Hey Alex =) i totally agree with you on this subject. & because youre speaking of originality and creativity please do check out "Parkville The Musical" here on my channel. Its a completely original musical written by two 16 year olds, performed in their senior year of high school to raise over 2000 dollars for charity! It was a huge success in our city and we want to give it the same chance online <3 it was professionally recorded and partially inspired by starkid so please do check it out !!
There should be a way to browse through YouTube without seeing only the most popular stuff. It would also be nice if we could filter out some things we don't want to see.
Well said Alex. The feel of YouTube has definitely changed over the past few years but I think the fact that people like you and Mike and others talk about the community and continue to put up videos just because it is what you enjoy and not necessarily thinking "I'm going to promote until this video goes viral" or something along those lines is what is keeping it together.
I agree with you and Mike. YouTube has changed A LOT and should reward original content creators MORE than it does! However, if you read Whitney Milan's blog post about this, I agree with her that some forms of parody are okay and technically original. There is a fine line, but it is there. Also, being original isn't the only way to become noticed. You have to have the personality, drive, and resources available as well. Whitney points that out too.
I first started watchinng youtube when I was about 10 or so. I started watching the youtubers I watch now when I was in 6th or 7th grade, (im in 9th grade now) and I think that youtube has somewhat gone down hill since then, but people like you and Mike are still giving me a reason to watch. Thank You!
Well said. I don't mind people doing covers and parodies, as long as they do it because it's something they want to do. That's why I like and respect the way you approach covers (or any content, really) - you make the songs your own, and you film interesting music videos to go with them. That's what creativity is about. I'm subscribed to a lot of channels, but few of them are "huge" YouTubers. Flashy content, tag abuse and general commercialism just turns me off. Keep doing what you're doing! :D
I'll say it again (I said it on Mike's page too) Parodies are original too. Writing new and creative lyrics to a song is considered original in my book. I agree with you. Do what you want to do, no matter what. YouTube isn't just about blogs. In fact, some of the first videos I ever saw on it were just episodes of shows that someone posted which doesn't happen as often. We grow and change with the site. I love vlogs, parodies, and covers. It all works. There isn't one "right" way to do YouTube.
I love what you said! I create sewing tutorials for my channel and have been for 2.5 years. It's been tough getting up to my just now 10,000+ subscriber mark...but I'm keeping at it because it's what I love to do and I know hard work will pay off for me :) I love what you do Alex and I always love when you put up new videos :)
I always comment on every video I watch, even to just tell them I liked their video because so many original content creators feel like no-one is watching and no-one cares and it's very difficult to keep being inspired to make videos sometimes without feedback.
I found a great channel last night and was highly amused by the content. I went to look up something about it and found out it was a "show" made by a company. Kind of made me sad.
"and stop rewarding people who are just recycling other people's work." ik this was partially directed at music, but...Ray William Johnson anyone? haha
I joined YouTube last year (by joined I mean started making videos), and I kept hearing all these big YouTubers talk about how tough their first year was, how little subscribers they had, but they kept at it. After that things started perking up. Not so true anymore. Big YouTubers are having a tough time keeping views and subscribers, and little YouTubers are having problems getting an audience at all.
The reason I don't like a lot of the top shot youtubers is because it does remind me so much of television. If I wanted TV, I'd watch TV. Fact is, I like YouTube more because it involves so much more interaction. So interact.
After careful review of this video, and all the thoughts presented, I have decided that you, my friend, need more pictures of galaxies for your wall. Just because they are awoosome... Oh and what you said about the content stuff. That was great too.
Honestly? As a viewer, I'm sick to death of people talking about "publishing lots of content" and "subscriber counts." I miss when people made videos just to make a frakkin' video. I get that some people are trying to make a living off of their YouTube content, but quit pushing it so hard. Success will come in its own time, making tons of Top 40 covers won't get you much. (And this wasn't directed at you, Alex, just a general comment.)
Hey! Hey you! Yeah, you, Alex. I am now expecting even more awoosomer stuff from you! (I don't think that's possible because your stuff is pretty high up on the scale from awful to awoosome, but you know, you told us to expect more...)
59% now! You are definitely going to win. And I was going to write something long like most other people did, but I couldn't seem to put my thoughts to words, but I do agree with what most people are saying
I find it particularly interesting that you compare YouTube to television, because there are a lot of similarities between television and those who recycle content. In both cases, the content is mandated by the audience, instead of the creator, and neither television nor people who recycle content on YouTube are willing to take chances with doing something new. Creativity, to some degree, is doing something new; it's taking risks and seeing where those risks lead you.
