The surprising agony of success

I love the channel and I’m happy to help support it. Keep being awesome! 😄

Taylor Cuzela

Bah. Tell them to go back to watching WatchMojo. The format you use for your videos is brilliant. They are well structured and I love how you keep stuff until later in the video and then link back to stuff from before.+

Matt Harrison

So here is the deal. I like your videos enough to do my best to provide you with supplemental income. If I felt your videos were not good I would not provide you with my money. I love your long format videos and they feel they provide the right amount of background/history, technology, lore, and time to keep things interesting but not too long that it gets boring (despite what Ass-Hat-Mcgee thinks). As you have found haters going to hate and there is nothing you can do about that. Keep your videos the same, you have a format that is good and I think others will agree. Do not even acknowledge the trolls, they will eat you alive if you do. As I token of my gratitude for your efforts I have upped my Patreon commitment to your videos to offset the troll population.

Oh, BTW, some games did actually do post-boot re-checks on the CD media, defeating the swap method. Scene releases would hack those checks back out. Spyro 3 handled it the best by not making it immediately clear that they had detected a pirated disc: <a href="https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131439/keeping_the_pirates_at_bay.php" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131439/keeping_the_pirates_at_bay.php</a>

Ketafuki

Do not change a single thing with your videos. You will learn that blatant insults in the comments rather than constructive criticism can easily be ignored. If it were taken seriously, no YouTuber would be able to survive, period.

Sam Blakey

Do NOT consider shortening your videos because of them, that's the entire reason most of your early supporters liked your videos. Infact that video is why I finally got around to supporting you on this site, because I really enjoy the long form explanations and content. Don't change because of them!

I'm glad that you're the way you are and that you explain things as you do. Keep up the good work and know that we're supporting you even in the onslaught of negativity.

Jason Wellband

There is a community that greatly appreciates the content you produce. We're all here for you.

Kyle Olson

I think this is part of the cost of using yt as a platform. The people who leave comments are terrible. I’d try not to think too much about them, but obviously the allure of reading everything said about something you worked hard to make is tempting. Just remember that for every 12-yo commenter there’s thousands of people who watched the video, enjoyed it, and went about their day without interacting at all. Like me!

Aaron

I agree 100%. You and Techmoan have mastered the style. Both of you make old (and obscure) technology both interesting and accessible. Thank you.

Roger Beal

"...when others invade your comfort zone and are complete asshats". Try writing for a political blog someday if you want to flush out the asshats (and jackwagons, and whatever other derogatory term you care to use for folks whose mouths are many times larger than their IQs).

Roger Beal

Frankly , I like what you do and the way you do it , you are very though, and answer little questions that would otherwise be left until answered . I hold my head high knowing that albeit small I do contribute because I enjoy your content . Ignore the nay sayers you are doing just fine . Keep up the good work .

h.drew foy

Well hello fellow hotelier! Thanks for the input. I don't intend on changing the format, and I appreciate all the support both financially and emotionally that Patrons provide. I don't take any comments personally; more than anything I get frustrated when the same comment gets repeated over and over again. "I get it! You think the video was too long! I've even commented that I agree there was some fluff in there! So shut up!" (edit: forgot you can't press enter or else it posts!)

Technology Connections

I come from (ironically) a hotel management background. Through my many years of training staff and creating training videos I understand that you need to go into thorough detail about a subject including back story (or the why) in order for people to properly learn about a subject. If you don't include the why or you skip parts to speed up the training process, the person will not learn properly on the subject. One of the reasons so many people like your videos is because of the detail you go into regarding your subject matter. These people are your core fan base (and the ones that support you on patreon to continue creating your content). Don't worry about the other nay sayers have to say on YouTube. It's probably best to not even read the YouTube comments and just stick to Patreon. I love your videos and can't wait to see more. My only criticism would be to add more B roll (or explainer cutaways) to your videos. I know this is more time consuming but 20 minutes of watching someone standing in front of a screen talking makes for heavy eyes lol. Keep up the great work.

Alec buddy - don't listen to all these morons and keep doing what you're doing at your own pace and with your own style. We love your videos and we pay to support you - it's the best proof you're on a right track. Anyone who doesn't like it always has an option to easily skip forward to the conclusion or gtfoh.

