series and styles. But one or two videos a month are 'hostage behind a paywall'? What a b*st*rd that Gar1onriva guy is.
The biggest kicker is that I endure all of that to give people what they want. For that year I didn't do PokeSins, I could barely upload a single video without people demanding to know where it was, begging me to bring it back or insulting the video for NOT being PokeSins. I mean I do still get those comments now (because they never look in the Uploads page before asking), but it reached an all-time high during that year. And now that it IS back, I get abuse hurled at me because of what I've had to do to bring it back. Because it's this or no PokeSins at all.
It really makes me want to turn around and say 'Okay. No more PokeSins then. I gave you the choice and you chose to cut off YOUR nose to spite MY face'.
I am very sorry for venting, but there are only three rays of light in this mire.
1. Despite the harsh backlash on a lot of my content, I get to do the best job I could imagine. Playing games, making jokes, watching anime and making people laugh.
2. All those loyal viewers who can't pledge, but fully understand my position and support/defend me. Some of them wade waist-deep in horrible comments just to fight for me.
and 3. You patrons. Seriously. It is thanks to you guys that I can do this at all. It's not hyperbole to say that without the support and understanding of all of you, the Gar1onriva channel would have closed long ago. Whether you pledge $1, $5, $10, or more, you all contribute to the work I do in a more real way than I can adequately express.
Whenever my heart sinks because of some entitled git, I think of you guys and it makes it bearable. I don't make my videos for the people who write their comments with the sole intention of making my day worse. I make them for the people who tell me they have my back, and the people who come along to my streams to say hi, and the people who defend me so I know I'm not alone in this fight. For the longtime fans, the vocal patrons and the silent patrons too.
If you've taken the time to read this whole thing, I make my videos for you. And I want to thank you. For making them worth making.
I think in the future I'm going to disable comments on the PokeSins announcement videos. Maybe the BTSFs too if the negativity just shifts there. It's that or have a truly horrible evening every 10 days.
Comments
This breaks my heart. I don't understand people, like during the PokéSins hiatus I kept thinking "where is it? What's going on?" and wanting it back, but you've never been secretive about why that even happened, so I just waited for the solution. That solution happened to be giving money every month that I can spare, in fact It's actually a little more because I have so many other things to fund but, like, I'm clearly a fan of your work, and It's either I support a small creator who needs it or I don't get to watch my favourite video series. Honestly free entertainment has ruined people. No one tells authors to kill themselves because they released a physical book instead of a free PDF, everyone's perfectly ok with paying for Netflix, but as soon as an artist on the internet needs to not make content for free everyone loses their shit. Never stop what you do, don't let the entitled cavemen get to you.
Danni Disaster
2018-10-24 20:59:31 +0000 UTCI think I'd put it in the description, but I wouldn't want to mention it in the announcement video or BTSF itself.
Geran 'Gar1onriva'
2018-10-23 12:14:00 +0000 UTCIf you do disable the comment section on those videos, make sure to tell people why. Maybe those thugs will get it through their thick skulls that they are being (beep beep beep beep beep)
Duke Dragon Hearthfire the Tenth
2018-10-22 18:20:39 +0000 UTCHaving read comments on your videos, I feel just as insulted and pissed as you. And they're not even directed at me! Just keep doing what you do best and try to ignore the bullshit. It's not worth the effort.
Natsuki98
2018-10-21 00:39:07 +0000 UTCI feel you, Geran. Those self-entitled hypocritical shits disgust me. They make it sound like it's your fault they couldn't watch Pokésins when it really isn't, not to forget that you didn't much of a choice if you want to continue the series. I admit that I'm mostly a silent supporter these days, but I don't want you to lose sight of what you've accomplished. I wish the best to you, even in the darkest times.
Jyu Raposa
2018-10-20 21:19:49 +0000 UTCI report the really bad ones, but I've never known YouTube to actually do anything about it.
