I've been amazed at how Ford embraced new media, what they did with the fiestamovement is brilliant, no doubt. I've seen some channels work with inserting pre or post ads that have seemed to work okay, but as you said, when the youtuber actually talks about the product, I think we listen a little harder.
I think you guys have a pretty good take on the whole situation. WE define the youtube world (for the time being), and we in turn are defined by what we choose to produce and the styles and ideas we choose to incorporate into our media presentations. The moment we begin to change our decisions and styles based on someone else's influence, that's the moment we start to lose our own personal and/or artistic (or journalistic) integrity.
I think selling out can mean different things. If Jamie Lee Curtis wants to sell yogurt or cell phones, that's "an honest buck.". That's this same type of thing. If tho your INTEGRITY were in question, That's different...Part of the charm of YouTube is that you simply don't NEED the money advertisements bring. You have the chance to say anything and you aren't dependent on anyone. At the same time it's like your own TV show and you have the right to do as you will.
Yeah Lisa Nova did a spot for the camera, but I thought it was very entertaining, and very inline with her style.
On the topic of your video, your spot on, when people invest their creative energy into a project there is nothing that could be considered "selling out" as long as they honor themselves. I never understood people who expect artists to provide services for free; even if they started out on youtube (or similar free distro) as a hobby.
Your opinion sounds fair. Creative advertising is interesting. Random insertions of ads, already everywhere on YT (adsense) is a scourge. Who reads any of that tripe? Some sites already force you to watch a 13-15 second ad before you film will play. That's fair, but annoying. Nothing is free, and YT is no exception. That said, I will stay free as long as possible. I think my generation is puzzled by the quick willingness of younger people to attach ads to anything, including themselves.
"inserting their content into yours" is exactly right. you hit the nail on the head calling youtube a "conversation" in contrast to traditional advertising. good vid
Seriously, I'm glad you made this. I've been pressured recently to promote my tour and my comics and my CDs and our EP just to make enough money to live... and people calling me a sellout hurts. I'm glad I'm not alone.
Like I said in Kristina and Alex's coments, If your involved in the product of course you should talk about it, We're subscribed to your vlogs to hear about whats going on in your life, why should you have to keeo something that is of obvious great importance to you from us? Its moronic to call that selling out :).
Yeah, the difference between selling things like your album and "selling out" is that you're still in some way selling yourself.
On YouTube, we're watching YOU. And when you're promoting DFTBA you're selling something that YOU helped establish and create. When there's just a random ad in the middle of your video? There's nothing of you in it at all.
I know its ridiculously cliche to say, but its called YOUtube for a reason.
There's a line, and as long as one doesn't cross that line, I support him making stuff for free or for profit, as long as he/she enjoys what they're doing and believe in it. Not compromising their char.
Google, Define: Selling out...
"Selling out" refers to the compromising of one's integrity, morality and principles in exchange for money, 'success' (however defined) or other personal gain. It is commonly associated with attempts to increase mass appeal or acceptability to mainstream society
I agree I thought it was so odd that people were reluctant to talk about projects outside of youtube, especially people who vlog about topics they encounter in their life. If I made an album or record label and my channel was based around my day to day life of course I'd tell people about it.
People complain to me all the time about how the only things I talk about in vlogs anymore are my CDs and the shows I'm playing.
Tomorrow, I intend on making a vlog about what I do when I'm not on tour or working on music. And then if people find it more interesting or exciting watching me lay in bed with the same book for an entire day or folding laundry or hanging out at the chiropractor, then they can continue to complain about my usual vlogs about what I'd up to.
Yeah I defiantly agree that ford was clever about it. These camera people are idiots. Their advertising team probably consists off a bunch of old men who dont really understand the concept of youtube.
i kind of like the idea of having youtube as something like your job that you can be paid and still being able to decide what you want to do. and the other aspect of having the opportunity to represent a product and being associated with it is just very kinda futuristic that we always find new way to combine stuff and make it to something kinda new.
some people in the writing world consider it selling out if you even bother to get published. so *sigh* with some people you can't win for actually having success.
i think if the overall tone of your vids change then you might lose subscribers but as long as the funny continues, what is the big deal?
I think if someone is presented with a genuine opportunity that could better their situation and not worsen the viewers. Then there shouldn't be a problem, you know?
People just aren't clear thinking enough. Wanting someone to turn down every opportunity is selfish on the viewers behalf. Though there should be some boundaries in the sense that you don't advertise every single thing and become all about the superficial benefits.
I don't have really strong opinions about this, but my main thing is--I subscribe to a channel to be entertained. And generally, to be entertained in a similar way to the videos I first watched that inspired my subscription.
That doesn't mean I don't think people should do new or different stuff (not at all!). Just that major changes should inspire a new channel or at least a clear explanation.
I consider including advertising or discussing personal money making ventures to be major changes.