I think you're doing a fine job and the videos are better than others I've seen. Sure, they delve a bit more into the history and back story and as others have said, that's what I like about them. I can tell you've put work into the writing, presentation and post production of your videos and I really appreciate that. When it comes to the comments, don't let the asshats bother you. I know that is easier said than done, but keep in mind for every negative comment, there are tons who really appreciate your videos. I've learned so much and am proud to be a "sponsor" of your content here! Keep it up!

Chuck Floyd

Lots of people lacking empathy can't understand why a video isn't tailor-made for them. Keep doing what you're doing.

Wayne Marsh

Indeed, we're all on your side. It's just a shame the price of success is attracting a bunch of people who ought not watch your videos. Please don't ever change your style to accommodate the asshats.

Luke Biddle

Agreed with your sentiment, but people with ADD/ADHD and the like can often still enjoy longer-form content and can certainly choose not to be asshats. :) I get that you probably didn't mean literal ADD/ADHD, but there's just so much misunderstanding and stigma around mental health issues, I'd like my ADD/ADHD friends to not be considered interchangeable with these whiners. ^_-

‘Leigh

Your current format (precise explainations and some history about what you're explaining) is one of the reasons why I find your videos so delightful and interesting. Please, keep it up!

Please don't retarget your videos to the "ADD" audience. One of the reasons I love your channel is that you go into such satisfying depth on the topics you present.

Matt Whitlock

Apparently they do not enough time to watch the video, but have plenty of time to leave negative comments. Priorities I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

John Johnson

I took a look at some of the complaints and I honestly don't think you should worry. I don't blame people if they prefer a more condensed format, but I (and I assume most other people here) subscribed for your "long" in-depth style of explanations (and I wouldn't personally call a 14 minute video "long" lol, it's only 4 minutes longer than the typical 10 minutes most channels seem to aim for these days). Just keep doing what you've been doing and I'll be happy.

I'm just here to echo what everyone else said here honestly. Haha.

Andrew Elmore

I think the Youtube algorithm is a mess. There's no clickbaity thumbnail or spazzy tone in the explanation, and that seems at odds with the way they target their videos. I didn't see any issue with the pacing when I first saw the video, because everything leading up to the 8 minute mark was interesting to listen to, and this even includes stuff I knew about already!

Ketafuki

I like this perspective!

Technology Connections

We're all on your side Alec. That's why we're here. It's mystifying how people somehow seem to think that Youtube should only cater to their specific desires; self-absorbed, ungrateful rubes. Seriously, if you don't want to watch a 14 minute video, don't f'n click on a 14 minute video. It's ridiculous! On the other hand, it gives some indication as to whom you should listen to. Don't pay attention to anyone like that, it's just depressing.

I strongly disagree with the the negative comments in Youtube. I really like the details in the explanation, and give context on why things happened. And, well, that's part of the reason for the length. They can get a 2 minutes video just saying what happened somewhere else. Keep doing a great job!

Andres Plaza

please don't change your style! if Gamers™ don't like it, that's how you know you're doing it right

Please, please, don't change your style. There are ton of other channels these people may find more enjoyable, don't care. In depth no-hurry explanations, backstory details, fun facts, are THE reasons I follow you and support you on Patreon. That's what make your channel special, really.

Seconded. Dont change the format. And exactly what has been said before: writing for 14 year olds or for adults is writing for two totally different target audiences.

Jaap Verhoeven

Don't change. Ever.

I, personally, wouldn't be supporting you if your videos weren't of this exact style. The way you explain things and walk through your thoughts fantastic. Ignore the haters that watched that video. They're obviously outside of the demographic your series appeals to and that's fine. Service YOUR customer base and you'll continue to grow.

Duncan Middleton

Ain't that the truth...

Technology Connections

Thanks. You've made me quite happy with that last sentence!

Technology Connections

Don't let the haters get to you. You've gotten to where you are by doing what you love the way you love to do it.

