Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Is Puppet Steve Screwed?

Last week, Chris uploaded GeekTime Episode 5 to YouTube. It barely has views and has more dislikes than likes. At this point, it's safe to declare GeekTime a failure. Nobody asked for it, and nobody likes it.

That's probably one of the reasons Chris has been so angry lately. Combined with him watching all these ghost shows where he's not involved. In fact, there's another rant.

I am now convinced that "Ghost Behaviorist" is just something he made up to make himself feel better. Feel more important than all the other ghost hunters out there. He's clearly upset that nobody is inviting him to these shows. But why would they? What would you add? Chris, it's time to give up. It's time to hang up the hat on the ghosts. Surely after 14 or so years, you would realize that nobody wants to hear you talk about ghosts.

Anyway, what's going on with Puppet Steve?
Within the last couple hours, he posted a video about Pokemon Sword & Shield! Oh wait, sorry, he merely put that name in the title, and used it as an excuse to talk about Pokemon toys. Not even trying with this.
Last week he posted a 19 minute video about Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Or rather, Mario vs Sonic. Yes, after 12 years he still gets the name wrong. What is his problem?
Bunch of other crap. Video about Playmobil tying into the movie, for some reason he included Deadpool. Reaction to the new Sonic movie trailer with the updated look. Nothing else really worth mentioning. ... Except for one pretty big thing.

In 1998, the U.S. Government passed the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA for short. This law was written to forbid data collection on children under 13 years old without their parent's permission. A great policy as young children wouldn't be able to consent to that.
Guess which big business violated this law? Good ol' YouTube. Turns out they were collecting data from kids watching their extensive library of children-safe videos, and the Federal Trade Commission has called them out on it. YouTube has now settled on giving them $170 million for these violations.  That's a pretty big sum of money.
And like the Adpocalypse, YouTube's response to this has been overkill. They will now be implementing new rules where you have to mark your videos as "for kids" or not. If you mark it "for kids", the video basically vanishes. No notifications, no comments, no ability to search it, it will not be recommended, and the user will get a massive 90% cut in revenue. That's pretty bad. To make things worse though, if you don't mark your video "for kids", but YouTube determines that the content appeals to kids, the FTC can fine you for $42,000. This has lead to thousands of content creators freaking out, especially people that talk about video games or toys (such as Transformers or Kamen Rider). Creators and fans have been flooding the FTC and YouTube with complaints, calling out these stupid policies. Unless something changes, YouTube is about to hit an incredibly dark future.

You probably noticed that this is also bad for Chris. Obviously, his Puppet Steve videos are meant for children, so he can't lie about that. But if he marks it for children, he loses so much of his money. He's screwed either way. What is Chris to do? He can't do Patreon, parents would freak if the funny puppet man started begging their kids for money. Perhaps the return of the Irate Gamer for the 20th time? He'll have to settle on Patreon for that though. Oh, but wait, didn't Chris say Patreon was "too complicated"? What an impasse we have reached. ... Really though, I think Chris used that as an excuse because he's lazy and he hates the way YouTube keeps changing. Refusing to adapt.

Is Chris' career on YouTube over? Has YouTube's fuckery finally gone too far? Can't answer the first one, but yes, they have gone too far. We really need a good competitor. I'm not asking for a return to 2006 YouTube with all the old TV shows, but something that won't flag you for using public domain music because you used the wrong recording.

Maybe this is why Chris has been doubling down on the anger towards the ghost shows. He knows his YouTube career is one foot in the grave, so he's desperately trying to get their attention. It's clearly not working.

69 comments:

  1. I'm really scared for YouTube's future! This is some serious bullshit!

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  2. My hope is that COPPA signals the end of Puppet Steve. The same way the adpocalypse killed LeafyIsHere and ERB.

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  3. Also let's make a prediction. Which of the following do you think Chris will try to blame if Puppet Steve no longer pays the bills?