Geran 'Gar1onriva'
2018-10-20 13:56:37 +0000 UTCI can totally understand you, Geran. I'm already sick of reminding people in the comments that they can still watch every other episode... and I've only done it like 3 times. Can't imagine how it must be to you then. Not to mention them assaulting you personally... I just don't get people like those. How can you get so invested in something that you will attack others over it but yet not be able or willing to look up anything about it before making hurtful comments? I sincerely hope they won't drive you away from making more episodes. Even though PokeSins is no longer the main reason I watch your channel, it would be sad to see it gone since it originally brought me to your channel. Guess I am somewhat nostalgic for it. ^^" Plus, it's still bloody awesome! Well, that was a longer post than planned... Hope venting all that made you at least feel a little better. Wishing you all the best. :)
Nebbi
2018-10-20 10:08:20 +0000 UTCI'm really sorry you've been putting up with this crap from a bunch of bitter keyboard warriors. People can be seriously mean-spirited, selfish jerks. You honourably explained your reasons for why it has to be this way. You didn't just start charging for episodes with no explanation. You gave a reasonable explanation. For them to respond in such a vile manner really goes to show just selfish people can be. They want things free without understanding or trying to of the work gone into the making of every episode. Good editing software isn't free. Anyway, I know it's hard, but try and ignore the self-entitled, selfish brats. They're most likely jealous gits with no life outside of YouTube. We - your fans - are here to support you. Keep being awesome.
Bubbly Chika
2018-10-20 10:04:48 +0000 UTCThis must have been difficult for you to articulate, I'm really sorry Geran you've been run through the wringer, by Sho Pro and now your own base, just to produce the content that you love ($10 subscriber here, technically more than $10 for me due to conversion rates and fees) Honestly those scum don't deserve the right to vent for so long, you're going to be unable to change back until the mighty hand of fate leans back to your favour. Seriously, for your own good, disable comments, keep it quiet when you post patreon only videos, do whatever you need to protect yourself from these snakes, they aren't worth a moment of your time, they aren't supporting you in anyway. we are. Please don't think to stop making Pokesins, its the only reason I come to your channel. It really is stellar work, your conviction to truly dissect animation, cinematography and deconstruct the pokemon world in 11 minutes
Someone
2018-10-20 08:38:27 +0000 UTCI seriously don't understand how many people expect things to be free just because of the internet. Like, it's nice that some of the stuff online is free but it doesn't mean everything should be. It's no good if everyone decides not to pay for something if it's possible to get for free. Soon there won't be any content makers since they are chewing their shoes or something. I don't want that and gladly pay for anything I really like. If someone cannot pay for things they want to see, well, they don't see them then. I feel bad when hearing people acting so freaking rude towards you. They have plenty of attitude problems. How is it greedy to want to get paid for your work? That's how it works in real life and people making online content live in real world. I'm certain those haters would be mad if they were told to work for free. Maybe they are just too young (or trollish) to get it. I hope you won't stop making PokeSins. It's your best series in my opinion. I like some other videos you do, too. You have a clear and calm voice which is important for me as English isn't my native language. I can understand you even without subs which cannot be said for all Youtubers. I'm also happy that I haven't seen your face talking on the video. It's nice that you don't shout and try to be a show-off, too. Those are things that have turned me away from some Youtubers in past. I wish you luck, keep making those good videos of yours! :)
Suvi Westman
2018-10-20 07:28:31 +0000 UTCIf you want to deactivate comments on PokéSins YouTube videos, or remove them entirely, like someone suggested in one of these comments, or whatever you decide, you'll have my full support. There are things you just don't have to put up with. Your mental health is more important than any of this.
Sofia
2018-10-20 06:49:03 +0000 UTCIt amazes me how so.e people can be so brave and cruel behind a screen just to spread hate I've never seen the comments but maybe I've never looked long enough I will come to your defence should I see any by means of reporting them and a verbal thrashing I love your videos and wish you the best don't worry about the idiots online who have no worth or say In your life
Darius Brown
2018-10-20 06:47:43 +0000 UTCI say keep doing what you are doing and let haters be haters. If they won't be happy then that theyr problem not yours.
Stan
2018-10-20 05:46:12 +0000 UTCYou do what you need to do. It's your livelihood and what you make to be happy, and it's sad that all must be punished because of some fucks. But please, whatever you do, do what's besst and healthiest for you. Whatever comes next will be better quality. Good luck!
KHVathiel
2018-10-20 05:27:43 +0000 UTCI’m normally a silent supporter, but you seriously don’t deserve to go through all this bullshit. >_< Even the comments you didn’t filter out were enraging, these people honestly feel entitled to watch your work for free, it’s so fucking dumb. I appreciate all your efforts in making this, and if other people can’t, they can just fuck themselves.