I agree with you both. The key is not to insert a 1 minute clip into your videos, that wouldn't satisfy the majority of your subscribers. We have ads everywhere, a popup that appears at the beginning and end of your video and a window on the right-hand side, we definitely don't want ads IN the video. I also agree that the Ford Fiesta Movement is one of the only projects where they're advertising in the right way. Great videos :)
The biggest problem is that a lot of people don't actually get what "selling out" really means. Hell, maybe I don't, but I know that I'm not going to scream it whenever anyone breathes anything about money, which is what a lot of people seem to do. You have the same view as me Alan, and well done for putting it so well :)
I like your conversation analogy, you are totally right, i didn't know there where some many youtubers with enough pride to turn down the offer, you guys rock!!
-high five- The burger videos going around really pissed me off. If some of my favorite nerdfighters started making videos like that I would not be happy and I would be tempted to unsubscribe.
I agree with you completely, Alan. I definitely think, just because you make money on something...wait, hang on a second---------BUY SPRITE--------it doesn't make you a sell out. Like for instance, if I worked really hard---------mmmmm, DELICIOUS SNICKERS---------writing a comment it shouldn't matter if i throw an add or two in there. I wouldn't do that, though.
people are too quick to label others as sell outs in general. i don't think anyone sells out until they become the type of person who will do anything to make a quick buck or to gain exposure. You guys are awesome. Just the fact that you are concerned about the ethics involved in doing what you do is why I appreciate you guys.
I agree with you in saying that Ford got it right, I mean for one it actually got me interested in looking at getting one of their cars ... shame I don't have the cash.
I definitely agree that the Fiesta movement was a great idea. Allowing creative people to be creative, as you say.
I personally don't have any problem with sponsors [Rhett and Link have had some great videos that were sponsored] as long as the people creating them have the ability to make it personal. I am a million times more likely to pay attention to something because someone uses it or expresses interest in it than if a commercial is put in. I'd be annoyed with the ad and the YouTuber.
because of selling out there is no more fun content to watch on youtube...esp the really creative people totally fell 4 it and do nothing but paid videos...good 4 them...bad 4 us..the audience :(
i think what annoys viewers about you guys' talking about your albums/projects is when every other video has something about whatever you're working on...
Well LisaNova and a few other people apparantly accepted the offer, and managed to make a deal with the people behind that camera. Seems that they've managed to do what you were saying here, but I guess you've already seen their videos, so you know what I'm talking about :)
This is an odd comment, but perhaps next time you pick out glasses, a different shape would suit your face better. The rounded shape you have to your glasses makes your face look more rounded than it is. I had a whole class in school about face shapes and glasses...sorry for that odd input.
I agree with the video though. I also don't understand why anyone would think that promoting your own work would ever be selling out.
nice video. i agree with what you are saying, but at the same time i cant help but thinking it would have been really funny if after this video you had a 15 second comercial for the camera xD
I agree with you (and wrote a comment on Alex's video before watching this response, which is funny). I think you're right both about the records/record label projects as well as the Fiesta Movement... and I enjoy watching people who are creative and invested in something that they enjoy.
This brought up the same issues for me as your blog about being paid for idea. I think it is fine for youtubers to be compensated for the fan base they have that supports ideas that they are putting out there. I think representing products in ways that are fun and interesting shows a respect for viewers as well as an educated consumer. You can't write a song about something and not have done your research. It shows a belief in the product.
Not true. I think selling a product/project you are involved in is not selling out, and I also, separately, think that subscribers are much more welcoming of videos about things you are passionate about (even if that thing happens to be for sale) than a vlogger shilling for someone else.
I think selling out only occurs when you do something you don't want or need to do just to receive a profit. Therefore, I think Alex made the right choice asking for creative freedom in advertising the camera to his viewers. Since they won't let him give him that creative freedom he doesn't want to do it and won't do it even though it would be really simple to insert a 15 second commercial clip in one of his vlogs to get $1700 and a brand new camera.
And we saw through his videos that John worked really really hard on Paper Towns and I don't see that as selling out either. I mean if I took that long working on a book or a album I would also mention it alot in videos. I mean if its a product you make and you mention it then it shouldn't be considered selling out
I honestly don't care about if people talk about a product to promit it for money. Honestly I know that making money is somthing people need to do, and I always grew up being told find a job that you love, if youtubers get to do their stuff and make money but not be disconected form their audicences then I personally say go for it.
I like how so far it's the "cool kids" of YouTube (ie KassemG, LisaNova, and ShayCarl) that have so far accepted the requests. Where as the nerds or nerdfighters are against the requests because they are unable to use full creativity. Why must everything be high school?
Well, those people who did do it, accepted it and did it exactly as nerimon would have wanted it. They haven't got a 15 second ad, they're being creative, which is something Alex and Alan wouldn't mind doing, as they've said. LisaNova and ShayCarl clearly have self respect because they did it in their own way, which is fine. I wouldn't say they're selling out in the usual sense of the word because they've made it their own.