3-2 years ago it used to be so easy and fun to find new channels to watch and find vloggers that put up content I enjoy watching. In the past year, year and a half it's become almost impossible to find new channels because of site redesigns and I feel like that has drastically changed my YT experience.
Now, I pretty much just follow the handful of favorite channels I have as closely as I can. Anything new I find pretty much comes from recommendations from the channels I keep tabs on.
I agree with you, alot Alex. No offense, really, but I don't really like the more popular people who make videos on youtube. i still respect them yes, but I do like the little "circle" type of thing that I have found through you. I found kristina then luke then jason and meghan and jimmy, and then landon, and its just amazing because you guys are all friends and its fun to watch you guys collaborate :) so I do think that we should be supporting more people who do their own original things.
For me, YouTube communities sometimes feels like this cool group of close friends. I feel I'm intruding when I want to be part of that community. I think to fix that feeling I need to watch every video in my sub box and comment on as many of them as possible. Be part of the community. So that's what I'm doing now.
I also like what you said about covers made by friends. When someone I'm subbed to makes a cover not for a greater audience but because they want to I often enjoy that more
what a great way to look at things personally i love sharing videos i think are great on facebook and telling ppl that i like there stuff if i do it's hard for me to not comment and i love it when ppl do the same for me,your awsome and by the way i voted for u awooooo
I agree with your face. And the things you said, too, of course. I think it's really important to put up the content that you really believe in and that you enjoy making, whether it's a cover or something totally original. People should make videos for the sake of making videos and having fun rather than to get so many views or so many likes. That's the amazing thing about YouTube, it gives a voice to those who might not have had one otherwise.
I would imagine it would be hard to create a new song weekly. I see covers as filler mostly but have liked some covers more than originals. We have to remember that many "originals" were not written by the people singing them as well. What bothers me more than covers is people plugging stuff that they got for free.
I've been a part of the YouTube community for less than a year, so...this is the only way I've known YouTube. But I get a feel from the old videos of 2007 and 2008, and I think I would have liked the old YouTube better. It should be a place for people, not for companies / corporations / mainstream media / etc.
Heee-eeey Alex, won't you watch my response, to Mike Lombaaaardo, since you seem interested in this, discussion, I've voted for you, and if you'd watch me once then I'd never ask you agaaaain.
Covers are such a helpful tool for musicians on youtube.
They pull in new viewers that are already into the type of music you do, and they give your current audience a chance to see your take on a song they already know.
Of your most viewed videos, out of the top 4, 3 of them are covers.....that doesn't bother me, i still enjoy the content you produce, but it does weaken the whole argument for original content.
I agree with you for the most part. There are a few musical artists who are extremely talented but lack the ability to create their own work. And for those I understand wholeheartedly and accept their use of covers. Their lack of ability to create does not mean they are not original and talented, it's just some people have the gift to create and others don't.
... responses and actually watching them and even recommending some to their viewers. Ok, I'll stop now. It ended up a lot longer than I expected. I'm not sure if that made much sense but yeah, thats just some of what I think. Oh and you'll definitely win On the Rise! :D (sorry for the essay!)
...and stuff. So that part is good. But Mike was saying that good content gets lost in the masses of cat videos and random other stuff. And I agree, there are probably a lot of really good vloggers or musicians out there that aren't getting a lot of views, probably because of people like me who think YouTube is just for cat videos and music videos.
What I have noticed lately is a lot of the 'bigger' youtubers taking time to help other out, even in a small way, just by encouraging video respons
I've been following this discussion and I think it's really interesting. I only recently discovered YouTube. I mean, I obviously knew it existed but I honestly thought it was pretty much all cat videos haha. Anyway, i think the way people talk about the old YouTube make me wish I had found it sooner because of the better sense of community it apparently had, but honestly, a lot of the people I'm subscribed to still have that connection with their viewers and take the time to reply to comments
I really would like YouTube to be more of a place for original creative stuff... Not just recycling, as you said... This site is so much more than a site you visit once in a while to view the smash hit 'Dramatic look gerbil'.
I've just voted for you! Hope to see you on the frontpage soon :)
YES! Having fun is most important thing here on Youtube! I'll try to share most of videos and channel I love: Here is an example: Check out: Kristindotcom' channel...She is awesome!
Good video. I think the discussion that this has brought out shows just how thriving the youtube community actually is and how much this site really does mean to a lot of creators.
