Why I'm not a Nerdfighter - VLOGarithm 384 - 12/16/11

[NearlyAlmostSarah]

I do consider myself a nerdfighter, but there were some good points brought up in this video... The whole thing about getting credited as a 'nerdfighter' for ideas is what really got me thinking. But I still think that the whole community is doing a lot of good, despite having a name that is kinda lame. :)

[Voldey]

Thank you for making this video. When I need to tell people why i'm not a nerdfighter, I can list off my own reasons and then show them your video for additional reasons.

[EvanEdinger]

@Voldey Wait... I just now saw this comment. You're not a nerdfighter either?! You are the only person I've met so far who voluntarily chooses against being a nerdfighter. Instant cool points, sir.

[100percentunique]

You know...this actually gave me some really good perspective....I'm not sure I'd call myself a nerdfighter either. I never really thought about it this way.

Thanks Evan! You always give me mind excersise.

[mikaylalorraine5]

I really like this video, even though I am a nerdfighter... You have the right to be your own person and they shouldn't be able to take that from you.

(I'm also sorry if I offended you with my comment on an earlier blog that I said was like a Thoughts from Places video.)

[RancidPlum]

I rather admire you for that xD I think I have to agree on the whole monopoly thing, it's like John will write a book, and everyone whose a nerdfighter will buy it because it was written by him, and I dislike that xP

[commiepig]

I also really dislike the name "nerdfighter".  The intuitive definition would be someone who goes around beating up nerds. I am now hungry for a sandwich.

[ennpencilpal91]

Just so everyone knows, I think it's incredibly childish and vain when people say they unsubscribed to a person in the comments. Do you really think anyone cares? 'Cause you know... they don't. xD

Additionally, I think this is a perfectly legitimate opinion. xD  I've never classified myself as a "nerdfighter" either, although I do like some of their videos. Anyways, I've been put off by some of the things they've said recently, so I haven't been watching their videos as much lately.

[TheFaustianMan]

You bring up a good point. So good that you can average this in to your sub total. You said what needed to be said, and especially about the all consuming nature of YouTube "communities" which is fine - if that's what someone wants. But it's good to see a new point.

tl;dr Subbed.

[naveregnide]

@TheFaustianMan First tl;dr I've ever seen on YouTube

[cookiemeister4]

I disagree, but I think it's ridiculous that people are unsubscribing and complaining only due to that. I AM a nerdfighter, but if someone doesn't want to be then that's them. Who cares?

[MostlySashaMostly]

I see beig a nerdfighter as being an part if an community, like moving house you get to to choose where you can certainly choose if you want to be a nerdfighter. I do not use nerdfighteria to explain who i am but the values I belove in. Such as bring a community of people full of positive ideas, creativity and nerdiness.

[unclesaboin]

I can't disagree with you on that one. I've always been annoyed by that phenomenon: people find a "leader" and just blindly follow and imitate that "leader" without thinking for themselves. Find your own identity. That's what I say.

[annisingalot101]

Everyone has there own opinion and I strongly agree with you Evan and to those who think they can have a go at you for stating your own opinion should feel ashamed because if they stated there own opinion (on any subject) they would not enjoy others having a go at them. Your an awesome and intellectual individual Evan :)

[MiikaylaLeigh]

Awww :'(

To each his own, I guess.

[evilflunky3]

I don't hate you. I like being a nerdfighter, but it is scary that video about you expressing reasons for not being one has created this much reaction. p.s. I love that you are a hipster on accident and not on purpose.

[NerdyBirdyist]

I understand your reasons to not want to be labeled though. yure just being a "hipster". hows that for a label? :D

[VIofSpades]

I had no idea that you didn't consider yourself a nerdfighter, and I don't think any less or any more of you for it. Your opinions remain your own, and you choose not to be a nerdfighter for valid reasons, not because you're a decepticon.

Or in other words, I don't know why people are freaking out so much. It's your choice!

-A Nerdfighter

[SpringSkies]

I agree with your many excellent points. Although I'm not extremely and incredibly in love with John and Hank, and although I haven't done nearly enough Nerdfighteria related activities nor have acted nerdy enough to be of the ranks of some Nerfighters, I'm only a Nerdfighter because the people of their community have good values. However, I completely agree that Nerdfighteria sometimes seems like a big overwhelming shadow engulfing all individuals with such title...So I am quietly a nerdfighter

[cantaloupestarfruit]

hm, my finals ended on friday.