I have to say I agree 100% on this issue. And I also agree that Youtube is a conversation. When you talk about DFTBA Records , your book or your own album it shouldn't be considered selling out since each is a big part of your life. Also a in-video commercial wouldn't do so well I mean some way someone could find out about it and skip around the time that the ad is played.
Congrats on the release of "Taking Leave" I'll be sure to get it when my birthday comes around.
Im sick of all these company's trying to get Youtubers to promote their product. Carl's jr. was selling out big time. now the video camera "commercials" are doing the same thing as Carl's jr. and it's just getting to the point were anybody can do it, and if everybody can make a video trying to sell whatever they want you to, whats the point of doing so? DFTBA -Crristy
I like the part where you said that YouTube videos are a conversation, and not you talking at your subscribers. Go Ford for always being on top of things involving innovation.
They did a really good job with the Fiesta movement. I wouldn't be surprised to learn the person behind it was someone in online video. It's too understanding for it not to be. =)
i think that if they contact us then they should hear our ideas bout how to do what they were asking. what happend to nerimon is realy upsetting in the youtube world. we should all make are creatve spin on the product. i feel sorry for nerimon and to anybody that this has happend to.
Time and effort don't really have much to do with it. If Alex secretly thinks his trock CD is mediocre and he still promotes it to his trusting subscribers, he'd be selling out. It's no different from promoting a product he didn't believe in just for the cash. How much of his own material can he push before we're fed up and stop watching? Depends on how entertaining the pitch is.
I agree with you, if you put effort into something even if moneys involved you shouldn't be considered a sellout. But then again when youtubers do commercials and things a lot of viewers don't realize that youtubers need money too. I don't consider a youtuber a sellout until they are constantly trying to sell you something. But if it's just every once in a while I'd understand. DFTBA!
I don't really have anything to add other than I completely agree with you. And that I've gained even more respect for you and Alex because you did turn down the offer even though I'm sure the money was tempting.
Yeah, $1,700 for 15 seconds is a nice chunk of change. But you guys never would have forgave me, and the relationships I've built here are too important to me for that.
I said the same to alex, you guys are NOT sellouts if you 1) genuinely like the product you are promoting or 2) its your own stuff that you are seeing through to the end.
Wouldn't a much better strategy be to have vlogger, who, while vlogging about their week or whatever, mention getting a new Sanyo camera, and talk about great it is, and then smoothly go on to a different subject? Something a lot more subtle would go a lot better than a commercial in the middle of a two-minute video.
That's exactly what Alex wrote back and suggested. He sent me his email to read over before he sent it to them a few weeks ago. It's sad they didn't want to work with him.
Selling out is different than self promotion. I am all for letting your subscribers know about things going on in your life and things I NEED to buy. I want some Alex Day shirts and Parselmouths (spelling) But how would we know if you didnt get the word out. I really am tired of people trying to shove their lame products down my throat through youtube vids. I wont use A1 any more HP sauce all the way. I wont eat at Carl's Jr. Any more and Ford can fuck themself right with GM.
I sub to wheezy. Kristina. Olga and a few other winners.. it gets kinda irritating Oh wow another ford commercial. They are not bad as some. But still commercials. I just wish I could come on here and not see the ads and ads in the vids. I get so happy Oh look a wheezy vid.. but it is a ford commercial ( in his own way) And that isnt as bad as it could be but still sucks to have to see a commercial when I was hoping for a vlog.
If it was how you describe where all they are doing is integrating the cars in the videos and maybe name dropping the brand once in each video at a good place, that would be better. Advertising should be subtle and not invasive and obvious, which is the major mistake. The people who 'won'(rather got a leased contract in exchange to advertise) the Fiestas are making it painfully obvious that they are advertising which is the wrong way to market a product that people can't buy here yet.
I think it's the same with the Sanyo Xacti videos, they are great videos and entertaining but when you drop the name so many times it puts you off of their product and announces loudly I'm being paid for this!!!! ...instead of making it feel as if it was their actual opinion that they like and enjoy the product, which is the way it should feel to someone when they are being marketed to.
It's like John Green talking about his books, not selling out. I mean, it's a big part of your life, and that's what vlogs are, talking about your life, and if you left out something as big as a CD or book, it would be the edited version of your life.
So I say talk about it, and if people call you a sell out, they don't understand the meaning of the word.
I definitely agree. I mean, you didn't invest your time into making their product, but you did put your time into your own projects. I think these companies need to recognize the priorities of others as well.
I think it's great when you guys talk about the projects you are involved in. As part of a community, I think we should be interested in the things that others in the community have going on.
I never seen alex as a sellout for advertising his own product, it isn't selling out.
I would see an advert in the middle of a video as selling out but at the same time I would see a video about the product as selling out but find it more entertaining, I wouldn't think of the person who did it any different people have got to make money somehow and (most) partners worked really hard to get where they were and deserve the rewards.