Ashley Grant

I don't know if you can chalk it up to just being "ah the gamers found me" since a lot of gaming Youtube videos can go on for hours, whether it's podcasts, post mortems, game analysis, full playthroughs etc. Most people are coditioned to think no video is worth spending more than 2 minutes on so shitty comments like that are not surprising. I'd pay no heed to those people, they have plenty of other options so spend your time instead thinking about actual feedback relevant to the stuff you're making, it'll save you a lot of time (and your sanity).

Valli

Don’t you dare start listening to the haters. There is a reason why I and many others love your content and put our money where our... hmm... your mouth is. :)

I had thought of that, perhaps a timestamps comment is needed.

Technology Connections

FTR, I think it's so bittersweet. You explain things much like an instructor of collegiate or similar level. Telling the facts from beginning to end and explaining how they relate to each other. Way to be optimistic in this post! I do like the "subtle" TL;DR Link, but no early reveal please! Also, SciShow Psych just posted a video 6 days ago about filler words, you might be interested to watch it! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5pK_enTNaE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5pK_enTNaE</a> BTW, keep up the good work! "Haters gonna hate" P.S. I wonder how many new subs you got from this?!?!

Christopher Bassett

Even the most RESPECTED youtube technology channels such as Techmoan, Mr. Carlson's lab, Louis Rossmann, and EEVBlog have huge numbers of twats and haters in the comment sections. It's because insecurity and jealousy are epidemic in the world, especially in America. You don't have to look any further than our President to see insecure behavior worthy of a 6 year old! ...... sigh

Bill Basch

I like your format. After watching your PlayStation tracking video, I decided to support you on Patreon. Don’t read the comments, do what you like to do and do it as well as you can.

Niles Henke

Don't worry about the idiots. They are the majority of the audience on Youtube. We love you the way you are :)

I especially like the thoroughness of your videos. My suggestion is to see if Techmoan will let you borrow his muppets and use them like he does to make fun of those people.

Jason McMillon

70% of uTube commenters are 14 year-olds or people who act like them. It has ever been so and shall ever be so.

Bill Huizinga

You have a steadily growing following that likes your work and the format of your videos. You don't need to win everyone over. I am sure you'll get some new followers from this surge in views, and the rest will just not come back. Just keep doing your thing :)

Bah. I watch lots of gaming videos but still learned plenty from this vid. It's amazing how some people would rather type nasty comments when they aren't enjoying a video than just click away and watch something else. Please don't let these asshats change your style, it's so refreshing to get deep explanations that are still understandable.

‘Leigh

Honestly, I’d love if the videos are even longer and you speak more slowly. :) Hashtag old man

Thomas Fuchs

It seems as though you just needed to vent, but for what it's worth I don't think your format is a problem at all. If they are complaining about the length of your videos or whatever, they must not comprehend the function of that timeline bar where you skip to different parts of the video at will. In all seriousness though, maybe it would silence them if you put in some time markers in the descriptions or annotations of the video? Like a shortcut to skip past the history of the PS1 and just get how it reads discs? I don't know, that seems like it would just be extra work for you when they could just skip the content they don't want, but it may be worth considering. Again, your format doesn't really bother me, but I'm a patron lol

Andrew Dousay

I've had pieces show up at the top of Hacker News or get tweeted by people with big audiences. Same deal. At scale, complainers stand out more and they have no experience with your work. My recommendation for you is that you ride it out, not worry so much about the comments, and look back a week from now and analyze where it got you in terms of new audience. I had a tweet recently that got something like 60k retweets and 190k likes, and that's exactly how it played out for me. A lot of complainers, but in the end it was a net positive because I let it simply play out. Side note: You've quickly become one of my favorite YouTubers, so cheers.

Ernie Smith

Haters gonna hate. Honeslty, I don’t get how Google, self-proclaimed “Kings Of Algorithms” can’t get it together to filter trash out of YouTube comments. Can’t wait for their self-driving cars… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Thomas Fuchs

Oh man!! Do I get to finally pull this one out?! Okay, here goes. Ah-hem. As a paying customer, I think you should continue to produce content that is exhaustive. The reason I support the project is exactly for the depth of research. How’d I do?

As they say in showbiz, "the only thing worse than a flop, is a hit."

PT