    1) YouTube keeps changing the "algorhythms"
    2) James Rolfe
    3) Other Toy Channels
    4) Grant Wilson
    5) This blog
    6) Me
    7) Other (Please explain in replies)

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  4. There's ONE way that Chris might be able to get around Youtube's new policies.

    From what I've read about the new policies, the only channels that are really affected by this are channels EXPLICITLY aimed at children. All Chris has to do is slightly alter the target audience and he might be safe. Instead of saying "Hey Kids!" at the beginning of every video, he can say "hey everybody!" or "hey guys!" Instead of focusing on toys specifically aimed at young children, he can also include other merchandise that older collectors would want (Funko Pops aren't just aimed at children as far as I can tell). The channel would be more of an "advertising figurines in general" as opposed to a "toy channel specifically for kids." And kids would still flock to it since it has a Minecraft character and features various popular video games/FNAF/other popular indie game figures. All of which are likely aimed at older audiences. Maybe he can just can the Peppa Pig/Paw Patrol showcases altogether. It's not like they were the main reason why his channel was popular.

    But then again, YouTube does seem to have this "Toys = For Kids" mindset. Even if the channel is clearly aimed at an older audience. The reason why SuperMarioLogan has to keep creating new accounts to keep making revenue. It makes me wonder about the future of those kind of channels now.

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  5. Chris Bores' website www.chrisbores.com is expired. There's no point he renew it because his career is about to come to an end.

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  6. I just thought of this but maybe the reason why Chris didn't revive IG in the summer like he promised is because he knew we wanted that Metroid review.

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  7. "Obviously, his Puppet Steve videos are meant for children, so he can't lie about that"

    Thought you were complaining about the Puppet Steve channel having adult content on it that's NOT intended for children? Like horror cereal, to name but one. Plus talking about other stuff not kid friendly.

    Might want to make up your mind about your rants before you start bashing others.. But I forgot this is the blind hatred blog.

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    Replies
    1. Those two arguments are not contradictory. Both of the following points are true.

      A. Puppet Steve is a channel primarily aimed at children. Chris himself even described it as a kid's channel on Facebook.

      B. Chris has in the past featured products that are questionable for children.

      It is not blind hatred to point out that Chris will have to develop a strategy for dealing with these changes in YouTube that were motivated by COPPA.

      Delete
  8. Just to expand on that point about a $42,000 fine... that is PER VIDEO. If a content creator lists their video as not intended for kids and YouTube feels it clearly is aimed at children then that creator could potentially be fined for each offending video. Say there were five such videos - the fine would $210,000. This could literally wipe out someone's nest egg and leave them filing for bankruptcy.

    I do not care about the future of Puppet Steve but I am concerned for some creators who review toys primarily for adult audiences. People like Pixel Dan, Peaugh and Laura Legends.

    I am curious how Chris will handle this situation. It will not be as simple as changing his greeting from "Hey kids!" to "Hey everybody".

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  9. Starting on December 10, YouTube will remove videos that aren't commercially viable. I know this will affect IG knowing how Chris doesn't make money off the Irate Gamer channel so we should archive the Irate Gamer videos incase the unfortunate occurs.

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    Replies
    1. This is something I don't get it. If you don't earn money from your videos, either because of demonetarization or because you just don't want to get money from them, you'll lose your videos?

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    2. I'm confused too, because I don't want all the Gladiators UK, ChuckleVision, and GamesMaster episodes to disappear from YouTube.

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    3. I strongly doubt there will be a mass deletion of accounts that are not bringing in loads of money.

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    4. It's December 12. Do we have any update, any info about this?

      Delete
  10. I may return to YouTube... but I question if I should open up on something. Namely part of the origin of my username. It would probably make everyone hate me.

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    Replies
    1. Sorry it's been a couple of days since I'v been on this blog. Maybe you should create an archive channel for the ICBINAVGN videos similar to what DJCuell did.