[colintotheworld]

You do make a really good point: John and Hank and pretty much anyone affiliated with them (Wheezywaiter, charlieissocoollike, etc.) do form a sort of oligarchy on the vlogging scene. That being said, each vlogger does bring with them their own personalities, proving that it is possible to be a Nerdfighter and an independent creator. No vlog community is inherently better than another; it's just nice to be a part of something while still being free to create what you want.

-A Nerdfighter

[peakae44]

I think John & Hank created "nerdfighter" as a concept to encourage the bookish or shy or sensitive teen (that John writes for) to feel they have a "community" perhaps not available IRL where they live. It's been successful enough to become a "mass phenomena" on YouTube. You, as a creative and confident college student may not need that so you are right to decline for yourself. But I hope you can see how it may help others in less accepting places. I wish it had been there when I was young!

[SmileyIfSinging]

I loved An Abundance of Katherines... D: But I respect you, and your right to your opinion. We can still maintain our one-sided friendship of youtuber and subscriber. :)

[MissSeriouslyRandom]

I think you just brought on the idea of youtube cults...lolz never thught of tht before xD

[b4itstarted]

I agree! Not only do they schedule P4A during finals week, but it's also the week before Christmas! People (or at least I) don't have anymore money left to donate...

The term "nerdfighter" is weird to say and it's just... it could have been better.

When people ask me if I'm a nerdfighter, I just shrug and say "John and hank are entertaining"

[Luvmesomekurt]

Im very, very disappointed

First Glee, now Nerdfighteria

John and Hank are the one of the best people to watch on youtube.

John writes great books and Hank makes great music. I can't see anything wrong with the Vlogbrothers and I love the name Nerdfighters.

I'm proud to be one too!

[naveregnide]

@Luvmesomekurt *I'm*, *some of the best* *books,*, *Vlogbrothers,*

Okay, so now that I corrected some of your grammar (you were warned), I can continue.

We can all have different opinions. Though I never mentioned it, I DO in fact dislike Hank's music. I like their videos, but literally every single one of his songs uses the same 4 chords. In my opinion, that's not talent at all. Some may say creating melodies from the same progression is, but I say nay. That's uncreative and boring. #myopinion

[Raemation]

ace in the whole means a whole in one in golf which is the best you can get in golf. :)

[futuremustache]

I'd like to point out that when John and Hank say "a nerdfighter did blank" they usually say their name and leave a link to that person's channel. They're not trying to steal, they're trying to promote.

[p14zm40nu]

whoa man way to blunt about it... but hey i respect your freelanceness!... well sorta xP

[otakubabe555]

Nice sticker on your flannel. I...consider myself a nerdfighter. But don't really do any things related to it. I guess I just...like their videos and music and books. And I like being a nerd. I guess that's why I like it. Feeling like being a nerd is okay.

[UnknownNewYorker]

DFTBA <3 <3 <3 

[iLeaveYouWithHugs]

-I read your computer

*Whisper* I'M SORRY

-I like your clothes :) They look nice

-Agreed. *Like!*

*Hug*

P.S. Why do you have a sticker-thingy on your shirt that has "12-06-11" on it?.... it's the 17th

[juliajoy8]

NERDPUNCHERS FOREVER!

[cholebartholomew]

@juliajoy8 punches hurt :(

[morethanthesun52]

i would consider myself a nerdfighter, but i completely understand where ur coming from. i never really thought about it that way, but u make videos so obviously u want to be an individual. i, on the otherhand, just watch videos so i dont mind calling myself a fan of certain youtubers bc thats essentially my role on youtube

[rachelhenderson28]

Oh Evan... What are you doing with your life ??

[CelticDreams]

Someone really unsubed because of this? Wow. There are so many kinds of people out there, it's silly to think less of them because their view differs from yours. I consider myself a nerd fighter & I can't say I see the John and Hank thing the way you do, but I do get why you would see it that way. I don't think any less of you for a difference in opinion and I like that your so blunt with your opinions, people just need to chill; not everyone is always going to agree or like the same things.

[thegamingtomato]

@CelticDreams i will not unsub because of this.however i think no less of the people who do.your views of someone are partially based on there opinions and if you disagree strongly enough with someone on something it is difficult to still like them.

[CelticDreams]

@thegamingtomato Yes, that's true. I've certainly found it hard to deal with people with opinions opposite of mine when it comes to certain subjects (like religion and the like). But,when I wrote my comment earlier things like that didn't occur to me at the time, I was focusing on little, really inconsequential things like Nerdfighteria. It seems petty to me that his opinion would prompt such a reaction. But, as I said, to each their own, and it holds true for people who unsub over this as well.