I bet you live with your mum lol
occanowey 2 years ago
lol
2k8Twins2k8 2 years ago
@occanowey I bet that's your best insult lol
DanThePropMan 1 year ago
I've been amazed at how Ford embraced new media, what they did with the fiestamovement is brilliant, no doubt. I've seen some channels work with inserting pre or post ads that have seemed to work okay, but as you said, when the youtuber actually talks about the product, I think we listen a little harder.
AskCarrieLee 2 years ago
I think you guys have a pretty good take on the whole situation. WE define the youtube world (for the time being), and we in turn are defined by what we choose to produce and the styles and ideas we choose to incorporate into our media presentations. The moment we begin to change our decisions and styles based on someone else's influence, that's the moment we start to lose our own personal and/or artistic (or journalistic) integrity.
sporeculture 2 years ago
Who gives a shit ?
coolbluezzz 2 years ago
innit xD
2k8Twins2k8 2 years ago
I think selling out can mean different things. If Jamie Lee Curtis wants to sell yogurt or cell phones, that's "an honest buck.". That's this same type of thing. If tho your INTEGRITY were in question, That's different...Part of the charm of YouTube is that you simply don't NEED the money advertisements bring. You have the chance to say anything and you aren't dependent on anyone. At the same time it's like your own TV show and you have the right to do as you will.
luckyredcricket 2 years ago
Yeah Lisa Nova did a spot for the camera, but I thought it was very entertaining, and very inline with her style.
On the topic of your video, your spot on, when people invest their creative energy into a project there is nothing that could be considered "selling out" as long as they honor themselves. I never understood people who expect artists to provide services for free; even if they started out on youtube (or similar free distro) as a hobby.
EveryDaysAHolleyDay 2 years ago
Well said!!
Lilylulay 2 years ago
Your opinion sounds fair. Creative advertising is interesting. Random insertions of ads, already everywhere on YT (adsense) is a scourge. Who reads any of that tripe? Some sites already force you to watch a 13-15 second ad before you film will play. That's fair, but annoying. Nothing is free, and YT is no exception. That said, I will stay free as long as possible. I think my generation is puzzled by the quick willingness of younger people to attach ads to anything, including themselves.
sylvestermeow 2 years ago
good opinionatifying.
GazzaGusta 2 years ago
"inserting their content into yours" is exactly right. you hit the nail on the head calling youtube a "conversation" in contrast to traditional advertising. good vid
justinbuetter 2 years ago 3
the man speaks a lot of sense.
Charthe1st 2 years ago 3
wheezywaiter's fiesta talks are funny
0K1mberly 2 years ago
I'll insert my content into your MUM!
Seriously, I'm glad you made this. I've been pressured recently to promote my tour and my comics and my CDs and our EP just to make enough money to live... and people calling me a sellout hurts. I'm glad I'm not alone.
hexachordal 2 years ago
argh this didn't show up in my subscription box! :O i had to find it on nerimon's recent ratings :/
0therPip 2 years ago
Spot on, Alan. Thanks for your insightful comments.
jdandrewszt 2 years ago 2
Yea I think your right.
This is your account and we are subscribed to it to listen to what your up to. You should be proud of the things you've worked on!
~Nat
justartison 2 years ago
Like I said in Kristina and Alex's coments, If your involved in the product of course you should talk about it, We're subscribed to your vlogs to hear about whats going on in your life, why should you have to keeo something that is of obvious great importance to you from us? Its moronic to call that selling out :).
HazzaPistheDocsBFF 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
fat
WillumRocks 2 years ago
Ignorant
HazzaPistheDocsBFF 2 years ago
Very much agreed there.
JayTigris 2 years ago
Yeah, the difference between selling things like your album and "selling out" is that you're still in some way selling yourself.
On YouTube, we're watching YOU. And when you're promoting DFTBA you're selling something that YOU helped establish and create. When there's just a random ad in the middle of your video? There's nothing of you in it at all.
I know its ridiculously cliche to say, but its called YOUtube for a reason.
wannabeinhogwarts 2 years ago
There's a line, and as long as one doesn't cross that line, I support him making stuff for free or for profit, as long as he/she enjoys what they're doing and believe in it. Not compromising their char.
Google, Define: Selling out...
"Selling out" refers to the compromising of one's integrity, morality and principles in exchange for money, 'success' (however defined) or other personal gain. It is commonly associated with attempts to increase mass appeal or acceptability to mainstream society
owningyourfinances 2 years ago
I don't blame the big companies for offering the money.. it is up to the youtubers to be upfront about taking it and then promoting them.
Young "fans" believe what iJustine and the others say - so if they rave about how good stuff is they should say there is money in it for them.
See my video response please.
TheJapanChannelDcom 2 years ago
You still selling out? LOL
wheateater 2 years ago
I agree I thought it was so odd that people were reluctant to talk about projects outside of youtube, especially people who vlog about topics they encounter in their life. If I made an album or record label and my channel was based around my day to day life of course I'd tell people about it.
afam 2 years ago
People complain to me all the time about how the only things I talk about in vlogs anymore are my CDs and the shows I'm playing.