Piklink
2018-10-20 04:36:01 +0000 UTCI'm sorry to hear about the grief these troublesome individuals are causing you, but I'm glad that you haven't let it get you down. While we're not exactly vocal, do know that the majority of your viewers honestly love your content, regardless of if a few trolls scream their heads off at the first thing they see.
Just A Random Contributor
2018-10-20 03:03:47 +0000 UTCI don't get people man, and I'm sorry. I honestly want to donate more to you, but my money situation isn't great either. The complainers don't even matter. You're doing a great job! I'm not generally one to comment on videos anymore, sadly, or I would
Shenanigannons
2018-10-20 02:40:09 +0000 UTCGod, that sucks. I can’t imagine how that must feel. I just want you to know that there’s still people that love your content, no matter how much it costs :)
Stephanie Christiansen
2018-10-20 02:28:11 +0000 UTCI may only be a $1 patron, (thus I can't see the patreon episodes at all and the free episodes don't work well due to the site's loading times) but even I am sick of these comments. That being said, I'm also sick of Shopro being stubborn about this whole situation, since if it wasn't for them messing up and striking in the first place, you wouldn't have had to resort to this method. Quite honestly, I'm satisfied as is watching your other stuff like top 10s in the meantime, since I find those equally as enjoyable as Pokesins. But I also know it's not fun whenever you do update vids on new Pokesins and have to deal with the high dislikes time after time. If it were me, I'd never notify or post videos on the patreon exclusive episodes, and just would do so for the free episodes, casually mentioning "if you want to watch the one before this, please help out at my patreon." At least it seems the ones that are free on your website are received well despite the rough start of that method. I also think that Eyevou comment (The one that I sense clearly sparked this post) was absolutely stupid and laughably ignorant of what you've been dealing with for ages now, ever since the Porygon episode. You've literally been fighting a war with Shopro that you've only been unable to win because they're a Japanese business which refuses to work something out with foreigners and have even gone as far as to block MY OWN unscripted video that used NOT ONE BIT of art or footage related to the 20th Pokemon Movie, simply because the Poster was in the thumbnail and nowhere else. That's how stupid Shopro can get, and they're not something you can easily get around with shitty editing like distortion and flipping, despite how those crappy anime episode reupload channels somehow manage to keep getting away with it regardless. So yeah, I still support your cause even if I feel i'm not able to do much else besides pledge this amount and watch other YT content you make I find enjoyable (Top 10s, reviews) or funny (Plantera Gameplay)
Seafoam Gaming
2018-10-20 02:21:00 +0000 UTCGeran sir I feel so bad about those jerks and u have built a great community that I am proud to be a part of! Forget those filthy nasty comment jerks your real fans are hear for u and have your back I don’t mind paying what ever it takes to support your awesome content I think disabling the comments to the pokesins for awhile to root out those bastards
Josh Howard
2018-10-20 02:20:22 +0000 UTCHi Geran. I have been watching PokeSins from when you first released the first episode. I even created a YouTube account so I could subscribe to your channel! Thank you for creating PokeSins. I have been wondering lately if you have been enjoying making PokeSins as much as what you used to, something seemed off, and now I understand why. It must be difficult reading comments every time you release a video :( Once again, thank you for creating PokeSins and I look forward to seeing more videos. The last PokeSins episode was great!
Caroline Beaney
2018-10-20 02:17:08 +0000 UTCGeran, the people complaining can go screw themselves. If spending a measly 5 dollars is too much for their 'precious Pokesins" then they don't deserve to watch. I love all the hard work you put into these videos. It is a highlight of my week to watch a Pokesins.
Mariokemon
2018-10-20 01:59:15 +0000 UTCHey Geran I feel for you man I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to create your latest pokesins and you let's plays (I personally watch the Pokemon emerald it's awesome) there are always some people hating and if they do then they can pardon my language "Fuck off to hell". You truly are a great person and amazingly creative you made your own website that's an accomplishment I'm proud to be a supporter dont let the hate succeed you got this and I will continue to support your channel and your site keep it going bro.
Jay Pepin
2018-10-20 01:56:33 +0000 UTC