ComicPop!
patreon
Ugh
🕑 Added 2020-03-28 05:37:25 +0000 UTCHey gang,
Let's talk about the COVID video. First up, I want to talk about why we made it in the first place:
1. To spark some healthy discussion about the present state of the comic book industry
2. To jump on a topic that's happening right now, especially since we skipped that opportunity to do it live on Elseworlds to put out our chat with Flash writer Joshua Williamson. The episode was a blast to make, and had lower views than normal/expected, which was a kick in the balls.
3. To get back into the swing of things when it comes to the diversity of content you come to expect from us. Sure, most of you only watch Back Issues. But we're the only comics channel that tries anything and everything, and takes pride in it.
YouTube demonetized the video immediately following its upload. We were certain given the lack of objectionable material, we'd get that cleared up quickly with a manual review. What we didn't realize/remember was YouTube has a strict demonetization policy on videos that talk about big national topics. It's weird, but the nature of the beast. But hey-- we had a strong video that was worth the discussion on its own merits. Still, this is my job, and finding out a video we spent 90 minutes shooting and 2 hours editing wasn't going to bring in any revenue was crappy.
Then the comments came in. Look, we're used to being called morons for our opinions. And initally we got some really thoughtful responses. And for some reason whenever we talk about the comic book industry, we get it harsher than if we misidentified the wrong Green Lantern villain. But what I wasn't expecting was the amount of lecturing we got, ranging from giving proper respect to the industry to social distancing (and about that-- most people don't know Ben and Ethan are roommates and Tiff and I are together, plus our own strong efforts of self-isolation throughout the past month, etc.). Still, though, it was a lot. And maybe it felt like more than a lot because the video wasn't doing anything except hoping to inspire debate, and all it looked like it was doing was encouraging people to flip out.
And finally, after four hours being up, it became apparent the views were shit. And that, for me, was the straw that broke the camel's back today. Superficially speaking, this video I wanted to be one thing turned out to only be a soundboard for people to attack us. We lost ten subscribers between the video's release and it being unlisted, I spent four hours making it, it made no money, and it didn't even perform well views-wise. And all of those factors combined really fucked up my mood, which caused me to react poorly.
We're going to take a step back and re-list the video. It's still a good video, and when I took a step back and looked at it, the response was far less hostile than previously interpreted. I'm sorry I let a combination of inside baseball factors affect my reactions to any of you.
Thanks for watching the video, but more important-- thanks for your patience and for your continued support over the years. I'm so lucky to do this, and I do my best to remind myself every day. But sometimes I get too deep into the world of it, and I don't see the forest for the trees. I hope you'll let it slide, and I appreciate your insight. Whether you agree with me or not, we want this to be a place where your opinions are welcome here. Thanks, gang.
Comments
Patches
Hey, I live in south Jersey, I am sorry people reacted so negatively. For my part, I am happy you did the video, Thank you for all you do, as someone else trapped in this time in this state, I am also seeing it impacting every facet of my life, don't let the haters get you down, keep up the good work, man
Grievousish
You guys continue to put out better content then 99% of the channels I see being hocked on the youtube trending page. It's good that you guys take pride in your videos because you should. The work you guys put into this is amazing and in rough times like these we need channels like yours more then ever
Nerd King 101
Hello Sal few things. First of all. Don’t feel bad. Everyone is going though a lot right now. Even if just worrying about family. You live in NJ and close to NYC. From what I’ve gathered. Which as someone who lives in Hoboken I can attest to being close to the worst of it. YouTube’s garbage way of handling COVID is for me infuriating. You guys clearly made absolutely sure. When it came to the big meat. The virus. You spoke within your understanding and were accurate which I respect. As someone who saw the video before it went public with early access. I really enjoyed it. It was nice to see a current event videos that was fun and not focused solely on how terrible things are. The only thing I’d recommend is telling people living situations at the start of videos. Even in a 5 second add on in editing. Normally I’d say it’s none if everyone’s business. But people are taking it very seriously and knowing the situation would probably help deal with it. If only to avoid the whole situation. People like you guys are doing real good right now. People are trapped inside and having something to watch will help keep them there. Content creators are the really helping now! Sorry this happened and glad to see it get new life. Stay safe and I wish you all the best.
Allyn Weimer
If you didnt get upset that would mean you didnt love what you are doing. It is a time of panic and we need ComicPop more than ever. Stay safe and please dont be discouraged.
patrick d Lawson
Sal I do have different views than you on some issue but your a decent and respectful person and I truly enjoy your content keep your spirits up.
Riv W
Hey Sal. Just wanted to say while it's not a surprise about the comments it's damn disappointing. You guys are frankly inspiring and entertaining each week I get to watch. Thank you for making the video and I'm glad to hear it's getting a form of new life. I would hate to see the 4 hours work go to waste.
Hunter Romans
I personally really enjoyed the video. While I might have started the video not agreeing, the arguments made were valid and I could see the whole point of the video to be sparking discussion. I think that discussion of the medium is lost is only split into the camps of agreeing or disagreeing. The medium is something we obviously all love and don’t want to see our idealistic view diminished. But we need to be open to conversation about the medium and the future of it. Thanks for putting all of your time and effort into trying to better this medium and try to implement the use of critical thinking when it comes to the industry and possible ramifications.
Sally Jake
Just want to say that I always think you guys give fair and balanced talking points. Even when I’ve personally disagreed with something you’ve said, I always know you’re just sharing your thoughts as they are based on your understanding and experience and I respect that. I always enjoy hearing you guys discussing more relevant topics like Covid-19, and I hope you can keep making videos of those discussions despite what the hoards of angry people say or what YouTube’s crappy policies are.