Tomorrow, I intend on making a vlog about what I do when I'm not on tour or working on music. And then if people find it more interesting or exciting watching me lay in bed with the same book for an entire day or folding laundry or hanging out at the chiropractor, then they can continue to complain about my usual vlogs about what I'd up to.
Great response, Alan!
devilishlypure 2 years ago
YAY! a lauren video, now at least we all know something good will happen tomarrow.
liahna89 2 years ago
they should ahve asked him to do a review of the camera, thatd work better
asherFTW 2 years ago
Couldn't agree more.
flawedartist 2 years ago
Yeah I defiantly agree that ford was clever about it. These camera people are idiots. Their advertising team probably consists off a bunch of old men who dont really understand the concept of youtube.
Teeshurt 2 years ago
i kind of like the idea of having youtube as something like your job that you can be paid and still being able to decide what you want to do. and the other aspect of having the opportunity to represent a product and being associated with it is just very kinda futuristic that we always find new way to combine stuff and make it to something kinda new.
LetMeBeASmiley 2 years ago
dont do jump cuts like that dude its so 2007
garyopenshaw2004 2 years ago
yeah, teach FOAD how to be a good vlogger. Are you new?
wolfied16 2 years ago
i thought it would have been funny just for a joke to put a commercial in there
acdcfan7 2 years ago
When you make money out of something you do for fun, it's not selling out. Selling out is to do something you don't like or lie for money.
definitelyoverrated 2 years ago
you are totally right, Ford has been the smartest on this subject..
Zublime75 2 years ago 4
i get so tired of hearing the term selling out.
some people in the writing world consider it selling out if you even bother to get published. so *sigh* with some people you can't win for actually having success.
i think if the overall tone of your vids change then you might lose subscribers but as long as the funny continues, what is the big deal?
charlottepoet 2 years ago
yeah, selling out is just buying in
opie1324 2 years ago
that's a good way of putting it!
charlottepoet 2 years ago
Well said, Alan.
nerdra 2 years ago 4
I think if someone is presented with a genuine opportunity that could better their situation and not worsen the viewers. Then there shouldn't be a problem, you know?
People just aren't clear thinking enough. Wanting someone to turn down every opportunity is selfish on the viewers behalf. Though there should be some boundaries in the sense that you don't advertise every single thing and become all about the superficial benefits.
unJames 2 years ago
Even I get offers... but as yet I haven't taken any up. I think your points are all absolutely right! Well said
crex81 2 years ago
I don't have really strong opinions about this, but my main thing is--I subscribe to a channel to be entertained. And generally, to be entertained in a similar way to the videos I first watched that inspired my subscription.
That doesn't mean I don't think people should do new or different stuff (not at all!). Just that major changes should inspire a new channel or at least a clear explanation.
I consider including advertising or discussing personal money making ventures to be major changes.
kalaway 2 years ago
You could have at least made your bed.
nicoinbrasil 2 years ago
I agree with you both. The key is not to insert a 1 minute clip into your videos, that wouldn't satisfy the majority of your subscribers. We have ads everywhere, a popup that appears at the beginning and end of your video and a window on the right-hand side, we definitely don't want ads IN the video. I also agree that the Ford Fiesta Movement is one of the only projects where they're advertising in the right way. Great videos :)
alorena1 2 years ago 3
very true!!
miniscus5 2 years ago
well put, alan. That makes so much sense
creativemachine 2 years ago 2
hehe the ad next to your face today is Kim Cattrall: GPS Voice. :P
Just sayin'.
creativemachine 2 years ago
The biggest problem is that a lot of people don't actually get what "selling out" really means. Hell, maybe I don't, but I know that I'm not going to scream it whenever anyone breathes anything about money, which is what a lot of people seem to do. You have the same view as me Alan, and well done for putting it so well :)
littleradge 2 years ago
That's what she said at 1:26 ? Huh?
doppimus 2 years ago 2
I like your conversation analogy, you are totally right, i didn't know there where some many youtubers with enough pride to turn down the offer, you guys rock!!
jackeyramone 2 years ago
my thoughts exactly - thanks
kelseyleannemusic 2 years ago
agreeeeed
kthxrae 2 years ago
Well said, Sir!
TamerahSkies 2 years ago
sxephil looks like he sold out.
zenix9 2 years ago 3
-high five- The burger videos going around really pissed me off. If some of my favorite nerdfighters started making videos like that I would not be happy and I would be tempted to unsubscribe.
vegetarianjello 2 years ago
I agree with you completely, Alan. I definitely think, just because you make money on something...wait, hang on a second---------BUY SPRITE--------it doesn't make you a sell out. Like for instance, if I worked really hard---------mmmmm, DELICIOUS SNICKERS---------writing a comment it shouldn't matter if i throw an add or two in there. I wouldn't do that, though.
wheezywaiter 2 years ago 9
people are too quick to label others as sell outs in general. i don't think anyone sells out until they become the type of person who will do anything to make a quick buck or to gain exposure. You guys are awesome. Just the fact that you are concerned about the ethics involved in doing what you do is why I appreciate you guys.
myeyesonfire 2 years ago 2
Agreed.
