#react world

[finenose]

[xenolinkfgb-blog]

REACT WORLD: The FineBros Controversy

(NOTE: These videos are re-uploads, more information can be found on my newest post.)

First of all, for those who don’t know, the FineBros are two incredibly famous and successful YouTube personalities. The brothers (Rafi and Benny Fine) created their main channel “ Fine Brothers Entertainment” on 4th June 2007. They started creating comedic sketches and shorts before the debut of what would become their REACT franchise with “Kids React to Viral Videos #1″ on 16th October 2010. Since then, the REACT videos have become the core of the content they create, even to the extent of having a third channel created specifically for REACT videos named REACT which debuted on 22nd July 2014. Since then, they have moved from strength to strength and have become one of the strongest channels on YouTube boasting over 14 million subscribers and over 3 billion video views. However, on 26th January 2016, the Fine’s announced a business move which has since shook the YouTube community with the announcement of “REACT WORLD”.

“REACT WORLD” is a license created by the FineBros to effectively allow YouTube creators to use their format of reaction videos under their brand name “legally”. According to the FineBros, “REACT WORLD is a new and innovative way to license formats around the globe with no upfront cost, and our goal is to cultivate a worldwide community of creators (media companies, other production companies, and individuals) on digital media platforms around the REACT franchise.” (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

Basically, the Fine Bros have copyrighted the format of their reaction videos, their show names and original content within these reaction videos and have created their own license. YouTubers’ and other content creators can pay a license fee to create their own REACT videos using the brand names and original content owned by the FineBros and then receive support and promotion by the FineBros (minus part of the videos monetisation earnings.)   “React World is about licensing FBE's show formats, not just for shows like Kids React, but also others like "Do They Know It?," "Lyric Breakdown," and more. This is similar to TV where you can't make a show substantially similar to "America's Got Talent," but of course you can make a completely different talent competition series.”  (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

The idea of this license is too effectively stop others from re-creating and profiting upon the reaction format the FineBros have created along with any of their other video ideas and shows. At face value, there isn’t really a problem with this as the FineBros have actually spent time in creating a video structure which is quite unique for a reaction video along with the format and original content (like graphics and music.) In essence, the license allows people to recreate their videos under their branding at a price, making these new videos official.

So the big question is why there is so much controversy surrounding this move. Well very unfortunately, the FineBros have not been as forthcoming on this subject matter as they should have been and displayed aggressive moves which suggest they are trying to completely corner the reaction video genre.

Now before I start analysing why this move is so controversial, I would first like to state that I don’t think the FineBros are these evil people that everyone is reportedly making them out to be, but rather they take too much pride over their structure and format and are now receiving backlash because of this. 

Positives, Fairness of Protecting Original Content Under the  REACT WORLD License:

First of all, lets highlight why this is (in principle) a fair move. From what the FineBros are suggesting, they only want to stop people copying their reaction video structure and format. This means stopping other content creators from imitating or using graphics, show names and logos created and owned by the Fine Bros (Format) and stopping others from copying the specific sequence of video and editing in said video in such a way that resembles the FineBros style (Structure).

In all fairness this is completely justified. It is clear when watching any REACT video by the FineBros that there is both a specific format and structure used to differentiate their content from other reaction videos and their format and structure is part of the reason they are as successful as they are. Just allowing people to copy this is harmful to their business and takes away from their originality.

Creating the license solves this issue by allowing content creators to legitimately create REACT videos using the same structure and format whilst allowing the FineBros to profit off of their original ideas and content. From this view, there isn’t much of a problem and as the FineBros have stated “We do not own the idea of reaction videos nor would we shut down anyone making reaction based content. Of course you can make your own react videos, but React World is an opportunity to localize versions of our specific series.”  (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2UqT6SZ7CU ‘Video Description’)

However, this is where the situation becomes muddled as whilst the FineBros have stated that they would not attack those who create reaction based content, this proves contradictory due to reports of videos being taken down by Copyright Claims and even their confrontation and claims of copying their format and structure against The Ellen Show.

Negatives, a Lack of Clarity on What Defines Their Structure and Format and Faults of Their Own Pride :

Unfortunately, even if the premise of REACT WORLD is to protect their original ideas, it is apparent that the Fine’s are too prideful in the fact that they have reportedly shut down people’s channels and removed videos for feeling their reaction videos are too similar to their format and structure.