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    2. I mean I'm getting the impression that you've gone MRA given some comments you've made, so I don't see how the origin of your user name would be worse or the same, unless you're also racist.

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    3. Actually, it's named after the EFS WHITE BASE from the original 1979 Gundam anime, which, if people actually paid attention would know I'm a fan of. So nice to see that the world has gotten so stupid that it will collectively shriek the instant they see the word "white" and assume "racist". If that be the case, I'd like to introduce you to Gazi Kodzo.

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    4. I'm talking about the DLAbaoaqu username, namely a portion of it.

      Delete
    5. "So nice to see that the world has gotten so stupid that it will collectively shriek the instant they see the word "white"".

      The middle part of your screen name had nothing to do with it and I am not sure about you being racist (still giving you the benefit of the doubt until you).

      That's based off:
      1. You not clarifying which name you were talking about.

      2. Your whole "people will hate me if I explain myself".

      3. Going MRA as seen here on one of your posts ("The more this goes on, the less highly I think of women in general."): http://irategamersucks.blogspot.com/2019/04/more-confirmation-for-summer-return.html

      - Unless your opinion on Bores, Seth McFarlene or Doug Walker changed (I hope you don't side with Jewwario now in relation to your comment), our own gender has its share of misfits.

      And well, if you're going to claim the moral high ground or the role of persecuted victim (your first response to my post) try talking the talk.

      You don't have to be perfect of course, but if you're going to berate others for moral bankruptcy, you need to make a frequent effort to clean your own house first.

      - And if you're going to say "well you're just exaggerating, I shouldn't have to clarify that my statement isn't absolute", keep in mind that many of our own gender are quick with the #NotAllGuysRape.

      Either misconduct is wrong, gender be damned or you're singling out the other team, thus sexist.

      Besides the obvious problems of say sexism, I dare say that it and similar generalizations are done as a shortcut so that one can feel better about themselves.

      And you're sure as Hell not disproving that suggestion with a comment like "I question if I should open up on something. Namely part of the origin of my username. It would probably make everyone hate me." or from the last Batdan page "I have a confession... but you'll all hate me.".

      Take some responsibility for your own insecurity rather than blaming us or other genders for it.

      Now you can understand why I at least was hesitant to even ask why you felt guilt.

      Delete
    6. It's funny too. Cause I recall a really hateful forum poster on GameFAQs who was so far into hating women that he expressed a wish for reproduction to be possible without the opposite gender so that all females can be offed.

      Yet he still whined about the Meg abuse on Family Guy.

      Don't suppose you changed your mind about that aspect of the show RWB?

      Delete
    7. And since I'm getting stuff off my, yeah there's a lot of crap in entertainment due to the pressure to please women and other racial groups, but acting like crappy entertainment is new and solely cause of said groups? No, just no.

      You say Star Wars 7 and up, I submit the trilogy of prequels and Star Trek V, VII, IX, X, XI and XII (I get some enjoyment out of them to be sure, but still).

      Bring up Ghostbusters 2016, and I'll remind you of the latter seasons of The Real Ghostbusters along with "gems" like Bayformers, The Last Airbender and Dragonball Evolution.

      Bring up Captain Marvel and all future MCU films factually failing even the ones not conceived?

      - Batman VS Superman
      - Batman & Robin
      - The Punisher (1989)
      - Captain America (1990)

      I mean I'd like to hear how SJWs are responsibile for Spider-Man OMD, BND, OMiT or material like All Star Batman and Robin.


      Do SJWs result in some or a lot of material being crap? Sure. But I have to question whether singling them out for crappy entertainment is truly for pure reasons or just looking for a scapegoat and undeserved comfort food.


      And as much as it seems like I enjoy getting this out, I really feel down about it more than I'm relieved to get it out of my system.

      I'm really hoping you can make a good case as to why my comments hold no water cause I'd like to still believe you to be better than those you rant about in terms of morals and having a level head.