TMParrish2011 2 years ago
I agree with you in saying that Ford got it right, I mean for one it actually got me interested in looking at getting one of their cars ... shame I don't have the cash.
dctcool 2 years ago
Agree with you completely Alan :] well put
cupcakes0711 2 years ago 3
I definitely agree that the Fiesta movement was a great idea. Allowing creative people to be creative, as you say.
I personally don't have any problem with sponsors [Rhett and Link have had some great videos that were sponsored] as long as the people creating them have the ability to make it personal. I am a million times more likely to pay attention to something because someone uses it or expresses interest in it than if a commercial is put in. I'd be annoyed with the ad and the YouTuber.
robynnealane 2 years ago
Hey alan, it was great hearing your view on this. and I miss your more Blog like posts! so that was great too!
Kylie1403 2 years ago
high five, alan. you couldn't be more right.
ofarevolution441 2 years ago 2
because of selling out there is no more fun content to watch on youtube...esp the really creative people totally fell 4 it and do nothing but paid videos...good 4 them...bad 4 us..the audience :(
filmester 2 years ago
Hey Ester! How's the Butterflies film going? I saw there is another premiere coming up? That's awesome. =)
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
hey al :) yes..thanx 4 asking things r gr8 ..Butterflies got its official release and screening lined up in LA and NY which is awesome :)
how r u doing?
filmester 2 years ago
I've been good, thanks =)
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
i think what annoys viewers about you guys' talking about your albums/projects is when every other video has something about whatever you're working on...
thesocialnerd 2 years ago
Well LisaNova and a few other people apparantly accepted the offer, and managed to make a deal with the people behind that camera. Seems that they've managed to do what you were saying here, but I guess you've already seen their videos, so you know what I'm talking about :)
NickWoha 2 years ago
Very well put. Exactly what I wanted to say
shilabeguiler 2 years ago
I completely agree
wytherwings 2 years ago
To put a funny twist on this...
as i watched your video, and ad for "Videos Para Adultos" popped up at the bottom of the video.
so...they are assuming your viewers like spanish porn videos?
i definately agree advertisers are having trouble with new media :P
Mikisthatchick 2 years ago
Amen.....
OSBDxNERDFIGHTER 2 years ago
completely agree with your pov alan!
baobabtrees 2 years ago
This is an odd comment, but perhaps next time you pick out glasses, a different shape would suit your face better. The rounded shape you have to your glasses makes your face look more rounded than it is. I had a whole class in school about face shapes and glasses...sorry for that odd input.
I agree with the video though. I also don't understand why anyone would think that promoting your own work would ever be selling out.
JadeyChi 2 years ago
nice video. i agree with what you are saying, but at the same time i cant help but thinking it would have been really funny if after this video you had a 15 second comercial for the camera xD
aCleverScreenName 2 years ago
I just bought your book on Amazon! I know it's a little late but whatever.
Smallz04260 2 years ago
Thanks so much, hope you enjoy it!
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
I agree with you (and wrote a comment on Alex's video before watching this response, which is funny). I think you're right both about the records/record label projects as well as the Fiesta Movement... and I enjoy watching people who are creative and invested in something that they enjoy.
froggvixen 2 years ago
This brought up the same issues for me as your blog about being paid for idea. I think it is fine for youtubers to be compensated for the fan base they have that supports ideas that they are putting out there. I think representing products in ways that are fun and interesting shows a respect for viewers as well as an educated consumer. You can't write a song about something and not have done your research. It shows a belief in the product.
sweetidiocracy 2 years ago
And I'll still never understand how people can think promotion of a personal project counts as selling out.
~Katy
sweetidiocracy 2 years ago
You make it sound like selling out is acceptable as long as you do it in a way that's palatable to your viewers.
theestranger 2 years ago
Not true. I think selling a product/project you are involved in is not selling out, and I also, separately, think that subscribers are much more welcoming of videos about things you are passionate about (even if that thing happens to be for sale) than a vlogger shilling for someone else.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
I think selling out only occurs when you do something you don't want or need to do just to receive a profit. Therefore, I think Alex made the right choice asking for creative freedom in advertising the camera to his viewers. Since they won't let him give him that creative freedom he doesn't want to do it and won't do it even though it would be really simple to insert a 15 second commercial clip in one of his vlogs to get $1700 and a brand new camera.
idntclaim2nomuch 2 years ago
I think that different partners may have been
offered different deals. I've seen usermade
commercials posted by other partners for this
camera in the past week or so... Anyway as an
artist (musician), I feel exactly the same as
you do on this. A video made by the partner is
far more acceptable than sticking a corporate
commercial in the middle of your video. It's in
far better taste and makes the most sense. I
really wouldn't consider doing it the other way
ShamW0W 2 years ago
Oh and I'm a proud sell out whore...just sayin'...