[thegamingtomato]

@CelticDreams it depends on just how strongly people feel about the subject

[Lizmo21]

Hear Hear Evan! Can we legit sail at dawn in an awesome ship full of awesome people that don't have to belong to a certain community?! No one should define themselves by a single community, it's too narrowing. I'm a nerdfighter but that isn't the only way I describe myself. college student, cinophile, physics enthusiast, future mother, frisbee player, librarian, and christian: there's no single group that I totally belong to and there never should be.

[aphness]

Your finals week is really late.

[SuperParker94]

I hate you for being yourself! Just kidding! I'm a nerdfighter, but I respect the fact that you are voicing your own opinion. People! He doesn't like one thing that you like! Let it go! He's just voicing an opinion.

[EatShitMarty]

thats pretty legit. but i think its funny all the related videos are john and hank

[SailorDarkStarr]

Fromage always reminds me of that episode of Dexter's Lab where he has to take a French test.... hilarity.

[Thaliathetree]

I like your reasoning for not being a nerdfighter, however i like to thnk i am one. An Abundance of Katherines is my favorite book ever, John Green is one of my idols, though i dont like hanks music, i do like the video game chanel. Im proud to call myself a nerdfighter and i dont really care if someone doesnt like it... but ur right, the name is lame.

[thegamingtomato]

couldn't fit it all into 1 comment sorry :P

[thegamingtomato]

No one really leads nerdfightaria. so when john and hank say look at what a nerdfighter did they are not taking credit they are just stating that the people in this awesome community are awesome and do awesome things.

[thegamingtomato]

i am a nerdfighter.i believe that as you said it is one of the strongest and best communitys on youtube but i disagree with your opinion.i disagree because although john and hank are the most prominent figures within the nerdfighter community and they may have started it i don't believe they are the leaders of it.

[busybeingbla]

I consider myself part of the nerdfighting community. I understand your reasons for not being a nerdfighter. It's good that you point out that you can choose, and also that you explain yourself.

[pedro911212]

I hope you die! only joking. individualism is good. Its good to really someone/something and not be part of the cult (per say).

[Diabetty115]

Avec fromage... LOL! I wouldn't consider myself a nerdfighter either, simply because I don't really know WHAT I am. I'm just me. I don't really fit into any category or stereotype. Some days I exhibit characteristics of a certain demographic, and other days I exhibit characteristics of a completely opposite demographic. I typically just say that I'm a nonconformist. I hope that all makes sense, and I apologize if it does not. Keep being yourself :)

[EvanEdinger]

I'd like to point out that disagreeing with me does not mean you are "trolling" me. Express your opinions freely. I don't expect to say things against the grain and not receive some backlash. This is a judge-free zone....unless you use poor grammar.

On that note, the double negative was used effectively! ;)

[AlicetheShort]

There are plenty of 'nerdfighters' who aren't 'labeled' by it. I don't hate you for being yourself, I hate you for not seeing that there are MANY nerdfighters on Youtube who just don't advertise it. I want to make a name for myself one day, but I would NEVER shy from the fact that I'm a nerdfighter. And being a nerdfighter isn't about Harry Potter or Doctor Who. It's about embracing your own individual passion that others might laugh at. It's about being awesome and helping people.

[naveregnide]

@AlicetheShort The sorting hat told me I belonged in Nerdfighteria; I said no. We all choose our own fates!

[AlicetheShort]

@naveregnide We do, but we can't deny what we are. I got sorted into Ravenclaw on Pottermore, and I can't deny that I am one. However, I will proudly wear a Gryffindor badge, and be my own person, but still remember who I am in heart.

[matthewgilpincom]

I fundamentally disagree with you... but I don't know how to express myself without seeming trollish

[jrocknpoppingirl]

Please don't tell me I'm the only one who jumped when the computer screen went out?

Janjan

[owlsneedlove]

I am trying not to go giant squid of anger but its cool you can make your own chooses ...its ok

[cocosam96]

Thanks Evan, I've been wondering why you aren't one, and I don't hate you. It's nice that you don't beat around the bush with your opinions. Oh but also, since you're a senior, and you won't have finals next year, will you do P4A next year? Just curious :)

[thereisascrewloose]

I like that you talk about a bunch of things that you know may cost you subs, but you don't really care. Thanks:) don't hate you.

[katiewompus]

I'm not a nerdfighter because I don't like dr. who, don't really have a passion for harry potter, and because An Abundance of Katherines didn't really phase me.

[EvanEdinger]

@katiewompus I don't think it phased anyone really; ain't no L4A

[otakubabe555]

@EvanEdinger Honestly, L4A didn't amaze me. It was pretty good. Not amazing though.