      But singling out certain sides and acting like your opinions are absolute fact, I don't see hard one can do that without coming out bad.

      Delete
    8. I never said shit entertainment began in 2014 or 2015 or whenever. I just never see anyone who dislikes the stuff shills tell us to like, otherwise we're monsters. My opinions on Bores and MacFarlane are unchanged, but I abandoned Walker fiver years ago.

      1. As I said above, Yonder, it's about the origin of the username DLAbaoaqu.
      2. What part of it relates to is something that people would be uncomfortable with and would call me all sorts of names. And, no, it's not race-based, it's... something different.
      3. It's the whole #MeToo shit show that got me saying that. So many of those cases were just for publicity and self-centered gain, with the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" tossed aside for "listen and believe". The Mignogna case is one example of this.

      Delete
    9. Understandable I suppose. At anyrate I apologize if I was out of line. Just that you insulted me flatout, while it felt like you didn't pay attention to the reasoning I gave the first time.

      2. I mean, if you don't want to get into specific, I'll ask this instead. Does it involving being (obviously) disrespectful (knowingly) or doing something to harm another person?

      Or is it something like enjoying material like Sonic the Hedgehog or My Little Pony where it's harmless, but people find reasons to act like you're a predator in the making?

      Only to a higher degree, of course beyond enjoying properties for kids.

      3. I get that, but unless it was hyperbole on your part ""innocent until proven guilty" tossed aside for "listen and believe"" kind of what dismissing all females entails and it makes it shaky for one to continue with berating others for the same conduct.

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    10. 2. No. It doesn't involve harming others. It's the latter, but the subject matter...
      let's just say I'm on the same spectrum as this one exhibitionist... but far, far away from doing his type of shenanigans. I won't say his name... but he's REALLY obsessed with Sonic SatAM.

      3. Most of it stems from the misandry in recent years, and primarily the antics of MarzGurl, Marchi, and Rial. I really don't have a positive outlook on the Woke set, and I've become disillusioned with a lot of things.

      Delete
    11. 2. I might, might have an idea where this is headed and why you think others would hate you, but I'm still not bothered by what it may be.

      But I suppose it's up to anyone else to ask you to do so.

      All I can give on the matter is I don't see many posters here who resort to making up reasons to hate on something despite.

      3. I think I'm running out steam for this one, but to finish and add a few cents on why I'm not too sure about letting the #MeToo movement get to me or change my stance or approach of life:

      -For the ones who are guilty, why give them what they want? Have to imagine they what guys at most to become hostile towards women or at least making iffy statements about the whole gender.

      - Beside the age old argument of how the jerks speak louder and seem to make up the majority (like males, Christians and MLP fans which is totally comparable, right?:-)), I see it like news.

      In that there are arguably more good things going on than the more cynical, less talented people hold back on it because it takes more effort and patience to make good news exciting/profitable except for when presented as a miracle.

      Or when the people on top want us to think a certain way, who's to say they wouldn't withhold/ignore facts/events which would weaken their stance?

      Delete
    12. So I suppose you know what the DL in DLAbaoaqu stands for, then? And you aren't creeped out?

      Delete
    13. The DL part I'm still unclear on, but if it's somehow being a furry, meh.

      Kink shaming to a good point strikes me as people making up reasons to have an issue with others rather than focusing on actual problems.

      Like say how Japan frowns upon public display of affection/emotion or drugs, but look the other way when people are bullied/raped. Same with the US before earlier this decade, like schools coming down on PDA, but bullying is somehow a problem that crybabies should deal with.

      Or heck with many LGBT debates that often tried to insist that we all have an obligation to help make babies while we live? I might argue that such a line of thought leads to child abuse/neglecting/abandonment, since being a caretaker isn't for everyone.

      But yeah my point is that regardless if I do sound self-righteous at times I like to think that my disapprovals are aimed at legit problems instead of trying to make a problem out of something likely to be harmless.

