Update 12/06 - Quality Over Quantity Dilemma
Added 2018-12-06 20:42:20 +0000 UTC
AY
Sorry, this is going to be a long one.
A lot of people tell me, with good reason, that I should focus on quality over quantity.
This is usually in reference to me taking time to work on videos, like in the instance of EP26.
'You shouldn't rush, take your time, don't worry about not releasing often enough, your work is always worth the wait.'
These are all reassuring words and they always come from my absolute favourite viewers, the people that enjoy what I do but care enough about both the series and about me as an actual person that they insist on taking the necessary time to finish things up.
But, now I need to open up and admit that I don't actually entirely follow these words. Not really. And it is not something I have realised until very recently.
TTS isn't quality over quantity anymore, it's quantity over quality.
That might sound weird, so let me explain.
I do take a lot of time to finish something, you probably know this well.
I take my time and edit videos for days and days, only releasing a few times every year. That's quality over quantity!
OR IS IT?
Usually, less of something denotes more quality. Put less effort in, get more video.
If I was to release a video once every week, it'd probably be trash garbage shitposts with barely any actual effort put in, but I would be releasing more videos.
This would be the quantity over quality approach, and it's something I've always avoided, taking your words into account about taking my time, but I think I've been at it with this mindset for so long that I've, well, ended up on the complete opposite side of the spectrum.
The latest episodes of TTS that I've released were massive. They took an incredibly long time to make. I absolutely took my time with them and, as a result, they were all very lengthy.
But have these episodes really been a case of quality over quantity?
I don't think so.
Ever since the beginning, there has been a trend of TTS episodes inflating in length to show more stuff happening, trying to fit in plot advancement, character moments, and 40k lore education stuff all in the same ever-expanding package.
In order for the show to give due credit and time to each of these elements, the runtime TTS episodes have reached has now got to a point where the quality has degraded. Simple as. I think this proved most apparent in EP26 Part 2, which was by far the longest episode, but wasn't the greatest. Quantity over quality.
I want to fix this but doing so might be a bit problematic.
I'm still working on EP27 and I've finished over 10 minutes of it. It's not as long as EP26, but it still ended up quite long, and I'm not super close to finishing it.
But, after EP27 is done, I do really want to try and transition TTS back to the days of yore. When TTS was only, like, I dunno, 15 minutes long? Something like that?
I can see problems with this.
It might feel weird if episodes suddenly becoming so much shorter after a long time of being disgustingly long.
People might also start perceiving this as me not wanting to put as much effort into the episodes. Which, no, no, nonono, never that; this is an attempt to increase quality, not decrease it!
There is also a worry about phasing being worse with shorter episodes, and that is definitely something I should be focusing on as well. Make sure stuff happens, not just set-up upon set-up episode after episode.
I think these would be my primary concerns if I was to walk down this path.
But there are many more positive aspects I see in doing this, too.
It would be easier to make sure an episode is quality all throughout.
I'd be able to release more frequently (still not often but, y'know, more frequently).
It'd be easier to structure an episode properly.
It'd be easier to avoid useless padding.
We can get Kitten back to the throne room sooner.
People who are short on time can keep up with the series easier.
And, finally, it would be more motivating and a lot less claustrophobic for me personally.
Like, for real, it'd be immensely more comfortable, I imagine.
So yeah, that is it.
I hope you find this agreeable, and I thank you for reading this far.
I've got some other stuff I figured I should mention as well, but I felt this the most important piece to get out there.
TL;DR
I want to shorten TTS episodes in the future 'cause quality over quantity (of minutes).
Other Stuff
Okay, so, with all that out of the way, I just wanted to mention a few quick other things. First off, in preperation for the doomsday scenario where Article 13 is instated and TTS is murdered in the crossfire, I have been preparing a whole lot on my backup project.
The current event on my agenda is convincing the people who have been working with me on TTS thus far to get in on this new potential project as well.
This is quite important because the series I want to make if TTS dies would be what I would probably quite inadequately call a spiritual successor sequel thing.
Eventually, I'm probably going to have to go through the same thing but with you people. I'd like you in on the process, if you're willing to join me in developing a weird, murky sci-fantasy setting that ABSOLUTELY ISN'T A RIP OFF OF 40K WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT LAWYER MAN STOP WAVING THAT C&D IN MY FACE THIS IS MY TRUE AND HONEST ORIGINAL PROPERTY.
I hope all goes over well.
Second off, just today I've started looking to get an actual office that isn't in my apartment, 'cause, listen, working from home isn't actually that great. It sounds great, but in the long run, it's kind of baaaaad.
I need to seperate my work-life from my not-work-life so I can work hard every day and then get home and not-work hard the remainder of the day, instead of both
working and not-working in a soft, feeble, pathetic way all day every day. I am gr8 at wordls.
That's all for today.
Again, sorry for the long post, just needed to get this out to you.