STFUjipsiK 2 years ago
I'll whore YOUR sell out.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
TL:DW...
STFUjipsiK 2 years ago
And we saw through his videos that John worked really really hard on Paper Towns and I don't see that as selling out either. I mean if I took that long working on a book or a album I would also mention it alot in videos. I mean if its a product you make and you mention it then it shouldn't be considered selling out
TheReignOfOpinions 2 years ago
I honestly don't care about if people talk about a product to promit it for money. Honestly I know that making money is somthing people need to do, and I always grew up being told find a job that you love, if youtubers get to do their stuff and make money but not be disconected form their audicences then I personally say go for it.
SingMeALullaby16 2 years ago
I like how so far it's the "cool kids" of YouTube (ie KassemG, LisaNova, and ShayCarl) that have so far accepted the requests. Where as the nerds or nerdfighters are against the requests because they are unable to use full creativity. Why must everything be high school?
cheeya9000 2 years ago
Well, those people who did do it, accepted it and did it exactly as nerimon would have wanted it. They haven't got a 15 second ad, they're being creative, which is something Alex and Alan wouldn't mind doing, as they've said. LisaNova and ShayCarl clearly have self respect because they did it in their own way, which is fine. I wouldn't say they're selling out in the usual sense of the word because they've made it their own.
Threxd 2 years ago
I have to say I agree 100% on this issue. And I also agree that Youtube is a conversation. When you talk about DFTBA Records , your book or your own album it shouldn't be considered selling out since each is a big part of your life. Also a in-video commercial wouldn't do so well I mean some way someone could find out about it and skip around the time that the ad is played.
Congrats on the release of "Taking Leave" I'll be sure to get it when my birthday comes around.
TheReignOfOpinions 2 years ago
You are a great youtuber.
ofcoursecali 2 years ago 2
You said you got the same e-mail,
haha but you never said you said no to it.
Does that mean you are doing it?
And yeah I loved how Wheezy Waiter did his videos they were awesome!
TheLegoLover 2 years ago
I turned it down, same as Alex. I've never accepted money to make a video... yet.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
Okay good :)
You're awesome <3
TheLegoLover 2 years ago
Im sick of all these company's trying to get Youtubers to promote their product. Carl's jr. was selling out big time. now the video camera "commercials" are doing the same thing as Carl's jr. and it's just getting to the point were anybody can do it, and if everybody can make a video trying to sell whatever they want you to, whats the point of doing so? DFTBA -Crristy
CrristyCz8 2 years ago
i completely agree!
fiesta was genius but the 15 second thing is a terrible idea. i'd unsubscribe, probably, if i saw that.
NerdfighterAnna 2 years ago
Yes Alan, I totally agree with what you're talking about, and what I think is considered "selling out"
tehkillerbunny 2 years ago
I like the part where you said that YouTube videos are a conversation, and not you talking at your subscribers. Go Ford for always being on top of things involving innovation.
emmfan09 2 years ago
They did a really good job with the Fiesta movement. I wouldn't be surprised to learn the person behind it was someone in online video. It's too understanding for it not to be. =)
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
Nicely Done Alan I agree and i can never see you or hank or john or anyone who has worked so hard to produce somthing as a sell out.
Gluttony71 2 years ago
i think that if they contact us then they should hear our ideas bout how to do what they were asking. what happend to nerimon is realy upsetting in the youtube world. we should all make are creatve spin on the product. i feel sorry for nerimon and to anybody that this has happend to.
demigod9876 2 years ago
Time and effort don't really have much to do with it. If Alex secretly thinks his trock CD is mediocre and he still promotes it to his trusting subscribers, he'd be selling out. It's no different from promoting a product he didn't believe in just for the cash. How much of his own material can he push before we're fed up and stop watching? Depends on how entertaining the pitch is.
seaottersoup 2 years ago
I agree with you, if you put effort into something even if moneys involved you shouldn't be considered a sellout. But then again when youtubers do commercials and things a lot of viewers don't realize that youtubers need money too. I don't consider a youtuber a sellout until they are constantly trying to sell you something. But if it's just every once in a while I'd understand. DFTBA!
snapkrackelpop19 2 years ago
Very insightful video, Alan. I agree completely.
shessomickey 2 years ago
I don't really have anything to add other than I completely agree with you. And that I've gained even more respect for you and Alex because you did turn down the offer even though I'm sure the money was tempting.
xperpetualmotion 2 years ago
Yeah, $1,700 for 15 seconds is a nice chunk of change. But you guys never would have forgave me, and the relationships I've built here are too important to me for that.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
I would of forgiven you!
hewazzywazzy 2 years ago
Right on, Alan. This is an absolutely perfect response.