      Heck, discrimination? I daresay that besides insecurity, it's rooted in the idea that normal and good always go hand in hand (i.e. leading to people only approving of opposite sex, same race marriages).

      Delete
    14. Sort of. Remember AKnotholeResident and how so many people egged him on for him flaunting his baby crap and running around in broad daylight dolled up as a little kid? The two of us are in the same spectrum, though I'm on the opposite extreme... and I could never amputate that aspect from myself.

      I'm quiet about this stuff because I've always been terrified of being compared to idiots like him and Chris-chan.

      Delete
    15. Diaper Lover, got it. You like wearing diapers. Yeah definitely make a video about that the world needs to know.

      Delete
  11. Bores' latest post:

    === Ghost Nation was beat by Muppet Babies in the ratings this week, yeah I'd rather watch that too ===

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    Replies
    1. Man, Chris spends more time posting about Ghost Nation than Irate Gamer, Puppet Steve or even Geek Time on his FB page. I think this officially qualifies as a hate boner.

      Delete
    2. Come to think of it, if there was a show with the Muppet Babies doing a ghost hunt, Id watch

      Delete
  12. If Chris were to do a spiritual successor to Irate The 80's then how would the videos play out for these following products.

    -Pac Man Cereal
    -C3PO's
    -Star Wars Action Figures
    -Ghostbusters Toys
    -Ninja Turtles Action Figures
    -Nintendo Power
    -Super Mario Bros Comics

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    Replies
    1. "C-3PO's is a breakfast cereal for breakfast that George Lucas put out to honor Space Fleet Federation's greatest hero, C-P3O! Now, as we can see, there's the title of the cereal, which is C-3POs, and there's old C-3PO on the box there, all looking out at the eater, and there's some of the cereal on the bottom of the picture! Opening up the cereal box of cereal, we see that there's cereal inside! C-3PO is a protocol robot, and so in accordance with normal cereal protocol, I'm going to pour some of this cereal into a bowl and add milk! Has it been ten minutes yet? If you're wondering what C-3PO's tastes like, well, it tastes very cereally. All in all, I have to say that this cereal is worse than Funko cereal, because there's no C-3PO figure inside the box. How come this never happens to Captain Kirk? My final verdict is that C-3PO's are over 30 years old, meaning this video is targeted to adults."

      Delete
    2. I'm gonna have to give this a Nostalgic Mediocre. (boom) Face it, burkfast is still rooned.

      Delete
  13. Chris just posted this to Facebook.

    "Sigh, here we go again. Another new ghost show cherry picking concepts from my book that I came up with. This is driving me absolutely crazy. The best part, they pulled in ANOTHER ghost hunter from a previous paranormal show (since God forbid we cast someone new). I saw Sean's previous show, going after residual hauntings in the manner described in this article isn't in any way shape or form in his wheelhouse of investigating. So where did he suddenly get this revolutionary idea of coming at residual hauntings from??! Hmmm... maybe MY BOOK! I need to do a video exposing all this crap because this is far from an isolated incident. I'm just waiting for some good news to pop through first. I've worked over 5 years behind the scenes on things I've yet to talk about publicly and its ridiculous to see the level of thievery going on here."

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    Replies
    1. There's no greater injustice than when you invent a new field of psychology only to have other people incorporate your discoveries into their work.

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    2. I do believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but I also believe that directly stealing is the sincerest form of disrespect. This is also hypocritical because Chris has ripped off toy channels, ghost hunters, and of course the AVGN.

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    3. By all means, Chris. Gather up your evidence that they "stole" your concepts and blast them on social media. Make sure to tag them so they can respond. I would like to see that.

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    4. Even if he posted rant videos, this is all just going to fall on deaf ears towards the people he's attacking.

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  14. If YouTube doesn't get rid of their new rule, I may have to find somewhere else to post videos on. D:

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    Replies
    1. I mean given the severity, I'm holding onto hope that there might just be enough of a stink/protest to persuade YouTube to unchange.

