Decision Reached
Added 2016-02-03 00:03:30 +0000 UTCHi all,
Thanks for your input on the question of potential future sponsored videos - and for the remarkable level of trust you've shown in my judgement. Having had a chance to read over all the comments, and discuss with Claire and others, I've decided I won't be taking up any offers for the foreseeable future - though there's a possibility you might see one particular game anyway at some point, just done for free.
By the way, the original post has now been removed as the question is now settled.
And though the vast majority of you have said you'd be content with a deal, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with it, and in terms of the channel's ongoing health, a single one-off payment isn't worth the risk of annoying or alienating any part of this community to me, especially I have no intention of making these regular, so I'd be risking damaging the channel forever for one pay-cheque. That's not worth it to me - and not just in terms in money, but as this whole thing is very dear to me personally.
For now, as before, we are funded exclusively by Patreon and ad revenue, even if that is a slightly harsh road in January and February - we'll be fine like that, and we will remain absolutely squeaky clean, which I'm much happier being :)
Jon
Comments
Fair enough Jon, we'll always continue to support either way.
Twirly
2016-02-08 00:08:50 +0000 UTCSooo... Firewatch? :-)
Pascal B.
2016-02-06 22:14:59 +0000 UTCJust doubled my pledge - keep up the good work, Sir!
Rory
2016-02-04 22:36:40 +0000 UTCDude, you need to put food on the table. You need money to do that. I think it'd be pretty selfish of us to say NO JON THAT'D BE UNCOOL and deny you something like this. That said, I support any decisions you make
Kalarual
2016-02-04 10:28:56 +0000 UTCI think your decission is right because you feel comfortable with it. I have no problems with sponsored content (provided it is marked and has no influence on the content) but you shouldn`t risk the future of you channel for a one time thing. It`s a shame that some patreons dropped out just for mentioning the word. But everything is voluntary and they can support who ever they want. Their decission.... So i decided to increase my patreonage to 5$. I really think you should advertise Patreon more on your channel. I can imagine that it feels like begging but you are a company and you are dependent on the income. A short note at the end of every video should still be adequate.
cktger
2016-02-04 09:18:05 +0000 UTCI definitely respect this decision. I just got a nice raise at work, so I will be upping my pledge especially if it helps you stay full-time. I appreciate all the hard work you do to provide us great content. Keep up the good work!
Kris Yoder
2016-02-03 17:05:17 +0000 UTCI wouldn't care about a sponsored video at all. the entertainment value is very much worth it. this is my favorite youtube channel by far, and my first patronage? is that what you would call it? anyway. keep it up good sir.
John Aguilera
2016-02-03 16:53:47 +0000 UTCI definitely respect you for making this decision. I really appreciate how much you value our opinions.
Kasper the friendly ghost
2016-02-03 16:01:42 +0000 UTCHi Jon. I was also asleep during this whole kerfuffle but I think your decision echoes what most of us on here believe. While we would support a sponsored video (especially laid out the way it was) it's ultimately up to you. I know personally one of the reasons I enjoy your channel so much is because of the honest emotion and love you put into your content. It's refreshing to see someone (not just on youtube but anywhere) who cares more about what they add to their craft instead of just trying to make money off of it. I think you have a great community and I bet just having another reminder video or endcard about your patreon would more than make up for the lost revenue from the one-off sponsored video. I'm sure you don't want to come across as greedy or anything like that, but this is your profession. No one would fault you for directing people to where they can help you continue doing what you love. I'm not sure when the last time was you mentioned your patreon but I'd imagine there's only maybe half the channel that knows it exists. Anyway, just upped my pledge and hopefully this wasn't too boring of a read. Cheers!
Mike Waraksa
2016-02-03 12:31:41 +0000 UTCMicrosoft is the worst anyway. They will ask you "To be honest and be yourself" but when you review it badly they take the video down and then refuse to pay.
Trent
2016-02-03 11:19:29 +0000 UTCDammit! Now I have to think of another way to revive Cyndaquil and Typhlosion. The Quilvolution continues.