Hey Alex =) i totally agree with you on this subject. & because youre speaking of originality and creativity please do check out "Parkville The Musical" here on my channel. Its a completely original musical written by two 16 year olds, performed in their senior year of high school to raise over 2000 dollars for charity! It was a huge success in our city and we want to give it the same chance online <3 it was professionally recorded and partially inspired by starkid so please do check it out !!
pickleinthetrunk 3 months ago
your tags. you sir, are perfect.
sowrongitslisa 4 months ago
There should be a way to browse through YouTube without seeing only the most popular stuff. It would also be nice if we could filter out some things we don't want to see.
RocketPowa12 4 months ago
what are you saying alex? do you want a reward?
ddoglvr96 4 months ago
I agree with you Alex. Reward people for original content. YT needs to get some incentives going.
NobodysOffTheHook 4 months ago
Well said Alex. The feel of YouTube has definitely changed over the past few years but I think the fact that people like you and Mike and others talk about the community and continue to put up videos just because it is what you enjoy and not necessarily thinking "I'm going to promote until this video goes viral" or something along those lines is what is keeping it together.
maggiehanna 4 months ago
You always exceed my expectations, in your music and in your vlogs.
Aaaaand sometimes you remind me of Marshall from How I Met Your Mother.
livinonaprayer802 4 months ago
I agree with you and Mike. YouTube has changed A LOT and should reward original content creators MORE than it does! However, if you read Whitney Milan's blog post about this, I agree with her that some forms of parody are okay and technically original. There is a fine line, but it is there. Also, being original isn't the only way to become noticed. You have to have the personality, drive, and resources available as well. Whitney points that out too.
GoldNight154 4 months ago
your awesome
BluePaintersTape 4 months ago
Exceed Expectaions. Be Brillient. From How to survive High-school acordding to Harry Potter right? Ima nerd. And i know it.
CandyCrazie 4 months ago
I first started watchinng youtube when I was about 10 or so. I started watching the youtubers I watch now when I was in 6th or 7th grade, (im in 9th grade now) and I think that youtube has somewhat gone down hill since then, but people like you and Mike are still giving me a reason to watch. Thank You!
sameasam 4 months ago
"that kind of sounds like something else...." oh Alex.
JordynJitters 4 months ago
Well said. I don't mind people doing covers and parodies, as long as they do it because it's something they want to do. That's why I like and respect the way you approach covers (or any content, really) - you make the songs your own, and you film interesting music videos to go with them. That's what creativity is about. I'm subscribed to a lot of channels, but few of them are "huge" YouTubers. Flashy content, tag abuse and general commercialism just turns me off. Keep doing what you're doing! :D
bridgetotheotherside 4 months ago
I'll say it again (I said it on Mike's page too) Parodies are original too. Writing new and creative lyrics to a song is considered original in my book. I agree with you. Do what you want to do, no matter what. YouTube isn't just about blogs. In fact, some of the first videos I ever saw on it were just episodes of shows that someone posted which doesn't happen as often. We grow and change with the site. I love vlogs, parodies, and covers. It all works. There isn't one "right" way to do YouTube.
alaynawinchester 4 months ago 3
I love what you said! I create sewing tutorials for my channel and have been for 2.5 years. It's been tough getting up to my just now 10,000+ subscriber mark...but I'm keeping at it because it's what I love to do and I know hard work will pay off for me :) I love what you do Alex and I always love when you put up new videos :)
aglanceatmyworld 4 months ago
Oh my god Hey Molly. LOVE IT.
LoveMarauders 4 months ago
The fact that you made this a song... Subscribed!
BeautifulBellaJen 4 months ago
I always comment on every video I watch, even to just tell them I liked their video because so many original content creators feel like no-one is watching and no-one cares and it's very difficult to keep being inspired to make videos sometimes without feedback.
sincemarchoflastyear 4 months ago
I found a great channel last night and was highly amused by the content. I went to look up something about it and found out it was a "show" made by a company. Kind of made me sad.
Mikeysmonkay 4 months ago
"and stop rewarding people who are just recycling other people's work." ik this was partially directed at music, but...Ray William Johnson anyone? haha
MetalheadVic12 4 months ago 2
I think this is great, Alex.
hippiemarcher 4 months ago
I joined YouTube last year (by joined I mean started making videos), and I kept hearing all these big YouTubers talk about how tough their first year was, how little subscribers they had, but they kept at it. After that things started perking up. Not so true anymore. Big YouTubers are having a tough time keeping views and subscribers, and little YouTubers are having problems getting an audience at all.
Also, I liked the mini-song :)
OnTheBigAdventure 4 months ago
After much consideration, I've come to the conclusion YouTube only needs one thing...
....MOARRRRRR COWBELL!
schemestresses 4 months ago
Youtube as going toward another television station. I never thought of it that way. I think you word things perfectly.
