Manic Expression

   For the last few months, I have been looking at some videos on YouTube. The reason for this was simple: I looking at a very intense, yet serious, subject on the matter of Ebegging, and I wanted to bring the subject up for the people who blog and make videos for the World Wide Web.

   Many people have voiced their disapproval on the matter-and with good reason, I might add. Yet, there are others that say things I do not agree with, which had forced me to look at the matter as a whole and come up with my own opinion on the matter. It was not easy, and believe me, I really had to look at myself and ask if I was in their shoes, and is doing something that could be both helpful not only to me, but to the others who are pouring their hard earn money into it would I ask fo donation?

   Am I as justified asking other people to pledge money to a project I am working on? Is there a line that people should not cross? In some cases yes, and in some cases no. I will explain my view on this matter and, like always, if you have an opinion on this matter, place put it on the comment section.

   First I as might as well explain why people across the web is making a big deal about e begging to the point where the they had videos signaling out popular people on YouTube(People like The Amazing Atheist and the angry video game nerd to say a few)? They say that both the nerd, Atheist, as well as other, are making money through partnerships as well as sponsors who help Promote their work, and that it’s not right for them to be begging from people or, in some cases, their fans for money when they are getting it from other resources.

   In the case of making a movie, or producing a video game, people have pointed out that if they are really serious in doing so they should take out a loan or or use some of their own money to finance their own project if they are not willing to talk to a major studio. All of these are good points and yet, I Think we need to be a bit mindful when it come to E Begging, or in many cases donation. Why separate the two?-because one is not the same as the other.

First let take a look at the angry video game nerd and his movie he is currently making. It was well known to his fans that he wanted to work on a major movie for sometime now and, as of January of this year, he’s finally gotten it off the ground, with the help of donation from his fans. Others were not too thrilled by James Rolfe asking the public of funds. People like The Archfiend, as well as others, have stated that he makes money from his website, YouTube, and others who are correctly sponsored as we speak.

    Now, I want to say it off the bat that I respect The Archfiend opinion and he does bring up good points in this video. However, I also must say I really do not think James Rolfe is doing anything wrong when trying to fund his movie. Does he get money you his channel and website; yes, but is it enough to fund a movie he want to do? Not really. Also, let’s keep in mind that donations aren’t illegal. It is a choice. People can enter donation or not. Also, keep in mind that there are other movie maker as well as gamers who do the same thing in order to fund their projects. It is the reason why we have pay pal as well as kick stared. So no, I do not bash the fans for donating to him and to be fair, he does keep his fans informed as to what going on and even have some of them appearing as extras in the movie. he also explained in his video just how much it actually costs to make a movie. In my opinion, he has kept to his goal to put the donations into the movie, and is continuing to update his fan about the status of the film.

    Now that’s not to say that all of the people who asks for donations have good intentions in mind. People like TJ aka The Amazing Atheist had been called out way too often about they way they used their channels to get donations; and in my opinion rightfully so. I watch some of TJ work on YouTube, as well as, his That Guy with the Glasses days when he was under the name The Distressed Watcher. And, like most work, some I like, and some I can do without. And yet, there’s some things TJ had done over the years I completely disagree with.

   Now, like I have said earlier, I do not have a problem with people asking for donations in order to help a web site fund a project. It’s another thing when you are begging for money to help fund a vacation trip, a wedding, laptop and video games. Do you see why I had separated the two terms? Look, I like some of TJ work, and I do think he brings up some good point on his view. But, should I  be responsible for giving him gifts? No not in the least, but TJ seems to think so. He feels because he put hours of work in his videos, that’s why it’s not E Begging. Sorry, not buying it. it’s not your fans responsibly to give you gifts, or paying for road trip (which by the way never happened).

   And the fact JT sometimes pulls the guilt trip on his fan in a way that is unethical and just plain wrong. Taken advantage of you subscribers and then pulling the guilt trip by saying you guys owe me, so send me some money, is unacceptable. Please! There is the incident of him slamming one of his own followers, and blocking him on his live stream, all because this person only donated a dollar to him. This angers me because it shows that he was not thankful for the donation he had gotten. Instead, he insulted that fan on a live blog channel. And that is just plain cold.

   I know some of you thinking that this is a rant on TJ, but I can tell you it is not. Like I said earlier, I like some of his videos and, to his credit, he does bring up some good topic form time to time. It’s how he used his fans in asking for something he had no business asking for on his channel that I have a big problem with. And, to be honest, it gives a bad name to good people as well as honest websites a bad name. Like I said, I do not have a problem donating to a web site, or a cause I strongly believe in. I do not have a problem donating to a project someone is trying to get off the ground. I do have an issue of people asking me for money to buy laptops or a vacation that will only benefit themselves. That’s the differences between E Begging and donation in my opinion. But you guys may might have a different opinion on this matter, and by all means I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter. So please Express Yourselves.

By Jockerlee 77

Edit By Les

2012 Manic Expression.com