Trent
2016-02-03 10:22:56 +0000 UTCHello, Jon! Firstly, thank you for asking us - really appreciate that. Secondly, I would have nothing against you doing sponsored video if it's clearly labelled (a thing required in the UK anyway) and not monitored/censored/'enhanced' by the game developers/publishers after it's shot. I'd say, go for it. However, I also understand where you're coming from with your view, and how consistently 'pure' you want to keep this channel - much respect for that. In the end, it's always MATN decision, but just know vast majority of people watching and enjoying your stuff would totally support you again in a similar case. All the best, and have a great day - Maja/Teracotta
Maja
2016-02-03 08:37:56 +0000 UTCI was sleeping through this whole thing, unfortunately. Jon, I recommend you checking out TotalBiscuit's video about sponsored videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSvHhDmIe6Q" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSvHhDmIe6Q</a> For me, what you should do is to accept the deal under the condition that you can do whatever with the video, even an honest review where you just slam the game for being terrible. If they accept, fine. If not, bail out. As simple as that.
balthamossa2b
2016-02-03 06:31:40 +0000 UTCGood job for doing what you feel is right Jon.
Hunter Matthews
2016-02-03 06:05:09 +0000 UTCHoly crap that was long, sorry haha. My little brother watches you too so I guess doubling mine would make up for that.
Hazel
2016-02-03 05:44:40 +0000 UTCJust chiming in with more support for whatever decision helps you out Jon. I never thought the publishing schedule would effect content creators so much but it seems obvious now that you've mentioned it. I've just knocked my pledge up a notch to try and help out, and for what it's worth I wouldn't be opposed to you plugging your Patreon more often, whether that's on Reddit or Twitter or at the end of your videos is up to you.
Ben Ellett
2016-02-03 05:43:23 +0000 UTCHi Jon, Unfortunately I was out when I got the email for this (although upon seeing it was you took the time to read it) and this has already been concluded by the time I can respond. Basically what I concluded was rather similar to what you have decided yourself. I thought that personally I would be very happy with you doing a sponsored video as a one off, especially as it's a game you were interested in anyway and the producers have no input on the video - I know how hard you must work and think you deserve ALL the money. But if it were me doing the video I would also be uncomfortable about the idea. For one thing I feel like I may be conscious of it during recording, which may affect the quality of the video. I also think that the patrons are probably your more dedicated fans, who would therefore all be happy for you to do basically whatever you like to make money (I can't think of a better way to phrase that in this state). However more casual fans may think otherwise - usually I would be slightly put off by a sponsored video myself (and have been in the past). Given that I respect and overall agree with your choice not to do the sponsored video. It's probably for the best for the happiness of your fan's (which also in turn provides part of your income), and I feel personally I would be uncomfortable doing it anyway so can understand if you would. I also really respect and appreciate that you asked us patrons for our views - even that alone would really be enough for me to say "Yeah go for it". Hopefully my belated (and slightly intoxicated) thoughts have been reassuring. I'll probably increase my patronage tomorrow - you deserve it.
Hazel
2016-02-03 05:42:44 +0000 UTCI agree, but if you decide to do any sponsor videos do your best to keep MATN independent. Plus I think that you need to promote your patreon more often, even if it's once a week it'll make a difference. One last question, what is your relationship with Claire?
Marvin Dominguez
2016-02-03 04:36:42 +0000 UTCThe problem I personally have which others may also have with sponsored videos is that some of the terms and conditions for the sponsored game videos is that they aren't allowed to say anything bad about the game, or that they have to pretend to be having fun. It's disingenuous.
Cale
2016-02-03 04:26:39 +0000 UTCI think you do what's best for you Jon. I like donating money to you because of all the great content you put out and if you make a one-off video where it helps you financially AS WELL as making great content, then I don't think there is any wrong in that. I do support your current decision though and I see your point. I have upped my pledge to see that the harsh road become a little smoother! Cheers!
Dennis Sengthong
2016-02-03 03:07:26 +0000 UTCI'm neutral to this - anything that will keep you covered in all sectors of expenses in your life - bills, rents, etc - I will agree upon. I have also up-tuned my monthly pledge to express my affinity towards your act. Do let us know if there's something in change in circumstances - like a drop of monthly income - and we'll see what we can do to help.