OnTheBigAdventure 4 months ago
I love the pictures on the wall behind you
motormouthx29 4 months ago
This is exactly how I feel. We have to support the people we love and that is how we'll get past all of ~this~
elizziebooks 4 months ago
That sounded like Hey Molly... I see what you did there.
ashleyohyeahh 4 months ago
The reason I don't like a lot of the top shot youtubers is because it does remind me so much of television. If I wanted TV, I'd watch TV. Fact is, I like YouTube more because it involves so much more interaction. So interact.
allshalldelight 4 months ago
i voted for you
BroadwayFan200 4 months ago
After careful review of this video, and all the thoughts presented, I have decided that you, my friend, need more pictures of galaxies for your wall. Just because they are awoosome... Oh and what you said about the content stuff. That was great too.
itismestwin 4 months ago
Honestly? As a viewer, I'm sick to death of people talking about "publishing lots of content" and "subscriber counts." I miss when people made videos just to make a frakkin' video. I get that some people are trying to make a living off of their YouTube content, but quit pushing it so hard. Success will come in its own time, making tons of Top 40 covers won't get you much. (And this wasn't directed at you, Alex, just a general comment.)
thestorminmay 4 months ago
love you xander!
whitneyleemilam 4 months ago
That song, Alex...I see what you did there.
BlackGothicRose89 4 months ago
Hey! Hey you! Yeah, you, Alex. I am now expecting even more awoosomer stuff from you! (I don't think that's possible because your stuff is pretty high up on the scale from awful to awoosome, but you know, you told us to expect more...)
dogsami316 4 months ago
59% now! You are definitely going to win. And I was going to write something long like most other people did, but I couldn't seem to put my thoughts to words, but I do agree with what most people are saying
cgr00m 4 months ago
I find it particularly interesting that you compare YouTube to television, because there are a lot of similarities between television and those who recycle content. In both cases, the content is mandated by the audience, instead of the creator, and neither television nor people who recycle content on YouTube are willing to take chances with doing something new. Creativity, to some degree, is doing something new; it's taking risks and seeing where those risks lead you.
InvisibleFlies 4 months ago
3-2 years ago it used to be so easy and fun to find new channels to watch and find vloggers that put up content I enjoy watching. In the past year, year and a half it's become almost impossible to find new channels because of site redesigns and I feel like that has drastically changed my YT experience.
Now, I pretty much just follow the handful of favorite channels I have as closely as I can. Anything new I find pretty much comes from recommendations from the channels I keep tabs on.
musicislife00000 4 months ago
I agree with you, alot Alex. No offense, really, but I don't really like the more popular people who make videos on youtube. i still respect them yes, but I do like the little "circle" type of thing that I have found through you. I found kristina then luke then jason and meghan and jimmy, and then landon, and its just amazing because you guys are all friends and its fun to watch you guys collaborate :) so I do think that we should be supporting more people who do their own original things.
IvysauressRex 4 months ago
hey, so this is completely of topic, but, were you wearing your jammies?? :3
eleanor1283 4 months ago
For me, YouTube communities sometimes feels like this cool group of close friends. I feel I'm intruding when I want to be part of that community. I think to fix that feeling I need to watch every video in my sub box and comment on as many of them as possible. Be part of the community. So that's what I'm doing now.
I also like what you said about covers made by friends. When someone I'm subbed to makes a cover not for a greater audience but because they want to I often enjoy that more
coherencynotrequired 4 months ago
what a great way to look at things personally i love sharing videos i think are great on facebook and telling ppl that i like there stuff if i do it's hard for me to not comment and i love it when ppl do the same for me,your awsome and by the way i voted for u awooooo
ARCTROOPERMARK 4 months ago
It took me a bit to realize the tune of your song was Hey Molly. #iamabadfanboy
feitocomfruta 4 months ago
@feitocomfruta I didn't even realize that until I read your comment and went back and watched that part again. #fail
allshalldelight 4 months ago
Alex Is Silly Boy Mike Lombardo is handsome man who would poop his pants to end an argument but seriously support good content please
Oh Alex. Your tags are amazing.