[ennpencilpal91]

@EvanEdinger L4A? xD What's that mean? Is this another one of those abbreviations I'm the last to learn?

[TheKylade92]

@ennpencilpal91 it Just means "Looking for Alaska". It is a book that John Green wrote along with An Abundance of Katherines. AAOK is what Evan was saying wasn't as good as L4A

[ennpencilpal91]

@TheKylade92 Ohh!! xD I'd just never seen the abbreviations before. xD I'd have to agree - it would be pretty hard for John Green to follow Looking for Alaska up. It's the best of his books as far as I've read! xD

[cholebartholomew]

@katiewompus What does Dr. Who, Harry Potter or even John Green have to do with being a nerdfighter? Nerdfighters, by definition, decrease world suck and increase net world awesome. We're nerds of any sort who decided that we're okay with being nerds, and who want to show others that being yourself is AWESOME. I don't like Dr. Who either. I'm more of an Ancient Roman Poetry kinda girl.

[NerdyBirdyist]

@katiewompus Being a nerdfighter isnt really about those things. Its about wanting to decrease the amount of suck in the world. Im not a fan of an abundance of katherines, i disagree with hank theologically and politicly, and i dont enjoy every video. But the greens arnt the reason we are nerdfighters; theyre just the two nerdfighters with the most fame.

[indy8149]

I think you're wrong about nerdfighters being in John and Hank's "shadow." There are popular YouTubers who would call themselves nerdfigters whose success does not hinge upon John and Hank. It's not fair of you to say that they claim credit for other people's work just because they're part of their community. Nerdfighteria existed before John and Hank, they just gave a name to it. Following someone does not cease to make you your own person.

[MinecraftWithMat]

evan has lost a sub

[EvanEdinger]

@MinecraftWithMat Because I chose to speak my mind? Because I'm honest? Awesome. Glad to have you off my ship. Trying to appease everyone by being superficial is not what I'm about. I don't do this for subscribers; I do this for me. Walk the plank! We're setting sail for the horizon at dawn!

[iLeaveYouWithHugs]

@EvanEdinger <3

[MinecraftWithMat]

@EvanEdinger if you are all about "being honest" why the heck is it a problem to you if u lost a sub cause of it. U lost my respect in this video and your coment.

[EvanEdinger]

@MinecraftWithMat *If*, *you*, *you*, *comment*,

Okay, now that your grammar's fixed... Did you miss the part in my comment where I said "glad to have you off my ship"? As in, "I'm happy you have unsubscribed"? Did you also miss the overall "I state my opinion for myself not for subscribers" vibe I had going on in the comment? Oh, you missed that? That's pretty hard to miss considering it was in the entire comment. You have lost my respect due to YOUR comment.

Good DAY sir!

[ennpencilpal91]

@MinecraftWithMat Oh, heaven's sake. Grow up, will ya honey? Yeah. Thanks.

[HardhatJelloXenon]

I take your point but personally I'm proud to be a nerdfighter. I think if Hank and John were to mention me then they would say "a Nerdfighter called John Holt", rather than just "a Nerdfighter". I'm still my own person, I just choose to associate myself with an awesome community. It's not really any different from them saying "a british vlogger called John Holt". They are just describing part of who I am, not claiming to "own me".

That's just my view anyway, and I still think you're awesome!

[feddafella]

Evan, you're really beautiful today. I don't know why, you just are. :)

[thestrangemango]

Eeeexactly.

[EvanEdinger]

@thestrangemango Thank you! 

[owmyscar]

Lol is that a name tag on your shirt?

[Praptolium]

long post is long. And I didn't proof read it for typos.

Cos I don't play by the rules. Does that make you mad? FIGHT ME.

Also, sorry I'll sleep now

[Praptolium]

On another note (keeping with the musical theme), I think you're only not a nerdfighter because you're a hipster! :p

but seriously though, I disagree with your first two reasons. I think the name "nerdfighter" is perfect to the extreme amounts of possibility.

however, I agree and disagree with your third point. It's a bit sketchy that hank and john can be THE OVERLORDS OF THE NF COMMUNITY. But I also think that they are less leaders and more a kind of concentration of the entire community

[Praptolium]

On another note, I really love your vlogging position in this vlog, it's quite elite!

However, that's not to say that you should take into consideration my opinion on the matter, because it's your vlog, and if you want to keep that position, then you should keep it, but if you don't then you certainly shouldn't! It's your free will, and I do not intend to infringe upon it whatsoever!