NerdyChuning
2016-02-03 02:32:01 +0000 UTCI'm rather inclined to agree with you on the whole thing; TotalBiscuit has talked about it at length in the past, I think the last time it got headlines particularly was during that whole nonsense with Microsoft and the Xbox supah sekrit agreements, and he gave some very interesting thoughts on the subject alongside his own stance. It's an area you have to be very careful in, but one of the key things he talked about was the need for transparency - and I think at the very least you've done a decent job of that here today.
PointyHairedJedi
2016-02-03 01:49:36 +0000 UTCWhatever you fancy MATN, that's why I am a fan to begin with.
Kenneth Lyon
2016-02-03 01:23:42 +0000 UTCI've never understood the disagreement with Sponsored Videos, myself. If it helps out the creators, then by all means, go for it. I don't watch your Let's Plays strictly as a guide for whether I'd like a game or not, but rather, for your commentary and opinions about the game. (Indeed, Tharsis isn't a game I'd enjoy playing, but I adore watching and listening to you play it.) I trust those opinions and comments would still exist in sponsored videos.
Chadwick Raines
2016-02-03 01:20:42 +0000 UTCThe fact you were uncomfortable with the idea shows you made the right decision here. If you're uncomfortable with doing something, don't do it. I'm sure a majority of people would have been fine with you doing the video, as long as it was all your own views, as you said it would have been, and not the views of the company. But it's for the best you did what you think is right. As long as you never sell out, which I'm fairly certain you'll never do, I'll keep on watching!
Solar Dragon
2016-02-03 01:02:53 +0000 UTCAhh good! I was worried that a handful could drop out just at me mentioning it!
Many A True Nerd
2016-02-03 00:56:42 +0000 UTCand it's worth noting that monthly subscriptions renewed today, so the apparent drop in patrons isn't necessarily linked to your rumination over a sponsored review.
Silas Gray
2016-02-03 00:46:32 +0000 UTCWhile I wasn't directly opposed to sponsored content I must say that I'm pleased that things turned out this way, especially if you'd feel uncomfortable with accepting the offer. This is easily the best possible solution. Also, while it's really great that you decided to consult us on the matter, it's more important that you do what you decided is the right thing to do despite majority of us being okay with sponsored videos. (I'm also upping my pledge a bit too to cover for some of the people who apparently decided that even the mention of a possibility of sponsored content was too much)
NikG
2016-02-03 00:42:03 +0000 UTCHa, I'm just doing what I reckon is right. And it looks like it's the right decision, as a few Patreon supporters appear to have dropped out today, presumably in response to sponsored videos even being mentioned, so if that's the reaction to the very idea, I suppose the actual response to any video would be much stronger, so better to have shut it down now :)
Many A True Nerd
2016-02-03 00:32:16 +0000 UTCwell said and well done.
Silas Gray
2016-02-03 00:30:41 +0000 UTCI'm glad to hear it, and just added a couple more dollars to my pledge to show my appreciation. :)
rocketfox
2016-02-03 00:22:45 +0000 UTCUpping my support a bit! I watch your content probably about as much as I watch Netflix, so I don't have a problem putting down about the same amount of money.
David Arnold
2016-02-03 00:19:12 +0000 UTCI really appreciate you giving us the chance to give our input on this, and I can honestly say I am very happy to be a Patron <3
Zac Turner
2016-02-03 00:16:25 +0000 UTCYes, actually, though it's hard to know how much ad revenue has been lost, as Red revenue is substitued for it. It is very likely, however, that as a channel that puts out daily content with relatively high watch times, Red revenue is giving us a boost that's helping us through January and February.
Many A True Nerd
2016-02-03 00:09:16 +0000 UTCHas the new YouTube red subscription helped with YouTube revenue? I am a member your videos make up about half of what I watch.
SpeakOfTheJoker
2016-02-03 00:06:40 +0000 UTCYou're a class act Jon.
42.Computer
2016-02-03 00:04:43 +0000 UTC