      I'm a tad bit more worried about some producers pulling rank before YouTube (hopefully) wisens up.

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  15. Replies
    1. I may want to try the Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, and PS2 games. Personally, I found it entertaining. A lot better than the Life of Black Tiger review with Gilbert Gottfried...

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    2. Much better than his more recent reviews.

      Delete
  16. Wheelhouse, haven’t heard that word in a while. Chris is making this show sound more revolutionary or innovative then it probably is does he really think that the show is going to change things just like his book that it is supposedly stealing from is going to change things in the ghost hunting realm which is completely fictional anyhow ?

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  17. I'm considering a return, but to do something different. I'm wary of this whole COPPA deal, as well. I don't think anyone would care, though.

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    Replies
    1. It's your channel so do whatever you want with it. I like to have variety on my channel. I don't just have the Rise and Fall videos.

      Delete
    2. RWB: I'd say to get a second or third in this case of opinions cause there's only so much I've followed and all.

      There's still until January or possibly February before they go through with the change, so I imagine if enough protest, then it could be overturned, especially if the alterations were to backfire on them as well (especially if you believe it's more incompetence as opposed to deliberately trying to end the site).

      Not sure what you plan to do, but I think if I understand this link correctly (https://twitter.com/TeamYouTube/status/1201551895065714688) gaming channels could be safe. Playing them at least, I think.

      Delete
  18. Hello YouTube neighbors, welcome to Mr Emunator's Gaminghood! Today I'm gonna tell you my top ten favorite robot masters from the six NES Mega Man games. Won't you be my viewer?
    https://youtu.be/cZfqJjuFmgU

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  19. Boredom One's latest Facebook post

    ===With all the godawful terrible sequels coming out lately ruining our favorite movies, I'd gladly accept this as an official movie sequel to ET. Great stuff!===

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  20. You know, I've gotten requests to do The Rise and Fall of Channel Awesome and if things stay the way they are it won't happen. Yes, there would be a LOT of material for me to cover but each NC Episode still gets 500,000 views and they survived the "Change The Channel" incident and the Wall controversy.

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    Replies
    1. I feel the purpose of The Rise and Fall is to look at career cdownfalls that the subject can't come back from.

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    2. I'm not specifically arguing for the episode, but that sounds like only a small bend in the usual format. If you think the story is otherwise worth telling, a single sentence within the video could acknowledge that fact. There's no shame in expanding the scope of what you do a little bit if it opens up fertile new ground- look at the times AVGN stepped outside format when there was a gaming topic worth covering.

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    3. I think right now you should do Rise and Fall of GameStop. They seem to keep caving in more and more everyday, especially when they're now going as far as 'killing messengers' like Camelot331.

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    4. Maybe with this new copos gjong you'll be able to do a rise and fall of puppet Steve video soon. Or maybe the combined effect of that copos thing snd YouTube potentially deletingvideos that are deemed unprofitable you will be able to do a rise and fall of YouTube video

      Delete
  21. OT: So, about a fortnight ago, MatPat did a conspiracy theory about Jeopardy! being "rigged" whenever James Holzhauer kept winning, and a lot of people (mainly game show fans) are giving him a lot of flack. Thoughts?

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    Replies
    1. He had a photographic memory. Simply put. That's all you need to win Jeopardy because the answers to all the questions are given to the contestants before they go on stage.

      Delete
  22. Dan, out of curiosity, instead of a year-end list, can there be a decade-end list? While 2019 didn't really provide much of anything, this decade in general sure did a lot, especially in 2011 and 2015.

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    Replies
    1. I'd still like to see a Worst Moments of All Time list.

      Delete
  23. === GeekTime back after a long hiatus. This episode is probably my favorite. Pacing and topics are great. ===

    GeekTime TNG: S1E6 - X-Men, Star Wars, Cobra Kai, and a PORG MOVIE?!

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