outofmyelement 2 years ago
Thanks Morgan. <3
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
I said the same to alex, you guys are NOT sellouts if you 1) genuinely like the product you are promoting or 2) its your own stuff that you are seeing through to the end.
americas1stborn 2 years ago
Wouldn't a much better strategy be to have vlogger, who, while vlogging about their week or whatever, mention getting a new Sanyo camera, and talk about great it is, and then smoothly go on to a different subject? Something a lot more subtle would go a lot better than a commercial in the middle of a two-minute video.
madithekilljoy 2 years ago
That's exactly what Alex wrote back and suggested. He sent me his email to read over before he sent it to them a few weeks ago. It's sad they didn't want to work with him.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
Selling out is different than self promotion. I am all for letting your subscribers know about things going on in your life and things I NEED to buy. I want some Alex Day shirts and Parselmouths (spelling) But how would we know if you didnt get the word out. I really am tired of people trying to shove their lame products down my throat through youtube vids. I wont use A1 any more HP sauce all the way. I wont eat at Carl's Jr. Any more and Ford can fuck themself right with GM.
punkslilncs 2 years ago
Whats wrong with ford, I think they have a fantastic campaign?
clouddyl 2 years ago
I sub to wheezy. Kristina. Olga and a few other winners.. it gets kinda irritating Oh wow another ford commercial. They are not bad as some. But still commercials. I just wish I could come on here and not see the ads and ads in the vids. I get so happy Oh look a wheezy vid.. but it is a ford commercial ( in his own way) And that isnt as bad as it could be but still sucks to have to see a commercial when I was hoping for a vlog.
punkslilncs 2 years ago
But they manage to intergrate the car into their vids, its not like they're just saying buy this car buy this car buy this car
clouddyl 2 years ago
If it was how you describe where all they are doing is integrating the cars in the videos and maybe name dropping the brand once in each video at a good place, that would be better. Advertising should be subtle and not invasive and obvious, which is the major mistake. The people who 'won'(rather got a leased contract in exchange to advertise) the Fiestas are making it painfully obvious that they are advertising which is the wrong way to market a product that people can't buy here yet.
GuruMN 2 years ago
I think it's the same with the Sanyo Xacti videos, they are great videos and entertaining but when you drop the name so many times it puts you off of their product and announces loudly I'm being paid for this!!!! ...instead of making it feel as if it was their actual opinion that they like and enjoy the product, which is the way it should feel to someone when they are being marketed to.
GuruMN 2 years ago
It's like John Green talking about his books, not selling out. I mean, it's a big part of your life, and that's what vlogs are, talking about your life, and if you left out something as big as a CD or book, it would be the edited version of your life.
So I say talk about it, and if people call you a sell out, they don't understand the meaning of the word.
Director705 2 years ago
I definitely agree. I mean, you didn't invest your time into making their product, but you did put your time into your own projects. I think these companies need to recognize the priorities of others as well.
sparedtowin 2 years ago
amen brother. amen.
JustACurbsideProphet 2 years ago
I think it's great when you guys talk about the projects you are involved in. As part of a community, I think we should be interested in the things that others in the community have going on.
senorsqueakydesk 2 years ago
I agree take those corporate A-holes money. Times are hard so I would do the same.
04ray25number2 2 years ago
Well, it's more about the content we want to put out.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
Very well said Alan.
ashiamalashia 2 years ago
Someone one called John a sellout for talking about his book. D:
valerie2776 2 years ago
I know! Same thing, it's so frustrating.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
clicking on the Alien head won't do anything!!!......oh wait wrong vid XD
OnlyOneTyping 2 years ago
Haha, yeah.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
Everything in this video is true. Very well said, Alan.
KronksSpinachPuffs 2 years ago
Thanks Spinach.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
that's like what I said! :)
bngrss0 2 years ago
i also agree about what you said about the fiesta movement.
bngrss0 2 years ago
I never seen alex as a sellout for advertising his own product, it isn't selling out.
I would see an advert in the middle of a video as selling out but at the same time I would see a video about the product as selling out but find it more entertaining, I wouldn't think of the person who did it any different people have got to make money somehow and (most) partners worked really hard to get where they were and deserve the rewards.
prozamsta 2 years ago
Right. It wouldn't be on the highlight reel, but a vlog or a song about a product at least attempts to be entertaining.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
I find most things entertaining... I am am easily amused. ^-^
prozamsta 2 years ago
The fiesta movement is a fantastic idea^^
I think any project that a youtuber doesn't count as a sellout since they definately haven't sold themselves to someone else^^
clouddyl 2 years ago
Exactly, I'm glad my subscribers are the smart ones. =)
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
haha lol
americas1stborn 2 years ago
well said
doctornoise 2 years ago 3
Thanks Durr Noise.
fallofautumndistro 2 years ago
agreed
GHRocker1234 2 years ago
So true...
Quinklong 2 years ago