The most prolific of their attacks was on The Ellen Show. On 19th September 2014, The Ellen Show produced a segment where Ellen Introduces Kids to older technology (essentially, kids reacting.) On the same day, the FineBros went on both their Facebook and Twitter accounts, stating that The Ellen Show had in essence stolen their idea. The Twitter post can be found here (https://twitter.com/thefinebros/status/513062181772865536) and here is an upload of their Facebook post which was taken down some time after.

Whilst this was posted over a year ago, it is none the less an example of how defensive the FineBros are over their format and structure, to the point they felt that The Ellen Show was infringing on their originality...of showing people’s reactions.

As Already stated, the idea of the REACT WORLD license is to let others use the FineBros’ structure and format, but with attacks on YouTubers and Ellen, this brings up the question of what the FineBros define as their format and structure. From analysing their “ KIDS REACT TO TYPEWRITERS” video (released a month prior to the Ellen clip), we can denote what is classed as their format and structure. First of all, you can watch the video and then see what I’ve denoted as both their format and structure.

So, here’s their structure and format which I’ve denoted as being unique to the FineBros’ REACT videos. Their graphics, show names, logos, music and sets CREATED and OWNED by the FineBros’ are what constitute as the FineBros’ formatting of the video. The structure is the FineBros’ specific sequence of video and editing within the REACT video.

(Whilst the analysis of the structure and format is as accurate as I can denote, it is not necessarily representative of what the FineBros’ class as their own structure and format since they have not defined it themselves.)

Format:

Sound: Introductory audio (Kids voices), Sound effects, Background Music

Graphics: Opening blackboard images and fonts, Images to border the demographics names and ages, Images to border facts which appear, End images to house promotional content

Show-names: Kids React

Logos: Fine Bros logo, Kids React Font

Music: Sounds which were created by the FineBros and are owned by them (not free-to-use audio)

Sets: Classroom backdrop

Structure:

Introduce Your Demographic

Name the Reaction Content

Show Demographic's Initial Reactions to Content

Discuss Final Opinions with Demographic

Present Facts About Reaction Content Throughout

(Additional/Optional Step) Ask Demographic For A yes/No Answer

End Video with Demographic Exiting Statements

Additional features of the structure include:

Editing style consists of quick white fades and interchanging between the entirety of your demographic.

We never see the FineBros personally and nor are they intentionally comedic, they simply ask for their reactions and are as impersonal as possible.

If we are to compare this to the video produced by The Ellen Show (see above), we can see that there are a few similarities, but largely the video is entirely different asides from the similarities in the set design, the reaction content and demographic. This just shows that the FineBros apparently are not fully aware as to what constitutes as their own format and structure and this is very worrying and largely the source of the controversy. The FineBros are in a position where they can, on their own judgement, decide what is infringing on them and then proceed to attack others who are most likely not infringing on their content. This could (if unchecked) lead to them attacking any kind of reaction video that shows the slightest spark of originality as it could be seen “legally” as infringing on copyright.

Overall, this is a very worrying prospect and if unchecked, could see many content creators being unjustly taken down as a result of this license. I hope (and like to think) that the FineBros are not out to corner reaction videos and have complete control over the genre. The FineBros have released an update video in response to this, yet are still being unclear as to what constitutes as their own structure and format under their license and this controversy could mark the start of others laying claim to formats and structures which should be available to all.

[lobsterjimsourcream]

Reminder that the React Bros had a small channel’s “Seniors React” videos taken down and then started their “Elders React” series a month later...

[isleofrangoon]

This man has a VERY good take on the Fine Bros situation.

[hot-leaf-soup]

Hannah reacts to Finebros

[l4z4rusr1s3s]

Fine Bros be like

[revxrd]

What happened with the finebros?

It’s a long story, but basically it started when they posted this video saying they were going to create something called React World. In the video they describe in the most vague way possible how they’re basically going to create a nework for people to make react videos with support from the fine bros’ company. They talked big about how it was going to “change the world” and “better the community”.

Then today, news came out that the Fine Bros were trying to claim the rights to some things, inlcuding phrases like “Elders/Adults/Kids React” and even the god damn word “React” by itself (how the shit they thought they could get away with that is beyond me, anyways here’s a tweet about it).

