#Puppet History

[avaisdramatic]

Putting this comment on here because I feel like I’m actually going insane…

It seems like nobody in the comments even watched the video, complaining about how paying for content is difficult in this economy, like, that's why they are doing this! They cannot continue to make the content they want for free based on ads and sponsors alone. If you have paid attention to the "Making Watcher"s of recent years, their company is not, and has not been profitable. They are so dependent on advertisers for funding that it is becoming a restriction to the content they want to make (y'a know, like Buzzfeed was), so they had to find a solution. I don't know why you all seem to think you are entitled to free content, I understand not everyone can afford it but Watcher doesn't owe you content personally. Frankly, I doubt they wanted to put their content behind a paywall, but if it's that or not make content at all, of course they are going to try to find a solution. So no, they aren't "turning into Buzzfeed” because the massive problem with Buzzfeed was its restrictions on creative freedom and exploitation of its workers. If Watcher wants to produce fulfilling content that gives their editors, designers, producers, etc full creative freedom and a livable wage, this is the best option. If you want them to pay their workers the bare minimum and tailor their content to advertiser interests just so you can watch it for free, that's fine. Just don't pretend that they are some evil media mega-corporation and you are the anti-capitalist shining hero for saying it. You don't have to like it, and you don't have to continue to support them, but don't try to shame and demonize them for making an already difficult decision.

Many of you DO have an understanding of the difficult position our current economic system puts people in because you have experienced it, but you are so unable to extend that understanding beyond your own point of view. Look past yourself for a moment and think critically, and maybe you will understand their perspective. Much love for all of the talented people within Watcher who are doing their best.

And just to add, their format going forward is almost IDENTICAL to CollegeHumor-Dropout's streaming service format (even down to the free premieres and advocating for sharing accounts with friends), which most people praise to high heaven as "the only ethical streaming service." As a huge fan of both companies the stark difference in response here is actually astounding...

[finch-kid]

watcher moving from youtube to a subscription site is such a shitty idea. anyways, i'll be backing their stuff up on the internet archive in case they pull it from yt

[maridrawss]

Ok as much as I am bummed that they're locking their content behind paywall, I really hope this works out well for them. This is their job and they need to make a living and I get that.

But at the same time, I really loved that I could just show my friends puppet history and enjoy it without having to pay a shit to of money because of currency differences, like I've already paid like more than 6k pesos for one ghost files jacket.

I wanna wish them luck to whatever they're doing and I hope it turns out well, but I'm kinda disappointed that I can't watch my favorite shows without having maybe pirate it (which is the first I'll be depressed about using pirated websites for shows)

TL;DR: hope this goes well for them, can't watch it cuz of money, hope they don't delete the channel pls

[vira-with-no-v]

Drama aside, here’s a little comic

CC Tinsley was also invited but mysteriously disappeared right before the meeting

[ebdaydreamer]

Watcher is one of my favourite YouTube channels. Puppet History is my comfort show. But I can't afford to pay for a streaming service, I'm already leeching off my parents. And, I'm sorry, but Watcher does not make enough content to justify the price of a streaming service

[shandy-shores]

Quick reminder that you’re allowed to feel conflicted over the Watcher decision! Like you can be both upset that you need to pay money for content that was previously free but also happy that they’re going to make some more money off of their work. You can get a subscription with a friend but also be mad at why they made the decision when they already have a Patreon. Like you can be mad or happy about it, do you see what I’m saying

[1boringblueboy]

so can we agree to make an effort to pirate all their shit before its taken off YouTube? yall with YT premium or lots of unused storage on your phones I am begging you to do us normal people a solid here

I'm beyond disappointed but I mean this is what celebrities do. I love them but i honestly hope this decision fucks them over financially. you'd think for people that seem to value community and fan involvement they wouldn't do something like this but here we are.

[left-peace-contain]

https://jessica-234.mxtkh.fun/oq/wt5TpSz

[harley-quinns-girlfriend]

I'm so sad they're moving behind a paywall. I can't afford a subscription. But good luck to my favorite ghoul boys, weirdos and puppets

[badass-space-fish]

It’s actually INSANE how watcher looked at their audience, consisting almost entirely of the age group (and demographic as a whole) the most willing to pirate media. And then thought “hey, let’s put our shows behind a paywall”

[the-worst-person-u-know]

i get people not being happy about the watcher move. i get people mourning that they can't afford to follow the guys rn. but actually wishing they would fail? hoping watcher employees are stressed and anxious? i don't think you actually like them, i think you just like having your whims catered to and you just see the guys as your funny little puppet friends.

i get that parasocial relationships are a...complex topic, particularly when a specific kind of content pretty much requires fostering that vibe. even when you know it's a real phenomenon, it's really easy to fall into the trap of, "these people are really cool/funny! i wish we were friends" (and tbf, i think a "friend crush" is still a *little* different bc i think most parasocial relationships make you think, "we ARE friends...or would be if we met.")

BUT. the flip side is forgetting that these guys are people, too. people who gotta make ends meet, particularly if they want to keep providing great content. people with families, bills, expenses, and yes even little treats. like, shit costs money and we can't accuse someone of greed or hope they fail and then pat ourselves on the back for being anti-capitalist or something. this move is a risk but also surely not an impulsive one, and the guys feel this is the right move both financially and creatively then you should hope they succeed!

and, ftr—i already signed up, and i've already sent out my login info to friends who aren't in a place rn to pay. support the guys if you can, but i think the bare minimum is not hoping they crash and burn.

[ostensiblynone]

source: [wearewatcher] posted April 19, 2024

[boozles]

It’s been disheartening watching everyone turn against @wearewatcher but it’s absolutely valid. Creators should be paid for their work, but moving free content to a paid subscription will never win people over. Also, whilst $6 isn’t much to most, with the most streaming services now offering lower priced memberships which include ads, most people are going to choose something like Netflix over Watcher; we can’t afford every subscription service, and most are going to opt for one that gives you the most selection.

This has been really sad for me as a fan. I have a ticket to the life Ghost Files show in Glasgow next week, and part of me doesn’t want to go because I’m not even going to get to watch the series anymore anyway.

[shaniacs]

I get being upset about content being put behind a paywall, it definitely sucks especially when a lot of people simply can't afford it. That being said I also understand why they are doing it, YouTube puts a limit on them and what they can post. They also need to be able to make money as a company so they can continue to make things. With that though I do really hope they find a way to still share content that people don't have to pay for

[suetrim]

They really did that, in this economy

This will probably be my last meme for a while because it’s hard to make memes based off of context you can’t afford to watch

[trashworldblog]

THEY MADE THIS FOR ME

finally i can get a fucking party goIN