[Praptolium]

je parle un petit peu français.

um. So, I'm slightly drunk because I just got home from my friend's birthday celebrations which means I all of a sudden have A LOT TO SAY. which you should probably discount as gibberish. Nonetheless, I shall continue.

I think it's not fair to say it's silly for them to hold P4A in finals week, because although america is a big place, a lot of other countries (including mine) finished their end of semester exams/etc like 3 weeks ago.

[AerithMakeup]

It's just because you're a hipster... :P

[NerdCharm]

@AerithMakeup A Hipster Hipster!

[QueIsUseless]

I read it. The entire page.

And your dock. iMovie? Seriously? I am disappoint.

[naveregnide]

@QueIsUseless I may use it at some point! That's why it's there!

[QueIsUseless]

@naveregnide But... Final cut... :P

[divicool72]

Also, real tags what :O

[divicool72]

I dont think your third reason is that valid...I see your point, but I dont think its necessarily the case. I think Jon Cozart is a good example - he identifies as a nerdfighter, but it's not what he's known for.

So your main reason seems to be that you dont want to put a label on yourself, which is fair enough...but ehhh I think you still fit most nerdfighter ideals, which is you know, to be a nice person mostly. That's good enough for me Whatever floats your boat i guess.

[wingardiumleviosa001]

I'm free on Monday too! Celebratory vlogarithm, what up!!!

[CrazyLazySnazzyJazzy]

Good points, but I'm still a nerdfighter :P

[Virini]

Remember that I'm a uni student, and that Nanowrimo takes place during my 2nd semester exams. And I've never been able to do it, even if I want it. The internet is a global phenomenon.

Maybe the name is lame... but, like, Charlie, grew up asbeing known as a nerdfighter, and now he's bigger than Hank and John. Probably the same with Alex. Make of yourself what you make of yourself... independence can be overrated if it's just for its own sake.

[thestig888]

why not make and upload the video as unlisted BEFORE finals week and then make it public on the day?

that's what I do

[AlphaNerd3]

2. Sorry for posting too many comments. A video reply or a Tumblr post would be more sensible, but I'm too lazy for both and too insecure (and busy) for the first. If the bombardment bothers you, and you want to remove it, just send me the text somehow.

3. I'm glad your piano final went great.

[AlphaNerd3]

Last notes:

1. John and Hank can make any kind of videos they want, I think that specific argument is invalid and unrelated. If the x axis were be popularity and the y axis were the willingness of the viewers to like the things in front of them, the willingness of Nerdfighters would be an exponential function.

The Vlogbrothers DO get positive reinforcement for whatever they do, and a less popular Youtuber does the same thing is more likely to be deemed uninteresting, unoriginal or unfunny.

[AlphaNerd3]

You have to remember that behind the silly name "Nerdfighter" (I agree about that), hides a huge social experiment to understand communities and individualism (much like in John's video, "Life is like a Pizza").

I won't speak for the rest of Nerdfighteria, but I want to thank you for making that video, contributing to this experiment and making me think. You're really awesome, Evan. As an individual person.

This video was exceptionally good, seeing more daily vlogs like that would be great.

[oisanji]

why again:? hehe

[AlphaNerd3]

Your argument is similar to the reason I (usually) don't call myself a Jew even though my parents were Jewish, and prefer individualism to nationalism: I'd rather be known for my own individual achievements than my ancestors' bloody past.

I don't want to be judged because of a decision my parents, or their parents, or their parents made; I want to be judged because of my decisions.

But what interest me is whether you're happier to call yourself American or to be patriotic, and why?

[AlphaNerd3]

I think John and Hank are trying to encourage Nerdfighters' individualism, and make it clear that you don't have to watch or like Vlogbrothers to be a Nerdfighters, but some Nerdfighters are changing this definition (whether if consciously or subconsciously) to "a follower of the Vlogbrothers" (which was the initial definition).

More coming soon.

[TheRedWriting]

Even in your un-nerdfighter-ness, you should still sell your music and the " <3 -1 " T-shirt on DFTBA.

[MissCaraMint]

Don't worry even we watch you for who you are, not for who we want you to be. We appreciate you wether you're a Nerdfighter or not :)

[dannerzme]

I don't hate you. Nerdfighters don't hate. lol! Good points... especially the under their shadow thing.

[keltonfilms]

Darn it, I read it.

[JulesUnderwater]

I almost started trolling but I must say, you do have some pretty valid opinions. Yeah, it's pretty stupid to put the Project For Awesome on in finals week. I never thought of that.

Have a good day!

[LeRonaldRager]

I'm sorry; I read your computer screen.

[EmahMaii]

oh hey first view and first comment :3