Until next time, have a good one!
EDIT:
OH and THANKS to Oculus Imperia for being a super great guy and helping me with this text, he is great and you should go watch his videos here if you like 40k lore stuff;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8AaO8zkIoxbUp1_p0rl13g
Comments
episode 27 never
Vlaiss
2019-01-04 07:17:44 +0000 UTCLooking forward to that update two days from now, slugger.
Psychopath
2018-12-14 20:18:53 +0000 UTCI think shorter episodes is a change for the better.
Psychopath
2018-12-11 03:30:36 +0000 UTCI won't lie. I love the longer episodes. The show just keeps getting better for me. My favorite episodes have been episodes 24, 25, and 26. But if you think that If you think that the episodes would be even better if they weren't longer then by all means go ahead!
WrenAndPeter
2018-12-10 23:57:22 +0000 UTCWhat ever you think is best, we're behind you.
Strenif
2018-12-08 20:57:57 +0000 UTCI think shorter episodes may also help you with keeping the project manageable. I feel if you’re looking down the barrel of 10 minutes to a complete episode compared to 30 I think it’ll help stop you from working yourself to death cause “oh god it’s been months since the last episode and it’s months more until I can release this one”. I don’t think I worded it well but my intentions are good I swear. I enjoy your content that’s why I support patreon and I’m sure I’ll still enjoy whatever you put out.
SheepFace2000
2018-12-08 11:11:08 +0000 UTCDo what you need to do. We'll stick around.
2018-12-07 21:21:21 +0000 UTCwow! actually I 100% agree. I much prefer the earlier episodes where the focus was on the script, laugh out loud moments, 40k in-jokes. The recent ones seem to focus more on animation, "plot" and a lot of exposition. The scripts are a bit poorer for being dialogue-heavy...I much prefer the shorter format, especially if these could be released more regularly. keep up the good work.
2018-12-07 16:40:45 +0000 UTCI watch you to do the things that GW will never do because they have to stretch out their content, and last forever. Shorter and snappier (Even if you have to do them in multi parters) is way better.
2018-12-07 16:26:40 +0000 UTCWe love your work, whatever you decide. Maybe you should go back to the simple style of early episodes for a while. I miss the conversations between the Big E and Kitten, sometimes.
Jim Stouffer
2018-12-07 16:26:10 +0000 UTCI'm content to let you do what you do best, how you feel. I personally enjoyed the longer episodes, but then I'm one of those guys who likes the long drawn out deadlocks in movies like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. BUT. Shorter, snappier episodes are good too, a quick watch and a hard hitting moment. I think, and just a suggestion here, stick to the shorter episodes most of the time and maybe do a longer solid one if there's some MAJOR event that demands the extra consideration. The battle map play-by-plays were excellent, even if they did run long on puns, jokes, scorekeeping and horde-smashing, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I've enjoyed the series, long or not. Although if you ever decide Leman Russ pounding a dark eldar needs trimming, well, we will have to have words! lol. And yes, split your work from your home life! Absolutely do this! Sometimes you need a space to walk away from for fresh air, which you can't do if it's your house!
Trevor Bond
2018-12-07 15:10:26 +0000 UTCCertainly, this is true! I don't think I want to be as radical as to make them 12 minutes and then bump up to 20, but rather keep it at least around 15-20. I think that's a fair enough length to focus on.
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:31:38 +0000 UTCOh yeah, the issue is primarily that those, too, take some time to make, eheh. Primarily the script behind the Book Club stuff. Writing such a huge script does also take its time. I'd totally love to make more of those, but I feel like I should focus on making those a bit shorter as well.
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:30:55 +0000 UTCThis reads like a scroll of truth found in a dungeon. You're right in every account. This is exactly what I want to stick to in the future. Stricter format, stricter structures, and more fun videos that do not overstay their welcome.
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:22:52 +0000 UTCI'm unsure about this. 20 minutes, maaaybe, but 20 minutes is still a long video. At this point, I have gotten into the flow of things and am capable of making 20 minute videos. But, that is still very taxing and does still take a lot of time. I think I'd prefer a bit shorter, if I can make it work.
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:13:10 +0000 UTCI really hope it does to most everbody.
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:11:23 +0000 UTCI thank you!
Alfabusa
2018-12-07 10:11:01 +0000 UTCYou do what you need to do. And if you need help making a original-ish series then I'll down to help.
Lubu343
2018-12-07 07:37:52 +0000 UTCHonestly you should do what you feel as best, it sounds like a great idea.
Liam Swinn
2018-12-07 04:53:47 +0000 UTCYou should hit your own sweet spot yea. We'll stay open to change.
Nightberry
2018-12-07 02:48:49 +0000 UTCI feel like 20-25 minutes is the sweet spot. Something the length of a TV show episode basically.