THEN, Ellen DeGeneres had her children react to some videos on her show which is, you know, on national television. And the Fine Bros with their heads up their asses thought that they were the only ones allowed to even make react videos where kids react to things, saying things like “she didn’t even mention us. Not cool” (that’s paraphrasing, but here’s another tweet)

AND THEN a whoooole bunch of youtubers started coming forward and mentioning how the fine bros were flagging, taking down, and even putting copyright strikes on ANYONE who even had the word “React” on the title of their video.

I’m sorry i couldn’t provide too many links to youtube right now but really since it’s all over the internet right now all you need to do is google “finebros react world” and you’ll find plenty of videos about it. I have this video where a guy talks about it and he explains why React World is such a terrible idea, and he also provides a few more links for the story, but again, you can just google it (warning: he’s very explicit and swears a lot, though it’s understandable how angry he is).

(the Fine Bros also made an update video to try and fix the damage but honestly it was too late, they’re losing hundreds of subscribers each minute and it’s hilarious)

[illegallybrownn]

So does anyone in Canada wanna help me start a "Children/Adolescents/Grown-Ups/The Elderly Express Their First Impression of:" series on YouTube just out of spite?

[didyouknowundertale]

Source: x

[onceuponacartinelli]

A compilation of my favourite comments on the Fine Bros update

[bunsengyro]

Update: Fine Bros. are actually really assholes.

Among recent stuff, they have

In their earlier days, when they only had “Kids React,” the Fine Bros. LEGALLY forced a YouTube channel with a show called “Seniors React” to shut down. The Fine Bros. created Elders React a week later.

After Ellen (on the Ellen show. Y’know, national television.) aired a segment where she showed two young kids old technology (old brick cell phones, etc.) simultaneously (as in, not like the Kids React “format” of showing individual kids’ reactions back-to-back) to get simultaneous reactions, the Fine Bros. not only asked their fans to boycott the Ellen Show, but also encouraged them to post negative comments on Ellen’s FaceBook page. They also got their lawyers involved, threatening the Ellen Show over it. This makes the Fine Bros.’ argument of only wanting to protect their “format” flimsy at best.

Censored all sorts of comments and negative criticism on not only YouTube, but FaceBook, Twitter, etc. to ensure their casual audiences would not be scared off.

The Fine Bros. have attained much power through their subscribers over the years, and, especially in light of ReactWorld recently, they’ve officially proven themselves to be undeserving of such support. If you haven’t already, go unsubscribe from the Fine Bros. and REACT YouTube channels, and please, please spread the word on this issue. I will not stand for this major threat to a free YouTube.

[potato-n-beyond]

YouTubers React to Fine Brothers

   see also:

INSANE GREED!!: The Fine Brothers

[fuegodecera]

[riku-d]

Fine Bros Situation

First and for most, this is getting way too out of hand.

I’m not gonna go into detail on what happened with React World and how copyright got messed up and all because that’s a can of beans that I’m not the best person to open.

What I’m here to talk about is the backlash.

Sure, some people have the right to say that it was a mistake or that the Fine Bros were taking things too lightly in their update video. Good, great, whatever.

But that doesn’t mean you have to destroy everything. Now, I saw the video they made and I went “Okay, whatever. Next video. Look, I’m here for content. They messed up. We’re human.”

So I look at one of their newest uploads. And what do I see?

A whole bunch of dislikes. It wasn’t because the video was bad, it was because people just want to make an effort and destroy the channel.

This isn’t about React World anymore, but about trying to be trolls and haters for the fun of it. I go to the comment section and I just see people making jokes like “Oh, (insert word) is copyrighted. You can’t use it” And not even a single comment is about the video itself.

And then there are people who just joke about the lost in subscribers for the channel.

Look, I know they did wrong and they should accept the repercussions, but to attack them with dislikes or just stupid comments with no reason but to throw them in the trash, come on guys, we can do better than that.

I’ve been following this channel for a few years now and I have nothing but respect for the Fine Bros. They have always been working hard to bring great content and videos for us and literally ask nothing in return except support.

If you have anything to say about the mistakes they made, do it on the update video. But don’t go destroying their work because, let’s face it, we wouldn’t that to ever happen to us.

[redcrowz]

the fine bros: with the power of my stand, ｢REACT WORLD｣

[let-me-in-satan-blog]

chemicals: *react* fine bros: see you in court