MeWithAGuitar 4 months ago
I agree with your face. And the things you said, too, of course. I think it's really important to put up the content that you really believe in and that you enjoy making, whether it's a cover or something totally original. People should make videos for the sake of making videos and having fun rather than to get so many views or so many likes. That's the amazing thing about YouTube, it gives a voice to those who might not have had one otherwise.
outsidergirl 4 months ago
You are attractive
MikeLombardoMusic 4 months ago 144
I would imagine it would be hard to create a new song weekly. I see covers as filler mostly but have liked some covers more than originals. We have to remember that many "originals" were not written by the people singing them as well. What bothers me more than covers is people plugging stuff that they got for free.
likeablisterinthesun 4 months ago
Nice mix of humor and seriousness. I love your vlogs. :)
hpiznxt2myheart 4 months ago
Youtubers should try to adjust as much as possible with corporate youtube, but not become corporate, just accept the changes and move on.
justmerozzie 4 months ago
I've been a part of the YouTube community for less than a year, so...this is the only way I've known YouTube. But I get a feel from the old videos of 2007 and 2008, and I think I would have liked the old YouTube better. It should be a place for people, not for companies / corporations / mainstream media / etc.
Sarasince1992 4 months ago
Heee-eeey Alex, won't you watch my response, to Mike Lombaaaardo, since you seem interested in this, discussion, I've voted for you, and if you'd watch me once then I'd never ask you agaaaain.
NatalieZenaLouise 4 months ago
Everyone on YouTube needs to see this video.
Sarasince1992 4 months ago
I really like how this discussion is going!
nicciweasley 4 months ago
Going to be singing Hey Molly for the rest of the day.
marykaties 4 months ago
Covers are such a helpful tool for musicians on youtube.
They pull in new viewers that are already into the type of music you do, and they give your current audience a chance to see your take on a song they already know.
BelieveSteed 4 months ago
Of your most viewed videos, out of the top 4, 3 of them are covers.....that doesn't bother me, i still enjoy the content you produce, but it does weaken the whole argument for original content.
adamsalyce 4 months ago
I agree with you for the most part. There are a few musical artists who are extremely talented but lack the ability to create their own work. And for those I understand wholeheartedly and accept their use of covers. Their lack of ability to create does not mean they are not original and talented, it's just some people have the gift to create and others don't.
potterobsessedx10 4 months ago
... responses and actually watching them and even recommending some to their viewers. Ok, I'll stop now. It ended up a lot longer than I expected. I'm not sure if that made much sense but yeah, thats just some of what I think. Oh and you'll definitely win On the Rise! :D (sorry for the essay!)
juststephyeah 4 months ago
...and stuff. So that part is good. But Mike was saying that good content gets lost in the masses of cat videos and random other stuff. And I agree, there are probably a lot of really good vloggers or musicians out there that aren't getting a lot of views, probably because of people like me who think YouTube is just for cat videos and music videos.
What I have noticed lately is a lot of the 'bigger' youtubers taking time to help other out, even in a small way, just by encouraging video respons
juststephyeah 4 months ago
I've been following this discussion and I think it's really interesting. I only recently discovered YouTube. I mean, I obviously knew it existed but I honestly thought it was pretty much all cat videos haha. Anyway, i think the way people talk about the old YouTube make me wish I had found it sooner because of the better sense of community it apparently had, but honestly, a lot of the people I'm subscribed to still have that connection with their viewers and take the time to reply to comments
juststephyeah 4 months ago
Akex,I love you.And I agree I miss the old videos like the kind people made in 08.
ALLCAPSfan98726 4 months ago
Alex... you're awoosome.
superiorjello 4 months ago
thums up so Alex can see!
Alex please GET a new camera!!!
You need it! you deserve it!
nikwizard333 4 months ago
No top comment? MY TIME TO SHINE :D
uhmm. . . shit
penpenx55 4 months ago
I really would like YouTube to be more of a place for original creative stuff... Not just recycling, as you said... This site is so much more than a site you visit once in a while to view the smash hit 'Dramatic look gerbil'.
TheBrentagon 4 months ago
I've just voted for you! Hope to see you on the frontpage soon :)
YES! Having fun is most important thing here on Youtube! I'll try to share most of videos and channel I love: Here is an example: Check out: Kristindotcom' channel...She is awesome!
judyandthecat 4 months ago
Well... the tags are most interesting...
anamewillcomelater 4 months ago 69
Good video. I think the discussion that this has brought out shows just how thriving the youtube community actually is and how much this site really does mean to a lot of creators.
Invincible117 4 months ago
Yeah I shouldn't live comment. Saving my thoughts until the end of the video from now on.
NatalieZenaLouise 4 months ago
*I'm glad you're singing about this
NatalieZenaLouise 4 months ago
Awoo, I'm glad you're talking about this!
NatalieZenaLouise 4 months ago
third?
FreakNumberOne96 4 months ago
second
djmcdtwo 4 months ago
Second!
americanchinalilies 4 months ago
First? :D
heatherblack2002 4 months ago