2018-12-07 01:42:45 +0000 UTCAVE DOMINUS BUSA! Which basically means: go son and do what your creative flow tells you is right.
Pauly48
2018-12-07 01:02:04 +0000 UTCThis is the right decision. Format is good. Format was invented for a reason. Not only it puts the work in realistic constraints in terms of actually making it, it also trims the excess and increases legibility and viewer appeal, and forces you to be consistent. I think your series flourished so well initially exactly because it stuck to format - it had momentum and was dynamic. I still love the quirky episodes you've released lately, but they are much less accessible, unlike the earlier episodes which were a no-brainer to recommend to people. Script bloat is one of the things script editors have to fight, and inflated runtime invites script bloat.
AyeBraine
2018-12-06 23:54:43 +0000 UTCIt also probably helps to take breaks from the high quality episodes for lower quality TTS-lite™ like Upper Hive and the Emperor's Book Club. Although even they started getting more animation work as time went on.
Paul Calhoun
2018-12-06 23:41:12 +0000 UTCI wouldn'´t mind shorter episodes. Personally I don´´'t think you need to stick to a strict per episode length. If one is 12 minutes and the next 20 then so be it. The flow and content is much more relevant than the length.
Ogunst
2018-12-06 23:32:17 +0000 UTCI don't know about everyone else, but I am in favor of the shorter videos with a (slightly) increased frequency. The old times "of yore' are my favorite! The podcasts were good too!
Abayas
2018-12-06 23:14:23 +0000 UTCWhatever you decide to do and wherever things end up, you will always have my support. Keep up the great work Alfabusa!
Lyner
2018-12-06 22:24:20 +0000 UTCHi Alfa, whatever your decision would be, we all will be happy. In my opinion, it's best to have two tts formats: less long talking episodes with less plot and big plot-moving ones(maybe, for seasons beginning/final?)
2018-12-06 22:21:11 +0000 UTCHey Alfa. I spend most of my time on creative projects and am on hiatus from work writing a book. You probably know a whole load of relevant creative people already but if you fancy one more I'd be interested.
2018-12-06 22:14:23 +0000 UTCThanks for being so honest with us, and I agree, the last couple of episodes were too long, and irregular in quality during their length. I'd be more than happy to help with BattleMace (?), even if I just provide feedback and brainstorming. I also have some drawing skills, and would be ready to learn some editing.
Variasus
2018-12-06 22:02:06 +0000 UTCShorter episodes is fine too.
2018-12-06 21:59:16 +0000 UTCPretty sure Alfabus has stated before it's not the actual length of an episode which makes the development long, it's the content. Emps and Kitten talking about the Rainbow Warriors takes a lot less time than a 30man casting with blackjack and hookers.
GUYFUN
2018-12-06 21:56:24 +0000 UTCDon't be afraid to shorten the episodes if you feel that's the right approach.
David Rodoy
2018-12-06 21:54:17 +0000 UTCOof Alfabus is getting an office. Just don't get 7 rooms and an assistant that only gets you coffee. It's not healthy. Just look at PewDiePie. I fear with shortening episodes you will bottleneck yourself. I'm sure you're aware of this though. Don't be afraid of making parts of episodes even if they are shorter. Cohesion is more important than sticking to a time limit. Good luck Aflabus!
GUYFUN
2018-12-06 21:53:14 +0000 UTCWe completely understand made and we are 100% behind you. We love your work and will support you all the way through everything! ............... On one condition...give us more Great Horned Rat XD JK, support is unconditional. ....(still pls gib moar Rat)
2018-12-06 21:48:01 +0000 UTCI'm more than fine with 15 minute (or less), long episodes. It's less stress for the team and more frequent content for us, it's a win-win scenario as far as I can tell.
Crow-4
2018-12-06 21:45:13 +0000 UTCI think this'll be good for everyone involved. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.
Tia Singer
2018-12-06 21:10:36 +0000 UTCThere's a saying, quality over quantity but quantity has a quality all its own. I think the best format would be 30ish minute episodes every month to month and a half. Regardless. Keep up the amazing work. And please please have more of the chav scions! They are amazing!
2018-12-06 21:06:23 +0000 UTCAlso, I'd love to help on your side project. I'm not sure what I could do, but I am open to help people with projects!
Dusk Dawn and Fate
2018-12-06 21:00:19 +0000 UTCWell alrighty then
Dusk Dawn and Fate
2018-12-06 20:56:01 +0000 UTCI think shorter episodes would be a good thing. More updates for us, and less work you for. Also, the boundaries between seasons can be whatever episode you want them to be.
Larry Schultz
2018-12-06 20:49:27 +0000 UTCThank you for your help!!! <3
Alfabusa
2018-12-06 20:46:12 +0000 UTCYou are doing a great job and we appreciate all the hard work you and your crew puts in!
Antonio Berrios
2018-12-06 20:44:27 +0000 UTC
